Uses of natural hormones

Can natural hormones reduce the risk of breast cancer?

We now know that hormones from pregnant mares stimulates a woman's breasts excessively, thereby predisposing to cancer. As well, in women with breast cancer, levels of estriol are greatly reduced in comparison with women who do not have breast cancer. So it may be that by keeping levels of the relatively weak hormone estriol high, that we reduce the risk of breast cancer. This has not been proven, but is dicussed in the Journal of the American Medical Association (1966;196:112).

Estrogen and osteoporosis

For too many women, a hip fracture is the end of their enjoyable time of life. Considerations in prevention of osteoporosis include

• diet
• exercise
• magnesium
• boron
• calcium
• vitamin D
• progesterone
• estrogen
• trace minerals
• vitamin K

Vaginal dryness

One remedy for vaginal dryness is estriol vaginal cream.

Post-partum depression

Anyone at risk for postpartum depression should start taking natural progesterone on the day of birth.

Women's Waterworks

Leaking

You may notice that every supermarket has a broad selection of absorbent pads for women who leak urine. If you leak urine when you laugh, cough, or exercise, you are far from alone. Many women have this problem. One of the best kept secrets of modern medicine is that most of the time this problem can be improved or eliminated. Dr Bertram Levy in Port Townsend is the best local source of advice.

Several studies have shown that accidental leaking of urine is reduced in a high percentage of women using estriol by mouth or in the vagina. Some women will wear a tampax when they exercise, and find this brings relief. If it does, we can fit you for a pessary, which is cleaner and less expensive in the long run.

Infection

Another problem with the menopause is that some women have recurring urinary tract infections as the vaginal environment changes. A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (1993;329:753) reported on 93 women in Israel who were given either estriol cream or a placebo.

All these women had been having frequent urinary tract infections. After treatment, the groups were compared...

• estriol cream - about one urinary tract infection every other year
• placebo - one urinary tract infection every two months

PMS

For PMS we start with 100 milligrams a day of oral progesterone. Sometimes up to 400 milligrams a day is required, and can be given as a 10% cream. After 3-4 months, that dose can be reduced. This can cause a few missed periods. With PMS, progesterone is most effective if it is begun before ovulation.

Menopause

We usually start with 5 milligrams tri-est combined with 100 milligrams progesterone. We often suggest adding 5 milligrams testosterone for women who report decreased libido. These oral doses are reduced if given as a transdermal cream.