Side Effects

Bio-identical hormones are considered safer than traditional synthetic hormones but still harbor risks and side effects especially if used in excess.

Testosterone:
Androgens may decrease blood glucose lowering insulin requirements in a diabetic patient as well as lowering blood pressure. Adjustments may need to be made in medications.
Androgens increase hemoglobin and hematocrit increasing the risk of clotting. For this reason a CBC is repeated on follow-up lab work.
Testosterone can change anti-coagulant therapy, so those monitoring their INR will need to check this more regularly.
Symptoms that may result from Testosterone use include acne, clotting disorders, deepening of the voice, an enlarged clitoris, hair loss, and hair growth on the face, changes in sex drive (normally an increase in sex drive), anger or hostility, shrinking in the size of the testicles, reduction in sperm production.

Estrogen:
No long-term studies on the use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy are available. Risks are based on studies of synthetic conjugated estrogens. However, since these are the only studies we have, Dr. Fields want you to be aware of potential risks. HRT has been associated most frequently with the following medical problems:
Cancer of the uterus may be slightly increased. Using estrogen alone causes the lining of the uterus to grow and can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. To reduce this risk, Doctor Fields prescribes progesterone. Do not confuse this with Progestin, which has multiple serious side effects. Most studies with serious side effects were conducted using Progestins.

Development of blood clots is slightly increased. When blood clots form in blood vessels, the blood clots can cut off blood flow to organs like the lung or brain and lead to severe damage of these organs.

Breast cancer may be increased. Some research studies suggest that the use of HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer. However, other research studies suggest there is not association. No definitive statements can be made about these issues. The use of Estriol (E3) and Progesterone with Estradiol (E2) is believed to reduce this risk.

The risk for ovarian cancer is slightly increased. Researchers calculated that for every 8,300 women, hormone therapy would result in one extra case of ovarian cancer a year. These studies again, were concluded with the use of Progestins. The use of Estriol (E3) and Progesterone with Estradiol (E2) is believed to reduce this risk.

Progesterone:
Recent research suggests a relationship between Progestin and Cancer. Progestin is synthetic Progesterone and is not the same as natural Progesterone. There has been no research to support the relationship between natural Progesterone and cancer

Thyroid Side Effects:
Armour Thyroid is a natural, porcine-derived thyroid hormone replacement containing both T4 and T3. Armour Thyroid Tablets, USP, contain the labeled amounts of levothyroxine (T4) and
liothyronine (T3), as established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

Since Armour Thyroid is made to replace thyroid hormones, the most common side effects generally mimic an underactive or overactive thyroid (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, respectively). Adverse reactions other than those indicative of hyperthyroidism, either initially or during the maintenance phase, are rare.
If you experience chest pain, increased pulse rate, palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, or nervousness, please consult your doctor immediately; your dose may need to be adjusted.