Bio-identical hormones

Women are at higher risk throughout their reproductive lives than are men for major depression. Numerous molecular and clinical studies have implicated estrogen in modulating brain function including that related to mood. In an attempt to present a conceptual model, the literature of the past 30 years on mood and well-being throughout reproductive life is reviewed as it relates to activity of endogenous, bio-identical, and synthetic estrogen in women. Results indicate that sudden estrogen withdrawal, fluctuating estrogen, and sustained estrogen deficit are correlated with significant mood disturbance...

For more than 35 years the author has treated multiple serious diseases in cats and dogs by correcting an unrecognized endocrine-immune imbalance originating with a deficiency or defect of cortisol. The cortisol abnormality creates a domino effect on feedback loops involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. In this scenario, estrogen becomes elevated, thyroid hormone becomes bound, and B and T cells become deregulated. Diseases with this aberration as a primary etiological component range from allergies to severe cases of autoimmunity to cancer...

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is becoming more popular among women, and providers should have adequate knowledge regarding this treatment. This article reviews traditional hormone replacement therapy, BHRT, its premise, treatment options, and its overall strengths and weaknesses.

With an unprecedented number of women reaching midlife, the impact of menopause has become a significant public health issue. Recent findings have left women and practitioners questioning traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and searching for reasonable alternatives. Growing numbers of women in this country are choosing to use natural progesterone and estrogen to treat symptoms of menopause. This article describes a program that focuses on education, client participation, and alternative methodology to support individualized HRT therapy using natural compounded bio-identical hormones...

OBJECTIVE: To assess women's beliefs about natural hormones, including what they believe the term "natural" means, and their beliefs about the risks, side effects, and efficacy of natural hormone replacement compared to standard hormone replacement. DESIGN: Eighty-two women completed a 20-item survey available at a local compounding pharmacy. Respondents were white (100%), middle-aged (mean age, 47.22 years), and college educated (95.1%); 32.9% were perimenopausal, and 50...

Although the need is diminishing, biological assays still have an important place in the characterization and quality control of therapeutic peptides prepared by recombinant DNA technology. This role needs to be assessed on a case-by-case, product-by-product basis. It includes as a minimum the need to establish during product development the range and quantitative nature of its biological activities, particularly those relevant to its intended clinical use and potential side effects. For those products whose quality and consistency can be established by alternative approaches, then a biological assay may no longer be necessary on a batch basis...