Doctors started questioning the validity of this therapy after a clinical study in 2002 that produced evidence that hormone replacement therapy may not be as healthy as once thought that it was. Parts of the clinical testing revealed that this therapy actually might be causing more health hazards than preventing. Once doctors started studying the results of this particular test, they started changing their minds about whether or not their patients should be on this therapy long term.

The treatment takes estrogen and combines it with the man made hormone progestin. Given to patients who had trouble with handling the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and other symptoms that come a long with menopause. This therapy use to be a long term therapy that lasted over a period of years. Because of the test however; long term use is rarely used as compared to its more common short term use presently.

Doctors have discovered that if the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy is given short term, some of the health benefits can still be achieved. Doctors are discovering that with short term use, the threat of osteoporosis is lessened, heart disease with short term use might still be lessened but the therapy should be administered to the woman when they are in the early stages of post menopause. When used in moderation it is possible that the therapy can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

If a woman has entered menopause, it is really important that she seriously consider whether or not she wants to risk taking the therapy over a long extended period of time. If they feel that the extent of their menopause is too much for them to handle as compared to the possible hazards, they might want to see if their doctor will put them on the therapy to help make menopause more tolerable.

Women and doctors both need to consider the risks seriously. It is now suspected that with long term use of hormone therapy it might actually increase the risk of heart disease. Long term use of hormones might also increase the risk of breast cancer. The increase in strokes has also been linked to the long term use as well as more false positive mammograms.

With women who have only taken estrogen for therapy it was discovered that they did not seem to have an increase in heart disease, but they still had an increase in strokes, an increase in blood clots of the legs and there seemed to be more mammograms that tested positive when they were negative.

Should a woman strongly believe that the symptoms she is suffering during menopause is far too life disrupting and they feel the risks are small compared to the menopause it would be advisable for them to contact their doctor and sit down and discuss the possible implementation of hormone therapy. Other things that might influence a woman to take the therapy is if the doctor has discovered that the woman is suffering from bone loss. Another reason might be if the woman began menopause before the age of 40.

If you happen to be suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, then trying the hormone therapy on a short term basis, might be able to help you with your problems. It will be up to your doctor however; to decide whether you should be put on long term versus short term.

Compounding pharmacists are professionals with specialized and trustworthy expertise in the medical field. Among the best within their industry, they have knowledge of procedures like the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, or better known as the BHRT.

Medicare Enrollment Window Is Now

Navigating the myriad of choices in the Medicare program can be a daunting task for seniors today. Especially considering the changes to the program that have been enacted by Congress. Depending on your personal experiences, you may consider Medicare a blessing or a curse.

As the Medicare plans and options changed just a few years ago, so did the coverage levels that were offered and this left many scrambling trying to read through the paperwork and make decisions based on their personal needs. For many elderly people this was, to say the least a near impossible task, and once those choices were made, that was it, and they were locked into those choices.

Although many may not be aware, the yearly enrollment window is from November 15th to December 31st each year. Your window of opportunity to make changes to your Medicare plan is closing soon. Whether you make changes or you don't, you will be locked in to those choices for another year.

This yearly enrollment period is important because it is the time for you to assess your current coverage. If there are better options that you or your friends have discovered, then making changes is important. By now most of you have had time to assess how the Medicare experience is serving your needs.

The intent of the Medicare program is to serve the needs of the senior population. Considering that many people have constantly changing healthcare issues, the program's yearly enrollment period is important to address. The time to make changes is now. Even if you've been happy with your coverage, you will be well served to revisit your program coverage to assure you're getting the best care you need.

What is a thyroid? The thyroid is a gland that's part of the endocrine system. It is responsible for regulating several body functions such as heart rate (pulse), blood pressure, body temperature (basal temperture), and converting food into energy (metabolism). Hormones produced by the thyroid are essential for the function of every cell in the body. These hormones are responsible for the regulation of growth and metabolism in the body. Thyroid hormones also help children grow and develop.

Natural cures for thyroid problems are often taken as supplements. These thyroid supplements are available in two forms: whole-natural or synthetic. For most thyroid sufferers, it is better to use whole-natural cures for thyroid problems for several reasons.

First, synthetic (also known as man-made) supplements typically only have one of the necessary thyroid hormones (typically T3 or T4). In contrast, whole-natural supplements will have a broader range of hormones (as much as T1, T2, T3, and T4).

Secondly, synthetic supplements have inconsistencies in their dosage whereas natural supplements are consistent because they're made by nature herself.

And finally, when all costs for a synthetic are factored in (drive to the doctor, office co-pay, prescription co-pay, insurance deductable, etc), natural cures for thyroid problems cost less.

Here are just a few of the benefits of natural cures for thyroid problems:

* Natural supplements have more of necessary thyroid hormones.

* Natural supplements have more consistent dosages.

* Natural supplements have an overall lower cost.