Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) in Women

Natural Progesterone beginning in 20s and 30s, Natural Estrogen and Testosterone in Peri and Post Menopause, depending on clinical results

Disclaimer

For educational purposes only. See your provider for treatment.
My material does not infer a provider/client relationship.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy has been proven to decrease all-cause mortality by 19% (Back, et al., 2024).
When considering hormone replacement therapy, only Bio-Identical should be prescribed and utilized. Care should be taken to distinguish the terminology and ensure what is being used or even researched, as many research articles still refer to synthetic progestins, progestogens, and medroxyprogestins as progesterone. These are SYNTHETIC, not natural.

In my practice and all written material, I am referring to Natural Bio-Identical Hormones that are chemically and structurally identical to the body’s own hormones. These are utilized and metabolized naturally.

Synthetic hormones are not metabolized naturally. Our enzymes that break down, methylate, and metabolize natural hormones were not made to metabolize and break down synthetic hormones. This can causeweight gain and LIPEDEMA.

Synthetic hormones hang around in the body longer, break down into harmful metabolites, which can be proliferative and actually cause cancer.
Synthetic progestins were found to cause blood clots, strokes, etc. They also put on about 7–8 pounds in most, which is difficult to lose. See material below for more information.

There have been many lawsuits for many years, against pharmaceutical companies, due to breast cancer and now brain tumors. Pharmaceutical companies cannot patent and sell a natural substance, so they change a molecule here or there. Prempro, approved in 1995, consists of Medroxyprogesterone and conjugated estrogens (from pregnant mare urine). First trial in 2006 for breast cancer. . She did not win, as the company stated they had warned her of this!. However, in 2007, patient awarded $3million for breast cancer due to PremPro. 2011, Pfizer paid $330 million in damage for patients developing breast cancer. In 2022, research shows PremPro causes dementia. Our FDA has never stopped the selling of this drug (Nicholson, J.D., 2024.) There is another lawsuit right now due to the occurrence of meningioma and glioma brain tumors. Of 790,000 women, taking oral estrogen-progestin, oral progestin-only, Prometrium or Provera a total of 1600 women were diagnosed with meningiomas and 1,200 with gliomas. The highest risks are with progestin-only. The research still labels this "HRT" as if lumping all HRT together. The research, again, did not include Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (www.aboutlawsuits.com). BHRT hormones are chemically and structurally identical to our own.

Just a Few Key Benefits of Natural Progesterone Therapy

(There are many, many more)

Natural progesterone therapy offers several potential benefits for women in their 20s and 30s, particularly in addressing hormonal imbalances that can lead to conditions such as estrogen dominance, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular menstrual cycles, and failed pregnancies.

Unlike synthetic progestins, natural progesterone is chemically identical to the hormone produced by the body and is associated with fewer adverse effects.

1. Hormonal Balance and Estrogen Dominance
   Natural progesterone can help balance estrogen levels, especially in cases where estrogen levels are elevated relative to progesterone. This balance is crucial for maintaining overall hormonal health, and can prevent weight gain and LIPEDEMA.

2. Support for Reproductive Health
   By promoting a healthy balance between estrogen and progesterone, natural progesterone may support regular menstrual cycles and reproductive health. Progesterone is a sticky hormone, It facilitates the embryo to stick inside the uterus.

3. Mood Stabilization
   Progesterone has been noted to have mood-stabilizing effects, which can be beneficial for women experiencing mood swings associated with hormonal fluctuations.

4. Breast Cancer Risk Considerations
   Research indicates that natural progesterone may offer protective effects. A meta-analysis involving 86,881 postmenopausal women found that natural progesterone was associated with a significantly lower risk of breast cancer compared to synthetic progestins.

5. Progesterone Deficiency and Breast Cancer Risk in Women Treated for Infertility
   A study by Cowan et al. (2021) found that women with a history of progesterone deficiency had a 5.4 times higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer compared to those without such a history.

Role of Natural Progesterone in Infertility and Miscarriage Prevention

Natural progesterone plays a crucial role in supporting fertility and preventing spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) by regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for implantation, and maintaining early pregnancy.
If low, supplementation can help support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of spontaneous abortion.
Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

1. Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

• Progesterone is essential for the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs after ovulation. During this phase, progesterone helps prepare the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

• If progesterone levels are insufficient, it can lead to an inadequate uterine lining, which can prevent implantation and lead to early pregnancy loss (Miller et al., 2013).

2. Support for Early Pregnancy

• After implantation, progesterone maintains the uterine lining and supports fetal development by suppressing uterine contractions.

• It also plays a role in the immune system to prevent the body from rejecting the embryo.

• Insufficient progesterone during early pregnancy is a common cause of miscarriage (Schwartz et al., 2017).

3. Progesterone in Preventing Miscarriage

• Natural progesterone supplementation has been used in clinical settings to support early pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages.

• Studies have shown that progesterone supplementation can reduce the risk of miscarriage in women with luteal phase defects or a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (Vitrikas et al., 2019).

4. Progesterone in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

• In ART procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), progesterone is often given to ensure that the uterine lining is receptive to implantation.

• The use of progesterone has been shown to improve outcomes in IVF and prevent early pregnancy loss by supporting the early stages of pregnancy (Kovacs et al., 2017).

5. Progesterone and Endometrial Receptivity

• Natural progesterone helps increase endometrial receptivity, which is essential for embryo implantation.

• Studies indicate that progesterone not only regulates the endometrium but also plays a significant role in improving uterine conditions for implantation and preventing immune rejection of the embryo (Cakmak et al., 2015).

Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy in Peri and Post Menopause

Research shows that Hormone Therapy after the age of 65 decreases all-cause mortality by 19%.
Natural progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, when balanced:

• Improve quality of life

• Decrease risks of breast and other cancers

• Prevent heart disease and strokes

• Prevent dementia

Baik et al. (2024) analyzed data from over 10 million senior Medicare women (2007–2020) and found that estrogen monotherapy beyond age 65 was associated with significant reductions in all cause mortality by 19%:

• Breast cancer: 16%

• Lung cancer: 13%

• Colorectal cancer: 12%

• Congestive heart failure: 5%

• Venous thromboembolism: 3%

• Atrial fibrillation: 4%

• Acute myocardial infarction: 11%

• Dementia: 2%

Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections and Sepsis in the Elderly

Bio Identical Estrogen Therapy prevents vulvovaginal dryness and atrophy, which leads to painful sex and infections.
This decreases UTIs, and therefore sepsis, by maintaining moisture and a proper vaginal pH, thereby protecting the urethra and GU tract from harmful bacteria from the GI tract.

Dutta et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review examining the relationship between UTIs and delirium in the elderly.
The study highlighted that UTIs are a common cause of delirium in older adults, often causing symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, and poor appetite.

Prevention of Type II Diabetes

De Paoli et al. (2021) reviewed data on estrogen's role in insulin resistance.
They found that estrogen supplementation improves glucose tolerance, reduces fasting insulin levels, and decreases insulin resistance—helping protect against type 2 diabetes, particularly in postmenopausal women.

The Importance of Estradiol for Body Weight Regulation in Women

Vigil et al. (2022) discussed estradiol’s role in regulating food intake and energy expenditure.
Reduced estradiol levels lead to increased appetite and decreased metabolism, increasing the risk of obesity and related complications.

Bio-Identical Therapy vs. Synthetic Progestins, Progestogens, Medroxyprogestins, and Premarin

The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study (2002)

This landmark trial tested synthetic hormones only (not bioidentical). The findings included:

• Increased risk of blood clots and strokes

• 26% increased risk of breast cancer

• Higher risk of heart disease

These results led to public fear and a 50%+ drop in hormone therapy prescriptions between 2002–2004.

The WHI tested synthetic hormones:

• Conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin)

• Synthetic progestin (Provera)

These differ significantly from bioidentical hormones, which match the body’s natural structure.

ALL OF THESE RISKS WERE LATER LINKED TO SYNTHETIC PROGESTINS AND ORAL PREMARIN.

Mortality Toll of Estrogen Avoidance

A 2013 study in the American Journal of Public Health estimated that between 18,601 and 91,610 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 59 died prematurely (2002–2011) due to estrogen avoidance after the WHI scare.

• Estimated 40,292 to 48,835 excess deaths

• 12 out of 13 excess deaths per 10,000 women/year were due to cardiovascular disease (Sarrel et al., 2013)

This research has been recanted many times—but media coverage never corrected the fear-based narrative.

Conclusion

For women in their 20s and 30s, natural progesterone therapy can be a valuable option for addressing hormonal imbalances and supporting overall and reproductive health.

BHRT benefits women by offering:

• Neuroprotection

• Cardiovascular protection

• Weight management

• Diabetes prevention

• And more...

Personalized care based on age, health status, risk factors , and cutting edge diagnostic tools are key to maximizing benefits and minimizing risks in all stages of a woman's life.

OPTIIZE!!! Hormones, LIPEDEMA, and Weight

with ME

Carla Whorton, NP