Hormone replacement therapy
What about the risks of bioidentical hormone therapy?
Q: There are some scary warning labels on estradiol products and Prometrium. Are
these risks for real? Are compounded hormones less risky?
A: To answer simply, all hormone replacement therapy has theoretical risks — as
does any form of drug therapy. Items made by compounding pharmacies don’t come with
FDA warnings, but the potential risks still apply. Unfortunately, most research
hasn’t made the distinction between bioidentical and synthetic hormones, so all
FDA-approved estrogen and hormone replacement products come with the same scary
warnings seen on the synthetic HRT products like Prempro — and because most studies
are undertaken without consideration to different delivery methods, the warnings
don’t reflect our most current understanding of these distinctions, showing a big
difference in risk profiles between bioidentical and synthetic hormones.
We try to reduce the potential risks by suggesting the use of lower-potency, natural
hormones for the shortest time possible, and by recommending forms of delivery through
the skin (transdermally), beneath the tongue (sublingually), and transvaginally.
The permits more of the hormone molecules to enter the blood stream and reach the
cells that need them without passing first through the digestive system and liver.
Currently, it seems estrogen delivered through the skin does not cause an increased
risk of cardiovascular events, and using any form of HRT for less than five years
does not markedly increase the risk of breast cancer.
But this is only what we can extract from the current literature. Ongoing research
on HRT continues to reveal the risks and benefits of HRT. The theoretical risks
are why many women really want to avoid HRT or get off HRT if possible, which is
one reason we developed our Personal Program for Hormonal Imbalance.
Our Personal Program is a great place to start
The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements,
our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional
phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home
version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at
1-800-798-7902. We're here to listen and help.
We’re always happy to welcome new patients to our medical clinic in Yarmouth,
Maine, for those who can make the trip. Click
here for information about making an appointment.
Related to this article:
References & further reading for FAQ’s about
HRT
Original Publication Date: 03/02/2009
Last Modified:
02/16/2010
Principal Author: Marcy Holmes, NP, Certified Menopause Clinician