For many years hormone replacement therapy
(HRT) has been prescribed for women in one-size-fits-all doses
of tablets made from synthetic or animal-derived hormones. Now,
replacement hormones not only come in a multitude of dosages,
they also come in natural, bio-identical forms and are available
in a variety of delivery systems: capsules, creams, gels,
patches, and sublingual.
Each of these forms and
delivery systems has different dynamics in the body. In other
words, each is absorbed and metabolized differently. Whether or
not a hormone is animal-derived, synthetic, or bio-identical
will affect how it works in the body. Some delivery systems act
very quickly; others have a more sustained, even effect.
If a replacement hormone
does not raise your hormone level to a desired target zone, it
wont be effective. Contrarily, if HRT raises your hormone level
too high, or too quickly, you can experience undesirable side
effects. This doesnt mean you have to give up HRT but just that
you may have to reevaluate your program. Simply raising or
lowering your dosage, or changing from one delivery system to
another may be all that is necessary. By becoming familiar with
how replacement hormones work, you will be able to choose not
only what you are most comfortable using, but also what works
best for your body.
Matching Your Bodys Own
Hormones
The replacement hormones
most commonly prescribed today are synthetic or animal-derived.
Manufactured and marketed by major pharmaceutical companies,
they include Premarinฎ (animal-derived estrogens) and Proveraฎ
(synthetic progesterone) as well as all brands of oral
contraceptives. These compounds may or may not be chemically
similar to your own hormones, but they are definitely not an
exact match. Premarin and Provera have been the basis for most
of the hormonal scientific experimentation carried out; however,
they are no longer the only choices available.
Natural, bio-identical
hormones such as Estradiol and progesterone substitutes are available now
and gaining in popularity. Produced by pharmaceutical companies,
hormones are manufactured from a plant source (usually soybeans
or yams) and have structures that match exactly the molecular
structure of your own hormones. That means when a bio-identical
hormone meets with a hormone receptor in your body the fit is
the same as if it were your own hormone. (Estradiol may cause
dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating,
or nausea)
The ideal way to take
replacement hormones is to take ones that are identical to the
ones your body produces in the amounts your body needs to
function optimally.
Hormone Delivery Systems
Whether a hormone is
taken by mouth or applied to the skin impacts not only how much
of the hormone actually enters the bloodstream but also the rate
at which it takes place. The amount of hormone entering your
bloodstream is important because it determines your hormone
level. Understanding different delivery systems will help you
better understand your response to replacement hormones.
Orals: Capsules and Tablets
When you take a hormone
orally, in tablet or capsule form, the hormone first passes
through your digestive system before it becomes available to
your tissues. During the digestive process, and what is known as
first-pass elimination by your liver, about 80 to 90% of the
hormone is removed from your circulation leaving about 10
percent of the original dosage accessible.
Transdermal
Transdermal hormones are
those applied to your skin and are available as patches, creams,
and gels. Because transdermal applied hormones do not go
through a first-pass elimination by your liver, dosages are
significantly lower than those of other delivery systems.
The use of transdermal
hormones makes it possible for substantially lower doses of
replacement hormones to achieve the same effect as higher doses
of oral preparations. Comparing results from oral preparations,
current scientific literature demonstrates similar heart and
bone protection with the lower transdermal doses of
bio-identical hormones. With minimal doses, a woman may now
receive the maximum benefit from her hormone replacement
program. Many pharmaceutical companies are recognizing this
advantage and are introducing lower dose patches.
Hormone patches, which
resemble small band-aids and are applied to the torso, are
effective and convenient. More importantly, patches mimic your
own hormone-releasing patterns very closely. They provide you
with very even, constant hormone levels. A hormone patch
application can last for three to seven days depending on
the
brand. Even though most patches still only come in standard
doses, there are a number available to choose from. Some
adhesives used in patches can cause irritation, however this
varies from woman to woman. If one bothers you, you can try
another.
Transdermal creams are
an excellent way many women take advantage of HRT.
SEE NATURAL SOOTH CREAM Even though
patches and creams both fall within the transdermal category,
they work differently. Creams must be applied daily, generally
twice a day and usually do not provide continuous hormone
delivery. But, not all cream bases are the same. Depending on
the base
composition, some preparations are able to slow the rate of
hormone absorption allowing delivery over a more extended
period. Compounding pharmacists can assist with these products.
It is important to remember that it is possible to transfer
transdermal hormones to another person on contact.
In addition to creams
and patches, sublingual (under the tongue) hormone drops and
dissolving capsules are also generally considered transdermals
because they are absorbed through the mucous membrane under the
tongue. Absorbed in the mouth, sublinguals are not subject to
first- pass elimination by the liver like tablets and capsules
therefore dosages are generally much lower than orals.
Thyroid Diseases
The thyroid
is a small, butterfly-shaped gland just below the Adam's apple.
This gland plays a very important role in controlling your
body's
metabolism, that is, how your body functions. It does this
by producing thyroid hormones (thyroxine, or
T4, and triiodothyronine, or
T3), chemicals that travel through your blood to every part
of your body. Thyroid hormones tell your body how fast to work
and use energy.
If you have enough
thyroid hormone in your blood, the gland stops making the
hormones. When the body needs more thyroid hormones, the gland
starts producing again.
The pituitary gland, located at the base
of the brain, tells the thyroid when to start and stop. The
pituitary sends thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid
to tell the gland what to do.
Why Get Tested?
To screen for and diagnose thyroid disorders; to monitor
treatment of hypothyroidism. (Decreased
activity of the thyroid gland).
When To Get Tested?
For screening: newborns; adults age 35+ - every five years. For
monitoring treatment: as directed by your doctor. Otherwise, as
symptoms present.
Looking Ahead
With Imperial Gold Maca
Scientific researchers
are constantly searching for better, safer, and more effective
methods of hormone replacement which, along with concerned
consumers, encourages the pharmaceutical industry to develop
lower dose, natural, bio-identical replacement hormone
preparations. Currently, dozens of different brands, delivery
systems and dosages are available to choose from. However,
because women have such a variety of hormone products at hand,
it can be challenging to sort through them all. The similarities and the
differences between many of the natural and synthetic hormone
preparations.
Imperial
Gold Maca
may
adapt to the body's needs and may support
menopausal health. It works through the
hypothalamus and pituitary to bring
about healthy, balanced hormone levels
in the body. Black Cohosh, licorice
root, don quai and soy products all
contain weak plant hormones,
(phytoestrogens). Many women cannot
manage their symptoms with these herbs
effectively. Yet women feel the effect
of Imperial
Gold Maca
usually within
several days to several weeks. The
key to effective results is consistent
use on a daily basis without missing
days.
Imperial Gold Maca
is not a hormone but a staple food herb
that can be eaten as often as you would
eat any nutritious vegetable like
broccoli.
Imperial Gold Maca
allows a woman to produce her own
hormones.
The best source of progesterone and
estrogen is your own body. This
species of
Imperial Gold Maca
may
enhances your body's production of these
hormones. It is safe,100% organic and
naturally grown without pesticides,
artificial fertilizers or chemicals,
producing wonderful results in your body
naturally.
Imperial Gold Maca
(Lepidium
peruvianum Chacon)
is an all natural organic herb food that
nourishes the body very effectively.
SEE
ESTROGEN
Order Maca Now
It is Important to Remember
that HRT is Most Effective When You:
