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Bioidentical Hormones for Every Woman
What every woman should know about bioidentical hormones
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Why is hormone health important to you?
Hormones determine how we feel.
Many physicians believe it is the most important thing
we can do to optimize health—second only to diet and exercise.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Hormones at Work
Starting with the day we are born, the body produces hormones (chemical messengers) to control how and when things happen in
the body throughout life: • Growth • Development • Most physical and mental functions
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Where are your hormones made?
• Most hormones are produced by a group of glands known as the endocrine system.
• Even though these glands are located in various parts of the body, they are considered one system because of how they work together.
• These glands include ovaries (female), testes (male), adrenal and thyroid glands and pancreas.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
How do hormones travel?
• Hormones travel from these glands into the blood stream and are then delivered to the right cells in the body.
• When a hormone reaches a specific destination, it's individual purpose is unlocked.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Which hormones are we talking about?
Progesterone
Estrogens
Testosterone
DHEA
Cortisol
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Hormones - Estrogens
There are three types of estrogens: Estradiol, Estrone and Estriol
• Estradiol is strongest and made mainly in the ovaries.
• Estrone is 50-70% less active than Estradiol and made mainly in the fat cells.
• Estriol is only 10% as active as Estradiol, AND it can’t be converted to Estradiol or Estrone.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Estrogen has more than 400 functions in the body
• Development of sex characteristics
• Stores fat• Decreases thyroid
function by increasing thyroid binding globulin
• Influences brain activity
• Stimulates growth of uterine lining
• Stimulates development of the egg follicles
• Stimulates growth of breast tissue
• Supports vaginal health
• Maintains collagen in the skin and connective tissue
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
What else does your estrogen do?
• Increases serotonin• Helps transport
glucose (energy) into the brain
• Helps nerves grow• Lowers fibrinogen, a
protein involved in blood clotting
• Inhibits constriction of the blood vessels
• Promotes healthy cholesterol production
• Inhibits osteoclasts, which weaken bones
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• And much more
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
What can happen you have too little estrogen?
“I’m not myself anymore. I wake up every night 3-4 to four times, often drenched in sweat. In the morning, I feel more tired than when I went to bed. At work, I have even had to leave a business meeting because I was so uncomfortable and embarrassed. You can actually see the hot flashes; my face turns beet red”!
-- Peggy (49 years old)
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
And how about too much estrogen?
“I have never had a weight problem, until now! I have always exercised regularly, eaten a pretty healthy diet, and I’m still gaining eight, especially around my middle…where is this belly coming from!!!... I have even been exercising more and eating less to stop the gain. Nothing is helping. The pounds seem to be here to stay”.
--Susan (54 years old)
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Progesterone
• Produced by the ovaries with a surge during the luteal phase, or second ½ of the cycle.
• Small amounts produced by the adrenal gland.• Some drug companies make a type of synthetic
hormones called progestins.• Progestins are NOT progesterone
– They have a different molecular structure– Progestins do not have the same effects as
bioidentical progesterone– Progestins have many negative side effects
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
What does progesterone do?
• Promotes normal sleep patterns
• Calms the brain• Reduces cholesterol• Helps estrogen work well• Increases scalp hair• Helps to burn fat for
energy• Can be an anti-depressant• Acts as a diuretic• Cuts down on spasms in
the coronary arteries
• Essential for maintaining pregnancy
• Counteracts some of the negative effects of estrogen in breast, brain, and uterine lining
• Promotes normal cell death
• Helps the body use glucose the right way and improves insulin resistance
• Helps the thyroid gland work properly
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Anxiety:one of many symptoms of low progesterone
I awoke suddenly in the middle of the night with my heart beating fast and hard. I lay frozen in my dark room, intently listening for the source of the danger that had surely roused me.
It would have been an appropriate response had someone been breaking into my home, but the house was perfectly still. I got out of bed and made a room-by-room check of the house. All was quiet and secure.
Yet, the terror in my chest would not ease. This was the third wakeful night in a row. I would spend another night wide-awake, waiting out the psychological storm, somehow trusting sanity would return.” Amy (46 years old)
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Testosterone
Yes! Women need Testosterone!Women have about 9 times less than men and it
is a beneficial part of female health and sex drive.
• Testosterone is made in the ovaries and adrenal glands
• It improves sleep• It improves your sense of well being and vitality• It improves bone density• It helps burn fat and slows fat build up
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
A symptom of low testosterone
“My sex drive when I was younger was pretty good. I had friends who seemed more energized than I did that way, Yet I felt good and satisfied sexually.
Now I’m dead that way. Seriously, I have no interest whatsoever, and if I am sexual, it feels like a lot of work… too much effort.
I try to accommodate my husband every once in awhile, but he’s not that interested either - knowing I’m just not into it”.
Stella (51 years old)
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
DHEA
DHEA is also made in both the ovaries and the adrenal glands
• It’s important for libido and arousal• It promotes a sense of motivation
and well being• Healthy levels improve immune
function• It improves REM sleep function• It improves memory function
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Cortisol• Cortisol is the hormone that
make’s sure your body can respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life – it’s our fight or flight hormone.
• Cortisol also kick starts you in the morning and gets you going.
• It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and supports a healthy immune system.
• Cortisol is made in your adrenal glands.
• Healthy cortisol levels are a critical part of allowing you to have a healthy, active life.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Low cortisol: tired adrenal glands
“I’ve always been an energetic person, but lately I’m noticing that I feel tired all the time, even mid-morning when I’ve only been awake for a few hours.Since I started menopausing, I have been slowing down. It’s getting to the point where I don’t have the energy to exercise anymore, and I do nothing in the evenings after work. I can just plop down on the couch, turn on TV, and not rise again until bedtime! That is so not me. I used to go out and do things or work on projects at home, but I feel too tired now”.
Karen (44 years old)
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Why are your hormones changing?
1. From our mid thirties forward our hormone levels start changing as we age.
2. We live high-stress lives these days, and with much different pattern than in the past. As your stress level rises over a long time, your adrenal glands and your ovaries struggle to produce the hormones you need in the right balance.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance Hot Flashes Night Sweats Vaginal Dryness I ncontinence
Low Estrogen
Bleeding Changes Uterine Fibroids Water Retention Tender Breasts Fibrocystic Breasts I ncreased Forgetfulness Foggy Thinking Tearf ul Depressed Mood Swings
Estrogen Dominance
Stress Morning Fatigue Diffi culty Sleeping Decreased Stamina Anxious I rritable Nervous Fibromyalgia Allergies Headaches Sugar Cravings Dizzy Spells
Adrenal
Cold Body Temperature Goiter Hoarseness Hair Dry or Brittle Nails Breaking or Brittle Constipation Slow Pulse Rate Rapid Heartbeat Heart Palpitations I nf ertility Problems
Thyroid
Acne I ncreased Facial/ Body Hair Scalp Hair Loss Weight Gain – Hips Weight Gain – Waist High Cholesterol Elevated Triglycerides
Metabolic Syndrome
High Androgens
Decreased Libido Decreased Muscle Size Thinning Skin Ringing in Ears Rapid Aging Aches and Pains Bone Loss
Low Androgens/
Other
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
How do I get back in balance?
• Test your hormone levels
• Evaluate your results with your doctor
• Start treatment
• Retest to check your hormone levels
• Evaluate your treatment with your doctor
• Monitor your hormones levels annually
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
What does the test kit look like?
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
What Hormones do I test?
The best place to start is the Comprehensive Hormone Panel. It will measure your:
•Estrogen (Estradiol) •Progesterone, •Testosterone, •DHEA, •Four timed cortisols.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
How does the test kit work?
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
What else can I do?
In addition to balancing your hormones you can:• Practice sacred selfishness – it is okay to take care of
yourself, in fact, it is essential that you take care of yourself. Be proactive during peri-menopause.
• Make time for activities you enjoy at least 3 times a week, and connect with others who care for you.
• Feed your body food that keeps it well.• Do deep belly breathing at least 3 times a day for 10
minutes - this sends a calming message to your adrenal glands that “everything is okay.”
• Exercise 20 minutes, at least 3 times a week.
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Where can I learn more?
Slim, Sane, and Sexy
www.slimsaneandsexy.com
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc
Bioidential Hormones for Every Woman
Find a provider. Email [email protected], include area code and city
Order Slim, Sane and Sexy www.slimsaneandsexy.comPrint an information sheet on
salivary hormone testing to take to your healthcare provider. Go to
http://everywoman_001.labrix.com
Courtesy of Labrix Clinical Services, Inc