Hormones are an essential part of the metabolic process of living. Hormones are important for the cells, organs, and metabolism. Our hormones decline through aging, menopause, disease or trauma. When this happens, we begin an accelerated aging process. Loss of hormones is one of the major reasons for our deterioration as we get older, both physically and mentally. Hormones are beneficial at any age, but the best long-term protective benefits are achieved if hormones are replaced when you begin to lose them, usually in our 40’s.

Synthetic estrogen (ie: Premarin) and progestins (ie: Provera) are produced in a laboratory. They are chemically altered so that they can be patented by the pharmaceutical companies. They are not identical to human hormones. They are designed to try to elicit the same responses in your body as your natural hormones. Because synthetic hormones are not identical to human hormones, they might adversely stimulate the cells and lead to side effects or cancer.

Hormones that are identical to human hormones are found in yams and soy. We call these “natural” because they are natural to the body. The hormones are extracted from these vegetables and then processed by a specialty compounding pharmacy into a prescription dose and form. The body better accepts and metabolizes these hormones as if it made them.

When first developed, synthetic hormones were well received because they provided some benefits. However, long-term results have shown that synthetic hormones sometimes elicit a negative metabolic response. Some women suffer from side effects such as bloating, bleeding or mood swings. In some patients, synthetic estrogens and progestins contributed to the development of breast and uterine cancer. A natural hormone is a perfect fit in the body.

Natural supplements such as vitamins and hormones are protected by federal regulation and may not be patented. Therefore, drug companies do not promote them heavily. Your doctors are primarily taught about synthetic products. Bio-identical hormones do not come under specific brand names, so your physician must be self-educated and experienced in prescribing and monitoring natural hormones.

Progesterone is responsible for balancing estrogen and the female reproductive cycle. Deficiency results in symptoms of PMS, bloating, headaches, cramping, mood swings, breast tenderness, and irritability. Research shows that natural progesterone stimulates bone-building osteoblasts, providing protection against osteoporosis. Progesterone reduces the mitotic change in breast and uterine tissue, thereby protecting against cancer. At menopause, women lose both estrogen and progesterone and both should be replaced.

Source: Neil Rousier, MD, 2015