What are Bio-identical Natural hormones? BIO-IDENTICAL Natural Hormones (BNHs) are hormones that are molecularly (biochemically) identical to your true major ovarian steroid hormones-- progesterone, estradiol and testosterone. They are derived from a Natural Plant Sources like soybean or yam which are BIO-IDENTICAL to your ovarian Hormones-- thus, the name BIO-IDENTICAL Natural Hormones (BNHs)

How do BNHs differ from synthetic hormones? The synthetic agents (Prempro, Estratest, Provera, Premarin, etc.) are molecular cousins of the natural agents--estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. They are not, however identical in either structure or activity to the natural hormones they emulate.
Hormones work like a key in a lock. BIO-IDENTICAL hormones fit that lock perfectly. Synthetic hormones fit more like a skeleton key in some, but not all, hormone receptor ("lock") sites. Side effects are more common with synthetic hormones because of poor lock and key fit and not all organs benefit from the protective effects that BIO-IDENTICAL hormones can

Isn't the patch a BIO-IDENTICAL hormone?
Yes. The patch delivers estradiol in its BIO-IDENTICAL form directly through the skin into the blood
stream and fits as a perfect key into estrogen receptor locks. The patch is the model that BNHs emulate.
What is the difference between the patch and BNHs?

There are two major differences between the patch and BNHs:
1) The BNHs are delivered in a capsule, or in a lotion base, and the dosage can therefore be controlled by the patient/physician by altering the "recipe"of the capsule or lotion, adjusting the frequency of dosing, or changing the site of application.
2) The BNHs include hormones not currently delivered to women in patch form. A blend of up to three hormones--progesterone, estrogen and testosterone is custom formulated to replace the deficiencies found in the hormone profile of an individual woman.

What benefit might I derive from the use of BNHs?
Restoring your hormone levels to those of your younger years will provide a degree of protection against hardening of the arteries and decreased bone density. Studies of traditional synthetic hormones ("copycat" hormones) show protection against heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, and perhaps Alzheimer's disease. Natural hormones raise your hormone levels in the same way as the synthetics and to the same degree. When your hormone levels are restored naturally, you will enjoy the same protective benefits that synthetic HRTs offer without the side effects that have shown to be so troublesome to make synthetic hormone users.

Are BNHs FDA approved?
Synthetic hormones were designed by pharmaceutical companies to mimic the effects of natural estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These synthetics have to be studied and approved by the FDA to be sure that they are both effective and safe. No requirements exist to study nature's own hormones(BNHs) since one would really only be studying the gold standard by which the synthetics are evaluated. However, numerous studies have been done on BNHs in Europe and Asia showing a positive benefit from using BNH.

Additionally, patents have not been granted for substances found in nature--vitamins, nelatonin, DHEA and BNHs so not come under patent protection. A pharmaceutical company will not spend 6-10 billion dollars to approve a drug through the FDA if the company is not guaranteed of exclusive sale rights to that product.

The individual ingredients that are in your BNH formula are all pharmaceutical grade, FDA approved natural ingredients. The composition of your individual cream or capsule, however, is not FDA approved and will never likely be so. Your composition is designed to meet your needs--to replace your deficiencies and respond to your body and mood changes. We do not anticipate that one BNH formula can do this for all women. When drugs are approved by the FDA they are approved as a specific formula. This "approval" and use of one compound for all menopausal women would truly undermine the purpose of customized BNH therapy.

How am I followed on BNH therapy to be sure a given formula is right for me?
The effectiveness of your therapy is evaluated by your health care practitioner as follows:
1) Evaluation of your symptoms and physical findings during therapy.
2) Saliva level testing of hormone levels.
3) Studies to evaluate the impact of hormones on:
   a. Your cholesterol levels
   b. Your bone density
   c. Your breasts (mammography)
   d. Your uterine lining

Will BNHs bring back my periods or PMS?
It is not the goal of replacement therapy to restore periods or cause PMS. Your formula can be adjusted with regard to the estrogen / progesterone ratio such that periods and PMS should not be a problem.

Can I get pregnant while on BNHs?
Whether on hormone therapy or not, all women within a year of their last period can ovulate "one last time." You will need to discuss your pregnancy risk with your physician.

Dr. Hoover specializes in Bio-Identical Hormone therapy. Call today to schedule your free consultation to discuss is BNH is right for you.

Call 884-0115 or 866-883-0115 today and;