The Real Cougar Woman and Suzanne Somers agree on the merits of Bioidentical Hormones. Almost four years ago Suzanne Somers appeared on ABC’s 20/20 on a program they called ”Promises Promises”. The purpose of this particular show was to warn the public to be careful. They love to remind us that there are lots of bad people who are living to take advantage of us poor schnooks. They covered everything from buying fake handbags online to using bioidentical hormones.
Since that show aired nothing much has changed.
Dr Lauren Streicher, an obstetrician and assistant professor at Northwestern University, pointed out that something that is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe”. She was talking about the soybeans and yams used to make bioidentical hormones.
Somers believes that bioidentical hormones provide protection against cancer. She said, “so is it a cure for cancer? No. But they do protect us.” Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman, an alternative medicine expert at Georgetown University, points out that there’s no scientific data to prove Somers’ disease-fighting claims.
The question then and the question now is – what are women supposed to believe? ABC asked Suzanne how she would feel if it turns out, in the long run, that she was wrong. She replied “How will you feel if, in five years I’m right and these doctors are right, and I’m living this incredible life at 65, at 70 at 75?” Well, four years later we know she is.
Until there is scientific proof that bioidenticals do more harm than good, I will continue to use them. I feel great, and that’s what most important to me. Every time I read an article or watch some TV program that talks only about the potential harm and nothing about the potential benefits, I do get a little nervous. But, I do further research because I refuse to buy into the fear factor. I trust myself to make the best decisions regarding my health, and I trust my doctor to guide me along that path.
Personally, I tired of hearing so much negative publicity on Hormone Replacement Therapy. All the experts agree that there hasn’t been enough long term testing to come up with any definitive answers. Until that time, would everybody please SHUT UP.
The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality. Linda Franklin says,”there is no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system, passion and a dream. All things are possible”. Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.
I think you have a valid point with:
“All the experts agree that there hasn’t been enough long term testing to come up with any definitive answers. Until that time, would everybody please SHUT UP.”
OK. Maybe trying the therapy (or any therapy come to that) will not do any good – or may do harm. But what if it is helping? We could lose years of active life by being too cautions.
The things we regret at the end of life are those we did not do, not the things we took a chance on.
Slowly the experts are changing their minds, but in the meantime women are more confused than ever. But, one thing I know for sure, you don’t have to suffer – that’s not the answer.
Linda