Ever since the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study was published in 2002, tremendous controvery has existed about whether or not women should use synthetic estrogen (Premarin) or synthetic estrogen and progesterone combination (Prempro) after menopause.  Tens of thousands of women were either not offered any type of hormone replacement for their menopausal symptoms or taken off these prescriptions that allowed these women to full enjoy the quality of their lives without the symptoms of menopause:  hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, vaginal dryness and weight gain.

The WHI Study was stopped early due to concerns about an increase potential for patients being treated with Premarin and Prempro to develop breast cancer, heart disease, strokes and blood clots.  This study looked at the impact of Premarin, derived from pregnant mares urine – hence its name) alone and in combination with Provera (medroxyprogesterone), a synthetic progestin called Prempro.

The study seemed to show that the synthetic progestin, Provera part of the study seemed to lead most of the significant health problems.  This study did not look at bioidentical forms of estrogen or progesterone.  None the less, the conclusions reached have made patients and physicians afraid to use any type of hormone replacement to help women with the multitude of symptoms that affects their day to day lives.

What is the precise cause of breast cancer?  Even the experts are not exactly sure.  Most likely the cause is due to myriad of reasons such as genetics, environment, diet (high in processed sugars and fats), lack of exercise, exposure to various chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides and exposure to various hormones at different times of our lives such as birth control pills, hormones in the food supply and the like.  Multiple factors that in any specific individual allows health breast cells to become cancerous. 

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body.  By contract, synthetic hormones are intentionally different.  Drug companies can’t patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable such as Premarin, Provera and Prempro.

Bioidentical hormones have been available for decades, yet many physicians are unaware or unfamiliar with them.  Bioidentical hormones can be prescribed to any patient based on their specific needs.  Appropriate testing, usually a combination or blood, saliva or urinary tests, can help guide your physician to replace the specific hormones that you require to improve your symptoms.

The Wycoff Wellness Center is concerned about the incidence of breast cancer in the United States and advices his patients that they also should be concerned.  He advises his patients to learn more about the controversy of hormonal replacement and understand the difference between synthetic versus bioidentical hormone replacement.  Dr. Wycoff feels that achieving hormonal balance especially with the two major female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, is critical to reducing your risk of developing many health problems related to aging including breast cancer. 

Multiple studies in Europe has shown no increase in the risk of breast cancer in women treated with bioidentical hormone replacement.  The most recent study, the French Cohort study, looked at this specific issue and found no increase in the risk of breast cancer, heart disease or blood clots in patients treated with appropriate bioidentical hormone replacement.  Even the WHI study has been reexamined, and we are finding that many of the conclusions initially reached may have been premature and the results may not be are dramatic as originally thought.

So, as a patient concerned about the ravaging affects of menopause and concerned about breast cancer, what should you do?  Dr. Wycoff states that as a clinician, he is impressed on a daily basis by how effectively bioidentical hormones reverse the problems and diseases of aging.  He sees his clients improve their cholesterol levels, blood sugar, memory and mood disorders.  Cardiovascular disease, the largest cause of death in women, increases to the level of men after menopause.  Bioidentical hormones helps protect the heart, decrease the risks of stroke and reduce hypertension.  Bioidentical hormones also protects and strengthens bones improving arthritis and osteoporosis. 

At the Wycoff Wellness Center Dr. Wycoff has treated thousands of women with bioidentical hormones with consistent good outcomes.  He admits he strives to be on the crest of new and evolving scientific knowledge and above all applies his knowledge to do no harm to the patients who trust him with their health.  The Wycoff Wellness Center emphasizes that we must appreciated factors such as diet, exercise, decreasing toxins, stress reduction and appropriate supplements are all a part of restoring and maintaining health and wellness naturally.  As an educated patient, you have a choice in your health matters.  Find the best solution that meets your needs at this point in your life.