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Hormones are specialized molecules secreted by the endocrine
glands. There are several different kinds and they exert their
effects on target cells located away from their site of production.
When we replace missing or deficient hormones such as estrogens or progesterone
it is very important that we stay true to the original molecular
structure of the hormone being replaced. This is called
replacement with biologically identical hormones or natural
hormones. If the structure of the hormone being replaced is
altered or modified, then there will be side effects not seen with the
original hormone. For example Provera, which is modified
progesterone is a component of Prempro, is a popular hormone replacement
for menopausal women. Provera has a number of problems associated
with it's use such as bloating, mood swings, bleeding, blood clots, and
increased risk for strokes and heart attacks. Progesterone has
none of these problems hence the importance of replacing missing or
deficient hormones with it's exact biological match is evident.
The terms "Biologically Identical" and "Natural"
mean the same, that is the hormone being replaced is an exact match of
the original hormone.
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What
is the difference between Synthroid, Levoxyl, and other commonly used
medications to treat low thyroid levels and compounded biologically
identical Armour thyroid?
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Synthroid, Levoxyl, and other commonly used medications used to treat low
thyroid states contain just one thyroid hormone called T4 (Levothyroxine).
Your thyroid gland makes T3 (Tri-iodothyronine) in addition to
T4. Many patients cannot effectively convert T4
to T3 and hence may not feel optimal with just T4
replacement. The compounded Armour thyroid we recommend has the
right blend of T4 and T3.
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Do
I need hormones if my laboratory tests fall within normal range?
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Your laboratory tests may be "within normal range" but this does
not mean that they are optimal. For example, the "normal"
range for T4 level is 5 - 12 micrograms / deciliter is "within normal
range" but may not be optimal for you if you have symptoms.
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How
is Premarin obtained?
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Premarin
is the most commonly used form of estrogen replacement. It is
derived from the urine of pregnant mares, hence the name. Premarin
has several differnet types of estrogen like compounds and none of these
match human estrogens.
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What
are natural human estrogens?
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There are three natural human estrogens: Estrone, Estradrol, and Estnol.
All of these can be synthesized from soy. The Estrone is derived
from Estradrol. Natural hormone replacement would involve a
combination of either all three or two (Estradrol and Estnol) hence these
are called Triest or Biest.
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What
is the source of natural progesterone?
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There is only one kind of Progesterone unlike estrogens.
Progesterone is synthesized from wild yams. This is not to be
confused with other "Progesterone agents" or "Progestines"
such as Provera or Medroxy progesterone acetate.
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What
are the beneficial effects of replacement with biologically identical
(natural) estrogens?
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There are several benefits associated with the use of Natural
Estrogens. The immediate benefits include relief of distressing
symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, fatigue, and vaginal
dryness. Longer term benefits include reduced cardiovascular risk,
as well as prevention of bone loss and reduced risk of Alzheimer's
dementia.
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What
are the beneficial effects of replacement with natural progesterone?
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These include:
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Prevention
of bone loss
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Improved
mental function and memory
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Prevention
of mood swings
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Reduced
cardiovascular risk
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