Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Gerry Letendre, RPh, MBA, CHt
There’s a misnomer that Bio-Identical Hormones (BHRT’s) cause cancer. Breast cancer and the use of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy seems to be up for debate more than not these days, but the truth can be found in the patient outcomes and the studies.
What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
In the U.S., Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) has been used since the 1930s. And based on hundreds of current medically thorough studies, the results for patients overall quality of life and dramatic changes in their hormonal symptoms are astounding.
Bio-identical hormones are equal to our body’s natural hormones on a molecular level. The difference between synthetic and identical hormones is that synthetic hormones do not match human hormones on a biological level. Many synthetic versions of estrogen or progestin are not readily received by the body and can therefore throw it out of balance even further and cause systemic adverse reactions.
Made from plant sources, bio-identical hormones are readily received by the body as natural and healthy. They are much more therapeutic and effective than synthetic hormonal substances. BHRT’s will provide the most efficient way to mesh with the body’s natural hormone receptors. This is critical because body receptors are structure specific. A few of the benefits from bio-identical hormones are an increase in bone health, protection against breast cancer and endometrial growth, an antidepressant effect, controlling blood clotting and an increased libido.
Dr. Karen Leggett, a Functional Medical physician we’ve worked with here in Sarasota, has expertise in managing the unique complications associated with aging. She has devoted herself to helping patients recover from acute medical illness, improve their current state of health, while slowing down the natural process of aging so that they can feel and be younger and more vibrant.
Dr. Leggett is an avid writer and published author. In a recent post, she shared, 10 Facts about Estrogens: Nothing But the FACTS!
1. Estrogen does NOT cause Breast Cancer. (But the Synthetic Prescribed ProgesTINS do!)
2. Estrogen Hormonal Supplementation DECREASES Breast Cancer for more than 10 years. (Which is as long as the largest study, the Women’s Health Initiative, was active.)
3. Estrogen that is supplemented by TOPICAL application, (by patch, cream or gel) does NOT increase your risk of stroke or blood clot. (But Estrogen taken ORALLY, DOES increase the risk of stroke and blood clots by a small amount.)
4. Estrogen should ALWAYS be taken with Bio-identical ProgesterONE – whether you have a Uterus or not. No woman who uses Estrogen should be without bioidentical ProgesterONE.
5. Estrogen increases Serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is critical for the balance of healthy brain function and is the main Neurotransmitter increased by Antidepressant medications such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexepro.
6. Estrogen increases Acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is critical for memory, learning, and motivation, and is the main Neurotransmitter increased by the prescribed Dementia medication, Aricept.
7. Estrogen decreases your risk of Heart Disease, the number one cause of death in the U.S.
8. Estrogen decreases your risk of Osteoporosis and Broken Bones. Osteoporosis is a silent disease with debilitating effects that has no adequate treatment or reversal.
9. Estrogen supports a healthy libido and a healthy vagina, which also helps decrease the risk of Urinary Tract Infections and Urinary Leakage.
10. Estrogen helps decrease joint and muscle pain as well as help prevent arthritis and scar tissue formation around joints called adhesive capsulitis.
Vitamin D—Can it Lower Cancer Risk and Reduce Cell Growth?
We all have heard of the benefits of getting more Vitamin D when it comes to bone health, our mood and even to help fight off viral infections, but what effect does Vitamin D have on breast cancer?
The National Cancer Institute has published several studies on their website that show evidence that Vitamin D has several mechanisms of action that might affect cancer cells and patient outcomes depending on the level in the body. Most of the data focuses on breast, colon and prostate cancers. The higher levels of Vitamin D seem to lower cancer risks and can slow or prevent the development of certain cancers. They’ve also studied the effects of using Vitamin D as an add on therapy in mice, which showed marked cancer cell death, reduction of tumor size and growth.
It’s important to get your vitamin D levels tested regularly. Serum levels greater than 40 ng/ml are optimal. If you can’t get enough Vitamin D through sunshine exposure, supplementing is a great way to help you reach those beneficial levels. More and more evidence is showing that Vitamin D supplementation at higher dosages is safe and effective.
Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy: More Than Just a Pharmacy
Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy and Wellness Center is an independent, family owned pharmacy that has served the Sarasota community for over 40 years. They specialize in meeting patient’s needs through innovative compounding. Their compounding pharmacists work with physicians, veterinarians, dentists and other health care practitioners to prepare patient specific medications. Their compounding services allow them to create formulations in unique strengths and dosage forms.
Call 941.366.0880 or visit sarasotarx.com
2075 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/AskDrLeggett/?__tn__=k*F&tn-str=k*F
https://www.grassrootshealth.net/document-category/breast-cancer/
Your Options with Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy are numerous! Stop by and see them today!
Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
CAN RESTORE THE NATURAL BLANCE OF YOUR BODY, MINIMIZING SYMPTOMS OF AGING, MENOPAUSE, ANDROPAUSE, AND DECREASED VITALITY.
