What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms may include:

• Hot flashes

• Vaginal dryness

• Low libido

• Weight gain

• Irritability

• Sleep problems

If you have these symptoms you may be:

Peri menopausal: Defined as the time leading up to menopause. Your body stops making as much estrogen and progesterone which can result in you experiencing many of the typical symptoms of menopause.  Some women experience this in their mid-to-late thirties but there is no magic age.  You can still get pregnant during this stage.

Menopausal: This typically occurs between the ages of 45-55 and is defined as when your body skips 12 or more consecutive monthly periods. Your body makes extremely low levels of estrogen and progesterone and stops menstruating permanently.  The average age of menopause is 51.

Just what are "bioidentical hormones"?

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug companies can't patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable (Premarin, Prempro and Provera being the most widely used examples).

Though bioidentical hormones have been around for years, most practitioners are unfamiliar with them. There are several branded versions now available for use in the kind of hormone replacement therapy ("HRT") typical of synthetic hormones. This is generally a one-size-fits-all dosage regime.

In our practice, we have had the greatest success with an individualized approach. We begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels (a so-called "hormone panel"). We then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogen, testosterone or DHEA that is made up at a compounding pharmacy. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure we get symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we will do a hormone panel every three months. Once balance is restored, we'll do one panel a year at the time of the annual exam.

Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones?

We long ago concluded that the answer to this question is yes. But that doesn't mean bioidentical hormones are perfect.

The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is that they are natural, and our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to do, minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects. Moreover, the compounded bioidentical hormones can be matched individually to each woman's needs something that's just impossible with mass-produced products.

Are bioidentical hormones safer than synthetics?

European medical studies suggest that yes, bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic versions. This makes perfect sense. But we must be cautious here, because they have not been well-studied, especially for long-term use. And in any case, we never recommend that a woman think of a drug as completely safe.

We recommend the use bioidentical hormones, preferably in a compounded form personalized to their needs.

We don't recommend that any hormones be used long-term unless essential for symptom relief, and then only with a complete risk assessment. We also don't support the idea that bioidentical hormone therapy should be used indefinitely as some kind of fountain of youth.

Do I need a prescription for bioidentical hormones?

You will need a prescription from your physician before beginning any type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

So - are bioidentical hormones for you?

At the Borenstein Center our goal is to help inform women about their choices, if necessary improve their choices, and then support you in any way we can. The good news is that women can feel incredibly well right through menopause.

Disclaimer-The information provided on our website is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or healthcare advice. Nothing contained on our website is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health professional.