Even though the US is generally at the forefront of healthcare information, it has fallen behind in the area of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for both men and women. Although synthetic HRT has been available since the 1930s, natural replacement only recently became a viable option for managing male and female hormones as demanded by the process of getting older. Natural treatments have been used extensively in Europe for a score of years, but only now are they being acknowledged as a legitimate option for handling the effects of "the change."
We're all familiar with the symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, irritability, sleeplessness, night sweats, intimacy issues and other various problems. Less recognized are the problems the loss of hormones can lead to in men. Even though andropause (the misnomer given to the cluster of symptoms associated with the decrease of testosterone) does not necessarily cause lack of reproductive ability, it may cause muscle weakness, loss of libido, weight gain, exhaustion and anxiety. Some men also report hot flashes and sleeplessness, although these are not as common among men as they are with the female contingent.
Natural hormones are increasingly being recommended to both genders instead of manufactured pharmaceuticals. These are generally created from plants and as opposed to imitating the actions of hormones in the body, they are bio-identical, having the exact same molecular framework as those secreted by human ovaries and gonads.
Bio-identical therapy can reverse the effects of both menopause and andropause and, while it will not totally reverse the ravages of age, it can certainly make the aging process much more comfortable. Because the effects of hormone loss will vary in every individual, a doctor will screen his patients prior to recommending a specific course of natural hormone replacement therapy. Based on the need, natural therapies may be compounded into pills, creams, gels, lozenges, drops or suppositories, in combinations and strengths designed for each patient.
There has been some controversy concerning the effectiveness of natural treatments as opposed to the man-made variety. Based mainly on the fact that plants can't be patented, thereby stopping pharmaceutical companies from earning a profit, rumors were circulated that bio-identical therapy was not as reliable as synthetic HRT. These reports were extensively repudiated by both Suzanne Somers and Oprah Winfrey, both of whom spoke and wrote enthusiastically about the benefits of natural hormones over those manufactured in pharmaceutical facilities. Essentially, they both said, "if it comes from a plant, take it; if it's made in a plant, be cautious." Medical professionals who favor natural therapy agree.
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If you are seeking natural hormone replacement therapy in the Los Angeles metro area, online marketing strategist Stephen Daniels recommends Advanced Compounding Pharmacy. This pharmacy specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement and can also work with your doctor to make customized prescriptions.
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Article: Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Benefits Men And Women Alike Author: Stephen Daniels Publication Date: 2010-12-14 Total Views: 234 Word Count: 476 Category:Home /
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