IN QUICK REVIEW: 1). hormones are chemical messengers which bind to 'receptor sites' (this is like a key and lock system) to regulate hundreds of bodily functions.
2). when we get low/receptors are resistant our bodies start to break down or function 'sub optimally' (which leads to bothersome and sometimes quite limiting side effects).
Hormones are made in 8 organ systems: pituitary/pineal/thyroid (and para-thyroid)/adrenal/thymus glands, ovaries & testes. They are usually at optimal levels up to about 30 years of age. For many reasons they start declining ie; genetics, level of stress, unhealthy lifestyle (among several others).
When the hormones need to be replaced we have a choice to use bio-identical; that means that they are chemically identical to our human hormones. Bio-identical hormones are made in a lab from extracts found in nature (from plants and yams) to match our human hormones. When deficient hormones are replaced we start feeling better and the aging process is slowed down (but not entirely stopped).
Some hormones have a bad reputation due to harmful side effects and clumped together to insinuate 'all hormones are bad' . This is because they are similar but not identical forms of the hormones. For example; Premarin (the #1 used estrogen product in the USA for over 50 years) is made from pregnant horse urine which has similarity to human hormones and helps reduce some of menopause symptoms (mainly hot flashes & prevention of osteoporosis) however; because it is not identical there are associated harmful side effects. This is not to say that one who uses BHRT will not have side effects. Everyone should be properly screened and counseled on the pros/cons of using hormones respective to their health history. The ultimate decision is always yours!
It is very important to understand that studies have conflicting results and it is very confusing for most people to try to understand. I have gone through considerable training and studied BHRT in addition to my specialized training and It is my belief and practice to prescribe the bio-identical hormones, when possible, to minimize side effects and promote optimal body function.
Next month I will finish the series on BHRT by discussing the various forms and the advantages of those forms.
