People's Pharmacy

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Are Natural Hormones Better?

Posting Date: 11/14/2005

Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in the sales of so-called bio-identical hormones. Compounding pharmacists use soy and yams to formulate estrogen and progesterone that are supposed to mimic the hormones a woman?s own body used to produce. Proponents claim these products are safer.

Despite their popularity, bio-identical hormones are coming under scrutiny. The FDA says that doctors and patients should assume that all hormones have a similar profile of benefits and risks, regardless of how they are made.

Susan Love, MD, a leading advocate for women?s health, points out that high levels of progesterone are not natural after menopause. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also warns that there is no evidence that long-term use of bio-identical hormones is safe.

For women suffering severe menopausal symptoms, short-term use of female hormones can be helpful. This is still the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats.

We have summarized the pros and cons of hormones in our Guide to Estrogen: Benefits, Risks & Interactions. Anyone who would like a copy may download it from www.peoplespharmacy.com or send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. W-49, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.