You're Not Crazy---You're just Hormonal!

 Just what are “bioidentical hormones?”                                             

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug companies can’t patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable (Premarin, Prempro and Provera being the most widely used examples).

Though bioidentical hormones have been around for years, most practitioners are unfamiliar with them. It just so happens that Dr. Campbell specializes and is passionate about educating the general public about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. There are several branded versions now available for use in the kind of hormone replacement therapy (“HRT”) typical of synthetic hormones. This is generally a one-size-fits-all dosage regime.

In our practice, we have had the greatest success with an individualized approach. We begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels (a so-called “hormone panel”).  Usually this test is done by saliva collection.  When warranted, we then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogen, testosterone or DHEA that is made up at a compounding pharmacy. Testosterone pellet implantation is another alternative to consider and Dr. Campbell will discuss your options with you. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure we get symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, it may be necessary to do a hormone panel every three months. Once balance is restored, we’ll do one panel a year at the time of the annual exam.

Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones?

We long ago concluded that the answer to this question is yes. But that doesn’t mean bioidentical hormones are perfect.

The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is that they are natural, and our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to do, minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects. Moreover, the compounded bioidentical hormones can be matched individually to each woman’s  or man's needs — something that’s just impossible with mass-produced products.

Are bioidentical hormones safer than synthetics?                                                                    

European medical studies suggest that yes, bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic versions. This makes perfect sense. But we must be cautious here, because they have not been well-studied, especially for long-term use. And in any case, we never recommend that a woman think of any drug as completely safe.

Let us note here that the WHI studies on the effectiveness and health risks of HRT were based on synthetic/equine-based hormones.

What does Dr. Campbell recommend?

The great majority of women can rebalance their hormones without the use of drugs. We have found that about 85% can find relief through an approach that combines medical-grade nutritional supplements, gentle endocrine support, and dietary and lifestyle changes. We recommend that every woman start with this combination approach as a foundation of health.

Even with this foundation, a minority of women will need to add prescription-strength hormone supplements to get complete relief, at least through a transition period. We recommend they use bioidentical hormones, preferably in a compounded form personalized to their needs by an experienced practitioner. It’s important that the hormones be used in addition to the combination approach outlined above.

(Note that Suzanne Somers is among this minority — she began with a healthy diet and lifestyle that supported her endocrine system, but still experienced intractable symptoms.)

We don’t recommend that any hormones be used long-term unless essential for symptom relief, and then only with a complete risk assessment. We also don’t support the idea that bioidentical hormone therapy should be used indefinitely as some kind of fountain of youth.

What about bioidentical hormones for breast cancer patients?

The pendulum has swung so far that today, very few doctors will prescribe any type of HRT — synthetic or bioidentical — for women who have had breast cancer or even a family history of breast cancer. In fact, many such women are given anti-estrogen drugs.

Dr. Campbell feels that we just do not have enough data to rule out HRT in every case, and prefers to look at each woman’s particular situation, history, pathology and blood work.

Dr. Campbell  has breast cancer patients who, like Suzanne Somers, use low-dose bioidentical hormones by choice. These women have researched the issues, discussed them with their doctor, and made a well-informed decision for themselves. (For more insight on this topic, see Dixie’s articles on estrogen and breast cancer and progestins and breast cancer. )

So — are bioidentical hormones for you?

At Campbell Family Medicine, our goal is to help inform women about their options so that they can make the choice that’s best for them. A woman’s hormonal balance is a dynamic equilibrium that shifts from day to day, week to week, and through the years. When you give your body the support it needs it can reset itself, because it’s equipped and programmed for balance and wellness. So we recommend beginning with the gentlest form of support possible to allay your discomfort and tweaking it as you go. We’ll support you in any way we can, each step of the way. The good news is that women can feel incredibly well right through menopause.

 (Source; www.Womentowomen.com, Excerps taken from Article by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP)

******************************************************

 A GREAT new resource for all of you seeking answers - http://www.360menopause.com

 Many of you may have seen Oprah Winfrey's show on Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy the week of January 24, 2009.  It is our desire to post this information to further educate you on Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and its benefits when dealing with hormonal issues.  Dr. Campbell specializes in this field and is considered an expert in the science of understanding and balancing hormones in both men and women.  

****************************************************** 

DR. CAMPBELL SPEAKS WITH INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIANS

BHRT World Summit 2 -The Internet Video Seminar  (BHRT World Summit 1 posted earlier and available on DVD through the site listed below)

Click here to register    www.bhrt1.com/drcampbell  

****************************************************** 

Bio-identical Hormones (BH)

Suzanne Somers has brought bio-identical hormones onto center stage. In her books, Ageless and The Sexy Years, and in media appearances to promote them, she describes how bio-identical hormones relieved her menopause symptoms. She also makes it clear that she intends to stay on them for the rest of her life.

As a result, we’re now deluged with calls about bio-identical hormones. The basic question women ask is, “Are they for me?” Let’s explore what we’ve learned about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in the 3 years we’ve used it in our clinical practice, and help you answer that basic question for yourself.