Download Do Compounded Bio-Identical Hormones Help Alleviate the

Does Compounded Bio-Identical Hormones Help Alleviate the Symptoms of
Unbalanced Hormones?
Julie A. Bryant
Undergraduate Student
Biology Department
Tennessee Technological University
12/6/06
Does Compounded Bio-Identical Hormones Help Alleviate the Symptoms of
Unbalanced Hormones?
Abstract: Bio-Identical hormones are hormones that are molecularly
(biochemically) identical to your true major ovarian steroid hormones-progesterone, estradiol and testosterone. They are derived from a
natural source of soybean or yam, and are bio-identical to your ovarian
hormones-- thus, the name bio-identical hormones. In this study women
whom lacked progesterone were chosen to have bio-identically
compounded progesterone to replace their deficiencies.
Restoring your hormone levels to those of your younger years will
provide a degree of protection against hardening of the arteries and
decreased bone density. Studies of traditional synthetic hormones
("copycat" hormones) show protection against heart attack, stroke,
osteoporosis, and perhaps Alzheimer's disease. Natural hormones raise
your hormone levels in the same way as the synthetics do and to the same
degree. When your hormone levels are restored naturally, you will enjoy
the same protective benefits that synthetic hormone replacement
therapies offer without the side effects that have shown to be so
troublesome to make synthetic hormone.
Key Words
 Compounded
 Bio-Identical
 Hormones
 Biochemically
 Progesterone
 Testosterone
 Estradiol
 Synthetic
 Saliva Test
Introduction:
Hormones are produced by a group of glands known collectively as the
endocrine system. Even though these glands are located in various parts of the body,
they are considered one system because of their similar functions and relationship to
each other (Grimes, 2002). Hormones are extremely potent substances. It takes only
a minute amount to initiate an action (Romero, 2002). Hormones are secreted into
the bloodstream by the glands. From there, they travel to all parts of the body. But,
only the cells sensitive to that hormone—called the target tissue--will respond to the
chemical signal the hormone carries. Traveling through the blood, hormones enter
cells through “receptor” sites, much as a key unlocks a door (Mckerns, 1963). Once
inside, they get to work, flipping the switches that govern growth, development, and
mental and physical functions throughout life.
All that changes when your hormones become unbalanced due to physical
and emotional stress or the effects of aging. Signals do not reach the right place at
the right time. Sometimes cell functions shut down completely. In other cases, cells
are over stimulated. All this chaos causes unpleasant symptoms, at the very least. In
severe situations, these imbalances can lead to chronic disorders or disease
(Stevenson, 2004).
Most hormones cannot be stored in the cells of the body. Therefore, they
must be made and released into the blood at the precise time they are needed. To
maintain the intricate systems in which hormones operate, the body must constantly
fine-tune hormone release to keep levels within proper limits. This balance is
accomplished through an intricate series of positive and negative feedback
mechanisms. For example, an overproduction of one hormone usually prompts the
release of one or more complementary hormones in an effort to restore balance
(Hendrix, 2003). Because of the complexity of these interactions, a hormonal issue
rarely stems from only one type of hormone. More often, the problem involves a
series of hormones. In addition, a disruption in the balance of hormones produced
by one gland or set of glands can cause other gland systems to malfunction.
Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being.
Although present in only tiny amounts, hormones act on every cell of your body.
Hormones have individual affects, but also interact with each other to produce
dramatic effects in the body. Because of these interactions, they are able to trigger
multiple body systems.
The ovaries produce many hormones. Chief among them are estrogen,
progesterone, and testosterone. The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone
interact to coordinate a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years.
The brain produces the hormones follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and
luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the ovaries.
When any of the hormones coming from the brain or the ovaries are imbalanced,
symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in puberty and menopause,
but imbalances can happen at any age. Several conditions are well known to be
associated with hormonal imbalance including: polycystic ovarian syndrome
(PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance:
Acne or oily skin
Bloating
Bone loss
Decreased fertility
Depression
Excess facial and body hair
Hot flashes
Heavy or painful periods
Irregular periods
Irritability
Loss of muscle mass
Loss of scalp hair
Low libido
Memory lapses
Mood swings
Nervousness
Night sweats
Poor concentration
Sleep disturbances
Tender or fibrocystic breasts
Urinary incontinence
Vaginal dryness
Weight gain
In this study women whom lacked progesterone were chosen to have bioidentically compounded progesterone to replace their deficiency based on their
answers to Data Form #1, which can be found in the appendix.
Methods and Materials
Each test subject was chosen based on the deficiency in progesterone. All the
subjects lacked this hormone in significant amounts. Each subject was given a
hormone checklist, which can be seen in Data Form 1 in the appendix, to determine
what kind of unbalanced hormones symptoms they were having. The list contained
several symptoms a woman could experience if her hormones were unbalanced.
Unbalanced hormone symptoms are numerous, and this list was mentioned in the
introductory paragraphs of this manuscript.
When beginning this experiment the subject’s progesterone levels were
measured using a saliva test. Saliva tests are a convenient, inexpensive, and
accurate means of testing hormones (Gambacciani, 2004). Then the subject’s
hormones were checked, using saliva testing, and recorded at four, eight, and twelve
weeks during the experiment. The hormone levels were recorded on Date Form 2,
which can be seen in the appendix.
At the end of the experiment, which was the twelve week mark, the test
subjects were given another unbalanced hormone symptoms checklist to see if any
symptoms still existed and what the symptoms were if any.
Results
Hormones significantly increased in all subjects from the beginning of the
experiment compared to when they were tested at the twelve week mark; which
marked the end of the experiment. All subjects, however, were not in the optimal
range of 500-3000 pg/ml at the end of the experiment; most were though. Overall,
the subjects all showed considerable increases in their levels. The recorded
experimental results can be seen in Data Forms 1 and 2 in the appendix.
Discussion:
Conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) composed of either
estrone or estradiol, with or without progestins carries an unacceptable risk of
breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes (Shepherd, 2002). I propose a more
rational hormone replacement therapy using bio-identical hormones in dosages
based on true needs as determined by saliva testing. In addition to proper hormone
balancing, other important risk factors are described, all of which are potentially
correctable. Combining hormone balancing with correction of other environmental
and lifestyle factors is our best hope for reducing the present risks of breast cancer,
strokes and heart attacks along with those unnecessary symptoms of unbalanced
hormones.
Conclusions:
Bio-identical hormones are made to have the same molecular structure as the
hormones made by your own body. Synthetic hormones are made to be completely
different. Drug companies aren't allowed to patent a bio-identical structure, so they
invent synthetic hormones that are patentable.
Though bio-identical hormones have been around for years, people as well as
some doctors are very unfamiliar with them. There are several branded versions
now available for use in the kind of hormone replacement therapy (“HRT”) typical
of synthetic hormones.
Basically, it has become a conclusion that bio-identical are much better than
the synthetic hormones. The bio-identical hormones are natural and therefore work
much better with our bodies like they were there naturally. This causes much fewer
side effects. The synthetic hormones can cause many very strong side effects because
of their harshness in nature. Basically, the bio-identical hormones can be matched to
each individual woman's needs rather than a mass production of hormones that
“might” work. By working with each person individually, it gives more of a
guarantee that the results will be higher, and the side effects lower.
Acknowledgments:
Discount Pharmacy
Four Ladies who participated in this experiment
(Names withheld for privacy)
Anyone who helped me in this process
Thank You!
Literature Cited:
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Gambacciani, M. 2004. New HRT options for the treatment of menopausal
symptoms and the maintenance of quality of life in postmenopausal women.
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Grimes DA., Lobo RA. 2002. Perspectives on the Women's Health Initiative
trial of hormone replacement therapy. Obstet Gynecol. 100(6):1344-53.
Hendrix, SL. 2003. Hormone therapy: evolving concepts.
Curr Opin Rheumatol 15(4):464-8.
McKerns KW. 1963. The regulation of adrenal function by estrogens and
other hormones. Biochim Biophys Acta. 71:710-8.
Romero, M. 2002. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy-Customizing
care for perimenopausal and menopausal women.
Adv Nurse Practice 10(11):47-8, 51- 2.
Sheperd JE., Bopp J. 2002. Pharmacy-based care for perimenopausal and
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Stevenson, JC. 2004. Hormone replacement therapy: review, update, and
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Current Osteoporosis Rep. 2(1):12-6.
Appendices:
1) Data Form 1
2) Data Form 2
3) Data Form 2 (with results)
4) Data Form 1 (with beginning results, 4 pages)
5) Data Form 1 (with end results, 4 pages)