Natural hormone therapy in Munich

Bioidentical hormones have exactly the same chemical structure as the hormones the female body produces itself. These are mainly oestradiol, oestriol and progesterone. They are usually made in the laboratory from plant-based starting materials, for example from yam root or soy. The word “natural” therefore refers to the structure, not to the hormones coming directly from plants. Synthetic hormones, such as those found in many contraceptive pills, are by contrast chemically modified. Bioidentical hormones are available as licensed ready-made medicines and as preparations made up individually by a pharmacy. In the specialist literature they are also called nature-identical hormones.

Progesterone, the corpus luteum hormone, is produced after ovulation. It prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy and balances the effect of oestrogen. In the years before the menopause, it is often the first hormone to fall, because ovulation becomes more irregular. Sleep problems, breast tenderness, irritability or heavy bleeding can then occur. Bioidentical progesterone can make up for such a deficiency. During oestrogen therapy, a progestogen such as progesterone protects the lining of the uterus for as long as the uterus is present. Among other work on this hormone, Prof. Dr. Schulte-Uebbing has published “Progesterone – the all-rounder hormone” (Liv, 2012; published in German).

With the menopause, the production of oestrogen in the ovaries declines. This can cause hot flushes, sweating episodes, sleep problems, mood swings and vaginal dryness. In the long term, oestrogen deficiency also affects bones, skin and mucous membranes. According to current knowledge, bioidentical oestradiol applied through the skin, for example as a gel or patch, is regarded as a favourable form because it does not pass through the liver first. For vaginal dryness, local treatment with oestriol is often an option, as it hardly passes into the rest of the body. We decide individually which form, dose and duration suit you. You can read more on our menopause page.

Every hormone therapy has benefits and risks – including with bioidentical hormones. “Bioidentical” does not automatically mean free of side effects. Depending on the form, duration and your personal history, the risk of thrombosis or breast cancer, for example, may change. According to current knowledge, the balance of benefit and risk in healthy women is particularly favourable when therapy begins close to the menopause. That is why detailed advice, gynaecological check-ups and regular monitoring are part of every hormone therapy. This allows you to make an informed decision. We take the time you need for this.

Besides oestrogen and progesterone, other hormones play a role. These include DHEA, a precursor of the sex hormones that is produced in the adrenal glands. Thyroid hormones and vitamin D, which acts like a hormone in the body, are also important. Prof. Dr. Schulte-Uebbing has worked on natural hormone therapy for many years. His publications include “Hormone replacement with 7-keto-DHEA – a brief overview” (CO MED, 2010; published in German). Another contribution is “Vitamin D – an important and interesting hormone” (Your Health, 2015; published in German). We use a hormone analysis to clarify whether other hormones are relevant for you.