Estrogens:

• are responsible for normal growth and development of female sex organs
• maintain secondary sex characteristics
• protect against bone loss and heart disease

Estriol has been shown to be clinically effective for the treatment of menopausal symptoms as well as postmenopausal symptoms and vaginal atrophy, dryness, vaginal infections, painful intercourse, and various conditions of the urinary tract.

In addition to treating menopausal symptoms, Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) has been shown to be effective in decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease 7 and colorectal cancer. ERT also shows potential for treating patients with Multiple Sclerosis and arthritis.

Women using estrogen therapy dislike the side effects of breast tenderness, fluid retention, and weight gain. Both estrogen & progesterone levels therefore need to be assessed & appropriately balanced.

The three types of hormones typically prescribed for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy are estrogens, progesterone, and androgens. The precise components of each woman’s therapy need to be determined after physical examination, medical history, and laboratory testing are considered. We recommend that you take the Hormone Balance Test (on page 4) to help you identify possible hormone imbalances that need to be addressed. Once identified, close monitoring is essential to ensure that appropriate dosage adjustments are made.

References:

1 Once A Month, by Katharina Dalton, M.D., 1999, p.246
2 JAMA, Jan. 18,1995, Vol 273, No.3, pp.199- 208
3 Nature Medicine, 3(3): 324-7 and Journal of the American Col
lege of Cardiology, March 1, 1997, pp.671-5
4 ref: Int. Clinical Nutrition Review July, 1990, Vol 10:3; pp 384-
391
5 Prior, J.C. Endocrine Reviews 1990, Vol 11:2, pp.386-398.
6 JAMA, Jan.2, 1978, Vol.239, No.1, pp.29-30
7 (Ref: Int Jrnl of p’ceutical compounding Feb 98)