Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy: DHEA, Testosterone
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Estradiol, pregnenolone, estriol and testosterone are some of the hormones that are administered for menopausal women. Natural hormones can be given in the same manners that synthetic hormones are given. There are gels, creams, capsules, patches and pellets. Doses and a time schedule for taking natural hormone replacement therapy will vary from woman to woman and will best be determined by a the woman and her physician.
Natural hormone replacement may provide the same or better results as synthetics. In addition, they may be easier on some women and may have fewer side effects. For example, natural HRT may be just as effective for osteoporosis. Other natural hormones include DHEA and testosterone that are used to treat sexual dysfunction that frequently accompanies perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. In conjunction with estrogen replacement, these hormones increase libido, and help maintain the elasticity of the vagina and reduce the likelihood of painful intercourse.
Saliva tests can help determine if a woman needs hormone therapy at all. Many women have plenty of hormones in their bodies without having to resort to hormone therapy. In addition, bioidentical hormones may be a better, safer alternative that synthetics that offer come from other sepsis altogether. For example, mare hormones are often synthesized for humans. Finding a physician that is familiar with bioidentical hormones and the benefits and risks of using them may be the first step in finding out if they are appropriate for the woman seeking relief from menopausal symptoms.
