Hormones are chemical messengers that are delivered to body tissues through the blood. Once hormones enter tissues, they flip genetic switches which regulate everything from reproduction to emotions, general health and well-being.

Natural hormones are produced in many different glands and organs in the body. The pancreas produces insulin, ovaries produce estrogens and progesterone and the adrenal glands produce cortisol and DHEA. Other glands such as the pituitary in the brain secrete hormones such as FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which control estrogen and progesterone aproduction by the ovaries.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT) is the therapeutic use of hormones that are identical in every way to the natural hormones in the body. Bioidentical hormones used in therapy include estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone and testosterone. Some bioidentical hormone therapies are available from drug companies as standard prescriptions, while others must be compounded for the individual by a licensed pharmacist.

Let's take a closer look at hormones

ESTROGENS (estradiol, estrone, estriol)

These are predominantly female hormones. In adults they are important for maintaining the health of the reproductive tissues, breasts, skin and brain. High estrogen levels can cause fluid retention, weight gain, migraines and over stimulation of the breasts, ovaries and uterus. Insufficient estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, rapid skin aging, urinary problems, excessive bone loss and changes in memory/cognition.

PROGESTERONE:

This is a hormone balancer, particularly of estrogens. It enhances the beneficial effect of estrogen therapy while preventing problems associated with excessive estrogen. Progesterone creates a balance of all other steroid hormones. It has intrinsic calming and diuretic properties.

TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone performs the following important roles in women:  improvement of mood and assertiveness, reduction in depression and anxiety, improvement in bone density, muscle density, muscle size, enhancement of sex drive and sexual sensitivity.  The decrease of testosterone occurs earlier and initially at a greater rate for women than for men. 

Various Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalance

Oral Treatment. Products taken by mouth must pass through and be broken down by the liver. Oral delivery metabolizes differently and requires higher doses and some hormones can transform into other unintended hormones, so it isn't always the safest way to give bioidentical supplements. There are some exceptions to the rule such as Estriol and, in some cases, progesterone.

Transdermal (Through the skin) or TRANSMUCOMAL (via vaginal tissue). Products miss the liver so doses can be smaller and are less likely to metabolize into "bad" hormones.

Hormone balance is so individual, and, as Dr. Uzzi Reiss, MD pointed out in a recent book "The Sexy Years" by Suzanne Somers, "Our unhealthful environment makes us more prone to illness and also "confuses" the natural function of our hormones. Processed foods and the materials they are packaged in are full of artificial hormones that compete with and therefore confuse women's natural hormone balance."

We strongly recommend that customized analysis and treatment are essential for any woman experiencing any symptoms of hormonal imbalance in which alternative therapy and solutions are being considered.

It is wise to consider natural hormone therapy for women when treating hormonal-related symptoms that will require hormone therapy.