The Safety Of Bio-Identical Hormones by Jeffrey Dach MD
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Jeffrey Dach MD
Jul 4, 2008, 1:19:08 PM7/4/08
to TrueMedMD Jeffrey Dach MD
The original article can be found here:
http://www.jeffreydach.com/2008/06/27/the-safety-of-bioidentical-hormones-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx
Catalog of all other articles here: http://www.jeffreydach.com
The Safety Of Bio-Identical Hormones by Jeffrey Dach MD
Are Women's Bio-identical hormones safe? Bio-identical hormones exist
naturally in the human body, so it is axiomatic that these are safe.
However, we are interested in a slightly different question. What is
the safety of bio-identical hormones as routinely used in medical
practice? Let's try to answer this question.
The Safety of Water compared to Bio-Identical Hormones
Water is safe, beneficial and required for health. Yet, even so,
drinking excess amounts of water causes death from Fatal Water
Intoxication.(1)
Left Image: Water with Droplets Courtesy of Wikimedia
Similarly, just like water, bio-identical hormones are safe and
beneficial when used at proper dosages. Like excessive water,
excessive hormone dosage may result in their own adverse side
effects. Excess estrogen, for example, causes fluid retention, breast
sensitivity and enlargement, and disordered mood.
Humans Have Bio-Identical Hormones.
Another answer to the safety question is that bio-identical hormones
are found in the human body naturally. Any harmful substance in the
human body would impair survival, and over millions of years of
evolution would be eliminated by natural selection. This is the basic
concept of Darwinian evolution which is accepted by mainstream medical
science.
A 50 Million Year Medical Experiment
Consider the following medical experiment, performed over the last 50
million years with the help of our friend, Darwinian evolution.(2)
Bio-Identical Hormones have been present in the human body for 50
million years, and we humans are still here on the planet. I would
consider that a successful medical experiment, wouldn't you?
Either Excess or Deficiency of Anything Can be Harmful
One of our routine labs tests called the Chem Panel measures
electrolytes and glucose levels in the blood. The body automatically
maintains these within narrow ranges to maintain health. If levels
deviate above or below these normal ranges, this causes a serious
health disturbance. For example elevated potassium levels causes
cardiac arrest. Magnesium deficiency causes muscle spasm and
arrythmia. Excessive amounts of Vitamins A and D are toxic. Hormones
levels enjoy a considerably wide range of acceptable limits. Even so,
a deficiency or an excess of women's bio-identical hormones can
produce adverse symptoms. This is called estrogen deficiency/excess,
and progesterone deficiency/excess, and they each have typical signs
and symptoms easily recognized.(3)
Common Signs of Estrogen Deficiency (4)
Mental fogginess
Forgetfulness
Depression
Minor anxiety
Mood change
Difficulty falling asleep
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Temperature swings
Day-long fatigue
Reduced stamina
Decreased sense of sexuality
Lessened self-image and attention to appearance
Dry eyes, skin, and vagina
Loss of skin radiance
Feel balanced 2nd part of cycle
Sagging breasts and loss of fullness
Pain with sexual activity
Weight gain
Increased back and joint pain
Episodes of rapid heartbeat
Headaches and migraines
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Constipation
Common Signs of Excess Estrogen (takes longer to notice)
Breast tenderness or pain
Increased breast size
Water retention, fingers, legs
Impatient, snappy behavior, but with clear mind
Pelvic cramps
Nausea
Common Signs of Progesterone Deficiency
No period at all (no ovulation)
The period comes infrequently (every few months)
Heavy and frequent periods (large clots, due to buildup in the
uterus)
Spotting a few days before the period. (Progesterone level is
dropping)
PMS
Cystic breasts
Painful breasts
Breasts with lumps
Most cases of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.
Anxiety, irritability, nervousness and water retention
Above list courtesy of Uzzi Reiss MD OB GYN. (4)
No Reported Adverse Events from Bio-Identical Hormones
Over-the-counter pain pills (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen and
ibuprofen are considered fairly safe. After all, you don't need a
prescription to buy them, yet they cause an estimated 16,500 deaths in
the US annually, mostly from gastric bleeding.(5) Compare this to no
reported adverse events from bio-identical hormones last year,
according to an FDA press conference January 2008.(6)
Do Bio-Identical Hormones Cause Breast Cancer?(7)
The answer is no. According to the French Cohort study, there is no
increase in breast cancer in women using bio-identical hormones.(8)
However, having said that, avoiding excess environmental estrogens as
well as excessive estrogen levels from any source, is the key to
preventing breast cancer.(9) My previous article covers our program
for breast cancer prevention which includes iodine supplementation,
Indole-3-carbinol and fiber. To read about this, see: Breast Cancer
Prevention and Iodine Supplementation by Jeffrey Dach MD.(10)
Left Image: Eiffel Tower Paris France Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Do Bio-Identical Hormones Cause Heart Disease ?
Again, the answer is no. A study of CAT calcium scores by JoAnn E.
Manson in the June 2007 JAMA actually showed less heart disease in the
women taking unopposed estrogen (they had hysterectomies and were not
given the synthetic progestins).(11) These same results had already
been published 2 years previously in a calcium score study by Budoff
in J Womens Health 2005. (12)
A Closer Look at the Women's Health Initiative WHI Study
Understanding the Women's Health Inititative (WHI) study is not
difficult, and is very important to answer the question of hormone
safety. The WHI study was the large NIH sponsored medical study which
compared synthetic hormones to placebo in two large groups of women.
The WHI study consisted of two arms. The first arm used the synthetic
hormones Premarin and Provera, and the second arm used Premarin alone.
(13)(14)
What is Premarin and Provera?
Premarin and Provera are not bio-identical hormones. Premarin is a
hormone obtained from pregnant horses, which contains Equilin, a horse
hormone not found in humans.(15) Provera is a synthetic hormone which
is not found anywhere in the natural world (see provera diagram below).
(16) The Premarin and Provera combination is called PremPro, a
synthetic hormone pill commonly prescribed by mainstream medicine.
Prempro was the hormone preparation used in the first arm of the WHI
study.(13)
WHI study First Arm:
The WHI study (first arm published in JAMA 2002) was terminated early
because the combination of premarin and provera (Prempro) caused
increased breast cancer and heart disease.(13)Immediately after this
study was published, there was a massive switch by women to bio-
identical hormones which resulted in a 4 billion dollar loss for
Wyeth, the maker of Prempro. Wyeth is still trying to recoup that
money by manipulating the FDA. They want the FDA to ban their
competition, the bio-identical hormones or their components.(36)(37)
(38) Use this easy tool to email your Congressman and voice your
opposition to Wyeth's attempts to ban estriol and other bio-identical
hormones.(17) While you are at it, tell your Congressman that
synthetic hormones are chemically altered monsters that should be
banned.
WHI study second arm:
All the women in the second arm of the WHI study had prior
hysterectomies, so they did not need the progestin, provera. Rather,
they were only given Premarin (the horse hormone, also called CEE, for
Conjugated Equine Estrogen). Unlike the first arm of the study, these
women had no increase in breast cancer risk.(18)
Left Chart: This chart shows data from the second arm of the WHI in
JAMA 2004.(14)
The blue bars represents adverse events in the placebo group. The red
bars represents adverse events in women (ages 50-59) on premarin only,
with no Provera (progestin). Note that the Red bars are all Lower
than the Blue bars. The Red bar (Premarin-only) group shows LESS heart
disease, LESS breast cancer and LESS Mortality when compared to
placebo (blue bar). Chart Courtesy of Susan Ott MD Bone Physiology.
(19)
Premarin causes endometrial cancer, so the mainstream medical system
always gives Provera (progestins) to prevent endometrial cancer,
unless of course, the uterus is absent from prior hysterectomy.(20)
The WHI Culprit was the Synthetic Progestin (an altered form of
Progesterone)
Back to the first arm of the WHI which used Prempro, it is clear from
the data that the culprit which caused breast cancer and heart
disease was Provera, a synthetic monster hormone. This is nothing
new. For years, Provera has been known to cause heart disease and
breast cancer.(21)(22)(39)
Provera Proven to Cause Breast Cancer
In fact, medical studies prove that Provera causes breast cancer. In
these studies, Primates were treated with either Progesterone or
Provera showing that the Provera causes breast cancer, while the
Progesterone provides protection from breast cancer.(22)
Monster Hormones are Chemically Altered
Chemically altered hormones were used in the WHI study, and are
routinely handed out by the medical system. These altered hormones
are monsters that should never have been approved for marketing to the
American people. They should be banned.
Image Left: Another Monster: Boris Karloff from Frankenstein
1931.Courtesy of Wikimedia.
The Media Says Hormones Cause Cancer and Heart Disease
If bio-identical hormones are so safe, then why do the newspapers say
that women's hormones cause breast cancer and heart disease?(23)
The answer is that the media and the medical profession routinely
confuse synthetic chemically altered monster hormones with the bio-
identical hormones. The drug companies intentionally create this
confusion because they want to hide the fact that synthetic hormones
are monsters that should be banned.
Chemically altered hormones were made because of a quirk in our legal
system which grants patent protection for chemically altered versions
of a natural substance. The natural hormones were chemically altered
so that they could be patented to protect profits from competition.
Naturally occurring bio-identical hormones by law cannot be patented.
Examples of monster synthetic hormones are provera, all progestins,
and birth control pills which are never found in nature. These are the
monster hormones.
A Listing of a Few Monster Hormones:
Chemically Altered forms of progesterone:
Dienogest, Desogestrel, Drospirenone, Dydrogesterone, Ethisterone,
Etonogestrel, Ethynodiol diacetate, Gestodene, Gestonorone,
Levonorgestrel, Lynestrenol, Medroxyprogesterone, Megestrol,
Norelgestromin, Norethisterone, Norethynodrel, Norgestimate,
Norgestrel, Norgestrienone, Tibolone
Chemically altered forms of estrogen:
Dienestrol, Diethylstilbestrol, Ethinylestradiol, Fosfestrol,
Mestranol
Chemically alered hormones in BCP's Birth Control Pills:
levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol [oral contraceptive] (ALESSE 28,
AVIANE, NORDETTE, SEASONALE, TRIPHASIL, TRIVORA-28); norethindrone and
ethinyl estradiol (COMBI PATCH, LOESTRIN FE 1/20, NEOCON 1/35, ORTHO-
NOVUM 7/7/7, OVCON 35); norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (ORTHO-
CYCLEN, ORTHOTRI-CYCLEN, TRINESSA); norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
(LO/OVRAL 28, LOW-OGESTREL), desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol
(DESOGEN, MIRCETTE, ORTHO-CEPT), drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol
(YASMIN)
Chemically altered forms of testosterone:
Androstanolone, Fluoxymesterone, Mesterolone, Methyltestosterone
How to make a Monster Hormone, Add a Side-Chain
Below Images: Courtesy of wikemedia commons.
Human Progesterone Provera - the Monster
Hormone
Take a good look at human bio-identical Progesterone (Upper left), and
the chemically altered version (upper right) Provera
(medroxyprogesterone). The added side-chain is labeled in RED on the
right side of the Provera molecule. This side-chain (in red) has been
added in order to make a totally new structure that can be patented,
and is the only difference with progesterone (upper left). In the
process of adding this side-chain, a Monster was created. In the
opinion of John R Lee MD, "to prescribe a chemically altered version
of progesterone called Provera is medical malpractice", and yet this
practice is common in mainstream medicine.
An Illustration which Explains the Problem of Synthetic Drugs
Supposing a biochemist working for a drug company has an idea to alter
the chemical structure of vitamin C so a patent can be obtained. The
biochemist adds a chlorine molecule to the vitamin C carbon ring, and
gives is a new name "super-Vitamin C", which is really a chlorinated
version of vitamin C. Next they do a one year medical study with
5,000 people taking the chlorinated vitamin C tablet every day, and
another 5000 people taking a placebo. After the year is up, they
count a .5 per cent incidence of heart disease events in the Super
Vitamin C group and a 1.0 percent in the placebo group. FDA approval
is easily obtained based on reduction in heart disease events by 50
per cent (.5 per cent is 50% of 1.0 %). The drug company is at
liberty to spend million dollars on television advertising designed to
rake in millions more for the new heart prevention miracle drug. This
absurd scenario is now the norm for our medical system. Why would
anyone want to spend money for a monster version of vitamin C when the
real thing is available for pennies? Why use a monster hormone when
human hormones are available? Compared to their monster
counterparts, Bio-Identical Hormones are more effective, have fewer
adverse side effects, and are less costly.
High Hormone Levels of Early Pregnancy Confer Protection from Breast
Cancer.
During the 16th century in Italy, breast cancer was quite rare. An
Italian doctor, Bernardino Ramazzini, noted in 1713 the relatively
high incidence of breast cancer in nuns and wondered whether this was
related to celibate lifestyle.(24) Recent studies confirm that early
pregnancy and multiple pregnancies confer protection from breast
cancer, while no pregnancies (as in the nuns) leads to increased risk
of breast cancer.(25) This protection is thought to be confered by
high levels of progesterone. This was confirmed in a 2007 study by
Rajkumar who showed that hormone treatment protected genetically
engineered mice from developing breast cancer.
(26)
Left image Pregnancy, courtesy of wikipemedia commons.
Progesterone, the Great Protector
Progesterone is so safe, it is available over the counter without a
prescription. In addition, a deficiency of progesterone is associated
with an increase in breast cancer risk.(27) Progesterone is known to
be protective and prevents breast cancer.(28)
Why Don't Birth Control Pills use Natural Progesterone?
Birth Control Pills, BCP's, are very effective at preventing pregnancy
by suppressing ovulation. However, BCP's contain synthetic hormones
which have adverse side effects.(29)(30)(31) To avoid these monster
hormones, the IUD (intra-uterine device) is available.
Here is a listing of people involved in the early development of
birth control pills: Russell Marker, Percy Lavon Julian, Carl
Djerassi, Luis E. Miramontes, George Rosenkranz, Gregory Pincus, Min
Chueh Chang, John Rock.(32)
In the future of medicine, I predict that progesterone will replace
progestins as oral contraception . The bio-identical hormone,
Progesterone, will be used in the birth control pills of the future.
Early research on contraception was done with progestereone, and
research was switched to synthetic progestins to obtain a patent and
make a profit. Another consideration was ease of use of the oral
tablet, at the time available only as a progestin. Bio-Identical
progesterone suppresses ovulation and was the original agent
investigated in early research for a contraceptive agent. However,
timing and dosages were never officially worked out, so we currently
are left with the synthetic birth control pills by default. Again,
the IUD can be used instead to avoid the monster hormones. I predict
that new research outside the US in the next decade will establish
progesterone as the hormone of choice for birth control. Most likely,
funding for this research will come from a foreign government agency,
in a country with universal health care which has economic incentives
to make a healthier pill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bio-identical hormones used at appropriate dosages are
safe, effective, and beneficial for health. On the other hand, any
chemical alteration of a human hormone creates a monster hormone,
which should never have been approved for marketing to the American
people. These monster hormones are unsafe and should be banned
immediately.
Two Excellent Articles
For a good summary and explanation of the issues, I recommend the
article, The Case for Bioidentical Hormones Steven F Hotze MD. 2008.
(33)
Another excellent article is The Safety of Bioidentical Hormones — the
Data vs. the Hype by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD From the Townsend Letter
June 2007.(34)
Recommended Reading: books by John R Lee MD (35)
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT MENOPAUSE: The Breakthrough
Book on Natural Progesterone (Warner Books, 1996)(35)
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT PREMENOPAUSE: Balance Your
Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty (Warner Books, 1999)(35)
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT BREAST CANCER: How Hormone
Balance Can Help Save Your Life, (Warner Books, 2002)(35)
Jeffrey Dach MD
4700 Sheridan Suite T
Hollywood Fl 33021
954-983-1443
www.jeffreydach.com
References
(1) http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1770067
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(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin
Charles Darwin, theory of natural selection.
(3) http://www.johnleemd.com/store/premenstrual_syndrome.html
Excerpted From: WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT BREAST CANCER:
Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE. How Hormone
Balance Can Help Save Your Life. by John R. Lee, M.D., David Zava,
Ph.D. and Virginia Hopkins. Warner Books 2002
(4) http://www.uzzireissmd.com/book_naturalhormone.html
Natural Hormone Balance for Women: Look Younger, Feel Stronger, and
Live Life with Exuberance. by Uzzi Reiss MD
(5) http://www.drtheo.com/news/NSAIDs.pdf
Medical Progress. p 1888. June 17, 1999 The New England Journal of
Medicine
GASTROINTESTINAL TOXICITY OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS M.
MICHAEL WOLFE , M.D., DAVID R. LICHTENSTEIN, M.D.,AND GURKIRPAL SINGH,
M.D.
(6) http://www.fda.gov/bbs/transcripts/transcript010908.pdf
Transcript of FDA Press Conference on FDA Actions on Bio-Identical
Hormones
FTS HHS FDA Susan Cruzan January 9, 2008
(7) http://www.womentowomen.com/breasthealth/estrogenbreastcancer.aspx
Causes of Brea6t Cancer- the Estrogen Controversy, Dixie Mills MD
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12626212
Climacteric. 2002 Dec;5(4):332-40. Combined hormone replacement
therapy and risk of breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175
women.de Lignières B et al.
French Cohort Study.
(9) http://www.johnleemd.com/store/cancer_progest.html
Breast Cancer Book Intro. WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT
BREAST CANCER. How Hormone Balance Can Help Save Your Life
By John R. Lee, M.D., David Zava Ph.D., and Virginia Hopkins
INTRODUCTION
(10) http://jeffreydach.com/2007/05/05/jeffreydachdrdachiodine.aspx
Breast Cancer Prevention and Iodine Supplementation by Jeffrey Dach MD
(11) http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/356/25/2591
Estrogen Therapy and Coronary-Artery Calcification. NEJM Volume
356:2591-2602 June 21, 2007 Number 25. JoAnn E. Manson, M.D., et al.
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15989413
J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2005 Jun;14(5):410-7. Effects of hormone
replacement on progression of coronary calcium as measured by electron
beam tomography.Budoff MJ, et al.
(13) http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/288/3/321
Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy
Postmenopausal Women
Principal Results From the Women's Health Initiative Randomized
Controlled Trial
Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative Investigators JAMA.
2002;288:321-333. First Arm.
(14) http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/291/14/1701
Effects of Conjugated Equine Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women With
Hysterectomy
The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA.
2004;291:1701-1712. Second Arm. This is the Second Arm of the Study.
Premarin Only.
(15) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premarin
Premarin From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(16) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medroxyprogesterone
Provera, Medroxyprogesterone, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(17) http://homecoalition.org/TakeAction
Take Action. Write a letter to your elected officials using our online
advocacy tool.
Act now to defend your right to bio-identical hormones! Please contact
your
congressional representative, senators, and the White House
immediately.
HOMECoalition.org.
(18) http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/295/14/1647
Effects of Conjugated Equine Estrogens on Breast Cancer and
Mammography Screening in Postmenopausal Women With Hysterectomy.
Marcia L. Stefanick, PhD et al. for the WHI Investigators. JAMA.
2006;295:1647-1657. Conclusions Treatment with CEE alone for 7.1
years does not increase breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal
women with prior hysterectomy.
(19) http://courses.washington.edu/bonephys/opestrogen.html#WHI
Osteoporosis and Bone Physiology, Susan Ott, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Medicine, University of Washington. A Review of the
results from the Women's Health Initiative.
(20) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3358913
The dose-effect relationship between 'unopposed' oestrogens and
endometrial mitotic rate: its central role in explaining and
predicting endometrial cancer risk.Key TJ, Pike MC.
Br J Cancer. 1988 Feb;57(2):205-12.
(21) http://atvb.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/24/7/1171
Should Progestins Be Blamed for the Failure of Hormone Replacement
Therapy to Reduce Cardiovascular Events in Randomized Controlled
Trials?
Kwang Kon Koh; Ichiro Sakuma. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and
Vascular Biology. 2004;24:1171.
(22) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16841178
Effects of estradiol with micronized progesterone or
medroxyprogesterone acetate on risk markers for breast cancer in
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Jan;101(2):125-34.
(23) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1002897,00.html
The Truth About Hormones Monday, Jul. 22, 2002 Time MAgazine. By
CHRISTINE GORMAN AND ALICE PARK
(24) http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/04/17/hlsa0417.htm
AMA Medical NEws. Collecting clues: Cancer registries might have an
answer. By Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli, AMNews correspondent. April 17,
2006.
(25) http://breast-cancer-research.com/content/7/3/131
The protective role of pregnancy in breast cancer. Jose Russo et
al.Breast Cancer Research 2005, 7:131-142doi:10.1186/bcr1029
(26) http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=17257424
Hormone-induced protection of mammary tumorigenesis in genetically
engineered mouse models
Lakshmanaswamy Rajkumar et al.Breast Cancer Res. 2007; 9(1): R12.
(27) http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/114/2/209
BREAST CANCER INCIDENCE IN WOMEN WITH A HISTORY OF PROGESTERONE
DEFICIENCY
LINDA D. COWAN et al. American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 114, No.
2: 209-217
(28) http://www.annclinlabsci.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/6/360
Progesterone inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in breast cancer
cells: inverse effects on Bcl-2 and p53. B Formby and TS Wiley.
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science, Vol 28, Issue 6, 360-369
(29) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_control_pill
Combined oral contraceptive pill. From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia. (Redirected from Birth control pill)
(30) http://www.worstpills.org/results.cfm?disease_id=26
Oral Contraceptives on Worst Pills.org. The pill can cause many
adverse effects. Some of them are merely a nuisance, while others can
be life-threatening. The pill can cause headaches, bloating, nausea,
irregular bleeding and spotting, breast tenderness, weight gain, or
vision changes. Other more serious adverse effects that can occur from
a few months to a few years after starting oral contraceptives include
high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, liver tumors, depression,
and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. Temporary infertility has
been associated with the period of time right after pill use is
stopped. But the two most dangerous risks associated with taking birth
control pills are blood clots and cancer.
(31) http://www.jeffreywarber.com/hc%20pages/pillsideeffects.html
Birth COntrol Pill Adverse Side Effects by Jeffrey Warber MD
(32) http://www.quickoverview.com/reproductive/birth-control-pill.html
History and Development of an effective combined oral contraceptive.
People Involved.
(33) http://www.jpands.org/vol13no2/hotze.pdf
Point/Counterpoint: The Case for Bioidentical Hormones Steven F.
Hotze, M.D.Donald P. Ellsworth, M.D.Journal of American Physicians and
Surgeons Volume 13 Number 2 Summer 2008
(34) http://www.townsendletter.com/June2007/painfree0607.htm
The Safety of Bioidentical Hormones — the Data vs. the Hype by Jacob
Teitelbaum, MD
(35) http://www.johnleemd.com/store/main_books.html
Books by John R Lee MD
Wyeth and the FDA
(36) http//:naturalnews.com/022595.html
FDA's Assault of Bioidentical Hormones Demonstrates Pro-Pharma
Loyalties, Disregard for Consumer Choice Tuesday, February 05, 2008
by: Mike Adams
(37) http://www.drerika.com/blog?action=viewBlog&blogID=-751271156172620113
February 16, 2008. Women, Doctors Wage Crucial Battle With FDA To Save
Bioidentical Hormones From Wyeth's Wrath. A major coalition of
informed women and their doctors have launched an all out war on the
Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) cynical and corrupt decision to
ban compounded hormones containing Estriol.
(38) http://jeffreydach.com/2008/01/11/fda-declares-war-on-bioidentical-hormones-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx
FDA Declares War on BioIdentical Hormones by Jeffrey Dach MD
Provera and Heart Disease
(39) http://atvb.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/17/1/217
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Antagonizes Inhibitory Effects of
Conjugated Equine Estrogens on Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis.
Michael R. Adams; Thomas C. Register; Deborah L. Golden; Janice D.
Wagner; J. Koudy Williams .Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular
Biology. 1997;17:217-221.
Additional References
http://www.endfatigue.com/health_articles_f-n/Menapause-safety_effectiveness_bioidentical_hormones.html
The Safety and Effectiveness of Bio-Identical Hormones: Natural (Bio-
Identical) vs. Synthetic HRT
Kent Holtorf, M.D. Dr. Holtorf is the Medical Director of the Holtorf
Medical Group, Inc, Center for Hormone Imbalance and Fatiguing
Conditions in Los Angeles, specializing in CFS, FM, hypothyroidism,
chronic illness and the treatment of complex endocrine dysfunction. He
is board certified and is a Board Examiner for the American Academy of
Anti-Aging Medicine. He is also chief of the Medical Advisory Board
for the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, Inc.
http://www.thorne.com/media/hormones11-3.pdf
A Comprehensive Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Bioidentical
Hormones for the Management of Menopause and Related Health Risks
Deborah Moskowitz, ND. Altern Med Rev 2006;11(3):208-223)
http://www.drcranton.com/hrt/hrt_references.htm
Hormone Replacement References. Most references below are linked to
the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE)
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408096_print
Special Article: Addressing Postmenopausal Estrogen Deficiency: A
Position Paper of the American Council on Science and Health January
26, 2001 Sander Shapiro, MD Medscape General Medicine 3(1), 2001.
http://www.drerika.com/pg/jsp/general/scientificarchive.jsp
Scientific Literature on Hormones on Dr Erika.com
http://www.womeninbalance.org/research/
research available women in balance.
Fatal Water Intoxication
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16614865/
Woman dies after water-drinking contest
Natural and Synthetic Substances in Medicine
http://www.fimdefelice.org/archives/arc.promise.html
The Promise and Problems of Natural Substances in Medicine Stephen L.
DeFelice, M.D.
http://www.iupac.org/publications/pac/2002/pdf/7410x1957.pdf
Natural and synthetic substances related to human health. The dubious
honor of being the most powerful toxic substance goes to a protein
produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. This protein is
responsible for fatal food poisoning—botulism—being produced when the
bacterium grows in the absence of oxygen in canned or preserved food.
2002 IUPAC, Pure and Applied Chemistry 74, 1957–1985
Synthetic Hormones and Breast Cancer
http://www.nwhn.org/healthinfo/detail.cfm?info_id=9&topic=Fact%20Sheets
Menopause Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer. National Women's Health
Network
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/310/6979/598/b
BMJ 1995;310:598 (4 March) Letters Risk factors for breast cancer
Disclaimer click here: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html
The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/
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Finally, the material produced by myself may be reproduced for
personal use, provided that appropriate credit is given.
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This article may be copied or reproduced on the internet provided a
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Catalog of all other articles here: http://www.jeffreydach.com
The Safety Of Bio-Identical Hormones by Jeffrey Dach MD
Are Women's Bio-identical hormones safe? Bio-identical hormones exist
naturally in the human body, so it is axiomatic that these are safe.
However, we are interested in a slightly different question. What is
the safety of bio-identical hormones as routinely used in medical
practice? Let's try to answer this question.
The Safety of Water compared to Bio-Identical Hormones
Water is safe, beneficial and required for health. Yet, even so,
drinking excess amounts of water causes death from Fatal Water
Intoxication.(1)
Left Image: Water with Droplets Courtesy of Wikimedia
Similarly, just like water, bio-identical hormones are safe and
beneficial when used at proper dosages. Like excessive water,
excessive hormone dosage may result in their own adverse side
effects. Excess estrogen, for example, causes fluid retention, breast
sensitivity and enlargement, and disordered mood.
Humans Have Bio-Identical Hormones.
Another answer to the safety question is that bio-identical hormones
are found in the human body naturally. Any harmful substance in the
human body would impair survival, and over millions of years of
evolution would be eliminated by natural selection. This is the basic
concept of Darwinian evolution which is accepted by mainstream medical
science.
A 50 Million Year Medical Experiment
Consider the following medical experiment, performed over the last 50
million years with the help of our friend, Darwinian evolution.(2)
Bio-Identical Hormones have been present in the human body for 50
million years, and we humans are still here on the planet. I would
consider that a successful medical experiment, wouldn't you?
Either Excess or Deficiency of Anything Can be Harmful
One of our routine labs tests called the Chem Panel measures
electrolytes and glucose levels in the blood. The body automatically
maintains these within narrow ranges to maintain health. If levels
deviate above or below these normal ranges, this causes a serious
health disturbance. For example elevated potassium levels causes
cardiac arrest. Magnesium deficiency causes muscle spasm and
arrythmia. Excessive amounts of Vitamins A and D are toxic. Hormones
levels enjoy a considerably wide range of acceptable limits. Even so,
a deficiency or an excess of women's bio-identical hormones can
produce adverse symptoms. This is called estrogen deficiency/excess,
and progesterone deficiency/excess, and they each have typical signs
and symptoms easily recognized.(3)
Common Signs of Estrogen Deficiency (4)
Mental fogginess
Forgetfulness
Depression
Minor anxiety
Mood change
Difficulty falling asleep
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Temperature swings
Day-long fatigue
Reduced stamina
Decreased sense of sexuality
Lessened self-image and attention to appearance
Dry eyes, skin, and vagina
Loss of skin radiance
Feel balanced 2nd part of cycle
Sagging breasts and loss of fullness
Pain with sexual activity
Weight gain
Increased back and joint pain
Episodes of rapid heartbeat
Headaches and migraines
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Constipation
Common Signs of Excess Estrogen (takes longer to notice)
Breast tenderness or pain
Increased breast size
Water retention, fingers, legs
Impatient, snappy behavior, but with clear mind
Pelvic cramps
Nausea
Common Signs of Progesterone Deficiency
No period at all (no ovulation)
The period comes infrequently (every few months)
Heavy and frequent periods (large clots, due to buildup in the
uterus)
Spotting a few days before the period. (Progesterone level is
dropping)
PMS
Cystic breasts
Painful breasts
Breasts with lumps
Most cases of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.
Anxiety, irritability, nervousness and water retention
Above list courtesy of Uzzi Reiss MD OB GYN. (4)
No Reported Adverse Events from Bio-Identical Hormones
Over-the-counter pain pills (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen and
ibuprofen are considered fairly safe. After all, you don't need a
prescription to buy them, yet they cause an estimated 16,500 deaths in
the US annually, mostly from gastric bleeding.(5) Compare this to no
reported adverse events from bio-identical hormones last year,
according to an FDA press conference January 2008.(6)
Do Bio-Identical Hormones Cause Breast Cancer?(7)
The answer is no. According to the French Cohort study, there is no
increase in breast cancer in women using bio-identical hormones.(8)
However, having said that, avoiding excess environmental estrogens as
well as excessive estrogen levels from any source, is the key to
preventing breast cancer.(9) My previous article covers our program
for breast cancer prevention which includes iodine supplementation,
Indole-3-carbinol and fiber. To read about this, see: Breast Cancer
Prevention and Iodine Supplementation by Jeffrey Dach MD.(10)
Left Image: Eiffel Tower Paris France Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Do Bio-Identical Hormones Cause Heart Disease ?
Again, the answer is no. A study of CAT calcium scores by JoAnn E.
Manson in the June 2007 JAMA actually showed less heart disease in the
women taking unopposed estrogen (they had hysterectomies and were not
given the synthetic progestins).(11) These same results had already
been published 2 years previously in a calcium score study by Budoff
in J Womens Health 2005. (12)
A Closer Look at the Women's Health Initiative WHI Study
Understanding the Women's Health Inititative (WHI) study is not
difficult, and is very important to answer the question of hormone
safety. The WHI study was the large NIH sponsored medical study which
compared synthetic hormones to placebo in two large groups of women.
The WHI study consisted of two arms. The first arm used the synthetic
hormones Premarin and Provera, and the second arm used Premarin alone.
(13)(14)
What is Premarin and Provera?
Premarin and Provera are not bio-identical hormones. Premarin is a
hormone obtained from pregnant horses, which contains Equilin, a horse
hormone not found in humans.(15) Provera is a synthetic hormone which
is not found anywhere in the natural world (see provera diagram below).
(16) The Premarin and Provera combination is called PremPro, a
synthetic hormone pill commonly prescribed by mainstream medicine.
Prempro was the hormone preparation used in the first arm of the WHI
study.(13)
WHI study First Arm:
The WHI study (first arm published in JAMA 2002) was terminated early
because the combination of premarin and provera (Prempro) caused
increased breast cancer and heart disease.(13)Immediately after this
study was published, there was a massive switch by women to bio-
identical hormones which resulted in a 4 billion dollar loss for
Wyeth, the maker of Prempro. Wyeth is still trying to recoup that
money by manipulating the FDA. They want the FDA to ban their
competition, the bio-identical hormones or their components.(36)(37)
(38) Use this easy tool to email your Congressman and voice your
opposition to Wyeth's attempts to ban estriol and other bio-identical
hormones.(17) While you are at it, tell your Congressman that
synthetic hormones are chemically altered monsters that should be
banned.
WHI study second arm:
All the women in the second arm of the WHI study had prior
hysterectomies, so they did not need the progestin, provera. Rather,
they were only given Premarin (the horse hormone, also called CEE, for
Conjugated Equine Estrogen). Unlike the first arm of the study, these
women had no increase in breast cancer risk.(18)
Left Chart: This chart shows data from the second arm of the WHI in
JAMA 2004.(14)
The blue bars represents adverse events in the placebo group. The red
bars represents adverse events in women (ages 50-59) on premarin only,
with no Provera (progestin). Note that the Red bars are all Lower
than the Blue bars. The Red bar (Premarin-only) group shows LESS heart
disease, LESS breast cancer and LESS Mortality when compared to
placebo (blue bar). Chart Courtesy of Susan Ott MD Bone Physiology.
(19)
Premarin causes endometrial cancer, so the mainstream medical system
always gives Provera (progestins) to prevent endometrial cancer,
unless of course, the uterus is absent from prior hysterectomy.(20)
The WHI Culprit was the Synthetic Progestin (an altered form of
Progesterone)
Back to the first arm of the WHI which used Prempro, it is clear from
the data that the culprit which caused breast cancer and heart
disease was Provera, a synthetic monster hormone. This is nothing
new. For years, Provera has been known to cause heart disease and
breast cancer.(21)(22)(39)
Provera Proven to Cause Breast Cancer
In fact, medical studies prove that Provera causes breast cancer. In
these studies, Primates were treated with either Progesterone or
Provera showing that the Provera causes breast cancer, while the
Progesterone provides protection from breast cancer.(22)
Monster Hormones are Chemically Altered
Chemically altered hormones were used in the WHI study, and are
routinely handed out by the medical system. These altered hormones
are monsters that should never have been approved for marketing to the
American people. They should be banned.
Image Left: Another Monster: Boris Karloff from Frankenstein
1931.Courtesy of Wikimedia.
The Media Says Hormones Cause Cancer and Heart Disease
If bio-identical hormones are so safe, then why do the newspapers say
that women's hormones cause breast cancer and heart disease?(23)
The answer is that the media and the medical profession routinely
confuse synthetic chemically altered monster hormones with the bio-
identical hormones. The drug companies intentionally create this
confusion because they want to hide the fact that synthetic hormones
are monsters that should be banned.
Chemically altered hormones were made because of a quirk in our legal
system which grants patent protection for chemically altered versions
of a natural substance. The natural hormones were chemically altered
so that they could be patented to protect profits from competition.
Naturally occurring bio-identical hormones by law cannot be patented.
Examples of monster synthetic hormones are provera, all progestins,
and birth control pills which are never found in nature. These are the
monster hormones.
A Listing of a Few Monster Hormones:
Chemically Altered forms of progesterone:
Dienogest, Desogestrel, Drospirenone, Dydrogesterone, Ethisterone,
Etonogestrel, Ethynodiol diacetate, Gestodene, Gestonorone,
Levonorgestrel, Lynestrenol, Medroxyprogesterone, Megestrol,
Norelgestromin, Norethisterone, Norethynodrel, Norgestimate,
Norgestrel, Norgestrienone, Tibolone
Chemically altered forms of estrogen:
Dienestrol, Diethylstilbestrol, Ethinylestradiol, Fosfestrol,
Mestranol
Chemically alered hormones in BCP's Birth Control Pills:
levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol [oral contraceptive] (ALESSE 28,
AVIANE, NORDETTE, SEASONALE, TRIPHASIL, TRIVORA-28); norethindrone and
ethinyl estradiol (COMBI PATCH, LOESTRIN FE 1/20, NEOCON 1/35, ORTHO-
NOVUM 7/7/7, OVCON 35); norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (ORTHO-
CYCLEN, ORTHOTRI-CYCLEN, TRINESSA); norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
(LO/OVRAL 28, LOW-OGESTREL), desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol
(DESOGEN, MIRCETTE, ORTHO-CEPT), drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol
(YASMIN)
Chemically altered forms of testosterone:
Androstanolone, Fluoxymesterone, Mesterolone, Methyltestosterone
How to make a Monster Hormone, Add a Side-Chain
Below Images: Courtesy of wikemedia commons.
Human Progesterone Provera - the Monster
Hormone
Take a good look at human bio-identical Progesterone (Upper left), and
the chemically altered version (upper right) Provera
(medroxyprogesterone). The added side-chain is labeled in RED on the
right side of the Provera molecule. This side-chain (in red) has been
added in order to make a totally new structure that can be patented,
and is the only difference with progesterone (upper left). In the
process of adding this side-chain, a Monster was created. In the
opinion of John R Lee MD, "to prescribe a chemically altered version
of progesterone called Provera is medical malpractice", and yet this
practice is common in mainstream medicine.
An Illustration which Explains the Problem of Synthetic Drugs
Supposing a biochemist working for a drug company has an idea to alter
the chemical structure of vitamin C so a patent can be obtained. The
biochemist adds a chlorine molecule to the vitamin C carbon ring, and
gives is a new name "super-Vitamin C", which is really a chlorinated
version of vitamin C. Next they do a one year medical study with
5,000 people taking the chlorinated vitamin C tablet every day, and
another 5000 people taking a placebo. After the year is up, they
count a .5 per cent incidence of heart disease events in the Super
Vitamin C group and a 1.0 percent in the placebo group. FDA approval
is easily obtained based on reduction in heart disease events by 50
per cent (.5 per cent is 50% of 1.0 %). The drug company is at
liberty to spend million dollars on television advertising designed to
rake in millions more for the new heart prevention miracle drug. This
absurd scenario is now the norm for our medical system. Why would
anyone want to spend money for a monster version of vitamin C when the
real thing is available for pennies? Why use a monster hormone when
human hormones are available? Compared to their monster
counterparts, Bio-Identical Hormones are more effective, have fewer
adverse side effects, and are less costly.
High Hormone Levels of Early Pregnancy Confer Protection from Breast
Cancer.
During the 16th century in Italy, breast cancer was quite rare. An
Italian doctor, Bernardino Ramazzini, noted in 1713 the relatively
high incidence of breast cancer in nuns and wondered whether this was
related to celibate lifestyle.(24) Recent studies confirm that early
pregnancy and multiple pregnancies confer protection from breast
cancer, while no pregnancies (as in the nuns) leads to increased risk
of breast cancer.(25) This protection is thought to be confered by
high levels of progesterone. This was confirmed in a 2007 study by
Rajkumar who showed that hormone treatment protected genetically
engineered mice from developing breast cancer.
(26)
Left image Pregnancy, courtesy of wikipemedia commons.
Progesterone, the Great Protector
Progesterone is so safe, it is available over the counter without a
prescription. In addition, a deficiency of progesterone is associated
with an increase in breast cancer risk.(27) Progesterone is known to
be protective and prevents breast cancer.(28)
Why Don't Birth Control Pills use Natural Progesterone?
Birth Control Pills, BCP's, are very effective at preventing pregnancy
by suppressing ovulation. However, BCP's contain synthetic hormones
which have adverse side effects.(29)(30)(31) To avoid these monster
hormones, the IUD (intra-uterine device) is available.
Here is a listing of people involved in the early development of
birth control pills: Russell Marker, Percy Lavon Julian, Carl
Djerassi, Luis E. Miramontes, George Rosenkranz, Gregory Pincus, Min
Chueh Chang, John Rock.(32)
In the future of medicine, I predict that progesterone will replace
progestins as oral contraception . The bio-identical hormone,
Progesterone, will be used in the birth control pills of the future.
Early research on contraception was done with progestereone, and
research was switched to synthetic progestins to obtain a patent and
make a profit. Another consideration was ease of use of the oral
tablet, at the time available only as a progestin. Bio-Identical
progesterone suppresses ovulation and was the original agent
investigated in early research for a contraceptive agent. However,
timing and dosages were never officially worked out, so we currently
are left with the synthetic birth control pills by default. Again,
the IUD can be used instead to avoid the monster hormones. I predict
that new research outside the US in the next decade will establish
progesterone as the hormone of choice for birth control. Most likely,
funding for this research will come from a foreign government agency,
in a country with universal health care which has economic incentives
to make a healthier pill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bio-identical hormones used at appropriate dosages are
safe, effective, and beneficial for health. On the other hand, any
chemical alteration of a human hormone creates a monster hormone,
which should never have been approved for marketing to the American
people. These monster hormones are unsafe and should be banned
immediately.
Two Excellent Articles
For a good summary and explanation of the issues, I recommend the
article, The Case for Bioidentical Hormones Steven F Hotze MD. 2008.
(33)
Another excellent article is The Safety of Bioidentical Hormones — the
Data vs. the Hype by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD From the Townsend Letter
June 2007.(34)
Recommended Reading: books by John R Lee MD (35)
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT MENOPAUSE: The Breakthrough
Book on Natural Progesterone (Warner Books, 1996)(35)
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT PREMENOPAUSE: Balance Your
Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty (Warner Books, 1999)(35)
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT BREAST CANCER: How Hormone
Balance Can Help Save Your Life, (Warner Books, 2002)(35)
Jeffrey Dach MD
4700 Sheridan Suite T
Hollywood Fl 33021
954-983-1443
www.jeffreydach.com
References
(1) http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1770067
Fatal water intoxication. D J Farrell1 and L Bower. J Clin Pathol.
2003 October; 56(10): 803–804.
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin
Charles Darwin, theory of natural selection.
(3) http://www.johnleemd.com/store/premenstrual_syndrome.html
Excerpted From: WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT BREAST CANCER:
Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE. How Hormone
Balance Can Help Save Your Life. by John R. Lee, M.D., David Zava,
Ph.D. and Virginia Hopkins. Warner Books 2002
(4) http://www.uzzireissmd.com/book_naturalhormone.html
Natural Hormone Balance for Women: Look Younger, Feel Stronger, and
Live Life with Exuberance. by Uzzi Reiss MD
(5) http://www.drtheo.com/news/NSAIDs.pdf
Medical Progress. p 1888. June 17, 1999 The New England Journal of
Medicine
GASTROINTESTINAL TOXICITY OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS M.
MICHAEL WOLFE , M.D., DAVID R. LICHTENSTEIN, M.D.,AND GURKIRPAL SINGH,
M.D.
(6) http://www.fda.gov/bbs/transcripts/transcript010908.pdf
Transcript of FDA Press Conference on FDA Actions on Bio-Identical
Hormones
FTS HHS FDA Susan Cruzan January 9, 2008
(7) http://www.womentowomen.com/breasthealth/estrogenbreastcancer.aspx
Causes of Brea6t Cancer- the Estrogen Controversy, Dixie Mills MD
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12626212
Climacteric. 2002 Dec;5(4):332-40. Combined hormone replacement
therapy and risk of breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175
women.de Lignières B et al.
French Cohort Study.
(9) http://www.johnleemd.com/store/cancer_progest.html
Breast Cancer Book Intro. WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT
BREAST CANCER. How Hormone Balance Can Help Save Your Life
By John R. Lee, M.D., David Zava Ph.D., and Virginia Hopkins
INTRODUCTION
(10) http://jeffreydach.com/2007/05/05/jeffreydachdrdachiodine.aspx
Breast Cancer Prevention and Iodine Supplementation by Jeffrey Dach MD
(11) http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/356/25/2591
Estrogen Therapy and Coronary-Artery Calcification. NEJM Volume
356:2591-2602 June 21, 2007 Number 25. JoAnn E. Manson, M.D., et al.
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15989413
J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2005 Jun;14(5):410-7. Effects of hormone
replacement on progression of coronary calcium as measured by electron
beam tomography.Budoff MJ, et al.
(13) http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/288/3/321
Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy
Postmenopausal Women
Principal Results From the Women's Health Initiative Randomized
Controlled Trial
Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative Investigators JAMA.
2002;288:321-333. First Arm.
(14) http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/291/14/1701
Effects of Conjugated Equine Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women With
Hysterectomy
The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA.
2004;291:1701-1712. Second Arm. This is the Second Arm of the Study.
Premarin Only.
(15) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premarin
Premarin From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(16) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medroxyprogesterone
Provera, Medroxyprogesterone, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(17) http://homecoalition.org/TakeAction
Take Action. Write a letter to your elected officials using our online
advocacy tool.
Act now to defend your right to bio-identical hormones! Please contact
your
congressional representative, senators, and the White House
immediately.
HOMECoalition.org.
(18) http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/295/14/1647
Effects of Conjugated Equine Estrogens on Breast Cancer and
Mammography Screening in Postmenopausal Women With Hysterectomy.
Marcia L. Stefanick, PhD et al. for the WHI Investigators. JAMA.
2006;295:1647-1657. Conclusions Treatment with CEE alone for 7.1
years does not increase breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal
women with prior hysterectomy.
(19) http://courses.washington.edu/bonephys/opestrogen.html#WHI
Osteoporosis and Bone Physiology, Susan Ott, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Medicine, University of Washington. A Review of the
results from the Women's Health Initiative.
(20) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3358913
The dose-effect relationship between 'unopposed' oestrogens and
endometrial mitotic rate: its central role in explaining and
predicting endometrial cancer risk.Key TJ, Pike MC.
Br J Cancer. 1988 Feb;57(2):205-12.
(21) http://atvb.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/24/7/1171
Should Progestins Be Blamed for the Failure of Hormone Replacement
Therapy to Reduce Cardiovascular Events in Randomized Controlled
Trials?
Kwang Kon Koh; Ichiro Sakuma. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and
Vascular Biology. 2004;24:1171.
(22) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16841178
Effects of estradiol with micronized progesterone or
medroxyprogesterone acetate on risk markers for breast cancer in
postmenopausal monkeys.Wood CE et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2007
Jan;101(2):125-34.
(23) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1002897,00.html
The Truth About Hormones Monday, Jul. 22, 2002 Time MAgazine. By
CHRISTINE GORMAN AND ALICE PARK
(24) http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/04/17/hlsa0417.htm
AMA Medical NEws. Collecting clues: Cancer registries might have an
answer. By Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli, AMNews correspondent. April 17,
2006.
(25) http://breast-cancer-research.com/content/7/3/131
The protective role of pregnancy in breast cancer. Jose Russo et
al.Breast Cancer Research 2005, 7:131-142doi:10.1186/bcr1029
(26) http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=17257424
Hormone-induced protection of mammary tumorigenesis in genetically
engineered mouse models
Lakshmanaswamy Rajkumar et al.Breast Cancer Res. 2007; 9(1): R12.
(27) http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/114/2/209
BREAST CANCER INCIDENCE IN WOMEN WITH A HISTORY OF PROGESTERONE
DEFICIENCY
LINDA D. COWAN et al. American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 114, No.
2: 209-217
(28) http://www.annclinlabsci.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/6/360
Progesterone inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in breast cancer
cells: inverse effects on Bcl-2 and p53. B Formby and TS Wiley.
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science, Vol 28, Issue 6, 360-369
(29) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_control_pill
Combined oral contraceptive pill. From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia. (Redirected from Birth control pill)
(30) http://www.worstpills.org/results.cfm?disease_id=26
Oral Contraceptives on Worst Pills.org. The pill can cause many
adverse effects. Some of them are merely a nuisance, while others can
be life-threatening. The pill can cause headaches, bloating, nausea,
irregular bleeding and spotting, breast tenderness, weight gain, or
vision changes. Other more serious adverse effects that can occur from
a few months to a few years after starting oral contraceptives include
high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, liver tumors, depression,
and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. Temporary infertility has
been associated with the period of time right after pill use is
stopped. But the two most dangerous risks associated with taking birth
control pills are blood clots and cancer.
(31) http://www.jeffreywarber.com/hc%20pages/pillsideeffects.html
Birth COntrol Pill Adverse Side Effects by Jeffrey Warber MD
(32) http://www.quickoverview.com/reproductive/birth-control-pill.html
History and Development of an effective combined oral contraceptive.
People Involved.
(33) http://www.jpands.org/vol13no2/hotze.pdf
Point/Counterpoint: The Case for Bioidentical Hormones Steven F.
Hotze, M.D.Donald P. Ellsworth, M.D.Journal of American Physicians and
Surgeons Volume 13 Number 2 Summer 2008
(34) http://www.townsendletter.com/June2007/painfree0607.htm
The Safety of Bioidentical Hormones — the Data vs. the Hype by Jacob
Teitelbaum, MD
(35) http://www.johnleemd.com/store/main_books.html
Books by John R Lee MD
Wyeth and the FDA
(36) http//:naturalnews.com/022595.html
FDA's Assault of Bioidentical Hormones Demonstrates Pro-Pharma
Loyalties, Disregard for Consumer Choice Tuesday, February 05, 2008
by: Mike Adams
(37) http://www.drerika.com/blog?action=viewBlog&blogID=-751271156172620113
February 16, 2008. Women, Doctors Wage Crucial Battle With FDA To Save
Bioidentical Hormones From Wyeth's Wrath. A major coalition of
informed women and their doctors have launched an all out war on the
Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) cynical and corrupt decision to
ban compounded hormones containing Estriol.
(38) http://jeffreydach.com/2008/01/11/fda-declares-war-on-bioidentical-hormones-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx
FDA Declares War on BioIdentical Hormones by Jeffrey Dach MD
Provera and Heart Disease
(39) http://atvb.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/17/1/217
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Antagonizes Inhibitory Effects of
Conjugated Equine Estrogens on Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis.
Michael R. Adams; Thomas C. Register; Deborah L. Golden; Janice D.
Wagner; J. Koudy Williams .Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular
Biology. 1997;17:217-221.
Additional References
http://www.endfatigue.com/health_articles_f-n/Menapause-safety_effectiveness_bioidentical_hormones.html
The Safety and Effectiveness of Bio-Identical Hormones: Natural (Bio-
Identical) vs. Synthetic HRT
Kent Holtorf, M.D. Dr. Holtorf is the Medical Director of the Holtorf
Medical Group, Inc, Center for Hormone Imbalance and Fatiguing
Conditions in Los Angeles, specializing in CFS, FM, hypothyroidism,
chronic illness and the treatment of complex endocrine dysfunction. He
is board certified and is a Board Examiner for the American Academy of
Anti-Aging Medicine. He is also chief of the Medical Advisory Board
for the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, Inc.
http://www.thorne.com/media/hormones11-3.pdf
A Comprehensive Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Bioidentical
Hormones for the Management of Menopause and Related Health Risks
Deborah Moskowitz, ND. Altern Med Rev 2006;11(3):208-223)
http://www.drcranton.com/hrt/hrt_references.htm
Hormone Replacement References. Most references below are linked to
the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE)
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408096_print
Special Article: Addressing Postmenopausal Estrogen Deficiency: A
Position Paper of the American Council on Science and Health January
26, 2001 Sander Shapiro, MD Medscape General Medicine 3(1), 2001.
http://www.drerika.com/pg/jsp/general/scientificarchive.jsp
Scientific Literature on Hormones on Dr Erika.com
http://www.womeninbalance.org/research/
research available women in balance.
Fatal Water Intoxication
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16614865/
Woman dies after water-drinking contest
Natural and Synthetic Substances in Medicine
http://www.fimdefelice.org/archives/arc.promise.html
The Promise and Problems of Natural Substances in Medicine Stephen L.
DeFelice, M.D.
http://www.iupac.org/publications/pac/2002/pdf/7410x1957.pdf
Natural and synthetic substances related to human health. The dubious
honor of being the most powerful toxic substance goes to a protein
produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. This protein is
responsible for fatal food poisoning—botulism—being produced when the
bacterium grows in the absence of oxygen in canned or preserved food.
2002 IUPAC, Pure and Applied Chemistry 74, 1957–1985
Synthetic Hormones and Breast Cancer
http://www.nwhn.org/healthinfo/detail.cfm?info_id=9&topic=Fact%20Sheets
Menopause Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer. National Women's Health
Network
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/310/6979/598/b
BMJ 1995;310:598 (4 March) Letters Risk factors for breast cancer
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