Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing for Men and Women
By guest blogger James Occhiogrosso, N.D., M.H
Bio-identical hormone replacement has made headline many times in the recent past, mostly due to appearances of Suzanne Somers on popular T.V. programs. Bio-identical hormones are defined as having a molecular structure identical to that produced by the human body, and are easily recognized by the body. Prescription hormone replacement therapy consists of animal and synthetic hormones, and is not well recognized by the body. Thus, it causes unanticipated problems. Hormones impact virtually every major system and organ in the body and optimal hormone balance is necessary to maintain health. As we age, some hormone levels drop and others increase. Such imbalances can interfere with muscle development, skin health, sexual function, sleep patterns, and emotional processes. Hormone deficiencies and imbalances have been associated with heart disease, sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, behavioral and neurodegenerative disorders, certain types of cancers, and other serious health conditions. Monitoring hormone levels via home saliva testing can easily determine if reported symptoms are associated with hormonal imbalances or a specific hormone deficiency. Age-related hormone changes occur in both men and women, often starting in their late thirties or early forties. Of course, we are all familiar with the female menopause, indicated by the end of the menstrual flow. In men, the changes are subtler. It is important to understand that regardless of the onset of a physical event or symptoms, the actual decline began many years earlier. Thus, the sooner you address age-related hormonal imbalances the more benefits accrue. In women these hormone changes are typically marked by symptoms like:
And in men, symptoms are typically:
The myth that many people have been led to believe is that low testosterone in men and low estrogen in women produce all of these symptoms. However, optimal health for both men and women is dependent on hormone balance, not just a single hormone. Men with low testosterone or imbalances in testosterone to estrogen (or progesterone) levels can benefit enormously from hormone supplementation designed to achieve balance. Similarly, women whose estrogen (or progesterone) to testosterone level is out of balance can eliminate many pre-, peri- and post- menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, there is significant fear on the part of both men and women regarding any kind of hormone replacement therapy. For women, this fear is primarily due to the termination (in July of 2002), of part of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. The early termination was because the synthetic, animal derived estrogen and synthetic progestin increased the risk of a woman developing breast cancer, blood clots, or stroke. In aging men, the fear has been that testosterone supplementation raises the risk of prostate cancer. However, current research indicates that this is incorrect and that low testosterone levels are actually associated with prostate dysfunction. Such misinformation causes many aging men and women to suffer through their “golden years” with considerable discomfort from serious hormone deficiencies or imbalances. Considering that natural bio-identical hormones are quite safe, and hormone levels can be easily determined in the privacy of one’s home with a saliva test kit, it is sad to see so many people needlessly suffering. James Occhiogrosso is a Natural Health Practitioner and author of several books. He provides home saliva testing hormone and helps men and women overcome issues associated with aging. Contact him via phone at 239-498-1547, via email at DrJim@HealthNaturallyToday.com or sign up for his free e-mail newsletter at www.HealthNaturallyToday.com.
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Testosterone and estrogen are well-known hormones that most people recognize immediately. However, there are many other hormones in the body crucial to good health, and the balance between them is critical.
