These are biologically the same as what our own body produces, so there are fewer side effects than with synthetic hormones.
Hormone replenishment is not just about the sex hormones, estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, but also DHEA, cortisol, and thyroid hormones.
They are modified in a lab derived mostly from plant sources but are still considered natural to your body because they are structurally identical.
The body does not consider bioidentical hormones a foreign substance and so does not cause any adverse reactions.
Synthetic vs. Bioidentical
Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy consists of using commercially available synthetic hormones without considering the individual hormonal profile. In recent years, research such as the Women’s Health Initiative study has linked synthetic hormones to an increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Many doctors and patients have abandoned this “one size fits all” approach to hormone replacement therapy.
The differences between synthetic and bioidentical hormones are in their chemical structures and functionality. Synthetic hormones, often produced from animals, are not identical to those made by the human body and do not act in the body as human hormones do. Bioidentical hormones (derived from plants such as soy or yam), are both chemically and functionally identical to those produced by human reproductive organs and adrenal glands.
Estrogen
Estrogen represents an entire family of female related hormones. It is used to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, reproductive health, and bone health.
Estrogen is usually prescribed for women going through menopause or who have already gone through it.
Estrogen replacement therapy helps prevent osteoporosis, hot flashes, depression, and heart disease.
It increases growth of Human Growth Hormone, collagen levels, and controls LDL cholesterol.
Progesterone
Natural progesterone identical to that made by the body can be extracted from wild yam.
Progesterone is a precursor of most other adrenal hormones and counters the effect of estrogen.
Progesterone is a growth hormone stimulant, promoting the breakdown of fat and protecting against osteoporosis, breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Progesterone maintains sex drive and thyroid hormone action.
DHEA (Dehydroepicaenoisic Acid)
DHEA, considered as the master steroid, is a hormone that is naturally made in the human body.
It is a “parent hormone” produced by the adrenal gland which is then changed into androstenedione and finally changed into the major male and female hormones
DHEA is used for the following
- Breast cancer
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Weight loss
- Depression/ fatigue
- Osteoporosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Addison’s disease
Testosterone
Testosterone is a male sex hormone. It decreases with age starting in the mid 40’s. Decline in testosterone contributes to the “pot- belly” and loss of muscle mass in middle aged men.
Testosterone replacement for men is just as potent for anti- aging as estrogen and progesterone are for women. Testosterone cream (1-2%), when applied in small doses to women increases libido, memory function, and other anti- aging effects.
Melatonin
In addition to regulating our sleep patterns, melatonin has powerful anti- oxidant properties. Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, is an immune booster, cancer fighter, mood elevator, and natural sleeping pill.
To maximize natural production and release of melatonin sleep in a totally dark room.
L- Glutamine
Glutamine is a non- essential amino acid found in protein. It is considered the “mother” of amino acids. It can be synthesized from a number of amino acids such as glutamic acid, valine, and isoleucine.
In times of stress and disease, the body cannot manufacture enough glutamine and supplementation of L- Glutamine can make a world of difference.
Glutamine (an amino acid) is also a neurotransmitter in the brain which is essential for proper brain function. It is also an energy source for the brain. In higher quantities, L- Glutamine is a powerful anti- oxidant.
Due to its promotion of recovery and healing , it is commonly added to protein drinks used in muscle- building programs since it prevents muscle wasting by slowing protein breakdown.
Anti- aging benefits of L- Glutamine
- Improvement of immune function, therefore preventing infection (infection can cause cellular damage and increase stress) thus slowing the aging process.
- Helps overcome daily stress, therefore preventing oxidative damage to cells.
- Prevents catabolic effect from cortisol, thereby preventing acceleration of the aging process.
- Promotes extra release of growth hormone
Thyroid
Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulation of metabolism. Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) can lead to heart disease, poor circulation, increased susceptibility to infection, depression, mental confusion, increased weight, loss of hair, constipation, and muscular weakness.
Hashimoto’s disease is a form of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland or hypothyroidism. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry thinning hair, heavy irregular periods, impaired fertility, depression and a slower heart rate. Optimal supplementation with natural forms of thyroid hormones has a strong anti-aging benefits for people with hypothyroidism. When thyroid treatment is adequate it can help lower cholesterol, lower homocysteine, prevent advancement of atherosclerosis, lower blood pressure and promote general wellness.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone response released in the “fight” response of the “fight or flight” theory. It increases blood sugar, suppresses the immune system, and aids in fat carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and under- activity of the gland is known as hypoadrenalism. Cortisol deficiency can cause feelings of dizziness, weakness, fatigue and may make you start to lose weight. Another major indicator of cortisol deficiency is the look on the skin of a constant tan because of the large amount of adrenocorticotropin in the blood. This “tan” exists for months and is a major clue to cortisol deficiency. Cortisol replacement therapy can help to alleviate and prevent these symptoms. Chronic stress corresponding to higher levels of cortisol can cause bone loss, affect sleep pattern, and eventually wear out the adrenal system. Benefits of cortisol replacement therapy include inceased energy and metabolism, regulated blood pressure, enhanced circulation, and reduced allergic and inflammatory responses.