Are bioidentical hormones safer or better than conventional hormones?
No. There has never been any evidence to prove that bioidentical hormones are a safer or more effective option for patients choosing hormone therapy. This statement is supported by ACOG (Am. Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists), NAMS (North American Menopause Society) and the FDA.
Where can or should I get bioidentical hormones?
FDA approved bioidentical hormones are available at any pharmacy. They are made by conventional pharmaceutical companies. Some of the brand or generic names are mentioned above. You can also get custom-compounded bioidentical hormones, but these not government regulated or FDA approved.
What are synthetic hormones?
The word synthetic has been used in almost a derogatory fashion to describe conventional hormone therapy. The truth is that all hormones are synthetic. Really! Even the custom-compounded bioidentical hormones must be synthesized into a form that your body can use. You can’t just go pick a Mexican yam, cut it open, rub the juice on your skin and get progesterone. No. The progesterone must be synthesized from the wild yam into a form that your body can use. So, the word synthetic is not a bad word. All hormones are synthetic. Bioidentical hormones are all synthesized from plant sources. Many conventional hormones are also synthesized from plant sources, and yes, Premarin is synthesized from the urine of pregnant mares. Thus it’s name Premarin.
What is Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)?
For starters it is a very hot topic, no pun intended, but you see some form of this on every magazine these days. Female sexual dysfunction refers to persistent or recurrent problems will sexual function or desire that causes distress to you, your partner or in your relationship. The most common type of female sexual dysfunction is decreased sexual desire or libido.
What is decreased sexual desire (libido) in women and what causes it?
Sexual desire in a woman fluctuates greatly of her lifetime and in the course of a relationship. Decreased libido is the most common sexual complaint in women. One famous study reported that 40% of women experienced a decrease in libido at some point in their lives. This should give women some confirmation that fluctuations are normal. When you further divide this group into women with persistent problems and those who are distressed, the number is between 5 and 15%, so it is still a significant problem. As to what causes decreased libido, the list is very long. We cannot ignore that the most important sexual organ for women is the brain, so stress, relationship issues and insecurities are huge factors in female libido. Other causes are medical diseases (thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, alcohism) medications (especially those for hypertension and depression), and hormone imbalances may be to blame. If you are experiencing a loss in libido, which is causing you distress, you should make an appointment with your doctor.