Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Shown Safe and Effective for Menopause Treatment

In a press release out Wednesday, the preliminary results of the much anticipated KEEPS study were released. While the study does not quite go head to head with the Women’s Health Initiative – the subjects of the study are much younger – it does shed light on the safety and efficacy of estrogen-progesterone therapy for relief of menopausal symptoms and reducing the risk of disease.

According the release, the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) was a four-year randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of low-dose oral or transdermal (bioidentical) estrogen and cyclic monthly progesterone in healthy female subjects with a an average age of 52, who were within three years after menopause at randomization. Seven-hundred twenty-seven women were randomized into the following three arms, along with cyclical micronized progesterone (Prometrium®):

• Oral conjugated equine estrogens (o-CEE) given as Premarin®, 0.45 mg/day
• Transdermal Estradiol (t-E2) given by Climara® patch, 50 mcg/day
• Placebo

The study compared the effects of both, synthetic estrogens (o-CEE) and bioidentical estrogen (t-E2), combined with bioidentical progesterone. Neither form of therapy had an impact on blood pressure or risk of stroke, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, myocardial infarction or transient ischemic attack. O-CEE was shown to improve HDL levels, decrease LDL levels and increase triglyceride levels. The t-E2 had no effect on these markers, but appeared to lower insulin resistance.

Of greatest significance was the improvement these women saw in symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, libido and bone density – compared to the placebo.

Dr. Jennifer Landa, Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD and a specialist in bioidentical hormone therapy and FoxNews.com contributor, reacts to these findings, “These study results are a step forward in proving the safety and efficacy of bioidentical estradiol and bioidentical progesterone. We have moved past the debate over the safety of hormone therapy – now, it is about which type of hormone therapy is going to provide relief and sustain health. Another trial is underway testing the efficacy of these same bioidentical therapies in older women. I expect more favorable outcomes.”

These preliminary results were presented at the meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) this week. NAMS, along with 14 other major medical organizations, gave their blessing, earlier this year, to hormone therapy as an effective treatment for women suffering from symptoms of menopause. The results are expected to be published later this year.

Danielle Tworek is an experienced health news and medical content writer in South Florida. She holds a degree in Human Nutrition and is a NASM certified personal trainer. She has years of experience helping individuals reach their wellness goals through her work for Jenny Craig, USAA Corporate Wellness, BodyLogicMD and a variety of renowned fitness clubs. Danielle’s work has been featured on Livestrong.com, Examiner.com and multiple renowned blog sites. Learn more from her expertise at www.danicee.com or contact Danielle at [email protected].