How to Beat Menopause Depression

Are you wary of hormone replacement therapy because you have heard it increases your risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer? In 2001, the Women’s Health Initiative Women’s Health Initiative hormone therapy study indicated that women undergoing replacement of estrogen and other hormones lost to menopause experienced more life-threatening health issues than women who did not undergo hormone replacement therapy. Thousands of follow-up studies investigating the risks associated with hormone therapy—such as the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project hormone therapy findings providing data showing estrogen-progestin hormone therapy does indeed increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer—have further supported the accumulating clinical evidence that hormone replacement therapy may not be entirely safe for premenopausal and menopausal women.¹

Why Do Synthetic Hormones Increase the Risk of Stroke and Breast Cancer?

The Women’s Health Initiative study involved laboratory-made hormone replacements like Provera and Premarin. A combination of estrone and conjugated equine estrogens obtained from pregnant horses, Premarin binds very tightly to estrogen receptors. This overstimulating kind of binding is what doctors think increases your risk for cancer and serious cardiovascular events.

The National Cancer Institute hormone therapy risks overview reports additional health effects associated with equine-based hormone replacement therapy:²

• Hip/spinal vertebrae fractures due to weakening of bone density
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Urinary incontinence
• Blood clot development that may lead to stroke or deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs)

Synthetic hormones are structurally dissimilar to endogenous (human) hormones. Although they simulate the effects natural hormones have on specific biological pathways, this structural incompatibility does not provide the safe, beneficial effects that bioidentical hormone therapy offers at the molecular level.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones and Why Do Women Prefer Them to Equine-Based Hormones?

Derived from plant-based sources such as wild yams or soy, bioidentical hormones exhibit a molecular structure matching that of your body’s natural hormones. As a result of their structural affinity with estrogen and other hormone receptors, bioidentical hormones do not excessively stimulate receptors. Instead, receptors readily accept bioidentical hormones to help reduce symptoms of menopause and improve your overall health and well-being.

Why should hormones lost to menopause and andropause (male menopause) be replaced with bioidentical hormone therapy? Simply because hormones are essential for supporting hundreds of physiological processes necessary for good health. For example, estrogen is known to:³

• Promote production of bone-making cells called osteoblasts to reduce the risk of osteoporosis
• Prevent or delay bone loss by interacting with vitamin D, calcium, and other hormones
• Increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the “good” cholesterol) while decreasing “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) to help prevent cardiovascular disease
• Contribute to keeping blood vessels dilated and facilitating blood flow, two things essential for moderating blood pressure
• Help prevent mood swings, depression, and cognitive issues common to menopausal women (memory problems, inability to focus, brain “fog”)
• Reduce vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse

As men age, their testes dramatically decrease the production of testosterone. Men may benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy since testosterone supports:⁴

• Musculoskeletal health
• Maintaining muscle mass and reducing visceral fat storage
• Cognition and memory
• Sex drive
• Metabolism and energy levels
• Enhanced mood

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Pellets

After your hormone levels are evaluated and your doctor determines your hormone depletion levels, you will have a small, time-release, pea-sized pellet placed under your skin that releases the exact amount of hormones you need to relieve menopause/andropause symptoms, regain your energy, and feel better than you’ve ever felt before.

As bioidentical hormone therapy pellets begin releasing safe and effective natural hormones, women may experience fast relief from hot flashes, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and other symptoms of menopause, while men may experience a rapid onset of increased energy, stamina, libido, and improved cognition. Even better, you don’t have to worry about the serious health risks involved with synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

Don’t be afraid of hormones anymore! Call Renew Health & Wellness today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you regain and increase the youthful energy, vitality, and sexual passion you once enjoyed!

References:

1. Women’s Health Initiative hormone therapy study (NIH PMC)
2. Hormones and cancer risk overview (National Cancer Institute)
3. Estrogen functions and effects overview (ScienceDirect)
4. Testosterone functions and health benefits overview