Hormone Replacement Therapy is Not for Every Woman

What are bio-identical hormones?

Bio-identical hormones match the body's own hormones (have the same molecular structure); they are synthesized from a plant (yam or soy) and work in the body in the same way one's hormones do (wild yam is not bio-identical since the body has to synthesize it into a progesterone molecule). In addition, bio-identical hormones do not interfere with one's own hormone production. Women have to take a sufficient amount in order to feel the desirable effect. Premarin, Provera, Progestin, etc. are synthetic hormones prescribed by most doctors. These hormones mimic the function of natural progesterone and estrogen and often create undesirable side effects.

Estrogen effects:

breast stimulation, salt and fluid retention, increased fat in the body, depression and headaches, interferes with thyroid hormone, increased blood clotting, decreases libido, impairs blood sugar control, increased risk of breast cancer, causes endometrial cancer, reduced oxygen levels in all cells, prevents loss of bone slightly.

Progesterone effects:

protects against breast fibrocysts, natural diuretic, helps use fat for energy, natural anti-depressant, facilitates thyroid hormone utilization, normalizes blood clotting, restores libido, normalizes blood sugar levels, restores proper cell oxygen levels, prevents endometrial cancer, helps prevent breast cancer, stimulates boned bone building, necessary for survival of embryo, precursor of cortisone and sex hormones.

About this Contributor: Dasha Trebichavska, M.S., L.Ac. is an acupuncturist, herbalist and a bodyworker. Dasha has worked and studied with two well-know acupuncturists from the San Francisco Bay Area: Angela Wu and Robert Levine. She has also studied various forms of qigong and breathwork with Dr. Wang, Dennis Lewis, Bruce Kumar Frantzis, and Mantak Chia. She studied Chi Nei Tsang with Mantak Chia and Gilles Marin. In her work with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dasha works with a variety of health issues, such as digestive and metabolic imbalances, pain relief, and gynecological issues (menstrual irregularities, PMS, menopause, fibroids, infertility, etc.)