<br> <a href="http://www.wix.com/UDIDYA/MEDICINE-CONSULT" target="_self"><br> <p><p>home</p></p></a><br> <br> <h1><p>bio-identical hormones</p></h1><br> <p><p> Bio-identical hormones in medicine generally refer to reproductive and anti-aging hormones. Most frequently we are referring to the Estrogens(E1, E2, E3), Progesterone(P4), Testosterone(T), Dihydroepiandosterone(DHEA), Growth Hormone(GH) and sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG) not truly a hormone but very important to look at for diagnostic purposes. </p></p><br> <p><p>The term bio-identical actually refers to naturally occurring as the human body produces. They allow us to mature into adults, reproduce, have energy, gain muscle mass and lose fat, and ward off disease. Recently, physicians have come to understand the importance of these hormones for the purpose of their anti-aging effects. If analyzed and prescribed correctly they indeed can ward off some internal as well as external affects of aging. If prescribed incorrectly they can masculinize females, feminize males, cause cancer and many metabolic problems. Heed this caution and never use BHRT(bio-identical hormone replacement therapy) without the aid of a knowledgeable physician. If you have access to a Naturopathic physician or a physician trained by A4M(Academy of Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medicine), then you will have someone fully trained in these diagnostics and therapeutics.</p><p></p><p>Estrogen is a hormone produced in the ovaries & fatty tissue of both males and females. Of course female levels are much higher than males and is responsible, along with Progesterone for feminization and regulation of reproductive cycles in the female. The body produces E1(estrone), E2(estradiol), and E3(estriol) in a 1:1:4 ratio. Progesterone is produced in the same tissues in approximately 20-40:1 ratio with Estrogen. They both peak near ovulation and, without pregnancy, go to normal levels at the start of menses. During menopause the lack of either or both of these hormones are responsible for hot flashes, night sweats , vaginal dryness, depression, insomnia, fatigue, tearfulness, and memory loss. </p><p></p><p>Testosterone is responsible for masculinization of the male and female. It helps increase muscle mass, decrease fatty tissue, increases the ability to focus, increases energy, and increases sexual drive. SHBG(sex hormone binding globulin) has an affinity for testosterone, estrogen and progesterone in that order. </p><p>The average normal bound to unbound ratio of testosterone is 30:1. The higher the bound the greater the chance of symptoms from low levels even though the total levels may be normal or even high. </p><p></p><p>DHEA(dihydroepiandosterone) is produced in the adrenal gland and has a more stable form DHEA-S, the sulfated form. It is the most abundant steroid in the body and has been classified as a prohormone, because it can be turned into testosterone, estrone, estradiol, androstenedione, androstenediol and stimulating sigma-1 receptors in the brain.</p><p></p><p>Growth hormone in chidren allow for height and bone mass while in the adult seems to have anti-aging effects such as increased energy, bone & muscle mass, fat loss, increased sexual function, increased skin turgor & collagen synthesis and improved immune function. </p><p></p><p>The proper way to test for these is through laboratory testing of serum. Estrogen analysis should be with an Estradiol level. Progesterone is a direct test. Testosterone should be tested with free and total and total levels. Any or all of the above should have a SHBG test with them. DHEA should be tested as DHEA-S as it is the more stable of the two and reflects more reliable levels. Growth hormone can be tested using an IGF-1(Insulin-like growth factor) and IGFBP-3 levels or a direct GH challenge over time with insulin and arginine. IGF-1 is in direct proportion to GH and stays steady in the blood for 24 hours whereas GH can not be reliably measured. IGFBP-3 bind to IGF-1 and increase the amount of time it circulates. </p><p></p><p>Supplementation of these hormones are best done utilizing a compounding pharmacist. Except for GH, which is in injectable form, the others can be taken by capsule, SL(sub lingual) troche, intravaginally, and topically applied gel. Each prescription is specifically designed according to symptomatology, physical examination and laboratory analysis. Some physicians feel that the salivary analysis of hormones are more accurate than serum but both can be accurate depending on how proficient your physician is. </p></p>
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