When the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study was terminated, newswires buzzed with the potentially dangerous side effects of hormone therapy (HT). Each time a new study is released, the newswires start buzzing and women end up scared and confused all over again.

The frustrating and confusing part of these reports is that they make ALL hormone therapy out to be the bad guy when, in fact, the ill effects found in these studies typically apply to only one of two approaches to HT.

The WHI study tested the use of a synthetic hormone combination commonly prescribed by healthcare providers in the United States. What the media is not making clear is that individualized, low-dose natural hormone therapy is an alternative option that was not included in these studies and therefore should not be discounted.

The Downside of Synthetic HT

The synthetic hormones used in these studies are made in laboratories and have a chemical structure similar but not identical to the hormones produced in a woman's body. Because they are not identical, synthetic hormones cannot be counted on to act in the same way human hormones do. They may or may not produce the PMS and menopause symptom control women desire. As these studies show, they may also produce potentially dangerous side effects such as an increased risk of heart attack, blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer.

Furthermore, synthetic hormones like Prempro™, Premarin®, Provera®, and Premphase™ are prescribed in a one-size-fits-all standard dose, not a low-dose individualized for each patient. This "one-size-fits-all" approach increases the chance that the prescribed drug will produce unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects.

Natural Hormone Therapy - The Alternative

Individualized, low-dose natural hormone therapy is an alternative approach to synthetic HT. It uses what are called natural hormones like estradiol and progesterone. These hormones are also made in laboratories. In this case, however, the chemical structure of these hormones is exactly the same as the hormones produced naturally by a woman's body.

Scientifically valid studies, including the PEPI Trial conducted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, show natural hormones may have positive health effects above and beyond control of menopausal or PMS symptoms.

A low-dose natural hormone therapy prescription can be easily customized for each woman's unique needs. Individualization includes testing a woman's current hormone levels, determining the specific combination of hormones she requires, and prescribing at the lowest effective dosage, thereby minimizing unwanted effects. These prescriptions can be administered in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, patches, and creams.

The Choice is Still Yours

My advice to women is to not let the news reports frighten you into abandoning hormone therapy altogether. Instead, let them motivate you to learn all you can so you can make your own, well-informed choice. The benefits of natural hormone therapy administered through an individualized prescription are working for many women and could be the right treatment option for you.

Our health advisers will be happy to answer questions and help you find ALL the information you need. Call Women's Health America at (800) 558-7046.