Host: How long do I have to be on them? I hate taking pills, for crying out loud — I don't want to be on something forever. Do a lot of people have to be on these forever, or are you able to better their lifestyle and take other supplements so they don't experience these hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause?
Dr. Stengler: For women who are having very intense symptoms, we'll put them on the bioidentical hormones, and quite often they'll be on them for 6 to 12 months, then we try and lower the dosage or wean off if they can. Other women, just because of their overall health — for example, let's say they have a memory problem, joint problems, or loss of bone density — there are some patients who will want them to stay on the natural hormones and be monitored, because it has benefits to the rest of their body.
It's a question we hear a lot, and it's a great question to ask. Nobody wants to be on pills forever. For women with very intense menopause symptoms, we'll put them on bioidentical hormones for six to twelve months, and then gradually lower their dosage or wean them off entirely. Other women, simply because of their overall health, may need to stay on natural hormone therapies for longer times if not permanently. Every body is different, which is why there's no single answer to fit every patient. This is a question each patient should ask their physician when starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. If you are currently being treated with bioidentical hormones or have been advised you may need to, call the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine and schedule an appointment with a naturopathic doctor. Our clinic will work with you to understand the root cause of your symptoms, and we'll be able to tell you how long your bioidentical hormone therapy should last.
