Why are hormones so important?  Hormones regulate the functions of our bodies.  Imbalance occurs whenever there is an excess or deficiency, which leads to tissue dysfunction.  Therefore, it follows that hormonal imbalance leads to symptoms, syndromes, and diseases.  As we age, the hormones that build the body decrease, while the hormones that break the body down increase.

 

Aging, bad genetics, poor nutrition (obesity in particular), synthetic hormones, and stressors lead to hormonal imbalance.  While we CAN’T control aging or bad genetics, we CAN manage our diets, get regular exercise, and do what it takes to reduce our stressors.

 

We are also responsible for knowing what medications we take.  What are they used to treat?  What are the side effects?  Do the benefits outweigh the risk involved in using them?

 

At , we practice hormone balancing with Bioidentical Hormones.

 

BHRT stands for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement (NOT SUBSTITUTION!!) Therapy.  These hormones are derived from wild yams and refined by biochemists to be identical in molecular structure and function to human hormone molecules.  These hormones fit the body’s receptor sites like a key in a lock.  Additionally, our bodies contain the right enzymes to break down the hormones properly and efficiently.  The idea behind the use of BHRT is to maintain/re-establish proper hormone balance.  Proper hormone balance will lead to relief of disturbing symptoms as well as provide the protective benefits originally provided by naturally occurring hormones.

 

We believe that Practitioners and Patients should work together, in partnership, to achieve the best possible health outcome.  Dietary & lifestyle changes, along with safe, effective natural therapies can solve many problems and avoid the need for surgery and synthetic medications (which as we well know, can cause unpleasant side effects).  Should surgery & medication be indicated, we believe that good nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies DO enhance their benefits.

                                             

There are more than 15 steroid hormones, each with its own metabolites, and an enzyme system that converts them from one steroid to another, from moment to moment.  This is known as the steroid hormone cascade.  Any deficiency in this system will cause symptoms that are unique to certain steroids.  Another important concept is that we need an appropriate amount of precursor hormones, such as cholesterol and pregnenolone, which are located at the top of the cascade.  The enzymes then convert these on down the cascade into the hormones that are essential to our hormone balance.

 

Many symptoms present when there is hormonal imbalance, and symptoms are an excellent way to begin to assess hormonal status.  For some individuals, the picture is quite clear with symptoms alone.  In other cases, the symptom picture is less clear and hormone testing will be required to confirm the nature of the imbalance.  There are many ways in which hormones silently interact, and these can only be uncovered by testing.  The nurse practitioner will determine, on an individual basis, if testing is essential before prescribing hormone therapy.  If it is not deemed necessary at your consultation appointment, it will be requested after 3-6 months of therapy, and then as indicated.  Hormones are powerful substances that control multiple factors throughout the body.  Too much or too little is not conducive to long-term emotional, mental, and bodily health.  Hormone testing ensures that you are using only the proper hormones in appropriate amounts.  Remember that this is not a “one pill fits all” type of therapy!  It takes teamwork and time…. Testing, when indicated, is in your best interest.  A poor response to basic hormonal interventions is indicative of a need for further testing.

 

There is no magic potion to help us stay thin and look young forever.  We are such a complex and unique species that simplistic answers just don’t exist.  Only good genetics along with a well-balanced body and mind and spirit will keep us in good health.  We know that reaching the ideal balance is directly tied to our hormones.  With the aid of Bioidentical Hormones, we can achieve optimum hormone balance and make life better at any age.