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HORMONES
Hormones are messengers that coordinate the various biochemical
activities that occur in all the cells of our bodies. They help
each cell function properly. Without adequate hormones the cells
are not healthy, thus the organs are not healthy. The bottom
line is that you will not feel very well. Hormones are vital to
staying active for life!
NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NHRT)
NHRT can improve many bodily functions. NHRT can promote bone
formation, reduce joint pain and increase flexibility, improve
skin condition, and reduce sexual dysfunction symptoms such as
painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido.
DO HORMONE LEVELS DROP WITH AGE OR ILLNESS?
The answer is a resounding "yes." The above figure depicts
falling
DHEA levels as we age.
Not a pretty site, is it? DHEA,
growth
hormone,
Testosterone,
progesterone,
Estrogen,
and sometimes
cortisol
and Thyroid levels also decline with age.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF LOW HORMONE LEVELS?
Declining hormone levels during aging is one of the reasons why
people become
overweight, lose muscle mass, and become fatigued
as they age. Below is a list of menopausal symptoms that have
been to shown to occur as a result of estrogen, progesterone,
and/or testosterone deficiencies:
WHAT IS NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?
Women are often given synthetic hormones after menopause or
hormones that are derived from horse urine. Because the exact
hormones naturally produced by the body are now available today,
these types of synthetic hormones do not have to be used. The
chemically exact hormones to the human body are used. The
natural hormones used in Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (NHRT)
include the following: Estriole, Progesterone, Thyroid, DHEA,
Growth Hormone, and Testosterone. These may be given in capsule
or cream form.
THE GOALS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
NHRT aims to help both men and women "age gracefully." Hormones
are supplemented to the levels of normal values for ages 30 to
35 (sorry, not 18!). Improving hormone levels increases
vibrancy, energy, and zest for life, and also helps in the
prevention of diseases of aging such as osteoporosis, cancer,
and heart disease.
HOW DO I GET STARTED ON NHRT?
The first step is to determine which hormones require
supplementation replacement. Checking the hormone levels in the
body provides this information. People already taking synthetic
hormones must stop taking them at least 24 hours prior to the
testing. Other tests are often run at the same time, which
require an overnight fast. We also perform Diet Typing to better
assess individual dietary and
nutritional needs, which is also
done in a fasting state. Therefore, you may wish to "fast" from
food (water is okay to drink) on the day of your appointment.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM NHRT?
The goal is to feel great! Studies have shown that NHRT is part
of an overall program to help reduce some of the detrimental
effects of aging such as cancer, heart disease, and
osteoporosis. As with any medical therapy, every person is
different and has different needs. Within the first several
months of NHRT, people often notice that they have more energy,
a happier outlook on life, feel sexier, and start slimming down.
It often takes several months to determine the optimum dosages
for NHRT. During this time it is possible to experience some
unwanted side effects such as bloating, menstrual bleeding, and
others, but the long term effects are well worth it. Any person
not feeling quite right on their prescribed NHRT should contact
their physician as soon as possible so that the dosages can be
adjusted. A yearly pap smear is recommended for women on NHRT
and a prostate exam for men on NHRT.
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