The main cause of hormone-related health problems in women is not due to the absolute deficiency of estrogen or progesterone but rather the relative dominance of estrogen and relative deficiency of progesterone. For this reason, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen alone without an opposing progesterone should be avoided.
The two different hormone options available to use with HRT are synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones match the molecular shape, make-up and structure to the hormones produced in the human body. Subsequently, bioidentical hormones replicate and produce results similar to what our own body’s hormones produce. When we implement hormone replacement therapy that does not match the original design our cells recognize, like synthetic, the end result may be uncomfortable to risky side effects. The aforementioned statement begs the question, “Why are synthetic hormones even an option?” A patent may not be placed on ‘Mother Nature.’ Therefore, some pharmaceutical companies develop synthetic hormone therapies to substitute for bioidentical despite the risk of unfavorable outcomes with synthetic hormone therapy.
Estrogen excess may result in such common maladies as depression, weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, blood sugar imbalance, migraine headaches and fatigue. Additionally, stress can result in reduced progesterone output and increased estrogen production. A further reduction in progesterone output contributes to all the problems associated estrogen dominance. Progesterone is an antagonist to estrogen. For instance, estrogen stimulates breast cysts while progesterone protects against breast cysts. Estrogen enhances salt and water retention while progesterone is a natural diuretic.
So, what are some of the benefits of bioidentical progesterone? Progesterone combats the effects of stress without harming the adrenal glands. It can improve PMS symptoms, mood swings, anxiety and depression being an antagonist to the effects of estrogen. Progesterone aids with sleep by increasing GABA production in the brain. It diminishes common symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. It supports the immune system, bone density and hair.
At OBI BioAesthetic Institute, your Board Certified and licensed Nurse Practitioners offer Integrative Medicine services including evaluation for a hormone imbalance.
The team at OBI BioAesthetic Institute invites you to bridge the best you, from the inside – out. Call today 904-273-5454 to schedule your personalized Aesthetic Medicine consultation with Gerrie M. Obi, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, CPSN.
