At Hummingbird Healthcare, my passion is to help you feel and look your absolute best—no matter your age. If you’re a woman over 40 (or even earlier for a rare few), you’ve probably wondered if hormone therapy is right for you. The truth is, there's a lot of confusion, fear, and misinformation around Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone, especially when it comes to their safety and effectiveness.
In this blog, I want to clarify some of those misconceptions and share what I’ve learned through my experience working with bio-identical hormones—a safer, more natural option that can dramatically improve your quality of life. From better sleep and stronger bones to enhanced mood and sexual health, let’s talk hormones!
Understanding the Difference: Bio-Identical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly are bio-identical hormones?
Synthetic hormones—like those used in major studies such as the Women’s Health Initiative—are commercially manufactured and chemically different from what your body naturally produces. These studies primarily used synthetic forms like Premarin (derived from horse urine) and Provera, a synthetic progestin. Because of this, many conclusions drawn from these studies don’t apply to bio-identical hormone therapy.
Bio-identical hormones, on the other hand, are structurally identical to the hormones your body makes naturally. And here’s the important part: they’ve not been shown to increase the risk of cancer or blood clots in any credible study. But be cautious—many research articles use the term "estrogen" or "progesterone" even when they're actually referencing synthetic versions. This creates unnecessary fear and confusion.
Estrogen: More Than a “Female” Hormone
Estrogen isn’t just a hormone for women—it’s important for both women and men. It improves memory, supports cognition, and boosts bone mineral density. In women, I often prescribe oral estradiol, a form of bio-identical estrogen, to help protect against:
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis and fractures
- Vaginal dryness and atrophy
- Urinary incontinence
Signs of low estrogen include:
- Sagging breasts
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Decreased libido
One important thing to note: Estrogen should generally not be taken by women who are pre- or peri-menopausal. Sometimes I see estradiol prescribed to women who've had a hysterectomy but still have their ovaries. I question this choice—removing the uterus doesn't mean you’re in menopause. Menopause is officially defined as going 12 consecutive months without a period.
Progesterone: The Hormone That Brings Balance
Progesterone plays a crucial role in balancing estrogen—especially if you still have a uterus. Taking estrogen alone can lead to a thickening of the uterine lining, which can be concerning.
But even if you no longer have a uterus, bio-identical progesterone offers a number of powerful benefits:
- Improves sleep quality
- Lifts mood and emotional well-being
- Stimulates bone growth by activating osteoblasts
- Offers protection against breast and ovarian cancers
It’s also a helpful tool for managing PMS symptoms and is especially beneficial for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I’ve seen firsthand how balancing estrogen and progesterone can improve both physical and emotional wellness.
Testosterone: Not Just for Men
We often think of Testosterone as a “male” hormone—but it has powerful benefits for women too! When used appropriately, bio-identical testosterone can:
- Increase muscle mass
- Decrease visceral fat by improving insulin resistance
- Improve collagen production (hello, firmer skin!)
- Reduce cellulite
- Improve exercise endurance
- Boost libido and sexual pleasure
- Improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk
I prefer testosterone cream over injections or pellets because the absorption is more predictable. It offers a steady release without the sharp peaks and crashes you get with other delivery methods. A small caveat: it can cause hair growth at the application site, typically the labia.
Hormones Are Complex—But You Don’t Have to Navigate Them Alone
Whew! That was a lot—and I haven’t even touched on thyroid hormones, melatonin, or DHEA, which are also key players in hormonal health.
Hormones are incredibly nuanced, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why it’s so important to work with a provider who understands the full picture.
If you’ve been curious about bio-identical hormones—whether it’s Estrogen, Progesterone, or Testosterone—or if you’re simply tired of feeling tired, I’d love to talk. You can always call to chat or schedule your hour-long initial consultation at Hummingbird Healthcare.
Helping you feel energized, balanced, and vibrant is what I do—and it’s what I love.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re ready to explore how bio-identical hormone therapy can transform your health and well-being, let’s connect. At Hummingbird Healthcare, my goal is to empower you with knowledge and personalized care that helps you thrive—at any age.
My passion is to help you feel and look your best, naturally and safely—with guidance that honors your body and your journey.
