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As we age, the amount of hormones produced by our body decreases. In women, the decline may be caused by a surgical procedure, such as a hysterectomy, or occur naturally when ovulation shows down and eventually stops. The ovaries produce the majority of estrogen and testosterone in women; in men, testosterone is primarily produced in the testes. Hormones are also produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women.
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When a woman stops ovulating and has not had a period for a year, she is considered menopausal. In men, hormonal decline is much more gradual. For both men and women, however, the effects of this decline do not occur in a single instant. Women and men as young as 30 may be affected by symptoms of hormonal decline. Some of these effects include low energy, low libido, slow cognitive function, decreased well-being, depression, weight gain, muscle loss, and even osteoporosis (the loss of bone mass). In addition, women may suffer from hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse.
With the average American age on the increase, more research is being done on the effects of aging and hormonal decline, but it is not a new concept. The first widely marketed synthetic oral estrogens made for the purpose of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the US were distributed in the 1940s (the major product is now known as Premarin®). Since then, however, research such as the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study has linked synthetic HRT to an increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. In addition, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has included estrogens used in synthetic HRT in its list of “known human carcinogens.” Both the medical community and the public have begun searching for alternatives.
Fortunately, those alternatives, including biologically identical hormones (BHRT), have existed for decades. In fact, biologically identical testosterone has been FDA-approved for testosterone replacement in men for many years. College Pharmacy first began compounding BIHRT in the 1970s.
Biologically Identical and Synthetic: What’s the Difference?
The differences between synthetic and biologically identical hormones are in their chemical structures and functionality. Synthetic hormones are often produced from animals and are not identical to those made by the human body. Therefore synthetic hormones do not act in the body as human hormones do. Although many synthetic hormones are being marketed as “natural,” they are not natural to humans, but natural to the animals from which they are derived. Biologically identical hormones, however, are both chemically and functionally identical to those produced by human reproductive organs and adrenal glands.
(Good news for all animal lovers: BIHRT is derived from plants such as soy or yam and chemically altered to be identical to human hormones. That means no animal byproducts or horse urine, the latter of which is used to make Premarin®.)
Are Biologically Identical Hormones Safe?
As with any prescription medication, the pros and cons of using HRT must be carefully weighed. Studies show, however, that BIHRT in physiological doses (equivalent to what your body used to make) produce significantly fewer negative side effects than synthetic hormones. Many patients have reported no negative side effects while using BHRT.
In contrast, the WHI study linked some of the detrimental effects of synthetics to their oral administration—swallowing capsules. The hormones travel directly to the stomach and liver and are broken down, minimizing the benefits by more than half and subjecting the patient to an increased risk of such conditions as breast cancer. Oral estrogens increase body fat mass and reduce lean body mass, thus increasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other cancers.
College Pharmacy offers alternative forms of administration for BHRT. By spreading the hormones on the skin in a gel form or dissolving a sublingual tablet under the tongue (allowing absorption directly into the bloodstream), the patient can effectively eliminate the first-pass effect. These alternative routes of administration provide a more consistent and natural way to introduce medications into the body.
Should I Take Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Based on your symptoms, current health, and medical history, you should consider the risks and benefits of HRT in conjunction with your health care provider and consulting pharmacist. Click the link below and complete the questionnaire to help decide if biologically identical HRT might be right for you. Or contact College Pharmacy at 800-888-9358, ext. 148, or by email at menopausesupport@collegepharmacy.com to learn more.
Additional Resources
- Learn more about the functions of your hormones. CLICK HERE
- Do I Need Hormones? Fill out College Pharmacy’s questionnaire to help you decide if biologically identical HRT might be right for you. CLICK HERE for the Women's Questionnaire. CLICK HERE for the Men's Questionnaire.
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