Alternative HRT at Menopause
Find Out More About Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
This interview with Nurse Practitioner Pamela Egan, explores plant based Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and the problems obtaining it in the US.
BHRT is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. The hormones used are identical in chemical structure to those that the human body creates, although they come from a plant source. The quantities of hormones are adjusted to suit the needs of the individual menopausal woman.
Pamela Egan, Board Certified Adult & Family Nurse Practitioner, explains the benefits, in discussion with Suite 101.
101: Does BHRT produce the same results as the more traditional HRT?
Pamela: Yes, only better. The key to effective hormone replacement therapy is individuality. Fixed doses, such as those we are used to with traditional HRT do not allow for individualized, tailor-made menopause treatment.
One size does not fit all and that’s why it is important to assess women for their specific needs. This can be done by simply testing saliva.
Once the correct balance is created, BHRT can reduce
- hot flushes and night sweats
- irritability and depression
- loss of sexual interest
- vaginal itching, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- urinary tract infections and frequent urination
- panic attacks and palpitations
- bloating, flatulence (gas) and indigestion
- osteoporosis, aching ankles, knees, wrists, shoulders and heels,
- hair loss and hair growth on face
- varicose veins
- migraine headaches and memory lapses.
101: That’s an impressive list, but haven’t we heard it before? Until recently, synthetic hormone replacement therapy was the only option, so why not continue to use that?
Pamela: It is not safe. The US government sponsored Women’s Health Initiative Program halted its study on estrogen plus progestin, (synthetic progesterone), Prempro, on July 9, 2002. This was three years early because of an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking these hormones. Analysis of the study also revealed that heart attack risk began increasing in the progestin group early in the study which was conducted on 16,000 women who had not had a hysterectomy. Participants in the study were either given Prempro or a placebo.
The study revealed the following results. Women on Prempro experienced:
- 41% increase in stroke rate
- 100% increase in the rate of blood clots
- 26% increase in breast cancer
- 22% increase in heart disease
- 37% decrease in colorectal cancer
- 33% decrease in fracture rate of the hip
Several other studies have shown recently that progestins have an unfavorable effect on cholesterol levels and may promote cardiovascular disease.
101: So for women in the US who want to use BHRT, is it freely available?
Pamela: As you know, the pharmaceutical industry in the US is extremely political. Wyeth’s sales of Premarin and Prempro have dropped since the Women’s Health Initiative was released. They are putting pressure on the FDA to eliminate compounding in the United States as it is cutting into the pharmaceutical profits. Women are the losers in this debacle as this decision is purely financially motivated.
101: But surely the FDA is on our side?
Pamela: The FDA means well, but unfortunately they are understaffed and don’t have the man-power to research this topic adequately.
101: So how will women in the US source BHRT?
Pamela: With the internet, they can procure their hormones from Europe if necessary, where they have a better understanding of BHRT.
- Read more about alternative treatments for menopause symptoms
- Read more about Pamela Egan
