Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

Are You Nuts? It Could Be Hormonal!
by Debbie Winder P.A.-C

Do you have problems keeping your weight down? Do you experience moodiness, depression, inexplicable fatigue, insomnia, “brain fog,” food or salt cravings, decreased libido? Have you been told by various medical providers that these are normal signs of getting a little older? Have you been told that you are just a little too sensitive, probably depressed, and perhaps an antidepressant will help? Do you know in your heart of hearts that there is something more involved going on and no one is listening?

These are symptoms that are frequently created by hormone imbalances. Hormones are essentially messengers in the body to maintain communication for the various organ systems, as well as within an organ system. Breakdown may occur at a variety of points, affecting many areas and resulting in multiple symptoms.

In today’s world, it seems we are always rushing here and there, keeping pace with being a great boss, employee, parent, friend, partner, provider, money manager, volunteer and so on. AND we are expected to eat right, exercise, stay in shape, and survive on minimal sleep while looking like keeping up this pace is easy and even enjoyable! Our bodies have their limits; yet that seems to be easily forgotten until symptoms manifest.

The adrenal glands are small organs that sit atop each kidney. One primary job of the adrenals is to produce and secrete cortisol. Cortisol is released when the body is under stress, whether it is stress from hunger, infection, running late for work or to pick up the kids, or emotional upset. With the “go-go-go” lifestyle that many of us have now, the adrenals never seem to slow down their production of cortisol. After a period of many months to years, the adrenals can no longer keep up the demands of this pace.

The adrenals will then begin to recruit hormones from other parts of the body, primarily sex hormones. These sex hormones are then converted into cortisol, providing some temporary relief for the deteriorating levels of cortisol, yet depleting levels of sex hormones. As the depletion of all of the hormones continues, the person continues to have more and more symptoms.

By looking at the cortisol and hormone levels using various tools (I strongly prefer saliva testing), we can intervene and help replenish these hormones while supporting the adrenals and promoting recovery and healing. Treatment plans vary, but I like using a more naturopathic approach. Customized or compounded medications may be recommended to target these deficiencies while helping the patient to feel better. Sometimes the use of naturopathic remedies may need to be combined with allopathic/prescription medications.

The hormones recommended are “bio-identical.” Bio-identical means plant-based hormones that are created to be exactly like human hormones. These hormones replace what you are missing, or are “precursors” which your body will naturally convert into active hormone. These may be prepared or prescribed in such a way that is tailored to your unique, individual needs as opposed to a “gunshot, one size fits all” approach.

It is not okay to continue to feel bad and in many cases to feel as though you are totally losing your mind. Consider hormone imbalance or depletion as a possible cause for some of the symptoms you are experiencing, particularly if you are continually being told that “everything is fine; nothing is wrong with you.” There is no reason not to experience optimum health for your entire lifespan. Help is on the way!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.