NATURAL  HORMONE  REPLACEMENT  THERAPY

What does "Natural Hormone" mean? The term "natural" is confusing when it's used in connection with hormones. When this site talks about natural hormones, it is referring to the molecules that make up the structure of the hormone. A natural hormone has a chemical structure naturally produced by the body. It does not mean that it comes from a horse, a chicken or even a tree. The important thing to remember is that for a hormone to be considered natural, its structure must replicate exactly the structure of hormones your body produces.

A synthetic hormone, on the other hand, may have a structure similar to, but not exactly the same as a hormone produced by your body. These chemical differences can mean that the synthetic hormone acts differently in your body and produce substantially different effects.

This chart shows the pathway of natural human hormones in the body. The body creates cholesterol out of triglycerides in our diet, and by manipulating functional groups, creates the hormones that it needs. A deficiency or metabolism problem anywhere in the chain can affect the availability of hormones further down the chain. It is important to note that these hormones are present in both men & women, but the quantities vary (men with more testosterone, women with more estrogen & progesterone).

Estrone (E1)

Estrone (E1) is the estrogen most commonly found in increased amounts in post-menopausal women. The body derives it from the hormones that are stored in body fat. Estrone does the same work that estradiol does, but it is considered weaker in its effects.

Estradiol (E2)

Estradiol (E2), the principal estrogen found in a woman's body during the reproductive years, is produced by the ovaries. Estradiol is very effective for the symptomatic relief of hot flashes, genitourinary symptoms, osteoporosis prophylaxis, psychological well being and reduction of coronary artery disease.

Because it is much more potent than stroll, it can be more effective for symptomatic relief than estriol. When Estradiol is replaced using a parenteral (sublingual, percutaneous, or transdermal) route, it is not subject to first pass metabolism by the liver, and therefore does no produce high levels of Estrone. Using these routes of administration a woman can mimic the physiologic release of estradiol from the ovaries, thus receiving natural hormone replacement.

Estriol (E3)

Estriol (E3) is the weakest of the three major estrogens. In fact, it is 1000 times weaker in its effect on breast tissue. Estriol is the estrogen that is made in large quantities during pregnancy and has potential protective properties against the production of cancerous cells.

Estriol is the estrogen most beneficial to the vagina, cervix and vulva. In cases of vaginal dryness and atrophy, which predisposes a woman to vaginitis and cystitis, topical estriol is the most effective and safest estrogen to use. Because of this estriol is better than estradiol for the treatment of urinary tract infections.

Estriol is not available in most drug stores, although it has been used widely in Europe for over fifty years. Because estriol cannot be patented it does not hold much interest for the pharmaceutical industry. Its availability through compounding has caused its use to grow rapidly throughout the country.

Biest

Biest is a combination of two estrogens: estriol and estradiol. It is most commonly found in a ratio of 80:20, estriol to estradiol. This combination allows for all of the protection of estriol while providing the cardiovascular and osteoporosis benefits along with the vasomotor symptom relief of estradiol.

Triest

Triest is a combination of three estrogens: estriol, estradiol and estrone. It is most commonly found in a ratio of 80:10:10, estriol, estradiol, and Estrone. This combination is very popular and contains all of the three major circulating estrogens. It is slightly weaker in its effect when compared to Biest. However, this can be compensated for by increasing the strength or by slightly changing the ratios.

Progesterone

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands in women and, in smaller amounts, in the testes and the adrenal glands in men. One of its most important functions is in the female reproductive cycle. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg, and then helps to maintain it during pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur it signals the uterus to shed this lining.

Progesterone also plays an important role in brain function and is often called the "feels good hormone" because of its mood enhancing and antidepressant effects. Optimum levels of progesterone can mean feelings of calm and well being, while low levels of progesterone can mean feelings of anxiety, irritability and even anger. Current research shows that progesterone may pay a role in the maintenance of the nervous system, the sense of touch, and motor function.

Testosterone

Testosterone - Usually considered a male hormone or androgen, women also produce testosterone although in much smaller amounts than men do. Testosterone works differently in the bodies of men and women, but it plays a very important role in the overall health and well-being of both sexes. Often called the "hormone of desire" because of its powerful effect on libido, testosterone is also important in building strong muscles, bones, and ligaments as well as increasing energy and easing depression. Low levels of testosterone have been known to cause fatigue, irritability, depression, aches and pain in the joints, thin and dry skin, osteoporosis, weight loss, and the loss of muscle development.

As with all of the hormones, testosterone must be dosed properly to be effective without causing unwanted side effects. The dose in women is generally one-tenth that used in men. Because testosterone is not effective when it is taken orally it is usually prescribed as a topical gel, cream or as a sublingual tablet. Although testosterone was discovered more than sixty years ago, only very recently have we begun to fully understand and appreciate the power of testosterone.

DHEA

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is a steroidal precursor of both androgens and estrogens. Concentrations of DHEA and its metabolite, DHEA Sulfate, peak at about age 20 and then progressively decrease with advancing age.

DHEA and its principle metabolite DHEA sulfate were once consider unimportant and were overlooked by many researchers as simply weak androgens. However, scientists have found that DHEA levels drop in such illnesses as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. A few studies have demonstrated low levels of DHEA in obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and some types of cancer. There is speculation that low levels of DHEA might be partially responsible for age-related degenerative diseases and replacement therapy may be of value. Studies have also shown that DHEA stimulates the immune system. Many physicians feel that DHEA-S levels in the blood should be maintained in the range of 150-200 mcg/dl in women and 200-400 mcg/dl in men. A blood level test to determine your current status is available from you physician.

Side effects seems to be rare when patients maintain the above levels in their blood , however, at higher levels there is potential for adverse reactions. In women DHEA can be converted to testosterone which can cause acne along with oily skin and unwanted hair growth. This problem is minimized by keeping the daily dose at 50mg or less. Also, there is conversion to estrogen which may be dangerous in women with a history of breast cancer. Because DHEA is metabolized in the liver patients with a history of liver disease should be monitored closely to avoid toxicity. Men with enlarged prostates should discuss the benefits versus risks with their physicians due to the conversion of DHEA to testosterone.Recently, DHEA has been marketed as a nutritional supplement. However, we feel that it is more prudent to be under a physician’s supervision while taking this or any other hormone.  

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is estimated to affect close to half of all women in their reproductive years. There remains to be some controversy on what causes PMS, but some theories include poor nutrition, low levels of progesterone and/or estrogens, and thyroid diseases. Some of the most common symptoms experienced are:

• Water retention
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes
• Headaches

Premenstrual Syndrome's diagnosis may be differentiated from other medical disorders by the use of a menstrual diary, which would correlate symptoms with the menstrual cycle. A women's health practitioner may take a complete medical history and physical examination to rule out such diseases as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and dysmenorrhea.

For treating PMS, there may be a combination of solutions used such as "natural" hormone therapy, changes in diet and lifestyle.

Menopause

As women approach their late 40's and early 50's, menopause can become a vital health care issue. Menopause means the last menstrual period. Symptoms of perimenopause, the period prior to menopause, can begin as early as 35 years of age. Some of the symptoms that women experience are:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood changes

When perimenopause begins, the ovaries decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone causing irregular menstrual cycles. Eventually ovulation and menstruation stops and the production of estrogens and progesterone decline dramatically. In entering this transition of life, treatment may vary greatly. Options may include balanced diet, exercising, use of herbs, and "natural" hormone therapy.

Our office only uses natural hormone replacement after an extensive history, examination  and laboratory testing the individual. In this way we can customize the therapy to your specific needs. We are proud to specialize exclusively in completely natural therapy!