Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones have the exact chemical structures of those naturally manufactured by the human body, but can be synthesized from plants such as soy and wild yam. These can be administered in topical cream, lozenge, oral, or pellet form.

With certain medical conditions such as menopause, sexual dysfunction and hypothyroidism, specific hormones can decrease and thus cause a variety of symptoms.

Hormones act as chemical messengers manufactured in our organs and glands. Their purpose is to communicate with each other and create ‘harmony’, within our bodies. The ‘sex’ hormones play an important role in our bodies. Both men and women have them. In women, estrogen and progesterone dominate and are primarily made in the ovaries. Men’s testosterone level is 10 times that of women and is primarily made in the testis. These hormones are very important because they dominate and control our brain structure and bodily functions. Biologically, they are what make women females, and men males.

The three types of estrogen are ESTRONE, ESTRADIOL, and ESTRIOL. Along with PROGESTERONE and TESTOSTERONE, these are the most important sex hormones. Estradiol is the main estrogen and the one used for hormone therapy. Estrogen receptors are ubiquitous and present in almost all cells in the body, including the brain, skin, heart, blood vessels, breasts, bone and reproductive structures.

Once menopause occurs, the only source of estrogen and testosterone is the adrenal glands, which convert DHEA to estrogen and testosterone. The amount of estrogen and testosterone produced from the adrenal gland is only a fraction of what is produced from the ovaries during a woman’s reproductive time of life (on average between 12 to  52 years old). The lower levels of sex hormones can cause some of the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and sexual function issues.

Bioidentical hormones can be obtained from either a compounding pharmacy or a standard pharmacy. Bioidentical hormones from a standard pharmacy are usually covered under medical health insurance plans. Compounding pharmacies are unique in that they can prepare the bioidentical hormones without binders, fillers, dyes, preservatives or adhesives found in patented, commercially available pharmaceutical products.

Additionally, there are more options about the modes of administration, when you work with compounding such as subdermal implants (pellets), sublingual tablets, and vaginal suppositories.

Transdermal estrogen (delivered through the skin) is considered the safest and most optimal form of delivery. It is easier on the liver, thus less likely to increase the inflammation, the risk of blood clots, higher triglycerides, or reduced libido.

Progesterone is best absorbed orally as it is a large molecule. It should be taken at night because it can make a person sleepy. There is a very safe and effective commercially available progesterone called prometrium, which can be obtained in a generic form and is covered by most health care insurances. It can however cause in a minority of women an undesired mood change.

At Zen Medical Care all of your questions will be answered and you will have the opportunity to consult Dr. Enzenbacher, who is an expert in bioidentical hormones. During your appointment, you will learn about the long term benefits of sex hormone therapy at this stage in your life, based on an individual basis, considering all aspects of your personal and family medical herstory

Glowing Testimonials

“I want to have a healthy sexual life in my post-menopausal years. Dr. Enzenbacher has guided my journey and prescribed the appropriate hormones to maintain healthy vaginal function without pain. Her care during menopause was invaluable as well. The hormones she prescribed helped minimize mood swings, hot flashes and other challenges women experience. Her consistency in monitoring me along the way was key in helping me maintain balanced. Since she has been so helpful to me.”

Leana R., Patient | Read More →