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There is a lot of confusion when it comes to defining what constitutes natural hormone therapies for treating menopausal symptoms. The classic hormones that are used in this type of therapy are often referred to as natural because they are formulated from natural sources. However, how the human body recognizes and uses these hormones is in fact, not natural. This is where the confusion sets in. When we refer to natural hormone therapy for treating menopausal symptoms we are actually talking about using bio-identical hormones. What are Bio-Identical Hormones? Bio-identical hormones are not naturally produced. They are actually synthesized in a sterile laboratory environment. So technically, depending on how you define the term ‘natural’, bio-identical hormones are not naturally produced. Very often they contain natural products, such as yams and soybeans, but they are chemical synthesized by scientists. What makes bio-identical hormones and growth hormone replacement so special is that even though they are artificially created their molecular structure is exactly the same as the molecular structure of the hormones our bodies naturally produce. Your body simply cannot tell the difference between a hormone that is produced on its own and one that is bio-identically engineered and injected into the body. So if you are given bio-identical estradiol, which is one of the most important types of estrogen the body, produces, to help counteract the symptoms of menopause, your blood tests would reveal the combined amounts of naturally produced estradiol and bio-identical estradiol. On the other hand, if you were given a non-identical hormone, such as the classic Premarin, which is manufactured from the urine of pregnant horses, your blood test would reveal a difference in the two types of hormones. Why Bio-Identical Hormones? The idea is to create a Bio-Identical Hormones Replacement Therapy that closely resembles your body’s naturally produced hormones. This is why bio-identical hormones are listed under the natural hormone replacement therapy category. These products are often safer than so-called natural hormone therapies, which may not have undergone FDA testing or been created in a sterile laboratory environment. More women are considering using bio-identical hormones to replace their lost estrogen and progesterone. Where Can You Find Bio-Identical Hormones? Bio-identical hormones can include both estrogens and micronized progesterone, which is a natural form of progesterone that is finely crushed in a laboratory in order to make it easier for the human body to absorb. Many of these bio-identical hormones are FDA approved. You can find these types of hormonal therapies by getting a prescription from your doctor. Your local drugstore will probably be able to supply them for you. Bio-identical versions of estradiol can come in patch forms, as well as in pill form, creams and gels for the vagina. Micronized progesterone typically comes in either capsule form or in vaginal gel form. Bio-identical estrogen brand names include Estrace, Alora, Esclim, Climara, Estrogel, Estrasorb, Estring, Vivelle, Estraderm, Femring, Vagifem, Prometrium and Prochieve. More studies need to be completed in order to determine if bio-identical hormones are safer and show less health risks than ‘naturally’ produced hormones. Visit here for Hormone Replacement Therapy California and Cosmeceuticals for more details.
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Cosmeceuticals, Bio-identical hormones, hormone replacement, growth hormone replacement, Hormone Replacement Therapy California,
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