Fri, February 06, 2009

Customized Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men and Women

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for both men and women

There has been a lot of recent interest in 'Bioidentical Hormone Therapy' since Oprah addressed her own personal experience with hormone therapy in January. Winfrey, who turns 55 this month, writes in February's edition of O, The Oprah Magazine that she felt "out of kilter" and had "issues" for two years that she suspected were hormonal.

With recommendation from a friend, Oprah saw a physician who found that her 'hormone tank was empty' and prescribed her bioidentical estrogen.

"After one day on bioidentical estrogen, I felt the veil lift," Winfrey writes. "After three days, the sky was bluer, my brain was no longer fuzzy, my memory was sharper. I was literally singing and had a skip in my step."

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones, sometimes referred to as natural hormones, are molecularly (biochemically) identical to the hormones made in your body. These include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol. Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in a lab and are available by prescription through a compounding pharmacy. Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources such as the wild yam.

Traditional hormone therapies such as Prempro, Estratest, Provera and Premarin are not identical to human hormones. Premarin and Prempro are made from pregnant mare urine and are not identical in either structure or activity to the natural hormones that they emulate.

If you are suffering from symptoms commonly experienced during the period surrounding menopause, bioidentical hormone therapy may be a viable option.

Some symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
  

• Night sweats
  

• Vaginal dryness Mood swings
  

• Memory lapses
  

• Irritability Insomnia
  

• Depression
  

• Fatigue
  

• Anxiety/Nervousness
  

• Weight gain
  

• Decreased Libido Panic attacks
  

• Palpitations
  

• Bloating Vaginal itching
  

• Lower back pain
  

• Indigestion Hair loss
  

• Frequent urination
  

• Headaches
  
  

Men can also suffer from 'male menopause' known as 'Andropause'

The first thing a man entering andropause generally notices is a subtle downward shift in strength and energy as hormone levels taper off. He may begin to lose his enthusiasm for the challenge of work, competition, and sexual activity. As symptoms kick in, hormone testing can identify andropause as well as hidden imbalances and/or related deficiencies.

As normal aging puts the brakes on hormone production, the decline can be more precipitous in some men than others. The bottom line is lifestyle and how well we take care of ourselves.

Men can try the following steps to restore normal hormone balance:

• Find a physician to test hormone levels
  

• Request bioidentical hormones, if supplementing
  

• Throw out testosterone robbers like caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes
  

• Reduce weight-fat cells lower available testosterone by converting it to estrogen
  

• Boost testosterone through strength training
  

• Counteract stress with regular exercise
  

• Choose hormone-free foods
  

• Take a daily multi-vitamin/mineral that includes zinc
  

• Get plenty of sleep
  

• Make time to do the things you enjoy!

*Information on andropause provided by ZRT Laboratory

Indigo MedSpa is now accepting the following medical insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, United Healthcare and Cofinity (Aetna and PPOM)

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