BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES
Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that are made in the body. They act in the body just like the hormones the body naturally produces. Their use may be beneficial for unbalanced hormone levels for conditions such as:
- Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, mood swings)
- Irregular menstrual bleeding (heavy bleeding, frequent bleeding, absent menses)
- PMS (fatigue, breast tenderness, mood swings, etc.)
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
What is the difference between synthetic hormones and bio-identical hormones?
Synthetic hormones are derived from horse's urine and do not match the molecular structure of human hormones. They can produce many unpleasant side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and fluid retention. In addition, they were found to increase the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and clots.
On the other hand, bio-identical hormones are derived from plants, usually soy or yams, and are identical in molecular structure to human hormones. They have not been found to have many of the above risks and side effects and in studies have actually been shown to be protective of heart health.
Dr. Chow is certified in prescribing bio-identical hormones and only uses topical hormones, as this avoids the risk of clots and adverse effects on the thyroid that oral hormones (even bio-identical) can cause.
- Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, mood swings)
- Irregular menstrual bleeding (heavy bleeding, frequent bleeding, absent menses)
- PMS (fatigue, breast tenderness, mood swings, etc.)
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
What is the difference between synthetic hormones and bio-identical hormones?
Synthetic hormones are derived from horse's urine and do not match the molecular structure of human hormones. They can produce many unpleasant side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and fluid retention. In addition, they were found to increase the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and clots.
On the other hand, bio-identical hormones are derived from plants, usually soy or yams, and are identical in molecular structure to human hormones. They have not been found to have many of the above risks and side effects and in studies have actually been shown to be protective of heart health.
Dr. Chow is certified in prescribing bio-identical hormones and only uses topical hormones, as this avoids the risk of clots and adverse effects on the thyroid that oral hormones (even bio-identical) can cause.