Bioidentical hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy

An overview of how natural bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help patients regain healthy hormonal balance by addressing the key factors that affect hormonal health. This information is designed to explore the process of natural hormone replacement, assist in realizing the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances and helping decide whether bioidentical hormones and natural hormone replacement therapy are appropriate for your current health condition.

Questions:

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

What are the Raw Materials that Bioidentical Hormones are made from?

How are Bioidentical Hormones manufactured?

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones

Goals of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Who Needs Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

When do you need Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy During Reproductive Years

Bioidentical Hormone and Hormone Replacement Therapy at Perimenopause

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy during and after Menopause

Bioidentical Hormone and Hormone Replacement Therapy after Hysterectomy

Bioidentical Hormone and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Uterine Fibroids

Natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Endometriosis

Bioidentical Hormones and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Ovarian Cysts

Bioidentical Hormones and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Breast Cysts

Bioidentical Hormones and Hormone Replacement during Andropause (Male Menopause)

Bioidentical Hormones and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Infertility

How to begin Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

What is the proper dose of Bioidentical Hormones?

What are the forms of Compounded Bioidentical Hormones?

How to use Bioidentical Hormones and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

How long should Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy be prescribed?

Who can prescribe Natural Bioidentical Hormones?

How a Compounding Pharmacy compounds Natural Bioidentical Hormones

Safety of Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical Hormones versus Horse Hormones or Synthetic Hormones

How Your Body Utilizes Bioidentical Hormones

Metabolism of Bioidentical Estrogens

Weight Loss and Bioidentical Hormones

Cardiovascular Health, Heart Health and Bioidentical Hormones

Bone Density, Bone Health and Bioidentical Hormones

Memory Problems, Brain Health and Bioidentical Hormones

Depression, Mood Swings and Bioidentical Hormones

Stress and Bioidentical Hormones

Type 2 Diabetes and Bioidentical Hormones

Skin Health, Skin Rejuvenation and Bioidentical Hormones

Answers

Bioidentical hormones are natural hormones that have an identical chemical and molecular structure as hormones produced by the human body. The categories of bioidentical hormones include bioidentical estrogen hormones such as estrone, estradiol and estriol, bioidentical progesterone, bioidentical testosterone, bioidentical adrenal hormones such as DHEA and cortisol, bioidentical pregnenolone, bioidentical thyroid hormones, etc.  Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the human body’s natural hormones, therefore both human hormones and bioidentical hormones have the same biological action. Bioidentical hormones generate normal, physiological responses from the human body when replaced in the doses required by the body. Bioidentical hormones are custom formulated for each individual patient.

Many organs of the human body have receptors for specific hormones. Bioidentical hormones can attach easily to those receptors. Bioidentical hormones, just like human hormones fit perfectly into the receptors, “like a key into a lock”. Horse hormones or synthetic hormones due to the fact that they are molecularly different than human hormones, do not provide an exact fit for the receptor. Horse and synthetic hormones can distort the receptor and create damage to that receptor, including damage to the DNA. This can result in numerous side effects that are often associated with the use of horse hormones and synthetic hormones

Bioidentical hormones are produced using raw materials that are derived from plants such as wild yam and soy. Wild yam and soy have an abundance of precursor molecules known as “phyto-hormones” that can be easily converted into bioidentical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc. However, although bioidentical hormones are originated from plant sources, these plant ingredients have been transformed into molecules of bioidentical hormones, therefore bioidentical hormones are not plants extracts.

The raw material for bioidentical hormones are United States Pharmacopoeia approved for compounding prescriptions. A compounding pharmacy that has been approved by State Boards is obligated to use only those official raw materials that have certificates of analysis as being appropriate for the production of bioidentical hormones.

Bioidentical hormones, when used through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, re-establish hormonal balance in the body in a natural way. They follow the same metabolic pathways as the body’s own hormones.  Because of their structure, identical to the body’s hormones, bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy do not cause the unpleasant and dangerous side effects that synthetic or horse hormones do.  Bioidentical hormones will alleviate symptoms of menopause, peri-menopause and andropause. For younger, premenopausal women, suffering from irregular menstrual cycles, uterine fibroids and PMS, bioidentical hormones will balance their menstrual cycle and ease the symptoms.

More importantly, bioidentical hormones have many health protective benefits such as:

• preventing osteoporosis, improving bone density and preventing tooth loss
• maintaining muscle mass, preventing sarcopenia
• helping maintain proper body mass
• improving lipids and cholesterol levels
• preserving cardiovascular function, reducing risk of heart disease.
• protecting youthful brain function and balancing mood
• improving quality of sleep
• enhancing energy

The goal of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using synthetic hormones was to only alleviate menopausal symptoms. The goals of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) are not only to ease unpleasant symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and andropause (male menopause), but more importantly to restore youthful hormone balance as well as provide the body with the same protective health benefits that the body’s own natural hormones would provide. This can be accomplished through optimization and balancing of bioidentical hormone levels in a safe, natural way.

Bioidentical hormones replacement therapy (BHRT) is beneficial for all who have hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can occur at any age and can affect both men and women. Hormonal imbalances can manifest themselves as menopause, andropause (male menopause), perimenopause, PMS, infertility, ovarian cysts, breast cystic lesions, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS), hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and adrenal fatigue.

Whenever a hormonal imbalance is diagnosed it can be treated using bioidentical hormones. Unfortunately, allopathic physicians address only the obviously significant abnormalities. Many hormonal imbalances are subtle in nature. They generate only mild symptoms that are very often undiagnosed and untreated. Addressing these subclinical hormonal imbalances with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can significantly improve the quality of life and well-being of the person for years to come.

Hormonal imbalances during reproductive years can result in menstrual cycle abnormalities such as amenorrhea (lack of menstrual period), menorrhagia (very heavy menstrual bleeding) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Hormonal imbalances can affect mood in a negative way causing premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Uterine fibroids can grow as a result of abnormal estrogen and progesterone levels. Hormonal imbalance and especially low progesterone levels can significantly affect female fertility.

Female athletes may have menstruation problems related to extensive physical training. This can result in amenorrhea, hormonal imbalances, decreased bone density, infertility and adrenal fatigue or other forms of adrenal dysfunction. Overtraining and intense physical competition creates increased stress levels and amplifies the production of cortisol at the expense of sex hormones (sex hormones include: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). Diets that are rich in refined carbohydrates (simple sugars) and without adequate protein intake can also contribute to menstrual disorders.

Perimenopause is the time period (usually of several years) that precedes menopause. Perimenopause can last anywhere from two years to eight years. The first year after the end of menstruating is also included in perimenopause. During perimenopause the levels of estrogen can fluctuate, menstrual cycles can be shorter or longer and menstrual periods become irregular. Symptoms of perimenopause are the same as symptoms of menopause and can include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and decreased libido. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause create perimenopausal symptoms. Bioidentical hormones used by means of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause will restore hormonal balance and improve perimenopausal symptoms.

During and after menopause, women seek bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to improve menopausal symptoms of hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, memory problems, loss of libido, etc. The other very important aspect of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy after menopause is to restore hormonal balance of the body to natural, youthful levels. Bioidentical hormones offer many important health protective benefits, such as protecting the cardiovascular system, preventing decline in brain function, balancing mood, as well as protecting against bone loss and osteoporosis.  Menopause usually occurs at the age of late 40s to early 50s. Having a family history of early menopause, predisposes a woman to having early menopause herself. Other factors that influence the beginning time of menopause are smoking and never being pregnant.

Many women underwent surgical menopause through hysterectomy. Having a hysterectomy before menopause usually results in severe menopausal symptoms due to a sudden stop in the production of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Allopathic medicine treats post-hysterectomy menopausal symptoms through synthetic hormone replacement therapy, often combined with antidepressants. Bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can re-establish hormonal balance to the body that was drastically deprived of female hormones. Also, allopathic medicine believes that postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy and do not have a uterus, do not require progesterone replacement. Doctors specializing in bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy know that progesterone plays a much more important role in a woman's body than just protecting from uterine cancer. Therefore, bioidentical progesterone, as well as bioidentical estrogen, is recommended for women after a hysterectomy.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow out of the uterus. They usually occur during childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are quite common and often do not cause any symptoms. When symptomatic, uterine fibroids can cause abnormal heavy and painful menstrual periods, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. Growth of uterine fibroids is influenced by estrogen levels. Uterine fibroids have more estrogen receptors than normal uterine muscle tissue. A family history of uterine fibroids can predispose a woman to uterine fibroids. Also, black women have a higher rate of developing uterine fibroids. Obesity is considered a risk factor for developing uterine fibroids. Exposure to xenoestrogens (including pesticides, PCBs and herbicides) predisposes to uterine fibroids and causes increased growth of pre-existing uterine fibroids. Women with uterine fibroids typically have hormonal imbalances. There is usually a long lasting progesterone deficiency and relatively high estrogen levels in these women.

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the endometrial uterine cells are deposited in areas of the body other than the uterus. This misplaced uterine tissue responds to the stimulation of female hormones in the same fashion as endometrial tissue of the uterus.  Exposure to xenoestrogens from pesticides and herbicides, worsens symptoms of endometriosis. An imbalanced estrogen to progesterone ratio can aggravate symptoms of endometriosis. Natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and the use of bioidentical progesterone inhibits the growth of uterine lining and improves symptoms of endometriosis.

Several hormonal imbalances have been associated with ovarian cysts. These include:

• thyroid hormone deficiency
• cortisol deficiency
• high prolactin level
• imbalanced estrogen to progesterone ratio.

Also, a deficiency of essential fatty acids can predispose a woman to ovarian cysts. Restoring hormonal balance through bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, decreases the likelihood of developing ovarian cysts.

Breast cysts usually develop when the levels of estrogen are relatively high, while progesterone levels are low. This hormonal imbalance causes swelling of the breast cells and stimulates the epithelial cells of the breasts to grow in the form of a cyst. Restoring hormonal balance and improving the estrogen to progesterone ratio by utilizing bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy will restore the natural composition of breast tissue.

Andropause, also referred to as “male menopause,” is the term that describes the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a middle aged male.  Andropause is a consequence of the decline in production of male hormones such as testosterone and DHEA. This decline of male hormones during andropause occurs in a more subtle way then the hormonal decline during female menopause. The decrease of testosterone and DHEA creates health risks and greater susceptibility to many health conditions, such as increased risk for cardiovascular disease (including heart attack, stroke and hypertension), decline in memory and brain function, decreased muscle mass, increased fat tissue and osteoporosis.

The symptoms of andropause can include:

• decreased energy
• lack of libido
• prostate hypertrophy
• memory problems
• irritability
• sleep disturbances
• hot flushes

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, using bioidentical testosterone and bioidentical DHEA replacement during andropause will alleviate the unpleasant andropause symptoms. More importantly, utilizing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of andropause will have protective health benefits for an aging man, by restoring vitality, enhancing sexual function, improving cardiovascular function, reducing high blood pressure, improving memory and brain function as well as reducing the risk for degenerative diseases.

Proper hormonal balance is essential for healthy conception and normal fetus development. Both male and female hormonal imbalances can result in infertility or a miscarriage. Bioidentical hormones, by restoring natural hormonal balance to the body, can improve fertility, resulting in a normal healthy pregnancy.

The best way to begin bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is by consulting an experienced medical doctor who specializes in bioidentical hormones and is well versed in the utilization of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The next step is obtaining a baseline of the current hormonal levels of your body.  Baseline hormonal testing is essential for ensuring the safe and precise application of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The body’s hormone levels should be monitored on a regular basis. Until a proper balance of hormones is established, hormonal analysis through laboratory testing should be performed every three months. After that, each patient should have follow-up consultations with a medical doctor specializing in bioidentical hormones and laboratory hormonal testing performed on a semi-annual basis.

Physicians who prescribe bioidentical hormones should utilize a personalized treatment approach. A healthy hormonal balance can only be accomplished when each person’s individual hormonal needs are addressed. At Love Health, we determine the dose based on a detailed history and medical examination as well as on hormonal laboratory testing. The dose of bioidentical hormones greatly varies from one person to the other.  Bioidentical hormones can be taken once a day or may be split into several smaller doses throughout the day.

Bioidentical hormones are compounded in the following forms:

• capsules
• sublingual tablets
• creams or gels that can be applied to the skin
• vaginal gels creams

Bioidentical estrogens are usually prescribed in the form of topical (skin or vaginal) applications. Estrogen taken by mouth has negative effects on metabolism, including increased weight gain, abnormalities in lipids metabolism and cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and depressed mood. Bioidentical progesterone can be prescribed in a cream or gel form, but those women who suffer from mood swings, interrupted sleep or anxiety, benefit more from oral bioidentical progesterone.  Bioidentical testosterone is utilized in a form of cream or gel. Oral testosterone can negatively affect liver function. Bioidentical DHEA, bioidentical pregnenolone and bioidentical thyroid hormones are usually prescribed in the form of a tablet or capsule.

The purpose of using bioidentical hormones through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is to create a state of natural hormonal balance within the body. Therefore, bioidentical hormones are usually administered in a specific form and at a precise time that will support the body’s natural metabolic pathways and circadian rhythm. Bioidentical hormones that have an energizing effect on the body such as thyroid hormones, testosterone, estrogens or DHEA are usually administered in the morning. Bioidentical hormones that have a calming, relaxing effect on the body, such as progesterone or melatonin are recommended to be taken at night. The hormone cortisol is naturally produced by the body early in the morning and during early afternoon. Bioidentical cortisol should be taken following the body’s natural circadian rhythm; for that reason cortisol is best taken in the morning and around noon.

The length of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy depends on the individual health condition and the type of hormonal imbalance. Synthetic hormones were recommended only to alleviate menopausal symptoms and therefore the length of the therapy was limited to several years after menopause. Many women were stopping synthetic hormone replacement therapy due to the unpleasant side effects. Due to their many positive health benefits and no dangerous side effects (when appropriately administered and carefully monitored), Bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, can be taken for a prolonged period of time.

Unfortunately, very few doctors have any experience with bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Allopathic doctors are inexperienced in hormonal testing or prescribing of compounded bioidentical hormonal formulas. To experience the full range of health benefits that bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can offer, a patient has to follow the guidelines of a bioidentical hormones doctor (a doctor who specializes in bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy). A knowledgeable bioidentical hormones doctor can interpret the hormonal laboratory test values as well as design a hormone replacement program individually suited and customized for each patient.

Bioidentical hormones are compounded individually for each patient by compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies are regulated by a State Board of Pharmacies.

Compounding pharmacies adhere to high standards of quality. Depending on the individual customized prescription, bioidentical hormones can be compounded in many different forms of application including:

• capsules
•  tablets
• sublingual tablets
• oral drops
• creams
• gels
• vaginal creams, gels and suppositories.

The safety of bioidentical hormones is assured by several factors:

1. The raw materials come from FDA approved facilities
2. 2) Bioidentical hormones are compounded according to FDA standards of quality.

Furthermore, bioidentical hormones are prescribed by and administered under the care and guidelines of qualified medical doctors. Bioidentical hormones have a lower side effect rate than synthetic hormones or horse hormones. Based on the positive clinical results from thousands of patients treated with bioidentical hormones worldwide, bioidentical hormones should be the preferred and standard method for hormone replacement therapy.

The major difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic or horse hormones is their chemical structure. Due to this fact, there is a difference of how bioidentical hormones and their synthetic counterparts work in the body. There are also many different metabolic pathways for each specific type of hormone. Bioidentical hormones, due to their biological action and metabolic pathways identical to human hormones, offer the best way to hormone replacement therapy. Synthetic hormones merely help with menopausal symptoms without restoring hormonal balance. However, while reducing menopausal symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, irritability etc., synthetic hormones and horse hormones generate many unpleasant side effects. Because of those side effects, many women stop their hormone replacement therapy on their own.

The side effects of synthetic and horse hormones are:

• water retention
• breast engorgement and discomfort
• weight gain
• gallbladder stones
• blood clots.

According to Women’s Health Initiative, horse hormones, especially when combined with synthetic progestins, can significantly increase many health risks including breast cancer, heart attack, strokes, blood clots and death from pulmonary cancer. Synthetic progestin stiffens arteries and reduces arterial blood flow, while natural, bioidentical progesterone relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow and circulation.  Oral bioidentical progesterone increases REM sleep, however synthetic progestins do not.

The body utilizes bioidentical hormones the same way as natural body hormones. Bioidentical hormones, due to their chemical structure being identical to that of natural hormones produced by the human body, follow the same metabolic pathways and attach to the receptor sites without causing changes to the receptor site as synthetic hormones do.

Bioidentical estrogens are metabolized in the body following the natural metabolic steps. However, these pathways can be affected by several external influences. The way the estrogen is metabolized in the body is very important for optimal health and can influence bone health, breast health, including the risk for developing breast cancer as well as autoimmune disorders.

There are two major pathways for estrogen metabolism:

1. 2-hydroxyestrone pathway
2. 16-hydroxyestrone pathway

In a healthy body, the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16-hydroxyestrone remains in the range of 1:1 to 1:1.5. If this ratio is imbalanced, it can pose health risks.

The excess of 16-hydroxyestrone is associated with the increased risk for breast cancer.

This excess is often caused by exposure to xenoestrogens from pesticides and herbicides.  The natural ways to improve estrogen metabolism are through dietary supplementation with Estrodim, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and omega 3-fatty acids, moderate amount of organic soy as well as flax lignans, eating diet a high in cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts), exercising on a regular basis and avoiding environmental toxins, especially pesticides.

One of the most common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance is weight gain.

Around the time of menopause most women gain some weight. The size of this gain and its distribution depends on the type of hormones that are declining and the amount of each declining hormone. The ratio of the estrogen to progesterone determines the distribution of the weight gain. When estrogen decreases out of proportion to progesterone, testosterone and DHEA, the weight gain is in the middle section of the body. Cortisol, the hormone released during stress, facilitates increased fat storage in the body and weight gain around the waist. If the estrogen is too high and progesterone too low, the weight accumulates around the hips. Thyroid hormones play a very important role in metabolism. Low levels of thyroid hormones will cause obesity. Thus, in order to maintain the correct weight and body composition the balance of all hormones in the body is of great importance. Bioidentical hormones through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are the best options for providing natural hormonal balance.  Postmenopausal women using bioidentical hormones replacement therapy have a lower incidence of gaining excess body fat and weight. Chronic stress negatively affects hormone production and therefore can lead in weight gain. Overweight women have higher levels of estrone and this can increase the risk for breast cancer.

Estrogen and testosterone have protective effects against cardiovascular disease. Estrogen and testosterone lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) levels. Lipids, blood sugar and insulin levels improve with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical estrogen and bioidentical testosterone improve function of the small blood vessels including coronary arteries. Estrogen and testosterone reduce high blood pressure by vasodilatation (increasing the lumen of the arteries) and by decreasing viscosity of the blood, bioidentical estrogen and bioidentical testosterone prevent blood clots.

Synthetic progestins block the estrogen’s protective effects on the health of cardiovascular system. Synthetic progestins cause spasms of the arteries, increasing blood pressure while bioidentical progesterone decreases blood pressure. Bioidentical progesterone also has a positive effect on lipid metabolism and cholesterol levels.

Osteoporosis, or bone loss, happens to both women and men due to a loss of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. To protect bone health and prevent osteoporosis, the body requires proper intake of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, boron, manganese, and vitamin C. Physical exercise helps to maintain optimal bone density. Milk is not the preferred source of calcium, due to the fact that pasteurization destroys significant amounts of the calcium present in milk. Hormonal balance is of great importance for healthy bones and osteoporosis prevention. Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone prevent bone tissue loss; progesterone can assist with the rebuilding of lost bone tissue. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a much better way to treat osteoporosis than synthetic drugs such as bisphosphonates or selective estrogen modulators.

Estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, growth hormone and thyroid hormones have beneficial effects on the brain function and memory preservation. These hormones improve cognitive function and increase the ability of learning. Studies show that both men and women who are on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy after menopause or andropause have a lower incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the studies show that the longer an individual continued bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, the lower was his/her risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy stimulates the growth of new brain cells and improves neuronal function. Bioidentical hormones act as a guardian by protecting the function of the neurons and increasing oxygen supply.

Healthy hormonal balance is necessary for supporting a stable mood. Bioidentical estrogen, testosterone and DHEA, stimulate the sympathetic nervous system which increases alertness. Progesterone has a calming, relaxing effect. Estrogen increases the serotonin and endorphin levels in the body, thus bioidentical estrogen has a positive effect on the mood of a woman. A sudden drop in estrogen levels as happens postpartum, can lead to drop in serotonin and create postpartum depression in women who already may have low serotonin levels. Fluctuating levels of estrogen create symptoms of anxiety, depression and mood swings. Not only do low levels of estrogen create emotional imbalances, excessively high levels of estrogen can cause many symptoms as well. The condition in which estrogen is not balanced by progesterone is called estrogen dominance. A foremost important factor that causes estrogen dominance is exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, herbicides and PCBs. Progesterone helps balance mood by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Bioidentical progesterone relieves symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, irritability and mood swings. Synthetic progestins can cause mood disturbances called dysphoria.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder usually get worse during perimenopause and menopause. Furthermore, a deficiency of thyroid hormones can result in depressed mood and a feeling of apathy.

Stress, whether emotional or physical can affect the production and release of many hormones. During stressful situations the body releases mainly cortisol, as a major hormone that helps the body to cope with stress. At that time, the production of other hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, progesterone and estrogen decreases. If the stressful situation lasts for a prolonged period of time, adrenal glands can become exhausted and the production of cortisol will diminish. Decreased levels of cortisol will further reduce tolerance of stress and have a negative effect on mood. In the time of stress, the body requires higher levels of hormones and therefore the dosage of bioidentical hormones will have to be adjusted.

Hormones such as DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen and thyroid hormones play important roles in regulating levels of blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. Excessive levels of DHEA, cortisol, testosterone and progesterone influence an increase of insulin. Also, decreased estrogen and thyroid hormones will raise insulin levels. During menopause, women with elevated insulin levels may have a higher testosterone to estrogen ratio which can result in a masculinizing effect on the body.

Estradiol improves insulin sensitivity. An insulin resistance will negatively influence the release of DHEA from the adrenal glands. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, when applied under the supervision of an experienced hormone doctor, decreases one’s risk for diabetes.

Skin is one of the organs that has estrogen receptors. When the estrogen levels decline, the skin begins to lose elasticity. Bioidentical estrogen increases collagen production in the skin, it also improves blood supply to the skin as well as production of hyaluronic acid and therefore makes the skin softer and smoother. Bioidentical estrogen also increases thickness and firmness of the skin. Bioidentical estriol is often utilized in skin creams and it was shown that bioidentical estriol effectively reduces wrinkles by rejuvenating the skin. Depletion of other hormones such as progesterone, testosterone and growth hormone has an aging effect on the skin similar to that of estrogen depletion.

At My Bioidentical Hormones we are dedicated to helping those who appreciate and value their health and well-being. Through our comprehensive and individually customized alternative medicine programs, we believe in treating the cause of a given ailment, not merely the symptoms. We utilize a dynamic, proprietary approach to healthcare and disease prevention that recognizes the burden of disease placed upon an ailing individual. It is our mission to educate and guide every person toward achieving their highest health potential.

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