Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a fertility treatment that utilizes synthetic hormones that are biologically identical to the natural hormones produced in the human body. This is a relatively new therapy that replaces the old method of using hormones created from the urine of pregnant mares. Yes, horses.
Hormone risks by outdated technology
Since the 1940’s women that needed hormone replacement therapy for estrogen had to rely on hormones that came from horses. The biggest problem with these was that they caused an increase in the risk of blood clots, strokes (caused by the clots), heart disease, and breast cancer.
In the late 1970’s articles, such as in The New England Journal of Medicine, warned against using hormones produced in this way. The Women’s Health Initiative that had used these horse based hormones was officially shut down in the early 2000’s due to the bad publicity and studies centered around them.
BHRT technology boosts women’s fertility
In comes the bio-identical synthetic hormones (BHRT), they are much safer than the equine hormones, reducing the risks of diseases caused by then “natural” replacement hormones. It technically means the chemical make-up parallels that of the body’s naturally produced bio hormones.
In women’s infertility the synthetic estrogen and progesterone are biologically identical to the hormones a woman’s body would make, but they are much safer than the old replacement hormones. While fertility genetics play a role, life choices and life experience also factor in, especially when it comes to stress and keeping your mind “fertility friendly.”
Additional uses for BHRT in women’s medicine
Bio-identical hormone therapy can not only be used to treat infertility with great success, but is also very effective at treating menopause, PCOS, perimenopause, and post menopause.
Besides their effectiveness and safety versus natural hormones, bio-identical replacement hormones can also be considerably more cost efficient.
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