Who can we believe? A well-known fact is that in the past most medical studies have only involved males and male medical issues. As more women entered the medical field, that has changed. Perhaps because so few studies included women's issues, it was quite common in the 50's and 60's to prescribe Estrogen to menopausal women to reduce symptoms. It wasn't until 2000, that a study was completed, with the conclusion that standard HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may cause breast cancer in some women. Women were confused. And still are.
Doctors have prescribed bio-identical hormone compounds for years. This was considered "alternative medicine" and not part of the mainstream AMA-approved regimen. There are many good books written on the use of Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT, as Lynn mentioned).
This blog is not meant to offer detailed medical advice, but I can recommend some reading by reliable authors that covers the subjects of menopause and BHRT pretty thoroughly.
- Remember Suzanne Somers from Three's Company? She had breast cancer and chose an alternative therapy treatment that seems to be successful. If you can erase the t.v. image, this woman is a great researcher! I've also read her recipe books and she has dedicated herself to a healthful lifestyle. Suzanne is not the air-head Christy!
- Dr. Christiane Northrup is an OB/GYN who wrote the original menopause reference, The Wisdom of Menopause. I refer to her book often. She's been on PBS and has written several books.
- A smaller, similar book written by another physician, Dr. C. W. Randolph, is easy reading and informative. He is adamant about getting your bio-identical hormones from reliable sources and lists those compounding pharmacies he trusts. I started following Dr. Randolph's advice and it has made a huge difference in my physical comfort. I sleep better, my night sweats are less frequent. I feel happier and I have a more positive outlook. Not saying it's for everyone, but you owe it to yourself to be informed.
Start here:
