Dr. Goldstone's Response
As a functional medicine physician with 2 decades of clinical experience, I have extensively prescribed hormone therapies, consistently observing positive outcomes with a remarkably low incidence of adverse effects among my patients. A critical distinction often overlooked in mainstream discussions, and notably absent from the NYT article, is the difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones.
Bioidentical hormones, mostly derived from plant sources, are molecularly identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. This structural congruence allows for their natural and efficient metabolism by the body's enzymatic systems, setting them apart from synthetic compounds that can be difficult for a human body to metabolize. Our clinical practice overwhelmingly favors bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), as it aligns more closely with the body's intrinsic biochemistry.
In my experience, women in perimenopause and menopause who go on a carefully managed BHRT regimen report profound and life-enhancing benefits. These extend beyond mere symptom relief to a significant improvement in overall quality of life, including enhanced mood stability, restoration of healthy sexual function, sustained energy levels, deeper and more restorative sleep, and improved cognitive clarity. Patients frequently express immense gratitude for feeling "like themselves again"—balanced, vibrant, and fully revitalized.
It is imperative to address the concern that imbalanced levels of estrogen and progesterone, whether synthetic or bioidentical, can stimulate cell growth and potentially contribute to cancer. This is precisely why the functional medicine approach to BHRT emphasizes individualized assessment, precise dosing, and meticulous, ongoing monitoring of hormone levels. Under expert medical guidance, this strategy aims to restore optimal hormonal balance safely, thereby mitigating risks often associated with generalized HRT prescriptions and ensuring patient well-being.
