Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Not long ago I had an epiphany. I noticed how hormone creams can affect the human body. Let’s go through the definitions first. You may have watched Oprah’s show on bioidentical hormones not too long ago. If you still wonder what the difference is between BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) and conventional HRT, bioidenticals are created in the lab to look IDENTICAL to the natural female hormones. Think about a man-made diamond: created in the lab, but the chemical structure is the same. Many hormones resemble in part the female hormones, so they can produce some of the hormonal effects. Some people, however, do not tolerate these well and do better on BHRT.
Alleviating Symptoms
As I was saying, it is amazing how hormonal creams can restore mental clarity; skin moisture, and energy levels to people who suffer of estrogen deficiency; or how progesterone cream can often decrease water retention, irritability, and painful, swollen breasts in people who are deficient. Please note that having any of these symptoms does not automatically mean that you are deficient in hormones; talk to your doctor about it.
Keeping Everything Balanced
At any rate, hormone creams, when appropriately prescribed, can transform someone’s life. The skin absorbs what you put on it (good or bad). Unfortunately, it is now appearing that more women are “estrogen dominant.” That means that they have too much estrogen, and/or not enough progesterone in which to balance it. Too much estrogen puts one at higher risk for female cancers (breast, uterine); endometriosis; ovarian cysts, and fibroids.
Xenohormones
The problem may not be in the body; it may be outside the body. Have you heard the word “xenoestrogens,” or “xenohormones?” The word “xenos” in Greek means “foreigner.” Foreign hormones; foreign, that is, but in part recognizable by the body as hormones, and they can bind to the hormone receptors in the body and exert UNDESIRABLE hormone effects. Some of the xenohormones are found in plastics, pesticides, industrial waste products, carpeting, furniture, etc. Red meat and dairy with added hormones may cause problems in people who are susceptible to excess estrogens.
The Liver and Hormones
Okay, so we cannot live in a bubble; therefore, choosing “green” cleaning products; avoiding microwaving food in plastics; buying cosmetics without parabens will be helpful (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com). Liver detoxification can be very helpful, in that it helps the liver process the excess hormones and prepares them for elimination. It is therefore important to have at least daily bowel movements, so that the byproducts ready for elimination don’t get reabsorbed. Be careful, though, with liver detox, if you are on any medications, as it may increase or decrease the concentration of medication in your body and put your health at risk. People on birth control pills should also be careful with liver detox, as it can process the hormones more quickly and decrease efficacy of the pill, leading to pregnancy.
One of the wellness books that I strongly recommend is Dr. Woodson Merrell’s “The Source: Unleash Your Natural Energy, Power up Your Health, and Feel 10 Years Younger.” It’s $17.16 on Amazon. Be well.
Photo by Michael Angelo Photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelangelophotography/
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