The world of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)—also known as Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)—is experiencing a significant, science-driven shift. Recent announcements from major health authorities are finally clarifying the benefits of treatment, moving away from two decades of outdated caution.
At Lake Oswego Health Center we embrace a holistic, evidence-based approach to hormonal balance. This newsletter details the latest scientific changes and the profound ways hormones impact your total health.
1. The Major Policy Shift: Science Over Fear
The most notable recent development is the decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove or revise the strong “black box” warning from menopausal hormone therapies.
What the New Science Confirms:
Decades of caution stemmed largely from the initial interpretation of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. Newer, comprehensive analyses have refined our understanding, leading to a crucial scientific consensus: Timing Matters.
This policy shift supports a more nuanced, individualized conversation about hormone therapy, aligning perfectly with the patient-centered philosophy of naturopathic medicine.
2.Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones: The Customization Advantage
The difference between hormone types lies in their chemical structure and manufacturing process.
The Naturopathic Difference:
Bioidentical hormones offer the unique advantage of customization, allowing us to tailor a specific dose and combination to your body, based on comprehensive testing and your full health history.
3.Personalized Testing: Going Beyond the Blood
Accurate assessment is the foundation of tailored treatment. While traditional blood (serum) testing is common, our clinic utilizes advanced methods to get a complete picture.
- Blood (Serum) Testing: Measures circulating hormones and is the industry standard for general levels. However, often not tested.
- Urine Testing (e.g., DUTCH Panel): The Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) measures hormone metabolites—the end-products of hormone breakdown—over a 24-hour period. This provides valuable insight into how your body is processing and detoxifying hormones, which can inform the safest and most effective treatment strategy. There is also salivary testing options.
Our Approach to Dosing:
We don’t just rely on symptoms or a single lab number. We combine comprehensive testing (serum and/or urine or saliva) with a detailed review of your symptom relief and full health history to achieve your optimal, personalized balance.
4.The Far-Reaching Impact of Hormones on Total Health
Hormones are master regulators, essential for functions far beyond reproduction. Balancing them is key to true, whole-body wellness.
Next Step: Tailored Wellness
The science is clear: balanced hormones are critical for a vibrant, healthy life. If you’re ready to move beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach and explore hormone therapy tailored to your unique history and physiology.
Contact us at Lake Oswego Health Center to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers and begin your journey toward personalized hormonal balance.
