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If you use hormones, you should know that bio-identical hormones are different.
The use of bio-identical hormones is controversial. I have to say that my opinion is that if you are going to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) you should consider bio-identical hormones as an alternative. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as your own human made hormones. Typical prescription HRT uses non-human hormones that are not identical. Premarin, for example, is derived from pregnant mares urine. Bio-identical HRT is being prescribed by doctors, compounded by licensed pharmacists, and used by thousands of women with great success. My wife previously used these bio-identical hormones for several years with great success.
The problem is that bio-identical hormones have not been approved by the FDA. Bio-identical hormones are prescribed by a physician and dispensed by a compounding pharmacy so their use is controlled. The other important question is the risk to women from HRT in general. In this interview Dr. Aimee Shunney discusses bio-identical hormones and how she uses them in her practice. Are they safer, more natural and perhaps even more effective?
“The difference between bio-identical hormones and traditional hormones is deeply layered. Unlike bio-identical hormones, traditional hormones may be patented by pharmaceutical companies, therefore dosages vary from person to person by mere milligrams dictated by your doctor, while bio-identical hormones are prescribed precisely to meet your individual needs. Although traditional hormones can mimic the effects of hormones on certain biological pathways, they rarely offer the same effectiveness at a deeper, molecular level as your natural hormones. Bio-identical hormones, however, mimic the affinity human endogenous hormones have – performing effectively within each biological, at all levels.” (Using bio-identical hormone therapy to find relief from menopause, By Dr. Jennifer Landa, FoxNews.com.
About Dr. Aimee Shunney
Aimée Gould Shunney is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND). She was graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a BA in psychology and minors in theatre and women’s studies. After completing her post-graduate pre-med course work, she attended the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she received her Naturopathic Medical Degree in 2001. Dr. Shunney is licensed to practice medicine by the state of California.
Dr. Shunney is on a mission to empower people to take charge of their health with integrative medicine. Whether speaking to health professionals or laypeople, her engaging style, emphasis on patient-centered care, and passionate belief in the health benefits of joyful eating make her an audience favorite. She has lectured extensively to medical students and physicians, and she participates in teaching venues throughout the community.
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This was a great interview, this is something that I have been trying to get better knowledge on. I have a book that I will recommend, it’s called My Hormones by Doug Ginter. myhormones.com. I’ve learned the most about what we can do to get ourselves back to normal with a hormone imbalance and the different types of therapies there are.