What are bio-identical hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones created by the body, which means the body can’t tell them apart from its own naturally recurring hormones. They’re usually synthesized from a plant such as yam or soy, and can be used for treating menopausal symptoms. They can also be beneficial in many other areas, such as:
- Reduction of hot flashes
- Improvement of sleep
- Reduction of muscle aches and pains
- Improvement in mood changes
- Relief from symptoms of urinary frequency
- Reduction in osteoporosis
- Reduction in cardiovascular disease
- Significant improvement in vaginal dryness and sexual function
Who should consider hormone therapy?
The decision to take hormones requires consideration of all the risks and benefits involved for everyone. When Dr. McMurray prescribes bio-identical hormones, she recommends the lowest dose possible to relieve her patient’s symptoms. Lab tests are also performed as needed to customize the treatment.
Dr. McMurray will decide if hormone therapy is a good treatment option for you after she learns about your individual symptoms and health risks, and the best way for her to get that information is through a face-to-face conversation. For example, if she discovers that a patient has had a history of breast cancer or cardiovascular disease, she won’t prescribe bio-identical hormones.
What are the benefits of bio-identical hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy can have a variety of benefits, and Dr. McMurray highly recommends it to patients who:
- Show loss of collagen
- Have had a hysterectomy before menopause
- Have poorly functioning ovaries
- Have a family history of osteoporosis
- Have symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, or lack of libido
- Suffer from postnatal depression or premenstrual depression
- Experience moderate to severe hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms
However, she never recommends it for disease prevention. The only exception to that rule is when she’s addressing women under age 60 with a substantially increased risk of bone fractures.
Patients who have questions about hormone-replacement therapy are always welcome to contact the office or stop by to learn more from Dr. McMurray.
