Women act and look younger than their age more so than in previous generations. While our hormones begin to decline in our 30’s and continue to change through menopause, our need for hormones continues throughout our lives. Hormones still play a very important role in maintaining our body functions. Keeping their levels appropriately balanced with diet and supplementation will support you healthfully through old age. The first step in taking full charge is getting on “good terms” with your hormones by understanding how they work and what you need to do to keep them balanced.
The first hormone to decline during the aging process is progesterone. Symptoms of deficiency include PMS, night sweats, hot flashes and a loss of well being, often including depression. Synthetic progestins have numerous side effects and do not function the same way as natural (bio-identical) progesterone. What seems to be a tiny change in the molecular structure can make a huge difference in its effect on your body. Bio-identical progesterone has also been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Progesterone reduces the proliferation of breast cells and studies have shown that women who are deficient in this hormone have a higher rate of breast cancer and were more likely to die from all malignant cancers than women without progesterone deficiency.
Traditionally, doctors prescribe estrogen as the primary hormone for women going through menopause. Estrogen is not a single hormone, but a family of hormones consisting mainly of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). PremarinTM contains 48% estrone and 52% horse estrogens. It also contains additives foreign to a woman’s body. Estrone is felt to be the most carcinogenic form of estrogen. Estriol is the least active form of estrogen, and current research suggests it may be anti-carcinogenic. None of the American drug products contain estriol (E3), which has been widely used in Europe and China. It is available in the US from a compounding pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. Long-term studies revealed that 92% of women using estriol had elimination or reduction in hot flashes and sweating. There was also significant improvement in depressive mood, forgetfulness, irritability, loss of concentration and heart palpitations.
Hormones can effect bone loss as well. Bone constantly undergoes a process of breaking down of old bone and building up of new bone. Osteoporosis occurs when break down occurs at a greater rate than building up. Estrogen slows down bone loss, but cannot actually increase bone growth. Natural progesterone actually stimulates new bone formation, resulting in greater bone density.
DHEA is another hormone that declines during the aging process. The rate of decline varies for each person, so blood testing is essential to determining the appropriate supplementation dosage. Deficiencies of DHEA have been correlated with numerous age-related condition, including chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, increased risk for certain cancers, excessive body fat, cognitive decline and more.
Testosterone is important for maintaining sexual interest and function, and provides many other health-enhancing benefits. A lack of this hormone can also promote breast cancer. It promotes bone development and muscular strength while improving the libido.
Studies involving women who took chemically modified prescription hormones for extended periods showed that they had increased incidence of breast cancer, along with higher risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. The media generated warnings that hormone replacement is dangerous. Yet the media ignored the fact that these results occurred in women taking synthetic hormones.
By using natural hormone replacement and following a program of regular blood testing, women can develop an individualized regimen that is safe and effective. Ask your doctor to test your hormone levels and see if you are a candidate for bio-identical hormone replacement.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a general and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, and offers extensive procedures in non-invasive cosmetic skin care, using the latest and most up-to-date lasers and medical equipment. Visit us for a free consultation with our skin care specialist!
Dr. Benest can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
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