2. “The Triad”
PH
IAN
AR
IC
M
YS
AC
PH
IST
PATIENT
3. What is “Natural”?
Bio-identical hormones that are
derived from plants
• Bio-Identical:
– Hormones that are identical to those made in the
human body
– Same exact chemical structure as hormones
produced by our bodies
• Plant-Derived:
– Chemically processed from precursors found in
yam or soy plants
4. What is “Synthetic”?
“Patented,” “Conventional,” or “Artificial”
• Usually not found in nature, at least not in humans
• Chemically altered from human hormone
• Not identical in structure or activity to the natural
hormones they emulate
5. Progesterone vs Progestin
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
(Provera)
•Bio-Identical, Human •Synthetic analog
•Increases fertility •Contraceptive
6.
7. Life Stages
PRE-MENOPAUSE
• Begins with first menstrual period
• Monthly fluctuations of LH, FSH, estrogens &
progesterone
• Most common problem is PMS
– Neurotransmitter profile affected by fluctuating
hormones (endorphin, serotonin)
– Often successfully treated with stress reduction,
diet, exercise
– Treated with progesterone, SSRI’s
8.
9. Life Stages
PERI-MENOPAUSE
• Time between onset of changes in hormonal secretions and
onset of menopause
• Fluctuating hormone secretions due to intermixed normal &
abnormal cycles
• Sometimes referred to as period of “Estrogen Dominance”
MENOPAUSE
• Termination of menstrual periods
– Defined as missing 12 consecutive periods
– Surgical hysterectomy
10. Signs & Symptoms of
Hormone Imbalance
• Depression • Irritability
• Fatigue • Hair loss
• Poor concentration • Fibroids
• Hot flashes • Water retention
• Breast tenderness • Cholestasis
• Insomnia • Weight gain
• Anxiety • Decreased libido
• Painful menses • Breast & uterine cancer
• Irregular bleeding
11. Estrogen Benefits & Risks
Benefits of Adequate Estrogen Risks of Excess Estrogen
• Increase metabolism • Depression
• Increase insulin sensitivity • Fluid retention
• Maintain muscle mass • Headaches
• Improve sleep quality • Poor sleep
• Prevent Alzheimer’s • Irritability/mood swings
• Reduce cataracts • Fatigue
• Reduces overall risk of heart disease by • Increased risk of auto-immune diseases
40-50% • Weight gain
• Numerous cardiovascular benefits • Increased risk of breast & uterine cancer
• Maintain collagen in skin
• Decrease blood pressure
• Maintain memory
• Improves concentration
• Maintain bone density
• Increases energy & sexual interest
• Decreases wrinkles
12. Promoting
Healthy Estrogen Levels
• Conservative, customized dosing
• Diet high in grains & fiber
• Moderate exercise
• Stress reduction
• Vitamins B2, B6, B12, Folic Acid
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
• Healthy body mass index (BMI)
13. Progesterone & Testosterone
Progesterone Testosterone
•Helps balance estrogen Increases sexual interest
•Improves sleep Increases sense of emotional well-
•Natural calming effect being
•Lowers high blood pressure Increases muscle mass & strength
•Helps the body use & eliminate fats Helps maintain memory
•Lowers cholesterol Helps skin from sagging
•Increases metabolism Decreases excess body fat
•Natural diuretic Helps maintain bone strength
•Natural antidepressant
•Antiinflammatory Natural Ways to Improve Libido
•Stimulates new bone production • Decrease calorie & increase protein
•Enhances action of thyroid hormones intake
•Improves libido • Exercise
• Get enough sleep
• Lose weight
• Reduce stress
14. Cortisol
• Only hormone that increases with age
• Made by the adrenal glands (on top of the kidneys)
• Supposed to briefly increase during times of stress
• Adrenaline is the “run from a bear” stress hormone while cortisol is our
“stuck in traffic” stress hormone
• Should start highest in the morning and gradually fall throughout the
day
Functions:
• Balances blood sugar
• Weight control
• Immune system response
• Stress reaction
• Sleep
15. Cortisol Imbalance
High Cortisol Low Cortisol
• Fatigue (Adrenal Fatigue)
• Irritability • Fatigue
• Insomnia • Low blood pressure
• Sugar cravings & binge eating • Insomnia
• Increased osteoporosis risk • Decreased sexual interest
• Decreased immune system • Decreased immunity
• Low energy • Emotional paralysis
• Night sweats • Allergies
• Increased cholesterol • Unresponsive hypothyroidism (does
• Insulin resistance not respond to treatment)
• Thin skin • Feeling of being overwhelmed
• Muscle weakness • Emotional imbalances
• Easy bruising • Lack of motivation
• Weight gain around the middle • Digestive problems
• Impaired thyroid function
