B-HRT Therapy   > List of Hormones

"Bio-identical" hormone replacement therapy (B-HRT) is not an easy or streamlined area of care. Each and every patient is an individual with needs, concerns and responses that will be particular to her/him alone. It is this challenge that we have accepted in an attempt to improve the quality of life and the health status of each of our patients.

B-HRT is the use of supplemental doses of steroid hormones with a chemical structure identical to hormones naturally produced in the human body. Generally B-HRT is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of menopause, though more recent therapies promise anti-aging effects and possible deferral of the diseases of aging. B-HRT differs from conventional hormone replacement therapy, which by definition uses animal or synthetic hormones whose structures differ from those produced in the human body.

The term "bio-identical" denotes hormones that are chemically synthesized to be identical to the natural hormones of the human body: estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, and testosterone. Treatment with bio-identical hormones usually includes creating a unique cocktail of hormones for the individual patient, based on hormone deficiencies identified via saliva samples. These are often referred to as "custom-compounded" hormone products. The major benefit of this type of treatment is that doses are individualized, and the mixture of products may not be commercially available.

HORMONES

Pregnenolone
Often referred as the “parent hormone”, pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol. It is a super-hormone that is key to keeping the brain functioning at peak capacity. Believed to be the most potent memory enhancer, it has also been shown to be beneficial in improving concentration, fighting mental fatigue and relieving severe joint pain and fatigue in arthritis.

Estradiol
Produced by the ovaries and is the principal estrogen found in a women's body.
Relieves menopausal symptoms
Protects against osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer's
Enhances mental acuity and memory
Increases serotonin and endorphin levels

Estrone
Readily converts to estradiol
Levels increase following menopause giving the body some estrogen benefits

Estriol
Essential for a successful pregnancy
Useful in promoting urogenital health
Reported to oppose and modulate the more potent estrogen, estradiol.

Progesterone
Decreases risk of endometrial cancer
Enhances mood and has a calming effect
Involved in the reduction of PMS and menopausal hot flashes
Regulates fluid balance
Helps thyroid hormone action
Normalizes blood sugar levels
Restores libido
Helps to build bone

Testosterone
Builds muscle and promotes muscle tone
Increases libido
Helps strengthen bone

DHEA
Helps protect against heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Can increase and enhance energy levels, libido, memory and immunity
Protects against the effects of stress
Aids weight loss
Helps to prevent wrinkles and dry eyes

Cortisol
Helps in responding and coping with stress, trauma, infection and environmental extremes
Increases energy and metabolism
Helps regulate blood pressure
Enhances the integrity of blood vessels
Reduces allergic and inflammatory response

Melantonin
Regulates sleep/wake cycle
Reported to have powerful antioxidant properties

Testing
Saliva hormone testing enables you to measure your levels of the three estrogens, progesterone and testosterone as well as cortisol levels. Comparing your female hormone levels to the normal range for your age will help you and your healthcare provider in evaluating your hormone replacement needs.

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