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Answer: A natural hormone is defined as a hormone that is identified in chemical structure to the hormone produced by the human body regardless of the source. It can also be referred to as “bio-identical”.

Answer: Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as those found in the body. In the past, women have used synthetic estrogens and progestins to treat menopausal symptoms and fight osteoporosis. These synthetic hormones do not have the exact chemical structure as a natural hormone. No two women are the same and therefore require individualized care to meet the needs of their hormone imbalance. Natural hormone replacement therapy can be made in a variety of strengths and dosage forms specific to your needs.

Answer: Progesterone, Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Testosterone

Answer: Estrogen is not one hormone, but a group of similar hormones of varying degrees of activity, all made by the ovary. The three hormones of this estrogen group are estradiol, estrone, and estriol.

Answer: Estrogen is the female hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for ovulation. Estrogen is secreted by the ovaries throughout a woman’s reproductive years. Special estrogen receptors are located in the breasts, lining of the uterus, cervix, brain, bones, and in the vagina. Estrogen plays an important role in a women’s life from the time she enters puberty until her last menstrual period.

Answer: Progesterone is one of two main hormones produced by the ovaries. More specifically, it is produced by the corpus luteum just after ovulation.

Answer: Progesterone is responsible got preparing and maintaining the lining of the uterus in preparation for the fertilized egg. Progesterone secreted from the ovary is necessary for the survival for the ovum and the resulting embryo until the placenta takes over this production. The decline of progesterone each month triggers the menstrual cycle. Progesterone and estrogen are closely interrelated and their actions in the body are in a delicate balance. PMS symptoms can often be relieved by progesterone therapy from day 14 to day 28 of a women’s cycle. After menopause, progesterone stimulates osteoblasts to help builds bone and increase bone density.

Answer: Progesterone is the natural hormone produced by the ovaries. Progestin refers to the group of the synthetic hormones (like medroxyprogesterone) that have actions similar to, but not identical to progesterone.

Answer: Natural micronized progesterone is obtained from yams or soybeans as a precursor substance called diosgenin. This precursor is then converted in the laboratory to progesterone. It is exactly the same as the progesterone produced by the ovaries. It is bio-identical. The term micronized refers to the small particle size of the progesterone itself. Progesterone is better absorbed when it is micronized and compounded in PLO transdermal base or cream.

Answer: Any woman taking estrogen replacement therapy who still has a uterus should take progesterone. Progesterone opposes the stimulatory activity of estrogen on the endometrial and protects against uterine and cervical cancer. There is a growing feeling among some physicians that all women taking estrogen hormone therapy should be taking progesterone.

Answer: Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation. One is classified as menopausal after 12 consecutive months without menses.

Answer: Perimenopause is a process that begins 10-15 years prior to menopause. It is classified by periods of fluctuating hormone production. Often this is when women first start to become symptomatic.

Answer: With the onset of menopause (perimenopause) the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone. During this time many women experience a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased sexual desire, and emotional changes (depression and irritability). Hormone replacement therapy can help relieve these symptoms, as well as, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Answer: Yes, anything compounded into a customized dosage form for an individual requires a prescription by a licensed health care practitioner.