Menopause Made Easy!Menopause Made Easy!
Understanding Menopause, PMS, and Hormone Balancing for Today’s
Women
HUNT NATUROPATHIC CLINICDr. Jeffrey J. Hunt
Hon. B.P.H.E., N.D., F.C.A.H.1618 2nd Ave., Trail, BC,
(250)368-6999E-Mail: [email protected]
BACK IN BALANCEDr. Diana Draper, BA, ND2325 6th Ave Castlegar BC
(250) 304-4401E-Mail: [email protected]
www.backinbalance.cawww.facebook.com/drdrapernd
OverViewOverViewIntroductionThe Physiology of HormonesTreatments for Hormone Balancing:
◦Hormone Replacement Therapy◦Natural Therapies
PreventionQuestions
IntroductionIntroduction
Dr. Jeffrey Hunt excels in the treatment of many complex health conditions utilizing his extensive training and diagnostic skills and tools.
He is a graduate of at the top of his class from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
He’s been practice at Hunt Naturopathic Clinic in Trail for over 20 years.
Dr. Hunt is particularly interested in gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal concerns, cancer, Lyme disease, allergenic disorders and weight loss.
IntroductionIntroduction Dr. Diana Draper is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic
Medicine, and a member of the College and Naturopathic Physicians of BC and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. She recently left her practice in Calgary AB to return to her hometown of Castlegar BC.
As a licensed medical practitioner, Dr. Draper use natural therapies that work with the bodies innate healing abilities to promote optimal, sustainable health by addressing all areas of the self: the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Her goals as a Naturopathic Doctor are to be a facilitator for anyone who wishes to reach their highest potential in life, to empowering patients and the community to take responsibility for their health, and to be a health educator and advocate.
Areas of special interest include stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain management, digestive complaints, hormone regulation, and inflammatory conditions.
Tools used for treatment include clinical nutrition, acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, biopuncture, IV therapy, counseling, and nutritional supplements.
Aside from her practice Dr. Draper works with Hope College in Drumheller AB where she has designed 3 health diploma programs for the College and continues to provide consulting on best practices in their clinic.
Naturopathic MedicineNaturopathic Medicine
The Naturopathic OathFirst, to do no harm. To co-operate with the healing power of nature. To address the fundamental causes of disease. To heal the whole person through individualized
treatment. To teach the principles of healthy living and
preventive medicine
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormones
Receptor
Lock
How Hormones Work:Lock and KeyInterdependences and Interactions
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesSteroid Hormones:
◦Cortisol◦Estrogens◦Androgens◦Progesterone
Made from cholesterolIn Women, produced primarily by ovaries
and adrenal glands
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesAdrenal Gland:Located above kidneysRelease adrenaline, cortisol, and DHEADHEA forms androstenedione which then
forms Estrone and TestosteroneConversion of one hormone to another
requires an enzymesEnzymes require vitamins and mineral
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormones
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesThe Adrenal Gland and Pre-MenopausePrior to menopause ovaries are the major
producers of estrogen and progesterone◦40% of estrogen comes from adrenal gland via
conversion from androstenedioneAbout half of womens testosterone comes
from DHEA released by adrenal glands Almost all progesterone made by adrenal
gland is used to make cortisol
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesPost-menopause and the Adrenal GlandsAfter menopause the adrenal glands become the
primary source for estrogens and testosterone. ◦Ovaries produce small amounts of estradiol
and testosterone◦Majority comes from DHEA and
androstenedioneWomen with complete hysterectomy are similar
to post-menopausal women in physiology of hormone production
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesEstrogens:Receptors found in cells throughout body
◦Bone, brain, blood vessels, bladder, breast, thyroid gland, reproductive organs
Development of breasts and menstrual cycle
Conjugation in liver
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesEstrogens:3 main forms: Estradiol – strongest, main one produced by
ovaries. Primary in menstrual cycle and builds endometrium lining
Estrone – main post-menopausal estrogen. Easily converted to estriol or estradiol
Estriol – very high in pregnancyEstrone Sulphate – most abundant. Storage form2 Hydroxyestrone – thought to be protective
against breast cancer
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesProgesterone:Receptors found throughout body:
◦Brain, bone, breast, bladder, blood vessels, thyroid gland, reproductive organs
Essential to maintain pregnancyEssential to balancing hormonesProduced in ovaries, small amount in
brain, and adrenal gland
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormones
Androgens:
TestosteroneSense of wellbeing, sex drive, maintains
vaginal mucosa and bone tissueImproves heart health, maintains skin
elasticity and muscle mass1/5 to 1/10 amount compared to men
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesAndrogens:DHEAMost abundant steroid hormone in
bodyCirculates in blood primarily as
DHEASMakes estradiol, estrone, estriol and
testosterone
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormones
Androgens:
AndrostenedioneMade from DHEA in adrenal glandsBuilding block for estrogens and
testosteroneCritical for production of steroid
hormones after menopause
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesCortisol:Release by adrenal glands in response to
physical and emotional stressesPromotes release of sugar in the bodyEssential to mobilizing defense against
infections and inflammationHighest in morning to combat stress of
overnight fasting and provide energyRegulates effects of other hormones
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesCortisol and Estrogen:Cortisol stimulates aromatase
activity which promotes estrogen formation
Promotes deposition of fat around waist
Excess cortisol = excess estrogen
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesCortisol and Progesterone:Competes with progesterone for same
receptorCan cause functional deficiency
◦progesterone levels normal but cannot connect to receptor therefore deficient
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesCortisol and DHEA:Opposite effect on immune function and
blood sugar regulation
Cortisol and Thyroid:They need eachother for each to work
properlySymptoms of deficiency in one family can
be due to deficiency in the other family
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesAdd in triangle of thyroid,
adrenals and sex hormones
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormonesInsert slide on hormone def.
The Physiology of The Physiology of HormonesHormones
Testing:Saliva Vs Serum
TreatmentsTreatments
Progesterone Studies:40 premenopausal women who were
scheduled for excisional biopsy of benign lesions were given topical progesterone, topical estradiol or both 10-13 days prior to surgery.
Reduction in the proliferation rate of acinar cells was seen in both the progesterone and the combination groups.
Influences of percutaneous administration of estradiol and progesterone on human breast epithelial cell cycle in vivo. Chang KJ, et al. Fertil Steril (1995) 63(4):785-91.
TreatmentsTreatmentsAnother study involving 40
postmenopausal women who received topical placebo, estradiol, progesterone or estradiol and progesterone two weeks prior to excision showed increased number of cycling epithelial cells in estradiol cohort, but reduced in the groups using progesterone and estradiol plus progesterone.
Foldart JM et al. Estradiol and Progesterone Regulate the Proliferation of Human Breast Epithelial Cells. Fertil Steril (1998) May; 69(5): 963-9.
TreatmentsTreatments
Comparing apples to oranges:
When a French study compared women using estrogen in combination with a progestin vs. women using estrogen in combination with progesterone they found a significant increase in incidence of breast cancer with the progestin group and no increase in the group using progesterone.
Breast Cancer Risk in Relation to Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy in the E3N-EPIC Cohort. Fournier A et al. Int J Cancer (2005); 114(3):448-54.
TreatmentsTreatments
Natural Therapies:Diet and weight managementAcupunctureIV therapyHerbs and nutrients
TreatmentsTreatmentsDiet
◦Xenoestrogens in herbicides and pesticides and plastics
◦Promote estrogenWeight management
◦Decrease fat for aromatase enzyme◦Decrease inflammation
TreatmentsTreatmentsAcupuncture:
◦Balancing Yin and Yang◦Addressing anxiety◦Improving hot flashes◦Improving sleep◦Decreasing nighttime urination
TreatmentsTreatmentsIV Therapy:
◦Adrenal support◦Include homeopathic injections for
hormone balance◦Avoid first pass effect◦Avoid complications in digestive system
TreatmentsTreatments
Herbs and Nutrients:Hot Flashes: Vitamin C Vitamin B Curcumin Gamma Oryzanol Hesperidin Fish oils Alkaline Powder
•Chaste Tree Berry
•Astragalus
•Valerian
•Black cohosh
•Chih Pai Pa Wei Wan
•Rehmannia
•Flax Seed
TreatmentsTreatments
Herbs and Nutrients:
Insomnia, Anxiety, DepressionB complexCalcium5-HPTSt. John’s wartSiberian GinsengValerianMelatonin
TreatmentsTreatments
Vaginal Dryness:
Herbs and Nutrients:Black cohoshSaw palmettoFish oilsGround flaxseedsVitamin EVitamin AZinc
TreatmentsTreatments
Combination Therapies:Estrovera – Rhapontic RhubarbPascofemin – complex homeopathicMenopause – black cohoshWomens support – Dong Quai, chaste
tree, Black cohosh, Red clover
TreatmentsTreatments
Valarian and Postmenopausal women:4 week study30% improvement in sleep quality
with valiarian group vs 4% improvement with placebo group
TreatmentsTreatments
EFA and Hot Flashes:8 weeks70% found positive results
◦50% decrease in hot flashes◦45% remission rate
What to Expect from What to Expect from Seeing a Naturopathic Seeing a Naturopathic DoctorDoctorInitial Consult is 1 hourDepends on severity of symptoms which
route to start withTestingInformed consentTransitioning between natural products
and bio-identical hormone replacement
HighlightsHighlightsFeedback mechanism in the brain for hormone
balanceStress affects hormone balanceBioidentical hormones are plant sourceHormone balance is more important than
hormone levelsEstrogen production in creased by obesity,
Phthalates from plastic and xenoestrogens from herbicides and pesticides
Low testosterone looks like depression
Questions?Questions?
Thank you for coming!