Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Best Medical Practice Relax: this presentation is available online
Topics Introduction The Problem with Reference Ranges Hypometabolism: Cortisol and Thyroid Hormone Loss with Age Estradiol and Progesterone for Menopause Progesterone prevents Breast Cancer Pharmaceutical Hormone Substitution Testosterone for Women and Men Compounding Pharmacies Practical Issues
Hormones Parts of our integrated neuro-endocrine-immune system Travel via blood to all cells Control cells proliferation, differentiation, protein synthesis, metabolic rate, etc. The most powerful molecules in biology Optimal levels and effects are essential for health and quality of life
Central Control Master Gland TSH T3, T4 ACTH Cortisol, DHEA Aldosterone LH/FSH Testosterone Estradiol, Progesterone Testosterone
Human Steroid Hormones Bioidentical Molecules Testosterone DHEA Estradiol Progesterone Aldosterone Cortisol Drug companies have patented ~5 to 200 variations of each molecule.
Bioidentical Hormones are not Drugs Correct molecular structure same action at receptors, same metabolism and elimination Non-toxic: No side effects, only effects No interactions with drugs No allergic reactions Safe in youthful physiological levels/balance Negative effects: Due to excessive dose, wrong delivery method, or imbalance with other hormones
Bioidentical Hormone Restoration is Good Medical Practice If a hormone is missing, replace it!; if present but deficient, optimize it! Type 1 Diabetes: bioidentical insulin Hypothyroidism: bioidentical T 4 Growth hormone def.: bioidentical GH Adrenal insufficiency: bioidentical cortisol The Controversies: How do we diagnose deficiency? How do we decide which dose is right? What do we do about deficiencies due to aging?
May mean Why Docs Don t Get It: Reference Range Endocrinology Normal ranges on reports are misunderstood: 95% of all persons tested (only 2.5% low) or 95% of tested persons of same age or Optimal values (glucose, cholesterol) Docs assume that all ranges are optimals! Male free testosterone: 35-155 5x! Female free testosterone: 0.0-2.2! Thyroid - Free T4: 0.6-1.8 3x! AM serum cortisol 5-25 5x! Normal result no hormonal dx/rx drugs
Reference Range Endocrinology Hormone Effect 95% population range Everything is Normal No Thyroid Disease But Hormone Effects vary continuously with concentration! Too much Disease 0 0.6 1 1.8 2 FT4 ng/dl Hormone Level
Intelligent Endocrinology Tighter range based on young healthy persons and on physiological research Individualized Diagnosis and Treatment Hormone Effect Optimal?? 0 1 1.3 1.6 2 FT4 ng/dl Hormone Level
Hypometabolism: Thyroid and Cortisol Insufficiency Thyroid sets throttle, cortisol delivers the fuel Our health and quality of life require optimal levels of both hormones! Deficiency reduced metabolic rate fatigue, brain dysfunction, depression, pain Conventional tests are insensitive to most deficiencies Irrational fear of thyroid and cortisol supplementation Underdiagnosed, undertreated Docs prescribe pharmaceuticals instead (SSRIs, amphetamines, antiseizure drugs, anti-psychotics, sedatives, etc.)
Glucocorticoids ( Steroids ) Cortisol (hydrocortisone) Methylprednisolone (5x) Medrol Dexamethasone (70x) Decadron Prednisone (4x)
Cortisol Made in the adrenal glands Maintains blood sugar (delivers the fuel) Modulates the immune system We need higher levels with stress, disease Too much Diabetes, HTN, osteoporosis Too little fatigue, depression, aches & pains, anxiety, hypoglycemia, autoimmune diseases, allergies Women have lower cortisol levels/effects than men, much greater incidence of cortisol insufficiency.
Mild-to-Moderate Cortisol Insufficiency Serum cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests are insensitive, need to do saliva testing throughout day Unrecognized: Docs taught to recognize only Addison s Disease (total adrenal gland failure) Common cause of chronic fatigue, pain Common cause of thyroid hormone intolerance Clues: Feels much better on prednisone, often needs steroids for allergies, illnesses, etc.
Normal Saliva Cortisol Profile
Cortisol Deficiency
Cortisol Restoration Mild deficiency can resolve with stress, rest, adrenal supplements Moderate-to-severe deficiency needs cortisol restoration Physiological doses of 15-40mg daily do not cause hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes Doctors fear of low-dose cortisol unfounded See Dr. William Jeffries Safe Uses of Cortisol
DHEA Most abundant steroid hormone; yet ignored Cells make testosterone and estradiol with it Counteracts cortisol, the two must be in balance Cortisol supplementation lowers DHEA, must replace Anabolic builds tissues, improves immunity Reduces intra-abdominal fat Reduces pain restores natural endorphins Reduces inflammation ( IL-6, TNF-, IL-2) Anti-cancer effect in animal, in vitro studies
Bioidentical Hormones, Reference Ranges, Cortisol and DHEA Any Questions?
Hypothyroidism Mental fog, poor concentration Depression Fatigue, need for excessive sleep Cold extremities Aches and pains Thinning scalp hair Weight gain Constipation Ankle swelling, puffy face
Thyroid Testing Doctors often order only a TSH test--inadequate Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a pituitary hormone. It is NOT a thyroid hormone, it is not a measure of thyroid hormone levels. Must test free T 4 and free T 3 levels Hypothyroidism: symptoms plus one or both hormone levels below middle of reference ranges Severe hypothyroidism: signs and symptoms plus both hormones in lower third of ranges.
We Need Optimal T 3 Levels Incidence of severe atherosclerosis doubled with lower T 3 levels within the reference range Clin Cardiol. 2003 Dec;26(12):569-73 Lowers cardiac risk factors: cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, homocysteine and lipoprotein(a) Lowers blood pressure, dilates arteries Reduces tendency to form blood clots Prevents weight gain
Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Depression Epidemic Fatigue, fibromyalgia, and depression are due to low cortisol and/or low thyroid until proven otherwise Pre-1970s: Treat the patient s signs and symptoms with T 4 and T 3 (desiccated thyroid--armour ) Post-1970s: Treat TSH test using T 4 only! Doctors often lowered doses by 30-50%! TSH-normalizing T 4 dose often lower free T 3 levels weight gain, persistence of symptoms Thyroid optimization helps most patients with symptoms and low-normal thyroid levels
Rational Thyroid Restoration If sign/symptoms of hypothyroidism: Restore! Do not rely on TSH test for diagnosis or treatment Fraser WD, Are biochemical tests of thyroid function of any value in monitoring patients receiving thyroxine replacement? Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1986 Sep 27;293(6550):808-10 Give T 4 plus T 3 (Armour, Cytomel +T4) Adjust dose according to symptoms and free hormone levels Safe: No bone loss if Vit. D and hormones are restored No cardiac abnormalities J Clin Endo Metab. 2000 Jan;85(1):159-64 No muscle wasting Am J Phys Endol Metab. 2005 Jun;288(6):E1067-73
Thyroid Restoration Any Questions?
What should we do about hormones that are lost to normal aging?
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Aug;82(8):2396-402 Adrenopause DHEA DHEA-S
Thyropause 80% decline 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 TSH response to low T4 (2.7-3.2 g/dl) B-19yrs 20-39yrs 40-59yrs 60-79yrs 80-99yrs Endocr Rev. 1995 Dec;16(6):686-715 TSH Carle, Thyroid. 2007 Feb;17(2):139-44
Somatopause Growth Hormone (GH) Clinical Chemistry 48, No. 12, 2002
Andropause Testosterone in Men
Steroid Loss in Women>>Men 8000 7000 Men Testosterone Women Progesterone average pg/ml 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 50% loss 90% Loss Young Old Young Old T P E Less estrogen than old men! DHEA-S 5,000,000pg/ml Cortisol 100,000 pg/ml
Common View The loss of hormones is adaptive helps us to live longer (?) Persistence of youthful levels of hormones would cause more heart attacks and cancers as we age (?) Fits the Pharmaceutical Agenda: Take drugs for every symptom and disorder caused by hormone loss (!?!)
Against the Common View Aging is a natural self-destruct program that kicks in around age 25 in humans Obesity, high blood pressure, heart attacks, autoimmune diseases, and many cancers increase years after hormone deficiencies set in and occur more often in those with lower hormone levels! Studies of balanced hormone restoration show the expected benefits and no proof of harm!!
New Paradigm: Restorative Endocrinology Endocrine glands and their feedback control systems deteriorate with age. Our bodies cease to regulate our hormones for optimal health. Partial hormone deficiencies are harmful. The restoration of youthful/optimal nutrient and hormone levels is: Essential to preventative medicine Essential to the treatment of disease Essential to our quality of Life!
Aging and Hormones Any Questions?
Not Just Sex Hormones Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA are required for the function, growth, and maintenance, of all tissues in both sexes! Maintain brain function and health neurosteroids affect mood, cognition, memory, pain, etc. Maintain the immune system progesterone and testosterone are mild immunosuppressants Maintain connective tissue: skin, hair, bone, muscle Improve insulin sensitivity: prevent diabetes, fatty liver Reduce blood pressure improve endothelial function Prevent atherosclerosis (plaques in arteries)
Women Killers and Hormones Cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, and breast cancer are all rare before menopause. All three diseases are clearly related to hormone deficiency or imbalance. Youthful estradiol/progesterone/testosterone hormonal milieu protects women from these diseases.
Coronary Heart Disease vs. Age Female Menopause AIHW Heart, stroke and vascular diseases - Australian facts 2004.
Estrogen Replacement and CAD Prior to WHI Study Oral conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) shown to reduce risk of heart disease in 40 observational and case-control studies, and one randomized study Four angiographic studies: Estrogen reduced atherosclerosis 50-80%. EPAT: RPC trial showed less increase in carotid intimal thickness with CEE vs. placebo. But there is a problem with oral estrogens
Estrogen Replacement Prevents Alzheimer s Disease Women without Estrogen Longer Estrogen Use Men 72% used Premarin only Zandi PP, et al., Cache County Study. JAMA. 2002 Nov 6;288(17):2123-9. RR 0.46 in Kawas C, The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Neurology 1997;48:1517-1521 RR 0.65 Paganini-Hill A, Arch Intern Med 1996;156:2213-2217. RR 0.4, Tang M-X, Lancet 1996;348:429-432.
30 Speroff L, Fritz M Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility, 7 th Ed.
Osteoporosis In menopause 5% bone loss each year for first 5 years=25% due to loss of estrogen! 20 yrs. post menopause 50% reduction in trabecular bone, 30% in cortical bone 50% of women >65 yrs. old have spinal compression fractures 14% lifetime risk of hip fracture for 50 yr.old woman, 30% for 80 yr. old. Speroff L, Fritz M Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility, 7 th Ed.
Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment A hormone deficiency disease the proper prevention and treatment is hormone restoration. Estradiol prevents resorption of old bone while testosterone, progesterone, DHEA and GH build new bone. Raisz LG, J Clin Endo Metab. 1996; 81:37-43 Barrett-Connor E, J Reprod Med. 1999 Dec;44(12):1012-20 Hormone restoration including Vit. D increases bone density better than bisphosphonates and preserves normal bone remodeling Bisphosphonate drugs cause Ca ++, esophageal inflammation and cancer, pain, and suppression of normal bone formation poor fracture healing, late non-traumatic fractures, and rotting jaw.
Female Endocrinology Nature makes special demands on the female body for reproduction. Much more complex hormonal system than men Breast, uterine and ovarian tissues undergo a monthly cycle of proliferation, differentiation, and breakdown Defects in this cycle can lead to cancers in female organs and to many medical disorders.
Estradiol Progesterone Complementarity Estradiol (human estrogen) promotes breast/uterine proliferation and growth. Progesterone stops proliferation and promotes maturation and differentiation. Differentiated cells can t become cancers. Progesterone withdrawal sloughing and necrosis of uterine lining and breast duct epithelium. Longacre TA, Am J Surg Pathol. 1986 Jun;10(6):382-93 High progesterone/estradiol ratio suppresses proliferation and prevents cancers Estradiol is safe if opposed by progesterone.
Progesterone s Anti-Estrogenic Actions in Uterus and Breast Decreases synthesis of estradiol receptors Increases conversion of estradiol to estrone (weak estrogen) by inducing 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 2 Reduces conversion of estrone to estradiol by inhibiting 17β-HSD Type 1 Increases sulfation (inactivation) of estrogens Williams Text. of Endocrinology, 10 th Ed., p. 612
Progesterone Deficiency Estrogen Dominance Allergies Autoimmune diseases Anxiety, irritability Insomnia Decreased sex drive Depression Bloating and edema Fibrocystic breasts Uterine fibroids Breast cancer Ovarian cancer Uterine cancer Thyroid dysfunction Gallbladder disease Heavy periods Migraines Seizures Endometriosis Progesterone restoration is the only effective treatment for estrogen dominance
Aging Ovaries Females born with a fixed no. of oocytes which are continually lost With aging, fewer oocytes of lower quality are left reduced estradiol and progesterone production beginning as early as age 30 Lower progesterone estrogen dominance No ovulation=no progesterone
Normal Progesterone Dominance Ovulation Ovulation Menstrual Cycle
Perimenopause Luteal Insufficiency=Estrogen Dominance Inadequate Luteal Phase shorter periods, early spotting d risk of breast cancer Ovulation Menstrual Cycle
Anovulation=Estrogen Dominance d risk of breast and uterine cancers Menstrual Cycle
Menopause Estradiol and Progesterone Deficiency
Estradiol Deficiency Hot flashes Irritability, insomnia, depression Fatigue, aches and pains Poor memory, d risk of Alzheimer s dementia Osteoporosis spine and hip fractures, loss of teeth Genital atrophy, vaginal dryness Atrophy of skin and connective tissue Endothelial dysfunction, blood pressure Increased blood sugar Atherosclerosis, heart disease
Estradiol Restoration Eliminates hot flashes, restores sleep Protects cognitive function, improves mood Maintains thickness, fullness of skin and hair Protects against colon cancer and macular degeneration Protects against dementia Prevents atherosclerosis, hypertension Maintains genital/pelvic health Improves insulin sensitivity prevents diabetes Prevents osteoporosis and osteoarthritis Maintains gynecoid fat distribution
Q: OK, estradiol restoration has many benefits, but won t it increase the risk of breast cancer? A: Not if progesterone is also restored.
E3N-EPIC Study TD-E2=transdermal estradiol Cohort study 55,000 women 8 years f/u c/w WHI-- 16,000, 6 yr. f/u No HRT Int J Cancer. 2005 Apr 10;114(3):448-54 E2 plus progesterone: no increased risk of breast cancer! See also: De Lignieres B, de Vathaire F, Fournier S, et al. Combined hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175 women. Climacteric 2002;5:332 40.
Ordet Study: Int. J. Cancer 112 (2004) (2), pp. 312 318. Progesterone vs. Breast Cancer in menstruating women 6,000 women 5 yr. F/U Risk of breast cancer Higher progesterone=lower risk of breast cancer
Progesterone vs. Breast Cancer Progesterone cream applied to the breast reduces proliferation. Chang KJ, Fertil Steril 1995; 63:785-91 Barrat J, J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 1990;19(3):269-74 Foidart JM, Fertil Steril. 1998 May;69(5):963-9 Estradiol is carcinogenic in breast cell cultures unless progesterone is present. Russo J, J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2003 Oct;87(1):1-25 Normal breast cells proliferate after E2 treatment, but become quiescent when P is added. Malet C, J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2000 Jun;73(3-4):171-81 Foidart JM, Fertil Steril.1998 May;69(5):963-9 Estrogen upregulates cancer-promoting gene bcl- 2, progesterone downregulates it. Formby B, Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1998 Nov-Dec;28(6):360-9
Progesterone vs. Breast Cancer Premenopausal women with low progesterone levels had 5.4x risk of early breast cancer Cowan LD, Am J Epidem 1981;114:209-17 Breast cancer victims have progesterone resistance Simpson HW, Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1998 Mar;105(3):345-51 Progesterone decreases proliferation and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. Ansquer Y, Anticancer Res. 2005 Jan-Feb;25(1A):243-8 Groshong SD, Mol Endocrinol. 1997 Oct;11(11):1593-607 Progesterone receptor positivity predicts better long-term survival with breast cancer Costa SD, Eur J Cancer. 2002 Jul;38(10):1329-34 Lamy PJ, Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2002 Nov;76(1):65-71
Key: Hormones within the Breasts Compared to the premenopausal breast, postmenopausal breast nipple aspirate fluid has: Same estradiol concentration (youthful serum conc.) Much lower progesterone concentration Chatterton RT Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Mar;90(3):1686-91 Breasts produce estradiol locally from adrenal androgens (DHEA, androstenedione) Breasts must get progesterone from blood, and they concentrate it by a factor of 3 to 4x. Gann PH, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006 Jan;15(1):39-44 In peri-menopause/menopause: No progesterone estrogen dominance in the breasts breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Rate vs. Age Loss of ovarian function higher risk of breast cancer Menopause Ovarian function National Cancer Institute. SEER cancer statistics review 1975-2002. Table IV-3.
Top European Researchers Agree! The hypothesis of progesterone decreasing the proliferative effect of estradiol in the postmenopausal breast remains highly plausible and should be, until the coming of new evidences, the first choice for symptomatic postmenopausal women. Modena MG, Sismondi P, Mueck AO, Kuttenn F, Lignieres B, Verhaeghe J, Foidart JM, Caufriez A, Genazzani AR; The TREAT. Maturitas. 2005 Sep 16;52(1):1-10.
So why are most doctors saying that hormone replacement for menopause is dangerous?
Pharmaceutical Hormone Replacement Therapy Horse-urine Premarin approved in 1942 Synthesis of first human steroid hormone, progesterone, in 1942. Poorly absorbed orally Progesterone altered to make progestins among the first drugs to be patented. HRT = alien molecules with hormone effects Drug Co.s became dependent on HRT profits 1942 to present Pharm. Corps. pushed doctors to use hormone substitutes and to ignore or fear natural hormone restoration!
Conventional HRT is really HST: Hormone Substitution Therapy! Estradiol substitutes: conjugated equine estrogens (CEE-Premarin ) and ethinyl estradiol (in birth control pills)= estrogen Progesterone substitutes: medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA-Provera ) and 30+ other progestins Testosterone substitute: methyltestosterone Patented drugs not human hormones! Most docs don t know the difference!
EE in Birth Control Pills Estradiol Ethinyl Estradiol Acetylene EE cannot be inactivated by normal oxidation! EE does not interact with estrogen receptor! EE is 12,000-60,000 times more potent by weight! EE is highly thrombogenic DVTs, pulmonary emboli
Contraceptive Hormone Substitution is Dangerous EE with alien progestin, shuts down ovaries Lowers testosterone and DHEAS levels d risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack 1-3x risk of breast cancer d blood sugar, blood pressure Liver tumors Instead of using BCPs:: Diagnose and fix the hormonal disorder Use a copper IUD for contraception UpToDate 2006
Premarin Conjugated Equine Estrogens Human Horse Horse Estrone Equilin Equilenin CEE contains at least 10 estrogens, only 3 are human; also contains horse androgens and progestins. Klein R The Composition of Premarin. 1998 Int J Fertil 43:223
Oral Estrogens are Dangerous First-pass effect on the liver IGF-1, SHBG, CRP, clotting factors blood clots, strokes, heart attacks in the first year Transdermal estradiol has none of these effects! Oral but not transdermal estrogen is associated with an increased VTE risk. Canonico M, ESTHER study. Circulation. 2007 Feb 20;115(7):840-5 Transdermal estradiol improves insulin sensitivity, oral estrogens do not.
Progestins Progesterone Progesterone Provera Drospirenone Prempro Yasmin Confusion: Progestins are often called progesterone, even in scientific papers!
Progestin Zoo ~200 of them! progesterone Kuhl, Climacteric 2005;8(Suppl 1) Every progestin has a different spectrum of androgenic, estrogenic, glucocorticoid, and progestational effects!
Scientific studies show that: Provera Progesterone Causes birth defects Can cause depression Insomnia, irritability Fluid retention Raises blood sugar Counteracts estrogeninduced arterial dilation Worsens lipid profile Causes heart attacks Increases estrogenic stimulation of breasts Causes breast cancer Maintains pregnancy Improves mood Improves sleep Diuretic No effect on blood sugar Maintains estrogen-induced arterial dilation Improves lipid profile No evidence of CVD Reduces estrogenic stimulation of breasts Prevents breast cancer
2002 WHI Study HRT is Dangerous! Premarin alone given to older postmenopausal women had adverse effects in the first year (strokes, blood clots) (as with all oral estrogens) Adding Provera (Prempro ) caused more adverse effects (breast cancers, heart attacks) Prempro caused a large increase in dementia, probably vascular. Thousands of lawsuits pending; drug companies running a legal-protection propaganda campaign to paint all hormones as equally dangerous!
As Women Choose Bioidenticals: ACOG Caves In to Pharma Pressure October 31, 2005, ACOG NEWS RELEASE No Scientific Evidence Supporting Effectiveness or Safety of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Washington, DC hormone therapy does not belong to a class of drugs with an indication for individualized dosing ACOG recommends that all of them should be considered to have the same safety issues as those hormone products that are approved by the FDA and may also have additional risks unique to the compounding process. Your doctor has been told that No differences exist between any: women, estrogens, progestins, bioidentical and alien molecules, or oral vs. transdermal estrogens. All hormone therapies the SAME! ACOG is funded by Pharmaceutical Corporations that make the hormone substitutes. ACOG s physicians individually receive money from these same Pharm. Corps.
Common Sense Substitutes are alien molecules! Problems caused by hormone substitutes cannot be attributed to human hormones until proven otherwise. Problems caused by oral estrogens don t apply to transdermal estradiol. Bioidentical hormone restoration to restore the youthful hormonal milieu must be considered safe until proven otherwise!
Menopausal Hormone Restoration Daily transdermal estradiol combined with progesterone (sublingual, transdermal). May stop for 5 days each month. No need to cycle and bleed uterine lining remains thin. Replace hormones for the rest of one s life Most women need testosterone and DHEA for optimal results.
Estradiol and Progesterone Restoration for Menopause Any Questions?
Female Andropause Young woman s free testosterone level is 2x her free estradiol DHEAS declines with age main source of androgen effect in women Female testosterone levels decline 50% between age 20 and 45. Oral estrogens and birth control pills reduce free testosterone and DHEAS levels
Testosterone for Women Improves energy and mood Improves sexual desire and sensation Increases muscle and tissue strength With estradiol, increases bone density J Reprod Med. 1999 Dec;44(12):1012-20 Probably decreases risk of heart attack J Womens Health. 1998 Sep;7(7):825-9 Opposes estradiol-induced breast stimulation and reduces risk of breast cancer Menopause. 2003 Jul-Aug;10(4):292-8, Endocr Rev. 2004 Jun;25(3):374-88 Menopause. 2004 Sep-Oct;11(5):531-5, FASEB J. 2000 Sep;14(12):1725-30
Andropause in Men Testosterone levels decline slowly in men just getting old. Fatigue, reduced mental function Passivity and moodiness loss of drive and ambition Loss of muscle, increased abdominal fat Increased blood sugar and blood pressure Loss of libido, spontaneous erections, and eventually erectile function.
Testosterone Restoration for Men Improves mood and sociability Restores energy and ambition Improves cognition, protects against Alzheimer s disease Increases libido and sexual performance Increases muscle and bone mass Reduces abdominal fat, improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure--counteracts metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X)
Testosterone and the Heart Low testosterone levels correlate with coronary artery disease and stroke Arterioscler Thromb. 1994; 14:701-706 Eur Heart J 2000; 21; 890 4 Int J Cardiol. 1998 Jan 31;63(2):161-4 Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1996 Jun;16(6):749-54 Testosterone dilates coronary arteries improves angina T increases heart muscle size, strength T decreases fibrinogen levels prevents blood clots Endocr Res. 2005;31(4):335-44
Testosterone and the Prostate Lower testosterone levels increase the risk of prostate cancer. Endogenous sex hormones and prostate cancer: a collaborative analysis of 18 prospective studies. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Feb 6;100(3):170-83, also Morgenthaler A, Urology 2006;68:1263-7 Testosterone supplementation does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. Morgentaler A, Testosterone replacement therapy and prostate risks: where's the beef? Can J Urol. 2006 Feb;13 Suppl 1:40-3 Low testosterone associated with more aggressive prostate cancers Slater S, Drugs Aging 2000 Dec;17(6):431-9 Testosterone promotes prostate growth to a point, but does not promote prostate cancer. Prostate cancer growth can be temporarily slowed only by eliminating testosterone from the body.
Testosterone for Women and Men Any Questions?
Growth Hormone Declines 14% per decade after age 25 IGF-1 of many adults equal to hypopituitary patients (only 80-110 vs. 300 @25yrs.old) Deficiency heart disease, frailty, depression, body fat, bone loss GH restoration for GH-deficient adults: reduces abdominal fat lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and BP Improves cognition, mood, sleep, energy, stamina Increases muscle, decreases fat Improves bone density, skin thickness Downside: at least $185/mo., daily injections
What Else Can Hormone Restoration Help? Infertility, PMS, heavy bleeding, endometriosis Insomnia almost always Heart failure, Angina Mood/Anxiety/Cognitive disorders Autoimmune diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn s Disease, etc.) Allergies, skin diseases Every disease/disorder!!
Where Do They Come From? All steroid hormones (including substitutes) are chemically synthesized from diosgenin (wild Mexican yams, soy, and other plants).
Compounding Pharmacies USP-certified bioidentical hormones mixed into creams, sublingual tablets, capsules. Convenient, low cost, locally made Individual preparations not studied, the hormones themselves are extremely well-studied. Winola Pharmacy Rt. 307 at Lake Winola, 378-2885 Harrold s Pharmacy W-B, 822-5794 Fino s Pharmacy Dallas, 675-1141 Hazle Drugs Hazelton 1-800-439-2026
Controversies Best delivery methods Ideal doses Variations in absorption among compounding pharmacies When/how to measure levels and effects To cycle or not to cycle estradiol and progesterone Estriol? Bioidenticals, especially compounded, not well studied no money.
Doing HR History, consent, contract forms online Get saliva and blood tests before visit, or Dr. Lindner can order tests at initial visit. Individualized adjustment, trial and error, thyroid/cortisol adjustments can take many months Follow-up office visits as needed; at least every 6 months initially, once/year when stable. Telephone follow-ups as needed. Brief e-mail responses are free.
Costs Physician time only as required @ $4/min No Medicare or insurance billing; may submit claim for recognized diagnoses Hormones $10 to $80/month from compounding pharmacy, often covered by insurance Diurnal salivary cortisol test $138, or insurance Blood tests insurance usually covers, or pay for discount labs ~$50 to $300 Out-of-pocket professional fees and prescription hormones are tax-deductible
For More Information The Hormone Solution Stay Younger Longer Thierry Hertoghe, MD The Miracle of Natural Hormones David Brownstein, MD How to Achieve Healthy Aging Look, Live, and Feel Fantastic After 40 Neal Rouzier, MD Life Extension Foundation (www.lef.org) Information and hundreds of abstracts at www.hormonerestoration.com. Contact me: Henry@hormonerestoration.com