Hormones conduct the language of cells. Our bodies have over 60 trillion cells with each needing to communicate with one another.
Bio-identical hormones have a molecular structure that is identical to hormones that are naturally produced by the human body, and are intended to replace these hormones when their levels decline due to aging, disease, stress, medications, or surgery. Hormones conduct the language of cells. Our bodies have over 60 trillion cells with each needing to communicate with one another.
Hormones are the chemical messengers that travel through our blood stream, enter cells by unlocking a door called a receptor, and flip the switches that govern growth, development, and mental and physical functioning. The exact chemical structure of the body’s hormones is incredibly important, because in order for hormone therapy to fully replicate the normal functioning present in the human body it must match the original structure of that hormone exactly.
What Are Bio-identical Hormones?
Bio-Identical hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones made by the human body. Structural differences exist between bio-identical hormones and those available commercially, which are typically synthetic (i.e. esterified estrogens, medroxyprogesterone) or animal derived (i.e. conjugated equine estrogens). In order to be patented, synthetic hormones have side chains added to a natural substance. Synthetic hormones are not found in humans, and are not identical in structure or function to the bio-identical hormones they are intended to replace.
Our hormones play a major role in how fast we age. The action of the various hormones is very complex. In part they act to advance the life cycle according to the biological plan. Alternatively, they may go haywire, promoting disease states associated with the aging process.
Since hormones influence the rate at which we age, considerable research is underway to evaluate the feasibility of “replacement therapy” to forestall the aging process and the degenerative changes that accompany it. “Replacement therapy” has been around for some time in the treatment of menopause. Many gynecologists advocate the use of “estrogen” and “progesterone” in the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. But “replacement therapy” and the use of hormones should not stop there. The use of testosterone, the adrenal hormones such as DHEA, pregnenolone, melatonin and Human Growth Hormone are now just being investigated. The sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, which are deliberately programmed for decline, are obvious targets for intervention. In women, menopause is distinct. In men, what is becoming known as “andropause” is less clearly demarcated, perhaps masking the importance of testosterone. The adrenal androgens too, best exemplified by DHEA, may pace aging in both of the sexes through a change of life dubbed “adrenopause” by hormone researchers.
Our hormones play a major role in how fast we age. The action of the various hormones is very complex. In part they act to advance the life cycle according to the biological plan.
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Our approach to mental health and wellness incorporates both preventive and nutritional approaches with particular attention to biochemical imbalances.