The Use of Bio-Identical Hormones
Hormone imbalances are common in both men and women as a normal aspect of aging, and after periods of stress (both emotional and physical). Poor nutrition, stress, lack of regular exercise and draining emotional situations can contribute to disruption in the hormonal system, resulting in imbalance and dysfunction. Restoring hormones to an improved balance can make remarkable differences in your health, vitality and energy levels.
What are Natural Hormones?
Natural or bio-identical hormones are hormones which are chemically exactly identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Specifically, they are synthesized in the laboratories from the sterols (fat) of wild yam and soy plants.
Hormone Assessment
Because hormones have powerful effects on the body, special care should be followed when you are taking any hormone prescription. In order for Dr. Sierra to fully assess whether or not you have a hormonal imbalance issue, you will be asked to fill out comprehensive questionnaires for thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormone dysfunction; have a targeted physical exam specifically designed to look for physical signs of hormone dysfunction; and have a blood and/or saliva test to get a baseline level of your hormones.
Routes of Bio-Identical Hormone Administration
There are several routes by which hormone can be administered: orally swallowed capsules, sublingual lozenges, transdermal patches or creams, and vaginal creams and suppositories. The routes chosen are a particularly important part of the discussion between Dr. Sierra and her patients, as each method has its pros and cons, and each method is likely chosen for a specific effect.
Why Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?
- Synthetic hormones metabolize poorly and leave behind residues considered toxic.
- Natural hormones do provide relief of the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, mood swings, depression, palpitations, skin tone, and more.
- Natural progesterone has been shown to prevent endometrial cancer and reduce breast cell hyperplasia (abnormal changes) while synthetic progestins have no such heath benefit.
- There are many disturbing side effects with synthetic estrogen products such as thrombosis (blood clots), gallstones, headaches, impaired glucose tolerance, increased endometrial cancer risk, increases in the size of uterine fibroids, continued menstruation, fluid retention, breast tenderness, depression, nausea, dyspepsia, increased blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts, increased breast cancer, risk and weight gain.
- Bio-identical hormones are more efficient in preventing and reversing vaginal atrophy associated with peri-menopause or menopause, a condition that leads to a sensation of painful intercourse and urinary incontinence.
- Natural hormones also prevent and reverse osteoporosis while bisphosphonates actually have a bone density depleting effect.
- Estriol (E3) may help prevent cancer – it does not promote proliferation of the endometrial lining in the uterus.
- Natural progesterone has been shown to protect against osteoporosis, endometrial hyperplasia, genital atrophy, surgical menopause, and anxiety and depression disorder.
- Natural hormones combine with hormone receptor sites and elicit biological effect without many of the undesirable side effects that are seen with the synthetic forms.
- Natural hormones do provide relief of the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, mood swings, depression, palpitations, skin tone, and more.
The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
1. First, do no harm.
2. Act in co-operation with the healing power of nature.
3. Address the fundamental causes of disease.
4. Heal the whole person through individualized treatment.
5. Teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine.
Dr. Sierra Breitbeil ND 
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