Although this seems like a fairly new field in medicine, some bio-identical hormones such as Thyroxine have been used in medical practice for years.
Most bio-identical hormones are made by altering the raw product, which is usually plant-based. This alteration makes a hormone, which is exactly the same as the hormone that we make in our own bodies. Therefore, when you use a bio-identical hormone, you replace the hormone, which is low in your system, with an exact match.
Although, you can use bio-identical hormones without first testing your hormone levels, it is advisable to measure these before commencing any therapy. This is usually done using blood and/or saliva testing. It has been shown that saliva gives a more accurate measurement of your actual hormones than blood. By knowing which hormones, you are deficient in, more accurate treatment can be commenced. Tests may indicate that your hormones are OK - saving you unnecessary treatment. By repeat testing, in a few months, changes to your hormone levels, if any, can be seen.
Some of the hormones, which can be tested and which can be given to you as treatment are as follows -
- Progesterone
- Oestradiol
- Oestrone
- Oestriol
- DHEA
- Cortisol
- T3
- Testosterone
- Pregnenolone.
It is important to realise, that all the hormones in your system work as a team, and by replacing one hormone, other hormone levels can change.
By the time you have reached your mid thirties, your hormones have peaked. It tends to be a slow (sometimes not so slow) downhill slide from there.
A woman's health is often affected by signs and symptoms of Oestrogen dominance. This can show through:
- Weight gain - especially at hips and thighs
- Insomnia
- Hot flushes
- Breast swelling
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Loss of libido
- Depression
- Tiredness
- A craving for sweets
- Water retention
- Bladder problems, etc.
A male's health is often affected by signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency. This can show through:
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Muscle loss
- Aches and pains
- Thinning skin
- Low libido
- Poor erections, etc.
Unfortunately, most of us think of these symptoms and signs as just part of ageing. We now realise that we can treat these problems in a more natural way.
Read more about Bio-Identical Hormones -
- Bio-Identical HRT (natural) - for Women's Health
- Bio-Identical Hormones (natural) - for Men's Health
- Salivary Hormone Testing.
