The relationship between hormones and cancer has been a topic of concern. However, it’s important to note that there have been no studies linking cancer to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). The studies that have explored the connection between hormone replacement and cancer have predominantly focused on “synthetic” hormones. These synthetic hormone studies have shown associations with increased cancer risks. In contrast, BHRT involves hormones that closely resemble those naturally produced by the body, which are an identical molecular match, and haven’t been associated with the same risks. It’s crucial to understand the difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones when considering their potential impact on cancer risk.

There’s often confusion surrounding the meanings of these terms, so let’s clarify. The term “synthetic” essentially means “created.” In this context, all medications are synthesized.

Bioidentical hormones are sourced from natural plants and precisely mirror the molecular structure of the hormones your body produces naturally. They’re a perfect match and virtually identical to human hormones.

On the other hand, synthetic hormones, like Premarin for instance, are derived from pregnant mares’ urine. These horse hormones differ significantly from human hormones. Research has revealed that their functioning is distinct from human hormones, leading to serious side effects that don’t occur with our natural hormones. Bioidentical hormones closely resemble human hormones at a molecular level, hence they’re use is often referred to as “natural hormone replacement.” This is due to their chemical structure being identical, which causes the body to recognize them as if they were its own natural hormones.

In short, the duration of hormone therapy depends on how long you wish to maintain its benefits. Concerns about discontinuing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) often revolve around the misconception that stopping HRT will completely halt your natural hormone production. This notion is inaccurate. When therapeutic doses are ceased, the body rebounds and returns to its original natural production within weeks. However, it’s worth considering the context: If you started HRT due to insufficient natural hormone levels during menopause, the goal of preserving or reverting to that previous production level needs examination.

Keep in mind, discontinuing HRT not only ends symptom relief, but also exposes you to potential risks. Menopause is associated with a higher risk of severe health conditions such as heart diseases, strokes, various cancers, osteoporosis, dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. The context of your decision plays a crucial role.

The timeline for experiencing results can vary based on individual factors. Some individuals notice changes within a few weeks of starting Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), while for others, it might take a couple of months. Factors such as your body’s response, current hormone levels, diet, sleep, stress, and the specific symptoms you’re addressing, can influence how quickly you’ll observe the effects of BHRT. Patience is key, as the process is gradual and tailored to your unique physiology. Regular communication with your healthcare provider and/or wellness coach will help track progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan along the journey.

In most cases, no. Unfortunately, the current statistic shows a lag of 17-23 years for traditional medicine to catch up with current medical advancements. As a result, the majority of insurance companies don’t view HRT as a medical necessity, which is absurd considering the overwhelming amount of research.

Additionally, this viewpoint tends to influence the quality of care. Even if insurance covers your BHRT, chances are high that you’ll be directed to a practitioner lacking specialized knowledge in the field. This often leads to outdated and counterproductive protocols with subpar products (like synthetic hormones (please refer to bio-identical hormones above), diminishing the effectiveness of treatment. In essence, relying on insurance for testosterone therapy could yield a less than optimal experience. The silver lining is that our HRT programs are designed to be cost-effective, alleviating concerns about expenses.