Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been a hot-button topic in recent years, with a great deal of apparently contradictory evidence being touted as truth. Unfortunately, this evidence often does not tell the whole story, because it does not indicate whether the hormones being discussed are synthetic or bioidentical human hormones. By failing to differentiate between these two very different types of hormones, publishers of current studies on HRT have left a wake of confusion. Further confounding the issue is the use of the term “natural” to describe some of these hormones.

This begs the question “What is natural?” The drug Premarin, which is synthesized from pregnant horses' urine, may be “natural” to horses, but it is not “natural” in the sense of a substance that would naturally occur in humans. “Bioidentical” hormones are “natural” in that they are derived from plants, but more importantly, the chemical structures of these hormones are identical to those that are found in the human body. Synthetic hormones are laboratory formulas patented by manufacturers, and are structurally different from hormones naturally occurring in the human body.

The structural differences inherent in synthetic hormones cause undesirable side effects such as the increased risk of cancer. However, the studies that have reported the dangers of HRT in women fail to include the fact that the drugs being used were synthetic hormones. This misconception has created an unnecessary level of fear about HRT. In contrast, because the benefits of bioidentical hormones mimic those occurring naturally in the body, no such unwanted side effects result. Bioidentical hormones cannot be patented because of a legal formality; therefore, the financial incentive for promoting the use of bioidentical hormones is much more limited, and thus this option tends to be overlooked by the large pharmaceutical companies.

Particular concern has arisen over the use of the estrogen hormone in menopausal women. Bioidentical estrogen can be safely used, but it must always be in conjunction with the hormone progesterone. The drug Provera, the synthetic version of progesterone, does not provide the protective benefits of naturally occurring progesterone. Progesterone protects women from breast cancer, uterine cancer and osteoporosis. Again, due to misleading coverage of studies that did not use bioidentical HRT, many women have been denied the benefits that estrogen/progesterone replacement can provide.

Recently several publications have brought the issue of bioidentical HRT into the public spotlight. Suzanne Somers' book The Sexy Years, in particular, has introduced this concept to millions of readers. While practitioners in the field of HRT may disagree with some of Ms. Somers' assertions, in general she has made a valuable contribution to the public by making information concerning bioidentical hormones available to a wide market of readers.

A number of hormones in our bodies perform various functions, and, generally speaking, these hormones are at peak levels in our twenties. After this age, they begin to decline, resulting in many of the conditions we normally associate with aging. The diseases associated with aging may be slowed or even prevented through supplementation of the lacking human hormones.

The use of bioidentical hormones in hormone supplementation has been studied since the sixties. Bioidentical hormones have, thus far, been proven to be safe and effective in combating many of the symptoms commonly associated with aging. With the proper use of bioidentical hormones, both men and women can feel healthy, energetic and can remain sexually active well beyond middle age. With the current emphasis on maintaining youth and vitality, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an exciting method of treatment whose time has finally come.

Jeff B. Romig, M.D. is a graduate of Kent State University and the Medical College of Ohio. A former Emergency Physician, Dr. Romig is one of the first physicians in the country to become Board Certified in the field of Holistic Medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Green Center for Natural & Holistic Medicine, where he has had a great deal of success treating patients with Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy. The Green Center is located at 4016 Massillon Road, Suite C in Uniontown. For more information, please call (330) 899-9725 or visit www.greenholistic.net.

Commonly Prescribed Human Hormones

DHEA Often called the “superstar of super-hormones,” clinical studies have revealed that DHEA has a profound effect on the immune system, sex drive, metabolism and emotional stability.

Estrogen Estrogen is essential for muscle tone, skin smoothness, hair texture and sex drive. It may also help prevent osteoporosis, Alzheimer's and heart disease, the number-one killer of American women.

Human Growth Hormone Human Growth Hormone (HGH) builds up what time has broken down. In the adult, it should be called the “rejuvenation hormone” because it not only makes people feel younger, but also makes them look younger. Studies have shown that supplementation of HGH increases positive changes in body composition, increases bone mass, improves cardiac function and exercise ability, enhances skin texture and improves wound healing. HGH has also been used successfully to treat kidney failure and cardiomyopathy. It is so effective in restoring the damage done to the body by time that Stanford University medical researchers have concluded, "HGH replacement might reverse or prevent the inevitable sequel of aging.”

Melatonin Melatonin not only regulates and improves the deep stages of sleep, but studies also reveal that it strengthens the immune system, increases our resistance to cancer and other diseases, is a powerful anti-oxidant, and may actually slow the aging process.

Pregnenolone This hormone enhances brain function and may be a powerful adversary against such age-related cognitive diseases as dementia and Alzheimer's.

Progesterone Progesterone should always be viewed as the life-long partner of estrogen, since they balance each other out and work together to promote optimal female health. Progesterone is the “feel good” hormone, as it acts as a “natural anti-depressant,” boosting moods and well being as well as stimulating bone growth, healthy heart function and offering protection against breast and uterine cancer.

Testosterone Testosterone is the super-hormone for sex and strength for both men and women. At optimal levels testosterone increases bone density and formation, enhances energy and sex drive, decreases body fat, increases muscle strength, lowers blood pressure and moderates cholesterol levels. In men, it promotes and improves erectile function.

Thyroid Thyroid is the energizing hormone that also regulates body temperature, metabolism and brain function. Thyroid provides energy to virtually every part of the body and is essential for maintaining a “youthful state.”