Bio Identical Hormone Replacement

Hormones are critical to our health.  Produced by the endocrine glands, hormones are natural substances that act as the brain’s messengers.  They tell the body’s internal organs how to function.  When we reach middle-age we start to produce fewer hormones.  Hormone production continues to decline as we grow older.  Researchers now believe that hormonal decline is actually a major cause of aging.

Cortisol

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and plays an important role in helping the body deal with stress.  Low cortisol levels contribute to “adrenal fatigue” and crippling fatigue. High levels contribute to anxiety and insomnia

 DHEA – Dehydroespiandrosterone

DHEA is a precursor to the sex hormones and is important for the production of these hormones.  DHEA, which is produced by the adrenal glands, declines markedly as we age.  Low levels of DHEA have been associated with premature aging. When you replace DHEA, you enhance the immune system and overall sense of wellbeing. Studies have shown that when levels of DHEA remain high into middle age, there is a dramatic decline in the incidence of all chronic diseases.  

Estrogen

Estrogen is secreted by the ovaries.  When estrogen levels are low women experience menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings.  When you replace declining levels of estrogen in women with natural estrogen there is a protective effect against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.

Growth hormone (GH)

Human growth hormone stimulates growth and cell reproduction.  Secreted by the pituitary gland, it also contributes to tissue repair.  Various studies have suggested that growth hormone is an effective anti-aging agent, helping to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat.

 

Melatonin

Melatonin helps with sleep.  Produced by the pineal gland, it plays an important role in the regulation of the circadian rhythm.  Melatonin levels decline as we age.  Melatonin supplements are marketed as a natural aid to better sleep but this hormone also offers powerful antioxidant effects.

Pregnenolone:

Pregnenolone, which declines after age 30, plays a role in cerebral function and may have the potential to improve cognitive and memory function.   

Progesterone

Progesterone is secreted by the ovaries.  Studies suggest that natural progesterone reduces the symptoms of menopause and has a protective effect against breast cancer.    

Testosterone

Testosterone is best known as a male hormone but it is also present in women and plays an important role in women’s health and well being.  Testosterone production declines after age 30. 

Thyroid hormone

Thyroid hormone production also declines with age.  A thyroid deficiency causes a number of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, constipation, hair loss, cold intolerance and dry skin.

Conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses animal and synthetic hormones.  In the last few decades HRT was heavily marketed; millions of women were prescribed synthetic estrogen and progesterone.  In July 2002, there was a major reversal in thinking among the medical profession and women following the release of data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. We now have many studies which show that these mass produced hormones are associated with significant adverse side effects, including cancer, heart disease and other health problems.

 Biologically identical hormone replacement is an emerging therapy that is gradually winning more and more converts in the medical profession and among the public.  Bio-identical hormones are biologically identical (have an identical molecular structure) to the hormones naturally produced in the body and function in the body the same way as the body’s own hormones.  Natural progesterone and natural estrogen are processed from botanical plants (soy, wild yam) and are made into either a cream for use on the skin or an oral supplement.  Bio-identical hormones offer an effective and safe alternative to commercially produced hormones as well as numerous health benefits.  They alleviate the symptoms caused by a natural decrease in the production of hormones in the body during menopause and andropause.  They re-establish a hormonal balance and provide protective benefits.  For example, natural estrogen and progesterone protect against heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.  Natural progesterone protects against breast cancer.

The patient’s individual hormone deficiencies are identified following saliva, blood or 24 hour urine testing.  Then a prescription based on the individual’s specific needs is compounded by a compounding pharmacist.