Bioidentical Hormones and Osteoporosis
Bioidentical hormones are considered a form of natural hormone replacement therapy; however they do remain medications. Studies indicate that hormone replacement therapy is effective in treating osteoporosis and remains the oldest and most common treatment modality. So how do natural, or bioidentical hormones play a role with the bodies progesterone and estrogen levels? To understand this, we need a short course in bone growth education.
Bone growth is a continuous process throughout our entire lives. Bones are engaged in a constant state of reconstruction. Older bone cells are being destroyed and new bone cells are being grown continuously. This is contrary to what many people believe and is important to know in regard to osteoporosis.
While progesterone and estrogen stimulate bone production they also curb the action of Osteoclasts, cells that destroy old bone cells. This leaves tiny pockets within your bones. These same Osteoclasts then rebuild new bone cells to fill these pockets. The problem arises as women get older. Due to the declining of the body producing estrogen and progesterone as women get older, Osteoclasts continue to destroy old bone cells; however creating new ones to fill the pockets left becomes increasingly difficult. This is where bioidentical hormones come into play. Although widely accepted as natural, bioidentical hormone supplements are a form of medicine. Supplementing the body with them is critical for women as they reach menopausal age; the time when estrogen and progesterone production decreases. With such supplementation, bones will become increasingly permeable and weak, leaving them fragile and prone to break easily. This is why we have over 20 million people suffering from osteoporosis in the United States today.
Let’s take a closer look at some facts and information about bioidentical hormones.
- Bioidentical hormones are medications. They are not truly “natural” products, although you can find those on the market that are considered “more natural” than others. The majority of them are manufactured by drug companies and derived from soy and wild Mexican yam oils. The primary “natural” component of bioidentical hormones is their molecular formula. This formula is identical to the formula of the hormones our bodies make naturally. This is crucial information and needs to be considered when selecting the correct bioidentical hormone supplementation for yourself.
- Remember: bioidentical estradiol looks exactly like estradiol your body makes naturally; bioidentical progesterone looks like progesterone your body makes; the same for testosterone and estriol.
- The term “bioidentical” is an accurate marketing term because it is an accurate descriptive term. Keep in mind; it describes the biologically identical molecular formula native to bioidentical hormones. This is important because those supplements on the market that are not identified this way thus do not represent the bodies biologically identically hormones.
- Bioidentical estradiol, progesterone and testosterone are FDA approved. Estradiol and testosterone can only be obtained by prescription; however progesterone can be obtained over the counter through many markets. It is available without a prescription and is usually advised to be taken in low doses 50 mg or less per unit dose. Estriol, as of today’s date, is not yet FDA approved.
- Bioidentical hormones are commercially available as Osteoporosis treatment. That means they are available at your local pharmacy in tablet, patch, capsule and gel form. Examples on the market include but are not limited to the following: Vivelle patch, Climara, Estraderm, Estrace, Prometriul and Androgel. Natural progesterone creams that can be purchased on the web or over the counter are the most popular. They include Progest and Source Naturals Progesterone Cream.
- The way to obtain bioidentical hormones of testosterone and estradiol is
to ask your doctor for a prescription for one of the above products. The
problem is that your doctor usually does not know the above products are
bioidentical. Once you help
your doctor understand the distinction, you
should be able to obtain a prescription easily. If not, perhaps consider
going to another doctor, as these products are helpful, not harmful. - Bioidentical hormones can be compounded by pharmacies. This is helpful in finding and having available to take the correct, most effective does for you. Compounded bioidentical hormones can be made in capsule form, gels or creams.
To summarize, bioidentical hormones are the result of 30 plus years of scientific research. They are safe, viable and effective in both preventing and treating osteoporosis. There use dates back to thousands of years in ancient China where elderly women would ingest younger women’s urine to obtain the bioidentical hormones their own bodies needed. Today, we are fortunate to not to have to resort to such measures to help ourselves stay healthy and live longer, more productive lives.
Osteoporosis Treatment: Find One The is Safe and Effective
