Bio-identical Hormones
Our office provides a comprehensive and individualized approach using bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones are identical to those made by the body and are synthetic (made in a laboratory). It is a misconception that plants contain natural hormones; plants DO contain hormone-like chemicals that are often used as starting chemicals when bio-identical hormones are produced in the laboratory. The human body is unable to convert hormone-like chemicals in plants such as soy and wild yams to active hormones. Hormones used by conventional OBs, internist and endocrinologists are also synthetic, but are very different structurally from those made endogenously (in the body). Bio-identical hormones are easily recognized by the body and are thought to carry far less risk of hormone related cancers compared to synthetic, non-bio-identical hormones.
Our office utilizes several important tests for determining the best balance of bio-identical hormones required. These important tests include:
- Certain blood hormone levels
- Specific saliva hormone measurements
- Urine measurements of estrogen metabolites
- Non-hormone nutritional and other laboratory tests that evaluate various body processes that determine directly or indirectly hormone need, use and overall balance.
It is the combination of these tests that give the most comprehensive assessment of hormone levels, relative use by body tissues in need and potential cancer risk (Yes! Even natural hormones may increase cancer risk in a given individual).
