BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES: WHAT ARE THEY?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are identical in structure and function to the hormones that your ovaries/testes make (estrogen, progesterone & testosterone). They are sometimes called the “sex hormones” because of their importance in sexual health and reproduction. Hormones decline as we age and it is this hormonal decline that allows us to age. Our hormones don’t decline because we are aging, we are aging because our hormones are declining. Numerous studies have shown that maintaining our hormones at more youthful levels (age 35) can reduce our risk of developing the diseases of aging (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, etc) and improve our quality of life. Bioidentical hormones are not the same as what most doctors prescribe and what most people think of as hormones. They come from plants (soy & yam) and not from animals or chemicals. It is important that they are administered topically and not orally. The health benefits of BHRT are largely lost when given by mouth and in pill form. Bioidentical hormones are often referred to as natural. There are some drugs that are natural, but are not natural to humans. It is important to know the source of the hormones and that they are made by a reputable, specially trained compounding pharmacist.

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES: ARE THEY SAFE?

Bioidentical hormones are very safe, unlike conventional hormones taken orally, which are associated with many health hazards. There is an abundance of medical literature that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is not only safe, but can actually reduce risks of developing disease including cancer. BHRT is administered topically in a cream form that is applied to the skin. These creams are made by a compounding pharmacist who has special knowledge and training to make these special hormones. There is much confusion and misinformation in the medical community regarding BHRT. Often, there are claims about safety, lack of research and evidence, etc. Unfortunately, lack of understanding is often expressed as a negative and tends to instill fear and doubt in patients making them think that only conventional drugs work and are safe. This is why it is critical to seek out a properly trained professional (preferably Fellowship trained and board certified) to prescribe and monitor this type of therapy. A simple saliva test can accurately monitor the tissue levels of these hormones when administered topically. Blood tests do not accurately reflect these levels and cannot be used to measure levels when using topically applied creams.

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT:
IS IT FOR YOU?

Most women (and men) will benefit from BHRT. It is important to find a physician who is specially trained to properly balance and administer these hormones. But just giving sex hormones is not enough to improve your health and reduce the risk of developing the diseases of aging. And it is not exclusively limited to women. Men who are experiencing symptoms of ANDROPAUSE or the so called “male menopause” can benefit, as well from BHRT. It is important to properly balance ALL hormones (thyroid, adrenal, insulin, etc.) since the proper function of one hormone system requires the proper function of the other hormone systems. This requires knowledge and a special expertise which can only be obtained from advanced training. Dr. Monaco is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology AND Fellowship trained and Board Certified in Anti-Aging, Functional & Regenerative Medicine. He is an Oral Board Examiner for the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He lectures extensively on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement in Men & Women and was voted one of Connecticut’s Top Doctors.

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT:
A RECOGNIZED EXPERT

Dr. Monaco is Fellowship trained and Board Certified in Anti-Aging, Functional and Regenerative Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology. He is a Board Examiner for the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has used bioidentical hormone replacement in his patients for nearly 10 years.

Voted one of Connecticut's Top Doctors! Dr. John B. Monaco Based on an exhaustive peer review, Dr. Monaco was selected as one of Connecticut's Top Doctors (Hartford Magazine) and recognized for his ground breaking work in Regenerative Medicine (more).

Dr. Monaco is Board Certified: OB/GYN, and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine (American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine). Listen to Anti-Aging interviews with Dr. Jack Monaco on the Brad Davis show, Click Here.

Metagenics, founded in 1983 with the mission to help patients achieve their genetic potential trough targeted nutrition. As the leading developer and manufacturer of natural, science-based nutriceuticals, Metagenics sells its products to healthcare practitioners worldwide.