Hormone Imbalance in Women

Our bodies are literally swimming in hormones that act like keys in a lock or pieces to a puzzle. The ‘puzzle’ makes up the big picture of who we are, how we operate and how we feel. When we take hormone replacement therapy that doesn’t fit the original design that our cells recognize, the end result may not feel or act quite right. Hence, possible side effects that can be annoying, uncomfortable or perhaps dangerous may appear.

What are Bio-identical hormones?

Hormone levels decline as we age. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy replenishes the hormones that your body needs to function optimally. Bio-Identical hormones are hormones whose molecular structure is identical to those made in our body. These molecular structures ‘plug-in’ to the receptors throughout our body, turning off and on much of the cellular behaviour that makes us tick. Because they are identical to what our bodies produce naturally, the body may utilize them more efficiently. Compounding pharmacies have the ability to customize formulations specific to meet each person’s individual needs.

Where do Bio-identical Hormones come from?

Bio-identical hormones are derived from plant sources like wild yam or soy. This provides women with a natural source of hormone, something synthetic or traditional hormone therapy doesn’t offer.

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement for Women

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy has been prescribed for women suffering from the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance such as hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and low sex drive. Bear in mind that most mainstream studies have been performed with conventional hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies cannot patent and sell the hormones women make naturally. (However, pharmaceutical companies can patent a delivery system). This may explain why women are commonly offered prescriptions for non-bio-identical hormone and their request for bio-identical hormone can be met with scepticism.


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Types of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement

Estrogen

Estrogens may be used for replacement therapy in peri-menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women for the treatment of symptoms of low estrogen levels. Estrogens are also used in the treatment of a variety of other conditions associated with a deficiency of estrogen hormone such as ovarian failure or removal of the ovaries. Other uses include preventing osteoporosis, ischemic heart disease, improving blood lipid profile, and maintaining bladder and urinary tract function. Topical estrogen therapy has also been used for reduction of wrinkles and skin softening effects.

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Progesterone

As ovarian function declines during peri-menopause and menopause, progesterone production rapidly decreases.  Progesterone is used in replacement therapy in women who are symptomatic of low progesterone levels. Progesterone therapy is commonly prescribed to counteract ‘estrogen dominance’, which is believed to be the leading cause of breast cancer in women. In addition, progesterone therapy is prescribed to relieve symptoms such as irregular or heavy periods, severe PMS with mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

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Testosterone

In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. The ovary’s function is to help produce testosterone even after menopause. Women who have their ovaries removed are at a higher risk of having decreased levels of testosterone and therefore the symptoms associated with the deficient levels. The onset of peri-menopause and menopause may also cause the decline in production of this hormone in women which can lead to decreased sexual interest, decrease d muscle mass and strength, bone deterioration, and decreased motivation. In addition, testosterone in women is partially responsible for the sensitivity of a woman’s nipples and clitoris. Therefore, it not only affects a woman’s libido, but also the experience.

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Cortisol

Cortisol is produced by small glands on top of the kidneys called the adrenal glands. Known as “the stress hormone,” cortisol is released as the body’s natural response to stress. Chronic stress can cause the adrenal glands to become overworked, and eventually quit working. This medical condition is known as Adrenal Fatigue. When the body experiences abnormal cortisol release, either too much or too little, it limits the body’s ability to utilize hormones. This can ultimately affect the function of many body systems including the thyroid gland.

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DHEA

Often referred to as “the mother of all hormones”, DHEA is a precursor hormone to several hormones including testosterone and estrogen. It is important for women to have adequate levels of DHEA in order to balance their other hormones. DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands, and as women age these levels begin to decline. After age 30, DHEA levels begin to decrease, which ‘helps’ the aging process. By age 70, we only produce 10% of what we did as 20-years-olds. Like cortisol, (both produced in the adrenal glands) DHEA also assists in the management of stress.

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