By LifeLogic, Inc. Medical Staff
Estrogen is a female hormone produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands and, along with progesterone and testosterone, is absolutely essential for health and well-being.
Beginning with menopause estrogen levels begin to decline dramatically and by the end of menopause are essentially non-existent. These low to non-existent levels of estrogen (along with progesterone) in menopausal and post-menopausal women are what cause the typical symptoms of menopause—hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety/depression, mood swings, vaginal dryness and decreased libido. All of these symptoms are significantly alleviated, and in many cases completely eliminated, by the proper use of natural, bio-identical estrogen.
Furthermore, in menopausal and post-menopausal women, these low to non-existent levels of estrogen dramatically increase a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis (thinning bones), and Alzheimer’s Disease. The risk of all of these diseases is significantly reduced by the proper use of natural, bio-identical estrogen. Estrogen has also been shown to lower total blood cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
Natural, bio-identical estrogen (as is the case with natural, bio-identical progesterone), should not be confused with synthetic estrogens such a Premarin. Premarin is a synthetic drug that is not natural to the human body and has dangerous and unwanted side effects. Premarin is made from horse urine and the name Premarin is a contraction for pregnant mare’s urine. Whereas synthetic hormones, including synthetic estrogens, have been implicated in an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, thrombotic disease (blood clots) and cardiovascular disease—natural, bio-identical estrogen does NOT increase these risks and has been shown to be safe and effective.
In summary, benefits of natural, bio-identical estrogen include:
- Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Protects against vaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence, and urinary infections
- Alleviation of menopausal symptoms
- Improved mood and sense of well-being
- Increased libido
- Increased energy and mental alertness
Additionally, there is NO evidence that natural, bio-identical estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer or thrombotic disease (blood clots).