The Bio-Identical Hormone Decision

Over the past year I’ve had increasing hot flashes despite working with my practitioner and my compounding pharmacist. When I first started taking the bio-identical hormones six years ago my blood tests said I was in estrogen dominance while having very low progesterone and testosterone levels.  This is very common.

After a discussion with my midwife practitioner I began taking progesterone and testosterone as a topical cream and felt zippier and happier than I had in a long time. Now, at my annual exam, she and I have another discussion after a review of my panel of blood test.  Adjustments are made accordingly.

Over time, my estrogen leveled and then began its decline. As this occurred my practitioner became reluctant to keep me on testosterone. She had concerns about how it might be converting to estrogen in my liver.  I know she keeps current on this topic and respected her enough to listen and ultimately agree.

To be honest, I miss the libido spark testosterone gave me.  Nonetheless, my body is in transition and I feel my poor liver is already hard at work.  I’ll find another way to trigger my sex drive!  And that brings me to another point. I believe it is extremely important to have a practitioner you trust and who sees you as the individual you are.  My practitioner always leaves the final decision in my hands and urges me to weigh potential consequences against quality of life issues.  If you have a doctor who has a “one hormone fits all attitude,” I’d be a little concerned. There are many, many, factors that go into the decision to augment with hormones, and it is an important conversation. Don’t short-change yourself with a doctor who doesn’t have time to get to know you.  Next week a story about my daughter and her experiences with doctors who don’t listen!  Please share if you do, or don’t take bio-identical hormones, and why!