Understanding bioidentical hormones and their effect on quality of life
Abstract
It is important to understand the functions of the body's hormones and the options available to make the right choices for use in treating the symptoms of menopause. Bioidentical hormones are compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as endogenous human hormones. In contrast, non-bioidentical—or synthetic—hormones are structurally dissimilar from endogenous hormones. Although it has been available for years, bioidentical compounded hormone therapy has gained popularity only recently. This article highlights the main functions of these hormones and how hormone imbalances can affect a patient's quality of life, the importance of lifestyle and diet and what bioidentical hormones are, as well as the differences in treatment in different countries and the meaning of compounding.
Hormones act as messengers between body systems to regulate physiology and behaviour, thus affecting a person's quality of life, for example, the hormones that regulate digestion. The endocrine system controls the response of the various glands in the body and the release of hormones at the appropriate times. Gastrin stimulates gastric acid secretion in the stomach, while secretin stimulates sodium bicarbonate secretion in the small intestine. Furthermore, somatostatin is released to stop acid secretion when the stomach is empty. Cholecystokinin is the hormone that stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder to release bile (Waterman, 1960).
Stress, growth, movement, reproduction and mood are also controlled by hormones (Hayashi and Sato, 1976; Fernández-Guasti et al, 2012).
Hormones play a huge role in a patient's quality of life and when they become imbalanced, the effects can be wide-ranging. Imbalances can develop as a result of endogenous or exogenous change, leading to modifications in hormone homeostasis. These changes can be physical (e.g. aches and pains or sleeplessness) or mental (e.g. being unable to cope under stress or being irritable).
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