Hormone levels are measured and analyzed by physicians so that the right dosages of bioidentical hormones may be prescribed.
Bioidentical Hormones are plant-based hormones that are the exact replica of the hormones our bodies produce. Since each human being has his/her hormone “blueprint,” there is always a unique bioidentical formulation that suits him/her best.
Measuring hormone levels is the best way to know what your hormonal needs. Hormone levels are measured and analyzed by physicians so that the right dosages of bioidentical hormones may be prescribed. Patients are required to take their prescriptions to compounding pharmacists for formulation. This procedure allows the effective means of determining hormonal needs of each patient and dealing with them on a case-to-case level. This way, each patient is ensured that he/she is getting only the bioidentical hormones that he/she needs and in the right doses.
What causes the decline in hormone levels?
Aging is usually the cause for the decline in hormone levels. In a case study initiated by The National Institute on Aging, findings showed that lowered hormone levels is most often found in aging men and women. It was also concluded that deficiencies of hormones were also the major contributors to diseases related to aging. This study was later on confirmed by different worldwide studies on the benefits of hormone replacement during the aging process.
Which of our hormones can be replaced by bioidentical hormones?
Many of the hormones in our bodies decrease as we age. Bioidentical hormone replacements for these hormones are usually available. A few or all of these hormones may be supplemented through bioidentical hormone therapy individually or in compounded form.
Estrogens are hormones produced by the ovaries. Although they are mostly female hormones, men make small amounts of these from their own supply of testosterone. Estrogen deficiency usually results to saggy breast skin, urogential (urinary and genital) atrophy, incontinence, facial wrinkles, insomnia, low energy levels, depression and decrease in libido. The use of bioidentical hormones to replace missing estrogen in the body helps optimizing hormone levels to younger levels to avoid these symptoms.
Progesterone Molecule
Progesterone is another hormone manufactured in the ovaries. It is only produced during the second half of the menstrual cycle or when the female body is ovulating. When women grow older, particularly when menopause arrives or when the ovaries no longer ovulate, the levels of progesterone deplete severely. The result of which is menopausal syndromes of hot flashes, irritation, depression, uterine and breast cancer, fibrocystic breasts and ovarian cysts. Bioidentical hormones such as progesterone supplementation protect the female body against these deceases and help alleviate certain discomforts such as headaches fatigue and bloating.
Testosterone is one of the most important hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries. It is largely a male hormone as aids the male body in building certain male characteristics. It contributes to the increase of energy, strength, endurance, muscle mass and fat reduction,. Testosterone protects the body against cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and arthritis. In men, in particular, it prolongs the quality of life by decreasing the signs of aging. Bioidentical hormones of testosterone are utilized as supplementations in order to battle these signs.
