Dr. B's Blog

To say that the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been historically controversial is an understatement. Ever since the FDA in 1942 approved the first HRT drug—Premarin—for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes, the popularity of HRT has gone up and down like a spasmodic yo-yo. While some studies, publications, and books touting HRT’s effectiveness made its popularity surge, others would backpedal the surge by warning of health risks. Among the former was the 1966 bestselling book Feminine Forever, which claimed that taking estrogen would allow a woman to remain just that despite menopause. An example of the latter was the 1977 bestselling book Women and the Crisis in Sex Hormones, which warned about studies linking HRT to breast cancer, strokes, and blood clots.

The proverb “clothes make the man” was believed to be coined by Dutch humorist and philosopher Desiderius Erasmus in the 15th Century. Erasmus undoubtedly suspected that other elements were responsible for making a man, but the primary maker of a man was not officially discovered until 1935. That year, several European scientists independently discovered and isolated testosterone, a hormone and anabolic steroid that genuinely “makes the man.”

As a long-time holistic medicine practitioner, Naples, Florida-based internal medicine specialist Dr. Diane Brzezinski, D.O., knows how our bodily systems are interconnected. The health of a distinct system, like the circulatory system, plays a role in the health of the other systems, and all combine to influence one’s overall well-being. As a female, Dr. B also understands that vaginal health plays a supporting role in maintaining a woman’s well-being. Along with causing localized pain and discomfort, vaginal issues can reduce libido, cause depression, lower self-esteem, and lead to relationship problems.

The popularity of male hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has soared over the past decade, due in part to studies refuting earlier research that suggested links between testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. Harvard University researchers who examined the recent studies determined that HRT is a “viable option” for men with low testosterone levels combined with several associated symptoms.