Heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death and disability in women and men. There are ways to reduce the risk of experiencing such cardiovascular catastrophes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and ensuring your blood pressure stays at a proper level.
There is another way to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and that is through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Since genetics play a strong role in heart disease and stroke, it is especially important for those whose close relatives have died from or struggled with cardiovascular ailments to consider methods of lowering their risk factors.
Bioidentical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones
Many people are under the impression that hormone replacement therapy actually increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. That is true – if synthetic hormones are involved. For that reason, women given synthetic hormones – made from pregnant mare’s urine – to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats should stay on this regimen for the shortest time possible.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, created from plant materials such as soy and wild yam, helps protect the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Bioidentical hormones contain the same molecular structure as those found in the human body, and are safe and effective for long-term use.
The individual doses prescribed for each patient are the same amounts found naturally in the body. It is true replacement therapy, not more than the body requires remaining in a healthy state. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy takes the form of pills, patches, injections, creams or transdermal implants. They are all custom-tailored to each patient and created in a compounding pharmacy according to the doctor’s prescription.
Heart Disease in Women
Bioidentical hormones may reduce the incidence of female heart disease. Not only does bioidentical hormone therapy lower blood pressure, but it also lowers levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides.
High inflammation levels in the body are also a precursor of cardiovascular disease, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy reduced common inflammation markers by nearly 40 percent.
Especially noteworthy is that such markers were reduced significantly in people with a family history of heart disease.
Progesterone and Stroke
Progesterone, produced in the ovaries and by the brain, is well-known for its brain protecting properties. After menopause, levels of progesterone in a woman’s body decline.
With bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, the full protective value of progesterone available in the pre-menopausal state returns. This allows progesterone to aid in protecting the brain from a possible stroke.
Contact Dr. Jacobson Today
Reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke requires a holistic approach, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a key part of that. However, that does not mean that patients on such a regimen can neglect other crucial aspects of their health, such as sufficient exercise, a good diet and lowering stress levels.
The doctor designs a program geared to each patient to maximize wellness and address other issues common in menopause, such as depression, insomnia, and mood changes. Nutritional supplements may help patients reach their health goals while benefiting the cardiovascular system.
If you would like more information on how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, call the offices of Dr. Edward Jacobson today and arrange for a consultation.