There is much confusion over the term "natural " with regards to the use of hormones for conditions like PMS and menopause. Natural hormones are hormones that are biologically identical to those that are produced endogenously within our bodies. In terms of NHRT, these "Bio-identical" hormones would include estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone. Although bio-identical hormones have long been utilized in other countries, in the United States NON-bio-identical hormones have been predominantly used for the last 50years. As the Women's Health Initiative Study documented, synthetic hormones are carcinogenic, toxic and raise a women's risk for other diseases. The main reason bio-identical hormones are not readily available or the current standard of care in this country is sadly to say, due to their lack of profitability and patentabilty. There is very little financial incentive for pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce, market and research natural hormones despite the glaring health risks and short-comings of synthetic hormones. In contrast, bio-identical hormones have been used safely and effectively for over 50 years by European physicians. These hormones are almost entirely without side-effects and, because they are biochemically identical to those produced in the body, they maximize all the positive benefits the endogenous hormones normally contribute to our health and well-being. At the Natural Health and Acupuncture Clinic we are able to evaluate, balance and optimize your hormone levels safely and effectively.