HORMONES AND YOUR HEALTH Charlie Tucker Pharm. D

HORMONES AND YOUR HEALTH Charlie Tucker Pharm. D

All of the hormones in your body are designed to work together. This is God s plan. Therefore, if one is altered, or deficient, it will affect the actions of all of the other hormones in your body. Pamela W. Smith, M.D., MPH HRT: The Answers

Why Hormonal Chaos?

Female Hormone Statistics Estrogen Has 400 crucial functions in your body 30% drop by age 50, with significant fluctuation during the 40 s. Progesterone 75% loss occurs from age 35-50 and continues to decline with age Testosterone 50% loss occurs from age 25-50, and another 50% by age 80

Life Stages Pre-Menopause Peri-Menopause Menopause

Pre-menopause Begins with first menstrual period continues to 30 s and 40 s Monthly fluctuations of LH, FSH, Estrogens, Progesterone Most common problem is PMS Neurotransmitter profile affected by fluctuating hormones - often successfully treated with stress reduction, diet, exercise Treated with Progesterone and/or nutritional supplements and medications

Pre-menopause PMS Endometriosis Fibrocystic breasts Enlarged Uterus/Uterine Fibroids PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Irregular/Excessive Bleeding

Peri-menopause Period between onset of changes in hormonal secretions and onset of menopause Usually begins around age 45 to 49 Fluctuating hormone secretions due to intermixed normal and abnormal cycles Still menstruating but experience menopausal symptoms Sometimes referred to as period of Estrogen Dominance

Menopause Termination of menstrual periods Onset defined as missing 12 consecutive periods Not all women experience problems May be natural or surgical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to maintain vital functions such as heart protection, lipid profile, bone mass

Estrogen

Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency Irritability Memory loss Depression Nervousness Diminished sex drive Painful intercourse Urinary incontinence Heart palpitations Hot flashes Hair loss Dry skin Sleep disruption Night sweats Anxiety Vaginal dryness Vaginal atrophy

Benefits of Estrogen Replacement Therapy Relief of menopause symptoms Reduced risk of heart disease Improved lipid profile Prevention of osteoporosis Prevention of memory disorders Maintenance of skin health

Progesterone

Symptoms of Progesterone deficiency Fibrocystic breast Weight gain Mood swings Breast tenderness Arthritis Breakthrough bleeding Cramps Bladder symptoms Heavy menses Hot flashes Anxiety Sleep disturbances Fluid retention

Progesterone Decrease uterine fibroids Protects against fibrocystic breasts Decreases cramping Uses fat for energy Restores libido Has a positive effect on cholesterol

Progesterone Balances the effects of estrogens " Counteracts the symptoms of estrogen dominance, especially breast tenderness, fluid retention, headaches, break through bleeding, sleep disturbances, irritability, loss of libido, loss of scalp hair

Progesterone Has receptors in almost every cell in the body Acts on uterus, breasts, brain, smooth muscle, kidneys, bones and cellular membranes Metabolized to other active hormones Balances estrogen in the body

Progesterone Acts as a natural diuretic Normalizes blood clotting Increases bone mass and density Maintenance of anti-aging mechanisms Natural antidepressant Helps normalize thyroid

Testosterone

Symptoms of Testosterone deficiency Depression Vaginal dryness Headaches Fatigue Memory loss Bladder symptoms Arthritis Decreased sex drive

Benefits of Testosterone Increases bone mineral density and prevents further decline into osteoporosis Maintains lean body mass, strength and stamina Improves mood, memory and structural integrity of the brain itself

Benefits of Testosterone Increases levator ani support and sphincter control Provides cardiovascular protection (lowers cholesterol) Maintains skin and hair health Maintains normal libido and response Quality of life is improved

Treatment?

Synthetic Patented, Conventional or Artificial Usually not found in nature or at least not in humans Chemically altered from the structure of the human hormone. Not identical in structure or functions to the bio-identical hormones they emulate

Bioidentical Bio-identical refers to the same hormone which is produced by the human body. The same exact molecular structure as those made in the human body Produce the same physiological responses as hormones naturally found in the body

The great debate WHI Study The National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) in 1991 to address the most common causes of death, disability and impaired quality of life in postmenopausal women. The WHI addressed cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. Reference: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/

The Great Debate WHI Study Halted on July 9, 2002 Three years early because of increased risk of breast cancer in women taking hormones (Prempro) The study revealed the following: 41% higher stroke rate 50% higher rate of blood clots 26% increase in breast cancer 22% increase in heart disease 37% decrease in colorectal cancer 33% decrease in fracture rate of hip 24% decrease in total fracture rate

The Great Debate Reactions: Dr s took millions of women off Premarin, Provera almost overnight due to negative headlines Prempro, and Medical community didn t have the time to investigate the findings and interpret the results Women looking for answers couldn t get them and took themselves off of all hormones

Problems with the Reported Results Only synthetics were observed Results used terms that lumped all hormonal agents together as one Failure of identification of exactly what agent was being studied

Sadly, seven years after the WHI study finding Premarin/ Provera unsafe, the hormone-replacement debate can be summed up in three words: confusion, ignorance, misinformation. The Truth About Hormone Therapy, by Erica Schwartz, Kent Holtorf, and David Brownstein The Wall Street Journal, March 09

Sorting It Out Evaluate Your Own Risk Factors The results of the WHI Study highlights the problems associated with one-size fits all medicine. What is needed is to more carefully evaluate your own unique set of environmental, genetic, and physiological risk factors. Pamela W. Smith, M.D. Request individualized Treatment Today s truth is this: There is no magic hormone or combination of hormones that can be indiscriminately used by all women. Each women is an individual and hormonal balance must be the ultimate goal for all women. Joseph Collins, N.D. Talk to your Dr and Pharmacist

Steps to Wellness Hormone Restoration (BHRT)

Rx for Success Pharmacist Evaluation Pharmacist Consultation Testing (if necessary) Pharmacist-Dr Contact Prescription (s) Pharmacist Follow-up

We Can Help! Give us a call or email today. 501-261-7181 charliepharmd@gmail.com