How much do you know about your hormonal health? Unfortunately, misinformation abounds about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Here’s a look at the most common misconceptions we hear, along with the research to set the record straight.
Myth: There is not enough experience with using pellets.
Bioidentical pellet therapy was originally developed in Europe in the 1930s. It proved an excellent treatment for hormone deficiencies, especially in menopause. The highly respected pioneer of Endocrinology, Dr. Robert B. Greenblatt, learned about this method and introduced it to his U.S. colleagues in 1939. Today, practitioners use pellet implants to restore hormonal balance in people of all ages. Best of all, pellets are natural, safe and effective (Sottepelle website).
Myth: Your testosterone is normal.
Would you rather be normal or optimal? Low testosterone levels were associated with increased mortality in male veterans. Arch Internal Med 2006 Aug 14-28;166(15):1660-1665. Endogenous testosterone concentrations are inversely related to mortality due to cardiovascular disease and all causes. Circulation 2007 Dec 4;116(23):2694-701.
Myth: Testosterone causes prostate cancer.
Meta-analysis indicated testosterone is not associated with prostate cancer. The rate of cancer in treated men is identical to rates of cancer in untreated men (N. Engl. J Med. 2004;350:482-92). None of the 12 longitudinal studies found any increased risk for prostate cancer in men with higher levels compared to lower levels of testosterone (Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging or the Physician’s Health Study. JCEM 1997;82(11):3793-96).
Myth: Testosterone causes blood clots and stroke.
It is reassuring that as far as we can determine, no testosterone associated thromboembolic events have ever been reported. NEJM 350;5. Jan 2004. Testosterone may result in erythrocystosis (a condition in which your body makes too many red blood cells (RBCs). Erythrocytosis does not increase clotting risk.
Myth: Testosterone is a male hormone and is harmful for women.
Testosterone is the most abundant biologically active hormone in women (Glaser, R. Maturitas 2015). Transdermal testosterone appears to be safe and effective therapy for postmenopausal women with hyposexual desire disorder (HSDD. Krapf, JM Simon JA. Maturitas. 2009 Jul 20;63(3):212-219). Testosterone has been found to increase libido and decrease anxiety (Glaser, R. et al. Maturitas 2010).
Myth: If you don’t have hot flashes, you don’t need BHRT.
Estradiol protects against osteoporosis, CVD and dementia. It also improves skin tone
and urogenital symptoms (Biomedicina 2000 Jan;3(1)).
Myth: Estrogen causes breast cancer
This myth is based on erroneous interpretation of a study which examined only CEE
(Conjugated Equine Estrogen) and Progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. Progestin is now known to be carcinogenic to breast tissue. Bioidentical hormones, as used at Besana Health and Wellness, are not associated with the same risks as CEE and Progestin.
Myth: Estradiol is contraindicated with a past history of breast cancer.
Studies show that women who use BHRT post breast cancer have fewer incidences of recurrence (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol.93, No 10. May 16, 2001).
Myth: Estrogen causes DVT blood clots and strokes.
Hormones delivered by subcutaneously implanted 17-B estradiol pellets bypass the first pass metabolism of the liver, do not affect clotting factors and do not raise the risk of thrombosis (Notelovitz, 89). The Estrogen and Thromboembolism Risk (ESTHER) study showed that oral
estrogen (CEE) — not transdermal estrogen — was associated with venous thromboembolism (Circulation 2007;115: 340-345).
Helping you safely achieve hormonal balance and optimal vitality is our mission here at BESANA Health & Wellness! If you would like to schedule an appointment with us during the time we are closed, please call 303.327.7300 or email EmilyE@Besanawellness.com. Please leave a message and your call/email will be returned within 24-48 hours.
