BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES
The severity of problems caused by the use of synthetic hormones led to a landmark decision in 2002 by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a long term health study of postmenopausal women. After discovering that instances of breast cancer, heart disease and osteopososis increased with the use of medroxy progesterone and pregnant mare's urine conjugated estrogens, rresearch was halted. Bioidentical hormones were brought into the spotlight after women sought a safe alternative for synthetic hormone replacement therapy.
Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones made by the human body, and can replicate the actions of these made naturally. The individualized approach of bioidentical hormone treatment requires a saliva hormone test. This will measure only active hormone levels unlike serum tests, which reflect inactive levels. When testing the sex hormones through saliva, it is also important to assess adrenal status (DHEA and diurnal cortisols). Even if the chief complaints seem to be an imbalance of the sex hormones, the adrenal and sex hormone pathways are so closely linked that an imbalance in one area will affect the function and efficiency of the other.
In our clinic we offer saliva hormone testing. We generally start with a full, comprehensive 8-panel hormone evaluation, with you collecting saliva in the privacy of your home in a collection kit provided to you. This can be done for both women and men; however, most men prefer to do a Male Panel (see Laboratory Services page). The 8-panel evaluation tests Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, and Cortisol am/noon/evening/pm levels. We can also just test for one hormone at a time, but we like to start with the 8 panel test to establish a baseline.
For a short slide presentation done by our laboratory explaining symptoms, bioidentical hormones and showing the test kit, please click on this link:
We also can determine thyroid activity by checking your urine for iodine spillage into the urine. This is also done by you with our test kit from the lab. Most people choose to do both the saliva AND the urine tests. A blood drop Thyroid Panel is another option (see Laboratory Services page). Since this is lab work, most times our lab fee is reimbursable by your insurance company.
Call our office at 225.291.0083 today to schedule an appointment so we can get started in helping you get your hormones balanced.
