As people age their hormone levels decline. Many physicians assume this is the natural way it should be. If a younger person were to be diagnosed as having a hormonal deficiency, it would be quickly corrected. However, the same low level in an older individual is considered normal for their age and not something we treat. Normal is a relative term. No one wants the hormone levels of an 80-year-old, but labs report this low level as “normal” even though it might be only 20% of the level of a 30 year old. The hormonal deficiency associated with age should be corrected to that of a younger person according to the researchers from around the world.

Optimal hormone replacement is new even though thyroid, estrogen and progesterone have been prescribed for many years. It has become logical therapy to replace and balance all of the hormones at the same time to a more optimal physiologic level instead of maintaining lower or mid normal levels. This is the difference between optimal hormone replacement in comparison with the standard medical therapy. Don’t wait for levels to be technically below a normal range. Accept a low normal level as not optimal and replace the hormone to high normal or optimal levels. Fortunately, many physicians as well as patients are able to key into the concept of optimal hormone replacement.

In summary, research has shown that declining hormone levels can cause many ailments associated with aging and hormone replacement is the only current solution to alleviate many symptoms. Testimonials from patients praising its benefits have filled many books recently written on hormone replacement. Many patients are typical, middle-aged, healthy people who experienced gradual increased symptoms such as decreased energy levels, decreased sense of well-being, laziness and lack of desire for common daily activities. Loss of muscle tone, fat gain around the mid section, thin hair and thin skin are symptoms that most patients tend to experience. In addition to the symptomatic, degenerative problems, they will also experience increased cholesterol as well as signs of heart disease and arthritic change. Within six to twelve months of hormone replacement therapy, patients have noticed shaped bodies, fat disappearing, increased muscle tone, and the energy of a younger person. Patients report all improved sense of well-being and an improved outlook on life. There are tremendous health benefits; there are great feel good benefits.

Unfortunately, nearly 90% of the patients we see who are taking “hormones” are on an inadequate regimen. How do we know? When we measure the blood levels they are near zero. The serum hormone levels must be kept within the optimal, upper limit of normal levels for a younger person in order for the hormones to be beneficial. Achieving optimal levels is not what the majority of the physicians are trained to focus on.

First, and foremost, the patient must insist that the physician explain, monitor and optimize the hormone levels in order to guarantee that the therapy provides the maximum benefit.

BIOLOGICALLY IDENTICAL HORMONES

You might ask, “If there are hormones available that are natural to my body, why do doctors prescribe synthetic hormones?” Powerful pharmaceutical industries in the United States, politics and economics are all involved in the explanation.

The natural hormone is molecularly identical in composition to the hormone found naturally in the body. Natural or bioidentical compounds cannot be patent by pharmaceutical companies. However, they can patent chemically different molecules that are highly profitable. A patent will guarantee that a pharmaceutical company will have an exclusive right to manufacture and profit from their product.

Educating and instructing physicians on how and when to prescribe a certain drug plays a big role marketing a drug. Much of what physicians know about drugs comes directly from pharmaceutical companies promoting a product. Because pharmaceutical companies don’t manufacture natural hormones, most physicians do not learn about them unless they do personal research.

Where do these natural hormones come from? The pure biologically identical (human identical) hormone is either extracted from plants or synthetically manufactured. What is most important is that the end product is a molecule identical to the hormone molecule found naturally in the body. This applies to all hormones – thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.

Where does one fill prescriptions for natural hormones? There is a special type of pharmacy known as a compounding pharmacy. These are regularly licensed pharmacies that are capable of providing you with any drug from pharmaceutical companies. But compounding pharmacies are able to do more. The compounding pharmacist is similar to the old fashioned concept of a pharmacist with a mortar and pestle. They acquire the pure pharmaceutical grade hormone and compound it into the dose and form ordered by the physician. They produce pills, capsules, liquids and creams per the doctor’s prescription order for you. This makes your program very customized and personalized.

To reiterate, the chemical structure of the bioidentical hormone is indistinguishable to the hormones biologically produced by the body. We refer to them as natural because they are natural to the human body. Drug companies cannot patent natural hormones. Synthetic hormones have a structure similar to but not exactly the same as a hormone produced by your body. These chemical differences mean that the synthetic hormone acts differently and produces substantially different effects. Natural (bioidentical) and synthetic hormones should not be considered the same or used interchangeably. They are entirely different. A number of clinical studies have recognized numerous dangerous consequences of synthetic hormones whereas the medical literature supports no harmful effects of natural hormones, only beneficial effects.

Clinical research shows that the deficiency of hormones leads to symptoms and illness that were improved and prevented by hormones. Improvements seen were:

• Increased breakdown of fat, weight loss and reduced body fat.
• Decreased incidence of heart disease and atherosclerotic plaque.
• Increased energy and exercise capacity.
• Improved vitality and quality of life.
• Increased strength, endurance and muscle tone.
• Improvement in hair, skin and nails.
• Improved sleep and well-being.
• Reduced levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Less incidence of heart disease and diabetes.
• No increase in cancer was seen with any hormone.
• Progesterone decreases the incidence of breast cancer.

All hormones showed beneficial health effects, improvement in body composition, lipid profiles, cardiovascular risk factors, and increase in muscle strength and fitness.

Many of the symptoms that occur as we get older are from hormone deficiency. Hormone deficiency is a relatively simple malady to treat. Severe deficiency over prolonged periods might result in illness, physical impairment, disability and increased morbidity and mortality. Patients are being seriously undertreated or ignored, despite this evidence. Barriers to treatment can be addressed by educational programs aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about natural hormone replacement therapy and its effectiveness.

Exercise had dramatically enhanced the benefits of HRT. Hormone replacement along with a strength training program greatly enhances exercise tolerance, muscle strength, endurance and prevents fatigue. Exercise enhances our sense of well-being, decreases weight and helps lower cholesterol. Many people complain that they see no weight loss, strength improvement, fat reduction or better endurance in spite of consistent exercise. This is frustrating for them. However, when hormones are added to the formula improvements are seen. Hormone replacement also assists one in gaining the energy and desire to exercise.

The basics of optimal health and longevity are proper diet, exercise, nutritional supplementation and natural hormone replacement. HRT slows cellular degeneration and allows improved function and healing. Less disease and illness, slowing of the aging process and a better quality of life are what results from HRT. The scientific research has been impressive, the results dramatic, the public demand incredible. Don’t be without it.

Fill out the questionnaire, read and sign the consent form and fax to our office. [Click here to download the forms.] Someone will contact you if you are a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy based on your answers.