difference between natural hormones (bhrt) and synthetic
hormones (hrt). Bio-identical hormones are derived from yams or
soy and are the chemical replicates of the exact hormone found in
the human body. Synthetic hormones such as Premarin and
Provera are drugs made and patented by drug companies. Some of
these hormones are derived from pregnant horses urine. The
chemicals used are similar to our hormones but have been
changed slightly in order to be patented.
Bio-identicals cannot be patented because the drugs have been
available for over 15 years. Since bio-identicals can’t be patented
there is no way for the drug companies to make large amounts of
money on them.
Many drug studies have been preformed on synthetic hormones.
The Women’s Health Initiative study (WHI) was preformed in 2002
and was stopped early because of the findings. The study involved
thousands of women from multiple sites all over the country. The
research was done on diet, exercise, calcium supplements, and
synthetic hormones. The results were that these drugs should not
be given to prevent heart disease, strokes, venous thrombosis, or
breast cancer. The findings showed they may increase a woman’s
risk of developing these problems over time.
The problem with most studies is that the drug companies are
funding the study. Therefore, if bio-identicals can’t be patented,
then the drug companies are not going to spend money on a
study.
If you research bio-identical hormones, you can find drug studies
on them.
Breast cancer and BHRT
Androgens and Mammary growth and neoplasia
Antiestrogen action of progesterone in breast tissue
Cancer and Hormonal balance
Epidemiology of breast cancer
Hormones in the etiology and prevention of breast and
endometrial cancer
This is only 5 examples of the hundreds of studies found on Dr.
Rebecca Glaser’s website, hormonebalance.org. Dr. Rebecca Glaser
also has studies on other topics (not just breast cancer) such as
cortisol, estriol, dosage delivery, testosterone and progesterone to
name a few.
My belief is that bio-identical hormones bring the menopausal or
pre-menopausal woman back to the hormone levels found in a
youthful woman. By doing this, the drugs have shown an
improvement in heart health, skin, hair, and memory.
Two other benefits are they slightly lower cholesterol and they will
keep bone density from decreasing further. Other than relief from
the normal menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, etc.)
I believe bio-identical hormones can also help with heart, bones,
memory and cholesterol. I do not think they will decrease the risk
of breast cancer, but taken in the correct dosage amount I think
they do not increase the risk of cancer.
In other words, if you are on the correct strengths of hormones
there will be no increase or decrease in cancer risk.