Hormones are powerful substances in our body which truly can cause havoc but when properly balanced produce harmony. They are molecules which are released into our blood stream by glands. These molecules or chemicals actually are carriers of information from our glands to our cells. They are designed keep our bodies in balance, yet if they are out of balance or if our cells are desensitized to them we definitely have problems in regards to the way we feel and function.
One of the most important hormonal problems of our current day, is insulin resistance. This has become very common and is the case with many individuals who are yet unaware they are in this category. Basically, when a person is resistant to their own insulin they eat carbohydrates, which convert into glucose or sugar in the blood stream and should be picked up by insulin and taken into the cells for energy production. The problem arises when the cell membranes no longer recognize the insulin and the sugar is unable to get into the cells so the body stores it as fat. In this case there is an issue with energy, meaning the person is generally fatigued and the individual is putting on weight. Even exercise isn’t working to get rid of the weight. The person craves more sugar and the problem gets worse. We’ve talked about fixing the cell membranes. We’ve talked about avoiding lifeless foods which includes the whites of sugar, flour, rice, pasta and potatoes which all have a very high glycemic index. Remember, even if you have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance or have a family history of diabetes you don’t have to accept this and stay there getting worse. Diet and lifestyle changes can bring a change in your situation. Be sure to re- read the blog called, “ Do you have a hard time losing weight” and make sure you have mastered the solutions.
Hormone replacement for sex hormones has become a hot topic as of late. Many of you are now aware of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy due to the national spotlight they have received from powerful media personalities like Oprah Winfrey, Robin McGraw and Suzanne Somers. In her show Oprah said of women, “ We heard you loud and clear, you are sick and tired of feeling awful.” In The Great Debate: Should You Replace Your Hormones?, Oprah said, “ All women over 35 will eventually face hormone imbalance, which can cause you to feel fat and tired. This is about your hormones being out of whack, and you don’t even know- we haven’t had the language to talk about it. All women need to be armed with this information.”
Well the dialogue has emerged and with much strength. Women are being armed with information to make good decisions regarding hormone replacement. It is my personal opinion that the typical Hormone Replacement Therapies, HRT’s, which are synthetic, artificial and chemically produced hormones, are bad for you because they don’t match your natural hormones and don’t fit your body. Bio-identical hormones are those which are molecularly exact duplicates to the hormones our body's make. Bio- identical hormone replacement uses small amounts of hormones to replace levels to what is physiologically normal for the age of the individual.
In my office, I use saliva testing to evaluate hormone levels for BHRT. Saliva testing is the ideal way to test exactly what hormones your body is already producing. This information yields the necessary data to restore a balance. Once saliva testing is accomplished I use trans-dermal creams and oral DHEA to restore balance.
Symptoms are an indicator that things are not right. Some frequently seen symptoms of imbalance include:
• Hot flashes, Night Sweats, and Vaginal Dryness
• Depression and Feeling Tired all the Time
• Weight Gain Around the Hips and Belly
• Water Retention and Feeling Bloated
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Foggy Thinking and Forgetfulness
• Stress, Anxiety, Irritability
• Tender Breasts, Fibrocystic Breasts, Uterine Fibroids
• Allergies, Headaches, Sugar Cravings
• Constipation, Brittle Nails and Hair
• Decreased Libido, Acne, Scalp Hair Loss
“ It is important to remember that hormones are powerful molecules essential for maintaining physical and mental health. One size does not fit all when it comes to hormones! For decades western medicine had prescribed hormone replacement therapy as if everyone needs the same thing and the same amount. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your hormones are like fingerprints and in order to achieve optimum health, you need to know what your specific imbalances are.” (Labrix.com)
Make sure hormonal imbalances are not derailing your efforts to achieving maximum health!!
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