The Clinic » Bio-identical Hormones » Bio-identical hormones
Hormone is a Greek word meaning ‘that which sets in motion’. This is a perfect description of the role of hormones in the body. When your body’s control systems need to create some kind of change in its structure or function, hormones make it happen.
Hormones are made by glands. When the nervous system wants something done, it sends a message to the hypothalamus, the master control gland that sits in the centre of the brain. The hypothalamus then sends messages leading to a complex cascade of signals to the pituitary gland and the other glands of the body. They respond by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones bind to receptors on the surface of cells in the body. This triggers a response from the cells.
The effect of hormones is usually very far-reaching, because there are hormone receptors on thousands of different cells. We are only beginning to fully understand the intricate web of effects that they have. It is important to be cautious when treating patients with hormones, but doctors have used them to treat illnesses for almost a century. This form of treatment can often profoundly improve people’s health and wellness.
There is an important difference between synthetic hormones and bio-identical hormones. Patients are sometimes disappointed to learn that these hormones are not ‘natural’ in the sense that they do not always come from plants or other naturally occurring substances. They are usually made in a lab. I tell these patients that natural is not always better; spider venom is naturally occurring, and so is anthrax.
Here is why they are better: synthetic hormones that are sold by pharmaceutical companies are usually different from the hormones your body makes. The reason for this has nothing to do with how well they work or how safe they are; they need to be different from your hormones in order to be patented and sold at huge profit. Bio-identical hormones are exactly the same hormones made by your body. Subtle energies aside, the molecules look the same , so their effects should be the same.
The challenge for physicians and patients is to figure out what is missing from the body – and why. This understanding forms the basis of treatment – by providing the right mix of hormones to restore balance to the body. At the Seekers Centre, we test for and treat with the following hormones:
• Thyroid hormones (T4 and T3)
• Progesterone
• Estrogens (estradiol, estriol and estrone)
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Adrenal hormones (cortisol)
• Melatonin
In some cases, it is very obvious what is missing from the body. For example, women who are ten years past menopause have a very predictable pattern of hormone deficiency. In most cases, however, the decision to treat someone with bio-identical hormone replacement is based on documented deficiency of those hormones. This can sometimes be identified using standard laboratory tests, but it is usually better to send samples of saliva or urine to specialized labs that can provide more detailed information about hormone balance. The hormones used for treatment are typically only available by prescription, and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed physician.
One important thing to keep in mind is that if you have a hormone imbalance, there is usually a reason. If it is menopause, there is not much you can do about it. In other cases, it might be due to chronic infection, untreated physical injuries, emotional trauma or stress, allergies or sensitivities, heavy metals or other toxins or digestive problems. These are the root causes of illness and they should always be addressed along with hormones – this holistic approach is needed to achieve long-term cure.
While they have made it big by appearing on Oprah, the use of bio-identical hormones has been largely ignored by mainstream medicine. This is unfortunate, because they can often have a dramatic impact. I have seen great results in patients who suffered from symptoms like pain, fatigue, lack of energy or libido, depression, anxiety, insomnia and many chronic illnesses. In some cases, patients had been suffering for years despite having seen a handful of specialist doctors and wellness practitioners.
Hopefully, bio-identical hormone therapy will soon gain broader acceptance. Until then, we will continue to make this treatment available in a responsible, safe manner.