Hormone replacement and hormone balancing therapies are extremely popular today. Millions of women have used hormones over the last fifty years for contraception, menopause and acne. Many more seek assistance with their hormone balance than ever before. This huge demand has caused an entire industry to spring up in response to the growing popularity of hormone treatment.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been promoted for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the prevention of heart disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. However, new research casts doubts on the benefits of HRT and highlights the potential risks of long-term therapy – mainly an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, blood clots, gall bladder disease and cardiovascular events. Ironically many women who start taking hormone therapy do so because they believe it will reduce their risk of heart disease, not increase it.
Following media announcements about the potential risks of HRT many women already using HRT were concerned and stopped taking their hormones. Without suitable alternatives many of these women experiences severe hormone withdrawal, including mood swings, hot flashes and depression, along with a host of unseen nutritional imbalances they may still not have addressed.
What women need is a safe and effective means of managing hormonal imbalances that can actually reduce their risk of developing diseases such as cancer. In essence they need to enjoy the many benefits of balanced hormones without incurring the associated risks. Such means are available.
There is no magic hormone or combination of hormones that can be indiscriminately used by all women. Each woman is an individual and hormone balance must be the ultimate goal for all women” – Joseph Collins, ND
Estrogen is made in the ovaries from cholesterol. It is also made from testosterone in fat cells, breast, skin, bone and other tissues. In addition to natural hormones we are exposed to estrogen-like compounds in our environment (xenoestrogens), in hormone medications and in organochloride chemicals.
Whatever the source of estrogen, it is important that we get rid of the excess. This job is done by the liver. The liver converts (metabolizes) estrogen into a form that can be excreted by the colon. However, if the liver is not functioning properly then the hormones are not converted correctly and can form toxic compounds. It is these toxic compounds that are believed to cause hormonal imbalances and increase the risk of cancer. A healthy liver and colon are essential for healthy hormonal function.
Hormone testing is an invaluable tool for the treatment of hormonal disorders. However, it is not sufficient to treat hormone imbalances by measuring hormone levels and simple correct these using synthetic or natural hormones. To achieve long-term hormone safety it is necessary to ensure that the liver and colon are healthy and have the nutrients they require to safely metabolize your hormones. This approach has the additional benefit of improving circulation, increasing energy, preventing cardiovascular disease and reducing breast cancer risk.
Female Hormone Profiles provide information about hormone fluctuations and changes during an entire cycle. They are beneficial for identifying and treating PMS, detect and identify early ovulation, estrogen-to-progesterone imbalance, double ovulation, functional infertility, early abortions, pregnancy problems, recurring headaches, hot flashes and possible ovarian cysts.
Postmenopausal Hormone Profiles will help determine guidelines for proper hormone replacement therapy and for monitoring hormone replacement therapy in post-menopause women.
Tips for healthy hormones:
1) Establish optimal body weight
2) Increase dietary fiber. Especially beneficial are lignin found in flax seeds
3) Stabilize blood glucose levels by eliminating simple sugars and carbohydrates. Switch to complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and whole grains
4) Eliminate of hydrogenated and trans fats. Increase omega-3 fats found in fish and flax seeds
5) Include phytoestrogens in the diet. These are plant compounds that both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties. They are found in flax seeds, other seeds, soy and green tea
6) Increase cruciferous vegetables. These are rich in indol-3-carbinol which supports estrogen metabolism
7) Eat live yogurt which is rich in colon-friendly bacteria