Bioidentical estrogen is a man-made drug treatment that is chemically identical to the estrogen naturally made by the female body. Estrogen is a female hormone naturally produced by the ovaries. Bioidentical estrogen is made from plant-based substances and is often formulated on a case-by-case basis in order to find the appropriate treatment for each individual. This synthetic estrogen is often used to treat menopause, the stage in a woman's life when fertility begins to come to an end and menstrual periods cease to exist. A doctor can help each patient decide if bioidentical estrogen is an appropriate choice.
Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes are common symptoms of menopause that may be relieved by the use of bioidentical estrogen. Women who experience vaginal irritation or dryness may also benefit from the use of bioidentical estrogen. When going through menopause, many women often experience a loss of sexual desire due to decreased estrogen levels. Bioidentical estrogen may be able to help with this symptom as well.
Low estrogen levels may also lead to skin problems. Thinning skin or the development of wrinkles can often be linked to decreased estrogen levels. Estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to slow this process in many women. Bladder and urinary function are also controlled, at least in part, by the hormone known as estrogen.
There are various types of bioidentical estrogen available on the market. This type of hormone replacement may be found in the form of a pill, cream, or gel. It is important to closely follow the directions accompanying the supplement. There is a bit of controversy surrounding bioidentical hormones, so care should be taken to ensure that products are ordered from reputable manufacturers.
Some women have reported negative side effects when using estrogen replacement therapy, so any questions or concerns should be discussed with a physician. Nausea and upset stomach are among the most commonly reported side effects. Some patients have also experienced dizziness or a feeling of being lightheaded when using this form of therapy. Mood swings, depression, and an increased risk of gallbladder problems have also been reported from using bioidentical estrogen. Estrogen therapy should never be used during pregnancy, so a doctor should be told right away if the female patient is pregnant or thinks that she may become pregnant while using this type of hormone therapy.