INTRODUCTION TO BHRT

Natural Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body, produced in various glands such as the ovaries, thyroid, pancreas and adrenals. There are many types of hormones, with each having their own specific effect and all coming together to control every function in our body. A well-balanced hormonal environment is necessary for optimal health.

Our reproductive hormones are:
• estrogen (estrone, estradiol, estriol)
• progesterone
• testosterone


What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are, as the name implies, identical to the hormones produced in the body. They are produced from precursors found in plants such as soy and wild yam. The body recognises, absorbs and utilises these hormones because they are identical to that which it would naturally produce on its own.

THE BHRT DIFFERENCE

BHRT is natural, while conventional HRT is not.

Conventional HRT (e.g. Premarin and Provera) are synthetic and act differently in the body to produce substantially different effects. Although Premarin is derived from a natural source (pregnant horse’s urine), these hormones are not natural for a woman’s body. In addition, BHRT addresses the fact that each woman has her own unique hormonal system.

BHRT provides the exact dose of specific hormones required for each woman, while conventional HRT is prescribed only in high doses with very little variability.

WHAT IS ESTROGEN, PROGESTERONE, TESTOSTERONE?

Estrogen
Estrogen is not just one hormone. It refers to a “group” of hormones, comprising of 3 major estrogens – estrone, estradiol and estriol (see below). Bio-identical estrogens are used in menopause to treat symptoms associated with low estrogen levels, and are also beneficial in other conditions such as ovarian failure, osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Estrogens improve cholesterol, maintain bladder and urinary tract function. Topical estrogen therapy may also be used to reduce wrinkles and improve skin softness.

Estrone (E1) Estradiol (E2)	These are the two most powerful estrogens. In the body, they are produced in the ovaries and also converted from testosterone in the fatty tissue. At high doses, it is felt that E1 and E2 increases the likelihood of endometrial or breast cancer, and is considered to have strong estrogenic activity.
Estriol (E3)	This is produced largely from the conversion of estrone by the liver. Small amounts are produced by converting estradiol, and an even smaller amount is directly released by the ovaries. Though E3 has weak estrogenic activity, it protects the body from the powerful effects of E1 and E2, and plays a significant role in reversing their cancer promoting effects.

Your doctor may prescribe one or a combination of the three estrogens. “Triest” contains all three estrogens (90% estriol, 7% estradiol, 3% estrone), designed to mimic the natural amounts produced by the ovaries. “Biest” contains 90% estriol and 10% estradiol.


Progesterone
Progesterone is secreted from the corpus luteum in the ovaries. It has a comprehensive role in a woman's body and is necessary for supporting pregnancy. Progesterone is produced cyclically (after ovulation) and prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a potential fertilised egg. Progesterone may be used for treating PMS symptoms, menopausal symptoms and post-natal depression. It has many protective functions and balances or negates the powerful effects of estrogen. It helps to regulate menstrual cycles, has calming effects, reduces bloating, and relieves breast swelling or tenderness.


Testosterone
Testosterone is part of a group of hormones called androgens. Androgens are known for its effects commonly associated with being male (e.g. male pattern hair growth, changes in voice and acne). In men, testosterone is produced mainly in the testes. In contrast, women produce testosterone mostly in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and require only a tenth of the circulating testosterone as men do. It plays a dramatic role in a woman's physiology and quality of life by improving sense of well-being and body composition. Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining energy, and promoting muscle and bone formation. It is also particularly important because it activates sexual circuits in the brain, increasing sex drive. Along with estrogen and progesterone, bio-identical testosterone may be beneficial for women in menopause.

Benefits of bio-identical testosterone includes the following:
• Build and promote muscle tone
• Maintain energy
• Contribute to cardiovascular health
• Decrease fatigue Increase libido (sex drive)
• Enhance well-being
• Aid in the formation of new bone
• Maintain health and sensitivity of vaginal tissue

TESTING OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE

The basic principle of BHRT is to put into the body the exact hormones it would normally produce on its own, and only at levels with which the body is familiar.

To have a clear picture of which hormones the body needs, and in the appropriate doses, tests will usually include a blood or saliva test. Check your level of estrogen (specifically estradiol), progesterone, testosterone and DHEA is recommended for a complete and individualised hormone profile

BENEFITS OF BIO-IDENTICAL

•	Maintain the endometrium
•	Protect against fibrocystic breast
•	Improve fat metabolism
•	A natural diuretic
•	Contribute to cardiovascular health
•	Reduce anxiety
•	Natural anti-depressant and mood enhancer
•	Facilitates thyroid hormone action
•	Improves libido
•	Normalise blood sugar levels
•	Balance zinc and copper levels
•	Prevent endometrial (uterine) cancer
•	Help prevent breast cancer
•	Promote bone formation

ADVANTAGES OF USING BHRT

•	Custom-made, balanced formulations of natural hormones, tailored to the individuals unique needs
•	Effective relief of hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, dry skin and vaginal irritation
•	Improves sleep
•	Better mood
•	Improves memory and concentration
•	Enhances libido, sex drive
•	Prevent and reverse osteoporosis
•	Maintain muscle mass and strength
•	Excellent long-term health benefits

SIDE-EFFECTS
Many women are reluctant to try hormone therapy because they are worried about dangerous side effects and breast cancer risk. However, these risky side effects are associated with synthetic or conventional HRT.

When hormone levels are restored to normal (and not in excess) with a proper BHRT regimen, any side effects that may appear can be easily managed and reversed. The most common side effects from using natural estrogens are breast tenderness and swelling, or fluid retention. In excess, natural progesterone can cause lethargy or sleepiness. High doses of natural testosterone can cause unwanted hair growth, oily skin or acne, and deepening of the voice.

All of these side effects are often dose-related and can be controlled by reducing the dose

JUST FOR YOU

Your very own customised BHRT.

The goal of BHRT is to restore your hormones to levels that relieve symptoms. After a thorough review of your history, symptoms, and blood or saliva test, your doctor can design a regimen unique for you. It is important to find a suitable combination of hormones to meet your needs and preferences. Since your bodily requirements change over time, it is important to have regular reviews with your physician. Your body’s reactions provide important clues on adjusting levels, so keeping a personal hormonal history is useful.

Upon a doctor’s prescription, your tailor-made formulations can be prepared by a compounding pharmacist. Your BHRT may be prepared in a convenient dosage form, such as a transdermal cream (absorbed topically through the skin), troches (lozenges absorbed in the mucosa of the mouth), or capsules (swallowed orally).