Subcutaneous
Hormone Implants:
Relief
for Persistant Menopausal Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction
HRT
Therapy
Part 1: Hormone Replacement Therapy,
Panacia or Poison?
Part 2: Hormone Replacemnet Therapy
Is a Personal Choice
Part 3: What Is Optimum Hormone Replacement?
How
To Find A HRT Program That Works For You...
Part 1: Finding An Ideal Regimen
Part 2: Unpleasant Side Effects
Part 3: Progesterone, Progestins
& Progesterone Cream
Sex:
Sex and Menopause
Menopause:
Menopause Overview
Hysterectomy:
Hysterectomy Overview
Ovarian Failure Following Hysterectomy
I Want To Know If I Should I Keep My Ovaries
HRT
& Hormones:
About HRT
Ask
Dr N:
Questions & Answers
What is OPTIMUM HORMONE REPLACEMENT?
In this section, Dr N discusses optimal hormone replacement regimens.
Few women in the United States are on an optimal hormone replacement regimen. It is always sub-optimal to be on oral estrogen. The issue becomes not whether to use hormone replacement, but how.
Orally administered estrogen is transported to the liver and during its metabolism induces the liver to produce undesirable elevations of a number of substances. Oral estrogen raises the level of triglycerides and C - reactive protein (CRP), as well as increasing insulin resistance.
All of these alterations are known to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, levels of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHGB) are elevated, which has the effect of decreasing libido, sexual response and energy levels.
Optimum estrogen replacement is always non-oral and utilizes estradiol, the biologically active form of estrogen secreted by the ovary. It is delivered intact into the bloodstream by the use of a transdermal patch, gel or subcutaneous implant.
In contrast to oral hormone replacement, these methods do not cause unwanted elevations of liver substances. In those instances where symptoms persist, an implant of an estradiol pellet is almost always effective.
In women who have had their ovaries removed, or are deficient in androgen production, testosterone can be safely administered non-orally and will enhance libido, sexual response, preservation of lean body mass and sense of well being.
Progesterone
When the uterus is present, administration of a progestin is almost always indicated to prevent the development of abnormal changes of the uterine lining associated with unopposed estrogen stimulation.
Natural progesterone is the hormone of choice, but as it is relatively weak in its activity an alternate form of progesterone is often necessary. The progesterone can be administered orally, vaginally, or in some instances by transdermal patch, or intrauterine device.
It is most physiologic to use the progesterone for 12 days every 4-8 weeks depending on individual response. However, some women find that the “withdrawal bleeding” associated with progesterone given at intervals is unacceptable. In those instances, the use of a combined estrogen-progestin patch, although not as physiologic, can be useful. It is also important to note that some women are intolerant to progesterone experiencing PMS-like symptoms. Altering the type of progesterone, dose or method of administration can reduce this problem.
Important considerations
Hormone replacement with Prempro appears to have a less favorable risk-benefit profile than other replacement preparations, particularly those that are non-oral and those where a progestin component is not used continuously. This is “old news” and has been recognized by menopausal experts since the latter part of the 1990’s.
If your doctor has suggested that you discontinue hormone replacement because of the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study Follow Up (HERS II) and The Woman’s Health Initiative (WHI) study both (both published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in July), ask the following two questions: Have you read either of the studies and why any of the recommendations apply to me? What are the short and long-term effects of hormone deficiency on my health, longevity and quality of life?
If you are on an orally administered estrogen consider switching to a non-oral preparation containing estradiol. If a man in the United States was determined to be hormonally deficient, he would almost certainly and without trepidation be offered hormone replacement.
Whether you choose to be a user, or non-user of hormone replacement this decision is yours and cannot be dictated by your physician. Remember: “A woman in the autumn of her life is entitled to an Indian summer rather than a winter of discontent.”
Appropriate Hormone Replacement Therapy known as HRT, remains a viable and important health care option for postmenopausal women.
When it comes to the question of whether to use hormone replacement therapy the answer is always one of personal choice.
Appointments
with Dr. Nosanchuk can be made by contacting Caroline
(248) 644-7200 from 10:00am to 6:00pm Monday - Friday (EST).
This web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to suggest a specific therapy for any individual and must not be construed to establish a physician/patient relationship.