AGELESS: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones

Suzanne Somers book on bioidentical hormones

Suzanne Somers has brought bioidentical hormones into the limelight. In her new book, Ageless, she nicely describes how bioidentical hormones relieved her menopause symptoms. She also makes it clear that she intends to stay on them for the rest of her life.

The information in the book comes mostly from what she learned from highly respected doctors that have years of experience with hormones like Dr. Saieg.  The difference is the hormone information is now expressed in an interesting way that is very readable and the media has given her favorable reviews.

Patients are asking us are they right for me?  What are they?  Should I use them?  In case you don’t know, if you have been coming as a patient to Dr. Saieg and are on hormones, you are already on Bioidentical Hormones.  He has used them for over the last 12 years because he is a hormone expert.

Just what are “bioidentical hormones”?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Some pharmaceutical companies patent chemical modifications of bioidentical hormones and then are prescribed by doctors for female hormone replacement. They have side effects as listed in their package insert.  Provera and Premarin and Prempro are the most commonly used.

Though bioidentical hormones have been around for years and used by Dr. Saieg for years, most doctors ignore them since the others are heavily marketed.  Now because of Suzanne Somers women are now recognizing the importance of hormones and are more informed about their options.

Dr. Saieg has had great success with an individualized approach. He begins with laboratory tests of hormone levels (a so-called “hormone panel”). He then prescribes a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, testosterone, progesterone, and or DHEA and even human growth hormone if deficient.  He monitors them every 3 months till symptoms and hormone levels are correct, then usually moves to less frequent visits.  He uses blood testing and or salivary testing when indicated.

Are bioidentical hormones safer than synthetics?

European medical studies suggest that the answer is yes; bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic versions. This makes perfect sense. But we must be cautious here, because the FDA labels all types of hormone replacements with the same warnings until when and if further evidence is presented.  Everything in medicine is determined by risk, benefit, and informed consent.  The more educated and informed patients are the better it is.  We can work together to optimize your health and use the best type hormones properly when indicated.