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Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is the replacement of hormones that are normally produced by your body.  This therapy utilizes synthetically made hormones derived from yams, soy, or another plant source; therfore, it is also known as natural hormone replacement therapy.  However, there is much confusion with the term natual and bio-identical hormones.

Conventional hormone therapy which uses commercially available products may sometimes claim to be natural, but this only refers to the source from which it was derived.  The source of the hormones may be derived from a natural source (such as plants or even horse urine!) but the alterations that are then made to the chemical structure of the hormone make them far from bio-identical.  These unnecessary modifications are made in order to place a patent on them and to make them marketable; this in turn is presented to doctors by drug representatives.

Commercially available hormones are altered versions of those naturally produced in the body; therefore they are not recognized by the body.  These products will roughly fit the hormone receptors in the body to produce a similar function as your natural hormones but not without a long list of side effects.  They often produce effects that are a few times stronger than what the body requires and they tend to competitively occupy hormone receptors making it difficult for your body's own hormones to perform its job properly.  These side effecs include bone loss, increased cholesterol levels, risks of certain cancers, sleep problems, and the list goes on.

There are many scientific studies that show a clear benefit of BHRT over conventional therapy and I encourage you to educate yourself.  Please ask me anytime about your questions.  I offer consultations and have the knowledge and access of plenty of information to help you make an informed decision.

Michael Forbes
Owner / Pharmacist
Forbes Pharmacy