What are Hormones?
When we hear someone say, “I’m hormonal,” we have visions of everyone in the vicinity running to hide. Those words, usually used in the context of someone having PMS, are used as cannon fodder for comedians and endless misunderstandings about (particularly) women’s health. Interestingly, men have hormones and hormonal imbalances, too, so hormonal difficulties can potentially affect everyone.
Hormones are, quite simply put, chemicals. These chemicals are sent through our body by the endocrine system, or glands, to regulate our most common and most complex bodily functions. Hormones play a role in regulating:
- Blood pressure
- Kidney function
- Heart rate
- Metabolism
- Growth
- The nervous system
- Development of sexual organs
- Regulation of menses
- Male sexual function
- Mood
- Bone health
- Red blood cell production
- Hair growth
So, while we automatically associate the word hormones only with gender-related bodily functions, they are really much more complex than that.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are created scientifically from natural elements, so they are molecularly identical to the hormones produced by the body. This means that they are able to replicate the body’s exact response unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which uses synthetic hormones that do not exactly mimic the body’s natural hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are made in laboratories from plant extracts, usually from wild yam, cactus, soy, or a combination of them. Bioidentical hormones are commonly administered as:
- Creams
- Hormone pellets
- Oral capsules
Why Bioidentical Hormones vs. Traditional HRT?
Bioidentical hormones are an effective treatment option that generally offer:
- Fewer side effects than traditional HRT
- More effective treatment because they mimic the body’s own hormones more closely than synthetic hormones
- More individualized, tailored treatment options
Synthetic hormones are not always metabolized as effectively as bioidentical because they are not as close to our body’s hormones as bioidentical hormones are. Bioidentical hormones are very close to the “real thing.”
How do I Know if I Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormones play a critical role in our well-being. A hormonal imbalance can occur due to the natural process of aging, stress, illness, injury, or other trauma. If you are experiencing these non-gender specific symptoms, you could benefit from having your hormonal levels checked:
- Fluctuations in weight
- Thinning hair or hair growth in unexpected places
- Dry skin
- Change in bowel habits
- Depression, anxiety, irritability
- Decrease in sex drive
- Fatigue
For men, other symptoms include:
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decrease of sexual function
- Difficulty concentrating
For women, other symptoms include:
- Brain fog
- Insomnia
- Hot flashes
The Rose Canyon Health Difference
For those in the Mesa, AZ area, Rose Canyon Health and Wellness, provides a holistic approach to hormone health and overall well-being. Our individualized treatment plans are created after a thorough review of symptoms, lab test results, and any other testing that may be necessary to discover the root cause of your imbalance.
Our practitioner, Megan Haden, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who specializes in both integrative and functional medicine. She is committed to using medical and alternative medicine practices to help you facilitate your best health.
Call our office today at (602) 740-2021 to make an appointment. We hope to help you balance your imbalances and create a life filled with health and vitality!
Image credit:
| Envato Elements / insidecreativehouse |
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
