Has any of the somewhat older mothers out there done any research on bio-identical hormones? One of my friends told me about them. Her doctor perscribed them to her for menopause symptoms and they have helped her tremendously. My family practice doctor says they aren't tested enough and won't perscribe them to me. I am thinking of switching Docs so I can take something that actually helps with all the symptoms I have such as not being able to sleep through the night, hot flashes, and everything else going on in this lovely time of my life.
Wow! This is so neat! I love reading all the responses. What a great resource. It is like I expanded my circle of friends instantly. Thank-you all so much for taking the time to respond and for all the great advice. I think I am going to at least find a doctor who is not totally close-minded about the whole bio-indentical idea. I will also read the web-site regarding the dangers of bio-identical drugs. I am not against taking anything synthetic or natural that helps me be a more balanced, peaceful human being. So any referrals to Doctors that accept BCBS in the Olathe area would be appreciated.
Thanks again!
I am not an older mom, but I have researched with quite a bit for some women that I know. I would highly suggest taht you look into it. Synthetic hormones are horrible for you. I know a doctor in Lenexa who is really good with this.
I would reommend Dr. Michael D. Brown, NMD. ###-###-####.
Address: 11240 Strangline Rd., Lenexa, KS
Good luck
Dr. A. Dunn
Please read this first and tell your friend.....
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bioidentical-hormones/AN...
These are not safe unless they are FDA approved. According to this article, some things in them can be very harmful. I hope this helps. I am 53 and I have been taking Estradiol for 10 yrs and haven't had any problems at all. I had hot flashes and night sweats you would not believe before that! Good luck.
I made the choice not to do traditional HRT when going through menapause. I used Emerita brand Progest cream when beginning menopause then after my periods stopped I had to use their phytoestrogen cream with the Progest. My gynecologist said it was fine to use but she didn't reccomend anything long term. I used the products about 4 years total. At one point after a few months wasn't sure they were helping so stopped using the products. I went from three or four hot flashes a day to a dozen so quickly went back to using them. You have to be careful though because these type products are not regulated and not all contain what they claim. I tried a few cheaper brands and did not have the same results as with the Emerita brand. I found the best deals on it at Smartbomb.com.
Years ago I was prescribed some. My OB/GYN would not refill them and insisted on giving the synthetic stuff, so when I needed refills I went back to my dr that originally prescribed them. Your body can use them better since they are identical to the kind your body naturally produces and they actually are safer....studies have been done and have proven this. There is actually quite a bit of scientific research against the synthetic stuff proving all the negative side effects they produce in addition to not being easily used by the body thus making it far more difficult for the body to regulate to a normal hormonal balance. This is why so many out there who hit the change are constantly still suffering from symptoms or needing to change scripts or dosages and never quite feeling "right". I have known a lot of women to benefit from the bio-identical hormones. Good luck and I hope you can find a dr that will prescribe them for you.
I'm sufferring from the effects of menopause after childbirth. My OB put me on Progesterone for anxiety, insomnia, and baby blues. She also put me on Estrogen for vaginal dryness and inelasticity (painful!). They have helped SO MUCH!! I really recommend it!! You can email me if you want to chat - ____@____.com
~R.
My 38 year-old wife who had suffered from migraine headaches following the birth of our twins in 2001, has been on bio-identical hormones for about 6 months. She visited a family physician, Douglas Brooks, in Olathe who specializes in female metabolic syndrome.
There are a couple of things to be vigilant of:
a. there are only specific pharmacies, such as mahoney's that makes compound medicines.
b. adjustments to the bio-identical compound has proven challenging with my wife having to return to her original compound formula.
c. a series of blood work is necessary to determine the composition of the compound.
Obviously, the bio-identicals may not work for everyone, but they certainly have helped my wife. Note, she typically is on birth control for 3 months and then takes a week off versus every taking the typical series of one week per month.
Hopefully, this information has proven helpful. Allow me to wish you only the best.
Regards,
T. Stone
I call on a physican who swears by these. He is an OB, and seems to have great responses. I also think there is a book by Susanne Sommers (?) on the topic
I would stay away from man made hormones... but you can try Black Cohosh... you can find it at Whole Foods... helps a ton with the hot flases. For sleep, I would recommend Melatonin, Valerian Root, Evening Primrose... or even decaf Green Tea at night.
Good Luck with everything... you can do this naturally!!
I'm still confused by all this. Did you ever make a decision and follow through? I'd be interested in what you've turned up. My own doc is mixed on it. She prescribed me bio-identical progesterone, but not estrogen because she said there's not enough research on the bio's to know what the impact is, and whether they help certain age-related problems like osteo (which I already am experiencing).... If there was just a body of consensus on anything it would be a lot more comforting...
Well the first thing I know is that most people are confused about menopause. Menopause is actually one event. That is when you have your last period. Everything before that is called perimenopause. This is when you are actually going thru the change. I am also going thru this. I did try natural stuff and didn't really work that well. Then I found this stuff that was recommended by my naturopathic doctor. It is called GRO BUST. I know it sounds wrong. They have found that this stuff actually balances your hormones. Don't worry, it won't make you grow- but a little firmer. That part only works if you are young enough. I also read this fantastic book by Christianne Northrupp. It is called- "The Wisdom of Menopause". It has so much information, it's amazing. I am sending you the link to her site. She also has a dvd that has tons of info if you aren't into reading. Hope it helps.
I haven't done any research yet, although I need to. Regardless of what my blood tests say, I have my own personal tropical vacations and have had to make my first purchases of facial hair remover! lol Oh - I started taking those Estroven supplements and they do seem to help with the hot flashes and sleeping better. Wish they'd stop that big ole hair that keeps sprouting from my chin. lol
I do know there is a wonderful site called www.hormonejungle.com that is associated with hystersisters.com. While it's mainly for women with "surgical menopause" (aka hysterectomy), it has a wealth of information about hormone replacement therapy, and they won't turn you away just because you have a uterus.
(I'm only 40, but had my uterus removed 7 years ago)
Hi M.,
I'm 52 and going all Natural. I have a problem with the FDA approved drugs since the drug companies have a lot of control over FDA - I knew a Lady that worked for FDA and a drug company at the same time.
I have friends that swear by Black Cohosh , doen't work for me unfortunately. Stay away from Dong quai! There's warnings about that on a list of natural products researched by physicians, etc.
I personally take a natural product that takes care of my menopausal problems, arthritis, and more. If you can't find anything that works for you and would like to know more about what I use, send me an email and I'll get you more info.
Take care and be careful!!
Blessings
V. Clavin
Hugs = Priceless
I am an oncology nurse as well as an Arbonne Consultant, one main concern to discuss with your physician is your family history or suceptibility for female cancers, ie breast or ovarian as these cancers grow in response to estrogen and progesterone; the use of hormone replacements can be confusing, as the appropriateness differs for each woman. The following is some resource options to research for yourself- Arbonne has pure/safe/beneficial products. We have 2 different hormone balancing creams that are very beneficial helping with hotflashes, decreased libido, moods swings etc! I have had many friends,family,and myself experience remarkable results with these balancing creams for pre-and post menopause...
I introduce people to Arbonne's products, and teach how you can get them for 35-80% off, I promise I won't bug you and try to "SELL" you stuff, but I would be happy to let you try these products no strings attached if you are interested! You can contact me at ____@____.com and check the Arbonne website for more info re our products! www.arbonne.com
Here's the resource info I referred to earlier:
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause: Balance Your Hormones and Your Life From Thirty to Fifty. Dr. John R. Lee, M.D., et al
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: The Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone. Dr. John R. Lee, M.D., Virginia Hopkins
The Estrogen Alternative: Natural Hormone Therapy with Botanical Progesterone. Raquel Martin with Judi Gerstung, D.C.
Hormone Heresy - What Women MUST Know About Their Hormones. Sherill Sellman
I see that you have received quite a bit of response. I am having pre-menopausal symptoms myself and am considering taking something for it. When I do it will be something ALL NATURAL as I try to put as few synthetics in and on my body as possible. A product that I am considering is made by the company Melaleuca and is call Estraval. It has black cohosh, dong quai and so. It costs 19.99 for a month supply and it has a money back guarantee so if it doesn't work well for you, you haven't wasted your money.
I will probably just start with a regimen of more soy in my diet (tofu and such) and see if I can control my night sweats, headaches and hot flashes that way.
Hope that helps. GOOD LUCK!!
