How Does Hormone Replacement Affect Heart Health?
The body naturally reduces the production of hormones in both men and women as they age, with hormone production peaking around age 20 and declining gradually in future years. Beyond age 40, reduced hormone levels are linked with a variety of negative health consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Bioidentical Hormones for Women
Research and years of clinical experience have shown that bioidentical hormone therapy is safe and effective for women when implemented correctly. Today we know that the adverse events observed in the past occurred due primarily to the use synthetic hormones, or they occurred within research studies that were not designed well.
Quality studies reveal that women need balanced hormones to maintain good cardiovascular health. In particular, a single-center study scheduled for presentation at the American College of Cardiology’s 66th Annual Scientific Session found that women who used bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to relieve the symptoms of menopause have a lower risk of death and have lower levels of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries).
The Specific Findings
In a randomized test, after accounting for age, coronary calcium scores and cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, women using hormone replacement therapy were shown to have:
- A 30% increased life expectancy.
- A 20% higher chance of having a coronary calcium score of zero (the lowest possible score, indicating a very low risk of heart attack).
- A 36% less likely chance of having a coronary calcium score that indicates extensive atherosclerosis.
- A 10-fold decrease in heart attack risk.
- Relief from hot flashes and night sweats.
- A decrease in memory loss.
- A reduced Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Better sleep patterns.
- A reduction in vaginal dryness and sexual pain.
- Fewer fractures caused by osteoporosis.
- Lowered rates of dementia.
Hormone Replacement for Men
For men, quality research indicates that properly administered testosterone replacement therapy significantly improves health in a dramatic range of measures, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular health. Positive outcomes for men include:
- Reduced overall cholesterol.
- Reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol.
- Reduced triglycerides.
- Reduced Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Reduced waist circumference.
- Improved “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Improved insulin resistance.
- Improved glycemic control.
In Summary
Since bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to endogenous hormones, they can bond with human hormone receptors in the exact same manner as endogenous hormones. Meanwhile, hormones make everything in the human body work properly, including the cardiovascular system. The good news is that balance can be restored via hormone replacement therapy once the body can no longer produce hormones in optimal amounts on its own.
If you would like to find out if bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you, contact Renew Youth at (800) 859-7511 to learn more about how we can help.
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