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This show is a “must see” for anyone who is confused about hormone replacement therapy and anyone who needs to know the basics about synthetic hormones vs. bioidentical hormones. Hopefully it will be aired again, or made available on Oprah.com.

Yes, I am happy to admit that my predictions about this episode in my previous post, were wrong (as warned)! In fact, there was only one small blurb about Suzanne Somers at the end of the show.

If you already know about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), then you really didn’t miss much – but you will want to tune in to future shows. Oprah said that she would be going deeper into the subject within the next few weeks.

I did manage to tape the 3:30 a.m. rebroadcast and watched it twice so that I could tell you about it (I wasn’t quite awake the first time around). By the way, I found that this is the best way to watch Oprah’s show – with all the facts flying at you, it’s easy to go back and view things you may have missed (and you can skip past all of those commercials).

Oprah had guest Robin McGraw (Dr. Phil’s wife) discussing her experiences with hormone imbalance and promoting her book, What's Age Got to Do with It?: Living Your Healthiest and Happiest Life She made a valid point that I have been trying to stress to my doctors for years, which was symptoms of hormone imbalance often appear long before the menopause phase of life.

This is something I have discussed with my own daughters. She (McGraw) feels that you should have your hormones checked in your 20’s - I personally feel that is a little early, unless there is a problem. I do feel that it is very useful to have your hormones checked before the onset of any imbalance, so that you have a more accurate reading of what “normal hormone levels” are for you.

A personal note here - The term “Menopause” seems to be taboo to some, and because menopause is actually when the menstrual period has ceased, I feel that the phrase “hormone imbalance” is a more accurate way to describe the symptoms we experience before menopause.

Robin McGraw’s story about what happened to her when she went to her doctor about perimenopausal symptoms she was having sounded identical to what happened to me and surely to many other women – maybe even you. Basically, her doctor handed her prescriptions for synthetic hormones and anti-depressants.

One of the most important things emphasized by McGraw, and repeated throughout the show, is the need for women to take charge of their health, make your health and well-being a priority and research, research, research all of the options available. I agree completely! Gone are the days when we assume doctors know everything – there is nothing wrong with asking questions and doing your homework. Visit your doctor armed with the information you have found, questions and concerns. If you are made to feel inferior or belittled (it happens) then find a new doctor!

Another guest on the show, Christiane Northrup, MD, author of the book, The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change, 2nd Edition who gave a very easy to understand explanation of the hormones Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone, detailing what symptoms you may have when you have too much, or too little of each. In addition to giving a brief history lesson on hormone replacement therapy over the years, she also explained the difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones – very informative!

As predicted though, there had to be one naysayer, which in this case turned out to be Wulf Utian MD, Executive Director of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) who was obviously only in favor of FDA approved products. One statement he made that sent me through the roof was that bioidentical marketing claims that “they (bioidenticals) have all the benefits and carry none of the risk” he also added that if you believe that, then you probably believe in the tooth fairy. He said that the terms Bioidentical, Natural and Non-Synthetic are all marketing terms and “mean nothing.”

I have to disagree with your statement Dr. Utian, because I have yet to find any claims of no risk from the bioidentical practitioners, manufacturers, organizations, etc. – I have only seen only claims of less risk when compared to synthetic hormone products. There are risks to any type of medication today, natural or synthetic, and it would be foolish to think otherwise. Ok, I will end this post before I blow my top.

Watch Oprah’s episode on Compounding Pharmacies with Dr. OZ in two weeks!