Tag: Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Is Prometrium A Bio-Identical Hormone?

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prometriumPrometrium is progesterone replacement that is synthesized from plant source material and is chemically identical to progesterone made in the human ovary. Thus, it is considered to be bio-identical. Bio- identical hormones can be used and metabolized as our body was designed to do, thus potentially minimizing side effects. Prometrium tablets can be prescribed alone, or as part of a bio-identical hormone treatment regimen in combination with other hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and DHEA.

Decreased levels of the hormone progesterone can cause insomnia, brain fog, irritability, and menstrual irregularities. Progesterone is also prescribed to counteract “estrogen dominance” and to minimize the risk of endometrial cancer in women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann prescribes bio-identical hormones to her patients for a variety of reasons. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Isoflavones For Menopausal Symptom Relief

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Isoflavones are water-soluble chemicals found in plants that act as phytoestrogens – they exert effects on the body similar to estrogens.  Some isoflavones can help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and insomnia.  However, use of isoflavones should always be done under the direction of a physician as their use may be more harmful than beneficial in some patients.  This is especially true of women who have had breast cancer.

The most investigated isoflavones are genistein and daidzein, these are found in the soy products and the herb red clover.  These isoflavones may not only relieve menopausal symptoms, but have also been shown to improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for menopausal symptoms.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

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Bio-identical Hormone Replacement therapy (BHRT) is the therapeutic use of hormones that are identical to the hormones made naturally in the body.  One popular type of formulation is in a cream base.  These hormone creams are typically used to treat symptoms of perimenopause, and menopause.  The hormones predominantly used include testosterone, estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and progesterone.

Compounded bio-identical hormone dosages can be titrated to meet individual specific needs.  Side effects of use can potentially be minimized, as the hormones can be used and metabolized in a more natural way by the body.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, prescribes bio-identical hormones to her patients.  She has many years of experience prescribing bio-identical hormone replacement, and has participated in research studies on the topic.  One such New York Times article published in 2004 was centered around Dr. Hermann’s study.  Please click on the link below to access the full article. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/30/health/possible-peril-found-in-menopause-cream.html

Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy from Tampa and St Petersburg’s Own Expert!

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Posted by Anne Hermann on Wed, Apr 11, 2012 @ 04:10 PM

Anne Hermann, MD

What You Need to Know about Bioidentical Hormone Therapy from Tampa and St Petersburg’s Own Expert!

This article focuses on female hormone therapy.  On my blog, I also post articles focused on male hormone therapy.  As an author of nationally recognized research on bioidentical hormone therapy, I have been treating men and women for 9 years in Tampa Bay.  I recommend hormone replacement therapy when non-hormonal and natural therapies do not work in treatment of menopausal symptoms including:

  • hot flashes
  • weight gain
  • sleep disturbance
  • “brain fog”
  • poor libido
  • vaginal dryness
  • skin changes

The medical community is learning that some forms of hormone replacement, called bioidentical hormones, have less side effects and less danger than standard hormones.  Less risk does not mean no risk, and I always discuss these pros and cons with my patients.

Hormone therapy is not recommended for women with the following:

  • · Current or past history of breast cancer (standard hormone therapy increase risk of breast cancer)
  • · Coronary heart disease especially if older than 60 or went through menopause more than 10 years ago
  • · A previous blood clot, heart attack, or stroke (standard therapy increase risk of blood clots and stroke)
  • · Women at high risk for these complications

Benefits:

  • Reduces the risk of bone fracture caused by osteoporosis.
  • Lowers risk of colon cancer
  • Make women with menopausal symptoms feel better

The North American Menopause Society, the Endocrine Society, the International Menopause Society, and guidelines from the European Menopause and Andropause Society for the management of menopausal women all favor the use of bioidentical forms of hormone replacement in women with high risk of blood clots.  Unlike standard estrogen treatment, bioidentical estradiol does not increase risk of blood clots or stroke (doses ≤ 50 μg).  Bioidentical progesterone also has less risk of blood clots and breast cancer than standard therapy. Based on these data, which are now included in the guidelines, the use of transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone could reduce the excess risk of blood clots, stroke, and possibly even breast cancer associated with hormone use.  Simon JA. What’s new in hormone replacement therapy: focus on transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone. Climacteric. 2012 Apr;15 Suppl 1:3-10.

I was the first author in the study that demonstrated that the bioidentical form of progesterone cream is absorbed as well as progesterone pills. Over-the-counter progesterone cream produces significant drug exposure compared to a food and drug administration-approved oral progesterone product.  Hermann AC, Nafziger AN, Victory J, Kulawy R, Rocci ML Jr, Bertino JS Jr.J Clin Pharmacol. 2005 Jun;45(6):614-9.  Look out for my blog on this topic in the future.

Anne Hermann, MD is double board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. To schedule your consult, please call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.