Last weekend at the BlogHer gathering, I met Tomima Edmark, a 51-year old Dallas woman, who told me that she’s never had a menopausal symptom. My first thought was, “that’s not fair!” But then she explained. Tomima started taking bioidentical hormones eight years ago, when she first began experiencing perimenopausal symtoms. With the help of a medical professional who specializes in hormone balance, Tomima says she feels and looks better now than she did a decade ago. My second thought? Why didn’t I think of that?
Tomima strikes me as the kind of woman who wouldn’t let anything get in the way of enjoying life, especially hot flashes and insomnia. She was a nationally-ranked synchronized swimmer, the inventor of the TopsyTail (remember that?), and ten years ago, founded the successful, online lingerie store, HerRoom. No foggy brain for her!
So if you want what she’s having, find a medical professional, like Tomima did, who will work with you to test and monitor your hormone levels and customize a prescription that’s right for you. If your own physician doesn’t have the time or inclination, there are integrated medicine specialists and naturopathic doctors who will.
When you Google “balancing hormones,” a lot of products, and people selling products turn up. But if you’re seriously interested in learning more about bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT), a good place to start is with Dr. John Lee’s website and books, Dr. John Lee’s Hormone Balance Made Simple: The Essential How-to Guide to Symptoms, Dosage, Timing, and More; and What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause (TM): The Breakthrough Book on Natural Hormone Balance. Dr. Lee, who was an early proponent of natural hormone balance, wrote a number of other informative books on menopause and breast cancer in his “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About…” series.
Other sources of good information are Dr. Uzzi Reiss‘ website and book, Natural Hormone Balance for Women; and Dr. Elizabeth Vliet’s website and books, including Women, Weight and Hormones, which I wrote about here in December.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Your reading suggestion of Dr. Uzzi Reiss is a good one. His book is a classic on HRT and a valuable resource that I refer to frequently.
I would also add the Womentowomen.com website to the resources listed here. Lots of great info about hormone balance. This article talks about Dr. Lee’s work (estrogen dominance): http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/estrogendominance.aspx
and another one about perimenopause: http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/perimenopause.aspx
Thanks for your comment, Jacqueline. I agree that the womentowomen.com website is a good resource for women seeking information about bio-identical hormones as well as other menopause topics. I’ve provided a permanent link on my blogroll and in several articles already posted here.
Thanks Wendy — I actually didn’t notice your Blogroll before — you’ve got lots of great links there! I am a big fan of Our Bodies Our Blog too.
Are Bio-Identical Hormones Safe?
The WHI study showed that synthetic, chemically altered hormones such as Provera cause cancer and heart disase.
However, the bio-identical hormones do not cause increased breast cancer as shown in the French Cohort study published in Climacteric, Dec 2002.(1)
In addition a recent coronary calcium score study published in the NEJM June 2007, showed less calcification in the premarin only treated arm of the WHI, indicating protection from heart disease. (2)
The 2 arms of the WHI study suggest that the synthetic progestin, Provera is the culprit in the WHI study causing the increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
On the other hand, Bio-Identical hormones have been shown to be safe and quite effective.
For more on the Safety Of Bio-Identical Hormones by Jeffrey Dach MD, click here:
http://jeffreydach.com/2008/06/27/the-safety-of-bioidentical-hormones-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx
Jeffrey Dach MD
4700 Sheridan Suite T
Hollywood Fl 33021
954-983-1443
http://www.jeffreydach.com
References:
(1) Combined hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175 women.de Lignières B, de Vathaire F, Fournier S, Urbinelli R, Allaert F, Le MG, Kuttenn F. Climacteric. 2002 Dec;5(4):332-40. Service d’Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France.
(2) Estrogen Therapy and Coronary-Artery Calcification, NEJM Volume 356:2591-2602 June 21, 2007 Number 25 , JoAnn E. Manson, M.D., Dr.P.H., Matthew A. Allison, M.D.,
My GYN said that more recent research has shown that either bio-identical or synthetic combinations of estrogen and progesterone increased the risk of breast cancer but that estrogen alone did not. Is anyone familiar with this research?
My understanding is that estrogen alone is OK only if you have had a hysterectomy.
Yes, I’ve read that as well. Thanks.
Consider looking at our bioidentical hormone video at http://www.TrueTexasCure.com. You don’t HAVE to visit a doctor to get genuine bioidentical hormones. I’ve used Corinne’s products and they work – see the testimonials tab.
We do not recommend you self medicate because you may give yourself a higher dose than necessary. It’s important to have your hormone levels closely monitored by a highly specialized physician who uses comprehensive testing and a quality compounding pharmacy so that your prescriptions are customized to your individual needs.
For more information visit: http://www.bodylogicmd.com/bioidentical-hormone-therapy-for-women
Agreed. As I pointed out in this blogpost, it’s important to find a physician who will do the proper testing before you take anything!
Wayne M. Burr, MD
Concierge Internal Medicine
9407 Cypress Lake Dr., Ste. C
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239-333-3748
Discussions like these continue to elevate the debate of the benefits of bioidentical hormone evaluation and treatment. I continue to see how treatment with bioidentical hormones affects patients lives in my practice all the time.
Yes, discussions like this enable one learn a lot. Then, it can be shared to others.
Have been prescribing bHRT since the late ‘90 and refuse to Rx synthetics after deep study into the theory and benefits of natural bHRT. Am making house calls to those in need in GA, NC, SC and VA. For more info and for excellence in management look me up.
JP Saleeby, MD
Carolina Mobile MD
(800) 965-8482
I have done my own research and found that estrogen was not associated with increased risk for breast cancer. In fact, the risk of breast cancer are limited.
It’s good to see the doctors commenting on this site. Finding “enlightened” doctors is not the easiest thing.
For the first quarter of 2010 I am offering 2 Free Consultations via phone ($300 value) to those with limited income and NO health insurance. First come first serve (may require W2 and signed attestation). Visit my web site for more information http://www.CarolinaMobileMD.com
JP
A great book that I recently read : Hormone Harmony by Dr. Alicia Stnaton. It was such a good read that it got me started on more research.
I haven’t heard of that one…thanks for suggesting, Laura. I’ll check it out.
Wendy
I am a health conscious, fit, vegan, 56 yr. old yoga teacher who barely had any menopausal symptoms. In fact, I did not understand what women complained about! I never took HRT, I told my gyno I would absolutely NOT take synthetic hormones. However, two months ago a bone scan revealed “severe” osteoporosis in my hips, one side is -2.5, the other is -2.8. I was shocked to say the least.
My gyno put me on once a month Actonel. My thyroid dr. suggested bioidenticals instead to rebuild my bone. When I told my gyno this she said that bios are absolutely unsafe and there are no studies on them. When I told my gyno that I am angry that she did not give me any options when I was younger, she said because I did not have menopause symptoms and that HRT is NOT recommended for bone loss in menopausal women, that’s why she never suggested HRT, i.e, giving me an option of bios because she knew I never wanted synthetics.
My thyroid dr. suggested I read Suzanne Somers’ books and I have found out that hormones are INDEED recommended for menopausal bone loss!! Now I am incredibly angry at my gyno and WILL be investigating bios.
to the drs. who monitor this site: is it too late for me to rebuild my bones via bios?
There are many ways to HALT and even REVERSE bone loss… it is not just the minerals (Ca, Mg, etc.) but also the bone matrix that is important. bHRT is definitely something that should be used as well as bisphosphinates as they have their place too. Good nutrition, weight bearing exercise and adequate mineral intake are also important. Also making sure your Thyroid levels are not too high to burn off bone is critical. Therapy should have been started earlier that is why I use bone markers (NTx for example) to monitor bone health instead of just DEXA as you cannot adjust therapy quick enough with bone scans. For management please visit http://www.SCWellness.net
JP Saleeby, MD
For some unconventional MD / RN truth about hormones (NON mainstream medicine – see our book on amazon or visit – http://www.TrueTexasCure.com).
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