Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Advantages
Hormone replacement is not a panacea and will not reverse aging. But for those looking for a way to improve energy and mood and lose weight while reducing the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia, bioidentical hormone replacement is an option to consider. Understanding the literature and the distinction between synthetic and bioidentical hormones is key to understanding the risks and
benefits. Bioidentical hormone replacement for women is underused because its positive effects are underestimated while its risks are
exaggerated.
The three most common causes of death and disability in women are heart disease, hip fractures and dementia. Estrogen prevents heart disease with dramatic effects. When a woman has elevated cholesterol, the most likely prescription will be for a statin drug. This will most likely lower cholesterol, but the literature reports minimal effect on mortality related to cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, taking estradiol has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.
Hip fractures result from osteoporosis. Bone loss starts at age 30 and dramatically accelerates at menopause. Many women who have osteoporosis are treated with bisphosphonates, the most common are alendronate (Fosamax), which have some benefit but the bone loss progresses. On the other hand, estradiol actually promotes bone formation, so bone density increases.
Instead of preventing bone decay, estradiol promotes bone growth. Dementia can lead to total dependency and even death. There are no effective treatments for dementia. There are medications that slow down the progression but do not reverse Alzheimer’s. Estrogen prevents dementia. When women start estrogen early in menopause the risk for Alzheimer’s dementia decreases between 30 and 70 percent, varying among studies, but consistently showing benefit.
The protective benefit of estrogen for dementia when starting later is less dramatic, but it still helps cognitive function. These conditions may seem remote to someone in their 40s and 50s, they are common as women approach their 70s and 80s. Fortunately, bioidentical hormone replacement can help prevent all these conditions. Also, women that replace hormones have more energy, more vitality and
better sexual health.
Dr. Warren Slaten is a wellness physician in Ridgewood specializing in regenerative pain treatments and lifestyle counseling. He is
certified in advanced bioidentical hormone replacement. For more information, visit njprp.com.
