Bio-Identical (Natural) Hormone Therapy

Adrenal Fatigue | Women's Hormones | Men's Hormones | Thyroid Health for Men and Women | DHEA

The Importance of Hormones

Hormones play an intricate part in determining overall health and well-being. They are natural substances secreted by your glands, travelling to the cells throughout your body, stimulating their function and rejuvenation. Men and women rely on a delicate balance of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA and cortisol for optimal function and health. These hormones all interact in a complex symphony.

The Problem

Declining hormone levels expedite aging and disease. Hormones drop by up to 3% each year after age 30. By age 80, up to 50% of hormone function is lost. Diminished hormone levels are responsible for a laundry list of symptoms signaling a deterioration in your overall health: decreased libido, low energy, mood swings, increased body fat and muscle wasting, weakened bones and osteoporosis, sleeplessness and irritability, and poor skin elasticity just to name a few.

The Solution: Bio-identical Hormones

The good news is that hormone receptors don't lose their ability to respond to hormones - so supplementing deficient hormones can delay or reverse this deterioration commonly seen with aging. Remember: physical and mental deterioration is not a requirement of growing older.

Bio-identical (natural) hormone replacement therapy is becoming recognized as the mainstream solution to address the hormone dysfunctions that have become pervasive in our society. This approach is a major step forward toward treating the cause - not merely the symptoms - of the many problems that push us 'off-center'. These are the problems that traditional medicine has been ineffective in treating for far too long. Many of our patients have been to 5 or 6 other physicians before they finally find us and begin their journey toward aging well and enjoying life more.

We understand that each person's biochemistry is unique. This requires a customized, personal approach to treatment. We spend a great deal of time with every patient and actually listen to all that they have to say. Uncovering subtle clues is a critical part the discovery process. We perform very specific targeted lab tests to determine your hormonal 'fingerprint'. We focus on the sex and adrenal hormone groups including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and HGH. We will determine your deficiencies, excesses and daily patterns resulting is a specifically tailored and crafted plan just for you. Our Dallas bio-identical hormones consultations are very comprehensive and every nuance is explored and discussed so that we can craft the best plan for you.

And the results...

Slow down the effects of aging
Increase your resistance against age-related diseases such as Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Strokes, Osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Have more energy, stamina, strength and endurance
Look better, stay healthier, and improve your quality of life
Browse our site and read about specific hormone deficiencies. Take our hormone questionnaire and find out how we can help you feel better now.

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ADRENAL FATIGUE (Men and Women)

The Adrenal Glands and Cortisol

The adrenal glands are responsible for regulating the body's response to stress by controlling the hormones released during stress. Adrenal glands release cortisol and other hormones, known as adrenal steroids. Cortisol is the main adrenal hormone that helps us manage stress. Among its functions, cortisol rouses bodily activities on awakening: It influences protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism; help regulate blood pressure; increases energy levels; and improves the integrity of blood vessels. Cortisol is also vital for immune function and helping mobilize against inflammation. Plus, it fights bacterial and viral infections. The adrenals secrete cortisol in response to stress... Stress occurs in many ways and can be caused by allergies, hormonal imbalances, low blood sugar, low thyroid or life experiences. When stress becomes excessive, the adrenal glands' ability to do their job is compromised.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

With chronic stress, the adrenals are forced to produce cortisol continuously. After a prolonged period of time, the adrenals can no longer keep up with demand and total cortisol output plummets, leading to adrenal fatigue and ultimately adrenal "Fatigue in Women" exhaustion. The thyroid, sex, and adrenal hormones work together synergistically to enhance one another's functions. When cortisol is too low, all other hormones in the body do not work well. Basically, the hormones released during stress have a domino effect on the other hormones. This creates an insidious cycle that can cause premature aging and total body burnout.

The Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Difficulty falling asleep
Unable to stay asleep
Anxiety
Depression
Increased susceptibility to infections
Fatigue
Achy muscles and joints
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced tolerance for physical or emotional stress
Craving for sweets and salty foods
Allergies to things you were never allergic to before
Chemical sensitivities
A tendency to feel cold (many people and doctors think they have hypothyroidism).

The Solution - Natural Cortisol

Low-dose physiological cortisol supplementation improves mood, energy, mental functioning, sleep quality and the ability to handle physical and emotional stress. It helps with allergies and autoimmune diseases. We use bio-identical cortisol to replenish the body with the same identical hormone molecules that our body makes. Because they are bio-identical they bind quickly to the receptors for full effect.

Pharmaceutical steroids such as Prednisone, Prednisolone and Dexamethasone are synthetic and are not biologically the same as the hormones which our bodies' naturally produce; their chronic use can cause dangerous side effects.

Bio-identical cortisol has the effect of relieving the stress on the adrenal gland and allowing the synergistic effect between cortisol, thyroid and sex hormones to occur. This has the inevitable effect of promoting health and wellness.

When the cortisol 'tank' is filled, a few lifestyle changes go a long way in maintaining a stress free state. We recommend you avoid excessive caffeine, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and sugar. Instead, we suggest patients eat a "Diet and Nutrition" diet that includes quality protein with regular meals of high nutritional value. Getting eight hours of sleep every night is essential to give the adrenals an opportunity to repair overnight. Furthermore, taking time to evaluate daily and situational stressors and practice stress management with gentle exercise, meditation or yoga can be a very beneficial addition to your life regimen.

Click to download our Adrenal Fatigue Questionnaire

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The Aging Female

Menopause is that time in every woman's life when menstruation ceases completely.

As the ovaries decrease their estrogen and progesterone output, women will experience the many negative effects of diminished hormone levels.

The menopausal process takes approximately three to five years. The early (transitional) phase is referred to as the climacteric, also known as perimenopause. In her mid-30's, a woman's hormone balance begins to change. The timing and extent of this decline depends on many things: heredity, age menses began, lifestyle, diet, stress, adrenal and thyroid hormone levels, activity and more. Every woman is different, and each will experience this time in a unique way.

Perimenopause: What's happening?

Estrogen production becomes erratic. Menopausal symptoms begin, such as bloating, mood swings and weight gain. This is followed by a whole host of progressive problems: irregular cycles; diminished libido; memory loss; sleep disturbance; fatigue; depression; headaches; inability to cope with stress; hot flashes; itchy skin; joint pain and backache; tender breasts; uterine fibroids and endometriosis; vaginal dryness; reduced metabolism; morning sluggishness; unstable blood sugar; symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Many symptoms occur gradually and may appear unrelated, often causing women to be misdiagnosed. Everyone immediately links hot flashes to the onset of perimenopause, but what if you first symptoms are different - sleep disturbances, fatigue, weight gain or depression? The connection may be missed and thus proper treatment not begun. Without appropriate testing and evaluation, no diagnosis (or the wrong diagnosis) is made and the symptoms just get worse. Unfortunately, in today's medical environment this happens far too frequently. Most physicians just aren't taught how to appropriately manage these problems.

Menopause: What to expect.

Menopause is complete when a woman has no periods for a full year. Timing varies from woman to woman, with menopause generally being complete by the early 50s. The changes caused by diminishing hormone levels seriously affect a woman's physical and mental health as well as her prospects for vitality.

In addition to diminished estrogen and progesterone levels, reduced testosterone (produces in the ovaries) levels also become significant. Profound degenerative changes begin to occur, as levels of these key hormones diminish. These changes affect the breasts, vagina, bones, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, cardiovascular system, skin and energy levels.

Interestingly, too much estrogen due to sporadic production (estrogen dominance) can also be a problem. Estrogen dominance can accelerate the aging process and lead to weight gain and bloating, reduced libido, fibrocystic or sensitive breasts, migraines, foggy thinking, fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, fibroids and ovarian cysts. Also, it has been linked to autoimmune disorders and allergies, as well. Balance is the key!!

The TREATMENT: Bio-identical Hormones

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) began in the 1940s and has been refined considerably over the past 60 years. Our experience shows estrogen and progesterone therapy will dramatically improve a woman's quality of life, if performed in a clinical setting where therapeutic levels are monitored and dosing is adjusted accordingly. Unlike their synthetic counterparts, the hormones we use have the same molecular structure as naturally occurring hormones produced in the body. We use hormonal creams compounded by ApotheCure, one of the largest and most advanced compounding pharmacies in the United States, which allows us to customize every treatment to each patient's specific and unique needs.

We check hormone levels periodically to maintain optimal ranges. This is unlike traditional medicine, which keeps most women on the same dose of potentially unsafe non-bioidentical hormones and never monitors the levels. Our highly intensive baseline evaluation and diagnostic analysis determine your particular symptoms - forming the basis of your personalized program, rather than using a generalized concept of menopause that may not apply to you.

Estrogen is proven beneficial for libido and secondary sex characteristics, collagen production, vaginal/bladder tissue elasticity, heart-valve health, menses regulation, electrolyte and nitrogen metabolism, pregnancy maintenance, reproductive tissue, skin, breasts, brain health, artery lining protection and HDL (good cholesterol) production. Estrogen is also shown to be a powerful antioxidant, helping combat free radicals and their effects on the aging process. Estrogen aids memory, promotes brain and nerve cells, stimulates skeletal growth and maintains healthy bones, among other benefits.

There are three naturally occurring estrogens: estradiol, estrone and estriol.

Estradiol: The primary and most active estrogen in a woman's reproductive years. Produced in the ovaries, estradiol's beneficial properties include protecting against osteoporosis and heart disease, enhancing cognitive functions, relieving menopausal maladies and increasing serotonin and endorphin levels for better emotional health and restful sleep.
Estrone: More prevalent in "post" menopausal women. Derived from stored hormones in body fat, estrone's functions mirror estradiol with weaker effects.
Estriol: Impacts skin maladies such as wrinkles and diminished skin texture. It also is beneficial in the vagina, cervix, vulva and urethra, as well as providing protective properties against cancerous cells.

Progesterone, the feel-good hormone. Progesterone provides several benefits for women:

normalizes blood sugar, influencing insulin/glucose metabolism.
restores libido and cell oxygen levels.
aids thyroid hormone activity, functions as a natural diuretic and normalizes zinc/copper levels.
stimulates osteoblasts for bone strength.
helps produce a tranquil effect and generates feelings of well-being.

Progesterone is another pivotal hormone that needs to be addressed. Proper balance of Estrogen and Progesterone is essential to help you to age well and feel great.

Click to download our Female Hormone Questionnaire.

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Andropause: Menopause for Men

Hormone replacement therapy is not just for women anymore. Men experience a more gradual loss of hormones, mainly testosterone, but also estrogen, thyroid, cortisone and HGH. This phenomenon is known as Andropause and is every bit as real and debilitating as menopause. The average man begins to feel the subtle symptoms of andropause around the age of 40 to 45; frequently followed by rapid deterioration after the age of 50. Unlike women, these symptoms creep up gradually and can develop over many years. Men begin to no longer look or feel virile. Hormone imbalances can also encroach upon job performance and business success.

Symptoms of Andropause may include:

Bone loss, thinning or weakening
Brain fog or confusion
Changes in hair growth patterns (more some places, less in others)
Decreased libido or lack of interest in sex
Erectile dysfunction, loss of erections or infertility
Hot flashes or night sweats
Gynecomastia (breast enlargement)
Weight Gain
Inability to sleep
Lethargy, decreased energy or fatigue
Mood changes or depression
Muscle loss or weakness
Memory loss

The long term 'silent' effects include increased cardiovascular risk, osteoporosis and prostate problems. Hormone deficiencies, environmental toxins, stress, poor nutrition and lack of exercise are all critical issues that we address and treat. It is important to emphasis that all hormones are interconnected in a complex weave. A complete endocrine profile is essential to create an effective testosterone supplementation program, including thyroid hormones, estrogen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), insulin, blood count, lipid profiles and other laboratory and metabolic marker tests (such as body composition and bone density). Simply giving testosterone is seldom adequate for the aging male since treatment always needs to be considered in context with the entire metabolic hormonal profile. ALL of the other hormones are measured and balanced for optimal function. Once therapy begins, follow-up tests for testosterone (and other markers) will be monitored, ensuring adequate safety and effectiveness.

What Should You Expect from Hormone Replacement?

Testosterone plays a pivotal role for men and women in maintaining lean body mass, skin elasticity, libido and a healthy immune system. It ensures proper heart function, regulates mood and aids brain function (cognition), controls blood sugars, regulates healthy cholesterol levels, controls blood pressure, prevents heart attacks and even reduces risk of prostate cancer. Testosterone also aids bone growth and anabolic functions, as well as augmenting protein synthesis.

With testosterone therapy, one's attitude improves, reinforcing self-esteem and self-confidence at work, as well as an increased energy at home and in social activities. Most men will feel more vigorous, experience improved energy levels, mood, concentration, cognition, libido, sexual performance and an overall sense of well-being. These effects are usually noted within 3 to 6 weeks. Other potential benefits include maintenance or improvement in bone density, improved body composition, muscle mass and muscle strength, as well as improvement in visual-spatial skills and mentation.

Click to download our Male Hormone Questionnaires.

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THYROID HEALTH FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Thyroid hormone significantly affects metabolic rate and body temperature. Thyroid hormone levels are controlled by the thyroid gland and consist of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Many things can affect the thyroid gland, especially stress, other unbalanced hormones and nutritional deficiencies. They can inhibit or exacerbate the production of these thyroid hormones resulting in severe problems. When people have low thyroid hormone levels, meaning an underactive thyroid gland and low metabolism, they experience such symptoms as:

Hair Loss
Fatigue
Dry Skin
Weight gain
Constipation
Cold intolerance
Muscle Aches and pains
Reduced heart function
Depression and mental sluggishness
Sexual Dysfunction

Who needs thyroid hormone??

Unfortunately, thyroid hormone production decreases steadily with age. Young persons up to age 25 have higher thyroid hormone levels than those over 25. After age 25 there is a steady decline in our thyroid hormone levels, our sensitivity to thyroid hormones, and our internal response to try to correct low thyroid levels. This lack of thyroid hormone results in a number of symptoms. Even mild hypothyroidism increases one's risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Replenishment results in reversal of these symptoms plus increased energy and metabolism.

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, is a very common condition. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 7 adults suffer from hypothyroidism. Because symptoms of thyroid imbalance can mimic other hormonal imbalances, as many as 13 million Americans may be undiagnosed. Women are at greatest risk, developing thyroid problems seven times more often than men. Approximately 26% of women in or near menopause are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Thyroid disease may go undetected in women of menopausal age as symptoms of menopause and low thyroid are often intertwined.

The problem with thyroid testing:

Many people have symptoms of low thyroid hormones yet are told that their lab tests are "normal". Most physicians test only the TSH as a measure of thyroid function. This is usually the only test that most insurance companies will approve. TSH alone is not a good indicator of thyroid health. If you have symptoms, you also need a free T4 and free T3 test, which is a much better indicator of the actually amount of active thyroid hormones your body has.

The Society of Endocrinologists and others have observed that 'normal' lab values should take into account factors such as age and gender. Most doctors fail to understand that the laboratory ranges are population ranges; they only tell us where the values of 95% of all adults tested by that laboratory happen to fall. They do NOT represent the optimal range for that person. With these broad ranges, you can only be judged to be hypo or hyperthyroid if you're in the extreme lowest or highest 2.5% of the entire population. Failure by the traditional medical community to consider this has resulted in many cases of hypothyroidism being undiagnosed and untreated.

The Thyroid Solution:

The natural treatment of hypothyroidism is desiccated thyroid which contains both T4 and T3. The thyroid gland produces both T4 and T3, so it makes sense to supply both hormones in adequate amounts to produce all the benefits of thyroid sufficiency. If symptoms of low thyroid persist, then the dosage is increased incrementally until your symptoms are resolved.

Synthetic forms of thyroid contain T4, which is the inactive form of thyroid. When someone takes a T4-containing medication, their body must convert that T4 into the active form of T3. Many people are resistant to this internal conversion, which explains why some hypothyroid patients do not feel any better when placed on synthetic thyroid replacement. Providing a substantial amount of T3 assures that the patient will get some benefit, even from low doses.

Take a minute and click to download and complete our thyroid questionnaire.

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DHEA

DHEA is known as the "mother of all hormones." Secreted by the adrenal gland, it is the most abundant steroid hormone in our bodies and serves as the foundation for male and female sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen). When the adrenals are chronically overworked and straining to maintain high cortisol levels, they produce less DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA also falls with age and production drops 50% by age 45. By age 70, we only produce about 10% of what we did as 20-year-olds.

Low levels of DHEA can cause symptoms including: