There are significant differences between hormones that are natural to humans (bio-identical) and synthetic (including horse) preparations. Side chains are added to a natural substance to create a synthetic product that can be patented by a manufacturer. A patented drug can be profitable to mass produce, and therefore a drug company can afford to fund research as to the medication's use and effectiveness. However, bio-identical substances can not be patented, so scientific studies are less numerous on these natural hormones, as medical research is frequently funded by drug companies. Structural differences that exist between human, synthetic, and animal hormones may be responsible for side effects that are experienced when non-bio-identical hormones are used for replacement therapy.

Bio-identical hormones include estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and pregnenolone. Our compounding specialists work together with patients and prescribers to provide customized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy that provides the needed hormones in the most appropriate strength and dosage form to meet each woman's specific needs. Hormone replacement therapy should be initiated carefully after a woman's medical and family history have been reviewed. Every woman is unique and will respond to therapy in her own way. Close monitoring and medication adjustments are essential.

Learn more, visit the Western Mass Compounding Center

SOY-BASED FOODS
Soybeans are a concentrated source of isoflavones, substances belonging to a group of natural plant chemicals called phytoestrogens that may alleviate menopausal symptoms and help prevent certain cancers. Isoflavones act as estrogens in the body and have protective functions. By substituting soybeans for animal products as a protein source, you can lower your intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, effectively improving your cardiovascular health. Consuming one or two servings of soy protein (90 mg of isoflavones) per day may decrease the risk of CVD and protect against spinal bone loss.

BEANS AND LEGUMES
While soybeans are the best source of isoflavones, other beans and legumes are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, folate, and other nutrients that are associated with a reduced risk of CVD, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis. Magnesium intake has been associated with less bone loss at the hip, improved carbohydrate metabolism, and a
lower risk of diabetes.

NUTS AND SEEDS
Besides adding taste and texture, nuts and seeds contribute monounsaturated (“healthy”) fats, vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, copper, and arginine to the diet. These nutrients have been shown support cardiovascular health. Almost all nuts and seeds provide health benefits – including almonds, cashews, fiberts, macadamias, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts. Flaxseeds provide another type of phytosetrogen called lig-nans, which may help protect against heart disease and cancer. They may also help to reduce some menopausal symptoms.

FISH
Oily, cold-water fish contain omega-3 fatty acids as well. These acids reduce inflammation of the blood vessels, which may contribute to an overall reduction in CVD. One or two servings per week of omega-3-rich fish can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by 25%.

A quick overview of the dietary steps for a healthier menopause:

Gonorrhea. —Also a curable bacterial STI, gonorrhea is Similar to Chlamydia. It has no symptoms in more than half of the women who have it, and it can cause PID,
tubal blockage, and infertility. Up to four out of every 10 women who have gonorrhea also have Chlamydia, so women diagnosed with or suspected of having gonorrhea are usually treated for
Chlamydia as well. Gonorrhea is typically treated with an injection (shot) of an antibiotic, plus pills to treat possible Chlamydia.

Syphilis. —Syphilis is spread by bacteria that get into the bloodstream through breaks in the skin. While it is less common in women than Chlamydia or gonorrhea, it is detrimental to infected pregnant women, who can pass syphilis on to their babies, causing death or serious birth defects. Over many years, untreated syphilis can infect the brain, heart, and other internal organs. Syphilis is curable with penicillin injections.

HPV. —This STI is caused by a virus and should be of particular concern to women since some strains of the virus cause cervical cancer. Fortunately, Papanicolaou (Pap), smears can detect HPV and abnormal cells that can develop into cancer. There is also a DMA test available to detect signs of HPV. Treatment prevents the abnormal cells from turning into cancerous cells. Women with HPV should have regular Pap smears according to the timetable their health care provider recommends.

Infections or skin tags called polyps in the cervix. Firm, irregular shapes typical of non-cancerous, uterine growths called fibroids. And irregularities of the uterus or ovaries, an ultrasound can detect this.

There are two types of pain that most of us experience: acute and chronic. Acute pain comes from tissue damage of a specific source, such as an illness, injury, or condition that is temporary and will eventually heal or stop, even if it takes a while. While acute pain has a specific cause, the reasons for chronic pain are less well understood. Scientists think chronic pain is due to activated nerves that keep sending the signal "ouch" even when the condition that originally triggered the message is long gone. Sometimes there is no obvious cause for the chronic pain, such as with fibromyalgia.

Observing and recording your discomfort level and things that affect it in a pain diary can help you and your health care provider gain control of your discomfort. It can be difficult to provide this information, especially when you are suffering and looking for immediate relief. The more information you can provide, however, the better your clinician can work with you to alleviate your misery.

Most types of acute pain go away after the cause is gone (e.g., recovering from a broken bone, having an inflamed appendix surgically removed, delivering a baby). While healing is occurring or the source of the problem is resolving, strong and effective medications are available. Pain medications work by a variety of actions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, act by decreasing tissue irritation and pain transmission. Others, like narcotics, block pain signals on their way to the brain, or by lowering the ability of the brain and spinal cord to interpret the signals as discomfort. There is good evidence that pain medications works better when you use them early, rather than waiting for the condition to become unbearable. If you are under medical treatment, it is important that you let your health care provider know how well your relief medication is working.

Chronic pain can be more difficult to treat, but it can be controlled. Whether the source of the problem is known, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or cancer, or whether no cause can be found, a variety of drug and nondrug treatments are available. Combining approaches is often more useful than using any one method.

Medications used to treat conditions of the reproductive system, such as endometriosis or fibroids, can decrease estrogen levels and cause temporary vaginal atrophy. It can also be caused by medications used to treat some cancers.

Vaginal Moisturizers: 
Available without a prescription, these can be found in most drug stores. They come in many forms, the most common being liquids, gels and suppositories. If vaginal dryness or burning is a constant, everyday problem, a vaginal moisturizer can be used daily. You can place these moisturizers inside your vagina with your fingers or an applicator, or spread them on the vulva (the vaginal lips and skin outside the vaginal entrance).

Vaginal Lubricants: 
The products are also available without a prescription. If symptoms are a problem only during sex, you can use lubricants just before or during sex. You or your partner can use them directly around or in your vagina, or spread them on sex toys, fingers or your partner’s penis. When buying lubricants, you should look for the term “water soluble” on the packaging. This means that the lubricants can be washed off easily with water and that they are safe to use with condoms. It is important when choosing a vaginal lubricant to stay away from products that contain additives such as colors, flavors or fragrances because they could potentially cause irritation. If you continue to have burning or vaginal discharge despite using lubricants or moisturizers, see your health care provider. Although vaginal atrophy can cause these symptoms, you should be examined for other problems with similar symptoms, such as a vaginal infection or skin problems on the vulva. If you are bleeding after sex, you should also see your health care provider.

Estrogen-containing Medications: 
These are only available by prescription, so you will need to see your health care provider. Systemic estrogen is available in several forms, including pills, patches and creams absorbed through the skin. If you have not had a hysterectomy, you need to use estrogen in combination with another hormone called progesterone. This helps prevent cancer of the uterine lining, which is more likely to develop in women who use estrogen after menopause.

Topical estrogen can be used directly in the vagina. It comes in the form of a ring you can insert into your vagina and replace every three months, a vaginal tablet you insert with an applicator or a cream inserted with an applicator. Estrogens used in the vagina are somewhat absorbed into your bloodstream through the vaginal walls.

While estrogen may be beneficial to some, it does propose some potential risks. A large study, the Women’s Health Initiative, found that women who used estrogen after menopause were slightly more likely than nonusers to develop strokes or blood clots. Women in the study who used the estrogen in combination with progesterone had additional risks – they had a slightly higher increase of developing breast cancer or heart attacks. If you are considering using estrogen, it is important that you discuss the risks and benefits thoroughly with your health care provider and get the information you need to make an informed decision.

You may have heard about hormone creams containing estrogen or progesterone that are individually compounded (made to order by pharmacists) and are purported to be safer and “more natural” than the standard hormone products available from drug companies. Although they may sound appealing, you should be aware that there is no research to show whether these products work better than standard estrogen medications, or if they are safer.