What are Bio-identical Hormones?

Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, or BHRT, is the process of restoring and maintaining hormone balance with hormones that are biologically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Bio-identical hormones are custom created by specialized compounding pharmacies and have the same chemical structures of human body hormones. They are not prescribed in a “one size fits all” approach and instead are prescribed for the unique needs of each patient.

How are they different than synthetic hormones?

The synthetic hormones such as Premarin, Provera, progestins and birth control pills are made using a mix of plant and animal based compounds which have some overlap with your naturally occurring hormones but differ in significant ways. The “pro” part of the provera for instance is a progestin which sounds very similar to progesterone, however, the effects are very different. Like progesterone progestins help to regulate uterine tissue. However, unlike real progesterone, there are no receptors for progestins in your brain to help you sleep, calm your nerves, or in your breasts to decrease your risk of breast cancer. Many of the side effects of progestins in fact, are because the progesterone so necessary for your metabolic functions is actually being blocked by the progestin. Yet, many people in the health care community think of and use these products as though they were interchangeable, when in fact, there are marked differences at the core level of physiologic function. Often, progestin use is associated with adverse effects including increase risks for cancer, blood clots, stroke and coronary disease not associated with proper balanced transdermal bioidentical hormone use.

Why is this difference important?

Hormones are the messengers of the body. They act much like a lock and key mechanism. The receptor organ is like the “lock” that the hormone must fit into. The “key” is the hormone .When the hormone fits perfectly into the receptor, it sends a recognizable message to the body and the effect of the hormone is translated correctly to the tissue. This results in confusing messages to the body. If you have used synthetic hormones before, you may have felt partial relief of certain symptoms, or you may have not felt well at all on synthetic hormones . This is not usually a reflection of how you will feel on a well-balanced bio-identical hormone regimen.

How are your levels determined?

Levels are checked using saliva testing, blood testing or urine testing at times. Our practice utilizes only the most advanced labs to provide these services. These results are then combined with a thorough review of your symptoms, lifestyle, diet and sleep and exercise habits to prescribe an individualized balanced hormone regimen for each patient’s unique needs. Various routes of hormone delivery are available – transdermal (though the skin) creams gels or patches, injectables, or pellets (implanted through a minor procedure. Additionally, some hormones are prescribed orally. Using bio-identical hormones in a balanced regimen with the correct route of delivery insures that you receive the optimum response possible while minimizing the risks that the synthetic hormones are associated with.

ARE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES FOR YOU?

FOR WOMEN:

When we are young, most of us have the abundance of hormones we need to keep our bodies functioning well and at peak performance. However, as we get older, these levels decline and we begin to see the signs and symptoms of aging. For most women, we understand the strong relationship of hormones to our well being . The decline that begins in the years before menopause (peri-menopause) comes on slowly and includes irritability and mood swings, sleeping interruptions, anxiety, brain fog and just generally not feeling “like yourself”. This can begin at anytime in a woman’s life, though it often continues on for about 10 years before actual menopause is reached. The sharp decline that marks menopause (when our period stops) for most of us is inevitable if not treated and usually marks even worse irritability, anxiety, feeling warm all of the time, marked memory loss, decreased energy, poor sleeping, weight gain and general lack of sexual interest with your partner. Left untreated, your life and your health declines dramatically. Worse than that, your core health and physiologic function decline as well. Bone strength, muscle mass and stamina, brain function, skin turgor (wrinkles) and cardiovascular health all decrease dramatically in response to lack of the hormonal messengers necessary to assure these functions are at optimal levels. By replacing the hormones that your body would make if it could, your symptoms can be minimized and more importantly, your core health functions can be kept operational through the later half of your life when the “slow slide” downhill would otherwise be inevitable.

To get started, usually simple saliva or blood tests are checked to see the current levels in your body and if any imbalances exist. The process of replacement is indeed just that – a process. Your body did not get where it is overnight, and there will certainly be an adjustment period to reintroducing the hormones. At times, many of the symptoms are remarkably improved in a few weeks, though often several months are needed for more optimum results.

FOR MEN:

Hormones are as important for men as they are for women, only they are not talked about much in that way in most circles. Compared with women, men’s sexual hormones are relatively steady throughout one’s lifetime. However, every year a man looses on average 1-2% per year of his testosterone after the age of 40 or so. At first, the symptoms of loss may be very subtle – Am I not quite as sharp as I once was? Is my energy less because I am older or depressed? Why don’t I have the zest for life that I used to? Am I just getting old? Probably not. Symptoms of declining testosterone include weaker muscle and less stamina, the inability to make muscle like you used to with exercise, joint pain, low energy, irritability, depression, sleeping difficulties, less joy in your life, and of course less sexual interest and weaker performance. Weight gain and changes of body composition such as more fat and less muscle are often seen as well.

What is “Low T”?

Testosterone levels can easily be measured by blood, saliva or urine. However, the levels of optimum testosterone for each man is really dependent on what his levels were when he was younger. The range for “normal” testosterone levels is large and it is really the change from your baseline that is felt in the way of symptoms. Other factors such as estradiol levels also play a role in symptoms as well.

Testosterone replacement for Low T is usually fairly easily accomplished and is quickly appreciated. Methods of replacement include using creams or gels, injectable testosterone or pellets which are inserted in the office every 4-5 months and just dissolve slowly giving your body the needed levels of testosterone. For men, testosterone is your “ LIFE FORCE” and most men clearly feel more like themselves again with adequate replacement. A simple blood or saliva test and evaluation is all that is usually needed to make the diagnosis and get you started on your way back to living the life you always wanted.

If you believe you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance, please contact us for a complementary 15 minute phone consultation with one of our hormone experts, and learn how you can obtain optimal wellness once again! (603)431-6677 ext. 218

Contact us now to reserve your seat, and get ready to start the new year with a new you! 

(603)431-6677   ext. 218

Don’t miss tomorrow’s radio interview as Dr. Schertell discusses breast thermography, bio-identical hormones, and naturopathic medicine with Hal Decker on the “Start Feeling Better Now” show!  Tune in to WSCA 106.1 FM at 9am-10am!