Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained by Marla Ahlgrimm, Pharmacist and hormone expert

Q: What is hormone replacement therapy?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Hormone replacement therapy is essentially replacing hormones naturally produced in the body with prescription hormone medications.  When the body fails to produce enough of a certain hormone—which may include progesterone, testosterone or estradiol—a woman may begin to feel symptoms of hormone deficiency. 

Q: What’s the difference between synthetic and natural hormones?
 
Marla Ahlgrimm: Synthetic hormones are similar to those hormones produced naturally in a woman’s body. An example of synthetic hormones are those found in oral contraceptives. Natural hormones are identical to those produced in a woman’s body -progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol. Natural hormone replacement therapy is typically considered advantageous over synthetic hormone replacement therapy by many women and their doctors. 

Q: Is hormone replacement therapy suitable for all women?
 
Marla Ahlgrimm: Hormone replacement therapy is determined on a case-by-case basis. No two women are alike and each woman must be prescribed exactly what’s needed to meet her unique needs. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment for any condition. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Joint Pain Not Inevitable In Menopausal Women

Pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm answers questions about joint pain as it relates to menopause and aging.

Q: What are common causes of joint pain in women over 40?

Marla Ahlgrimm: As the body’s hormone production naturally decreases, many women experience aches and pains in their joints, muscles and connective tissues. Joint pain in menopausal women may be caused by diminished estrogen levels. Estrogen is important for the body’s creation of synovial fluid, the liquid that lubricates the joints.

Q: Which is better for joint pain, synthetic or bioidentical hormones?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While synthetic estrogens and progestin have been prescribed by doctors for decades, they may actually exacerbate the symptoms of unexplained joint pain. Bioidentical hormones—those a woman naturally produces—are a much better option. Minor or infrequent joint pain may be managed with exercise, diet changes and the occasional use of anti-inflammatory medication.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Estrogen May Lessen Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Q: What is Parkinson’s disease?

Marla Ahlgrimm:  Parkinson’s disease is the result of cell degeneration in the brain, which short-circuits control centers that direct movement.

Q: What are the symptoms? 
 
Marla Ahlgrimm:  Parkinson’s symptoms can include tremors or shaking, rigidity or stiffness, difficulty with balance and slowed movement.

Q: What causes the cell degeneration? 
 
Marla Ahlgrimm:  It is not known why cells deteriorate.

Q: Is Parkinson’s a common ailment? 
 
Marla Ahlgrimm:  It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s. Approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease.