Why Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement?
” Hormone” comes from the Greek ” to set in motion.” That’s a perfect description as the role of hormones in our bodies is to help our 60 trillion cells communicate chemically with one another. Hormones exist in harmony with each other–they’re partners in a delicate balancing act. Because they are mutually dependant, a deficiency in one can quickly create an excess of another.
Hormones travel through the blood and enter cells through receptor sites–just like a key unlocks a lock. Once inside the cell, the hormones trigger switches to regulate growth and development as well as mental and physical functions.
Balance
When levels of each hormone are in the right proportions for the body they’re in (gender, age, size), body systems are stable. But when that balance is disrupted, hormone imbalance becomes toxic to the body. (See Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance)
Hormone balance is closely connected to the food we eat, the exercise we get, the toxins we absorb, and the stress level we live with.
Test, Don’t Guess!
While external symptoms might be similar, the underlying hormone levels could be very different. It’s important to test, not guess, to determine exactly what is in excess and what is lacking so that the delicate balance can be properly restored.
Rebalancing
Our basic rules are:
- Give hormones only to those who need them.
- Use only bio-identical, natural hormones that are exact duplicates of what our body makes.
- Use dosages that create the appropriate hormone balance for a given person and his or her metabolism and response to treatment.
- Objectively monitor the progress of response to the treatment.
Initially, we identify the specific imbalances, then, if indicated, supplement with a bio-identical hormone. (See Why Bio-Identical Hormones?) We work with each individual to provide the support they need for as long as they need it–and no longer.
Rebalancing also includes avoiding environmental and food toxicities, reducing stress, and getting sufficient rest, nutrition, and exercise.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance:
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or restless sleep
- Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Hot falshes and night sweats
- PMS
- Cold body temperature
- Feeling depressed or overwhelmed
- Nervousness
- Heart palpitations
- Mood swings or irritability
- Headaches
- Scalp hair loss
- Loss of desire
- Decreased concentration and memory loss
- Digestive issues
- Abdominal fat
- Increased facial/body hair
- Stiffness or joint pain
- Irritibility
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Thinning skin
- Decreased libido
- Heart palpitations
- Breast pain
- Adult acne
- Urinary dysfunction
- Unwanted hair growth
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Irregular periods
- Fibroids