There comes a time on our lives, and it usually sneaks up on us sooner than we expect or care to realize, in which we start feeling just a bit “off”. We’re more tired than usual, we start to gain weight without explanation (where did that belly come from!); our moods shift and we get a trifle snappy, to put it mildly. We get overly anxious, and we just don’t feel like ourselves! As the years pass, these symptoms tend to get worse, and we seek answers from our primary care practitioners; walking away more confused than ever with a hand full of prescriptions for anti depressants, anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills! “You’re just stressed out!” we are told!
Conceivably, we may be stressed out, but have you ever thought your hormones could be wreaking all of this havoc? Well, before you start filling those prescriptions, and pop those pills, my advice is this: pay attention to your gut instinct that things aren’t quite right and do a bit of research! It may save your life….

What is the difference between “bio-identical” and “synthetic” hormones?
By “bio-identical” we mean that the structure of the hormone is perfectly matched to the hormone produced in a woman’s body. They are plant-based, natural substances that our bodies can metabolize in the way it was designed, minimizing side effects. These compounded bio-identicals can be matched to each woman’s unique needs, something that’s impossible with mass-manufactured products.
Synthetic hormone replacement therapies are either a horse’s hormone or an artificially formulated one that is intentionally manufactured to be slightly different from human hormone in order to patent it.

Why do I need these hormones? What if I’m past all that “hot flash stuff”?
Estrogen is a woman’s most important hormone. Without hormone replacement therapy, the loss of estrogen puts her at increased risk for premature ovary failure, osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, tooth loss, impaired vision, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. The longer a woman is without the protection of her own estrogen, the greater the risk for serious health consequences of these conditions.

However, testosterone hormone therapy gives a woman her mental clarity, libido and muscle tone and mass. The brain needs normal amounts of testosterone in balance with estrogen to produce serotonin, which supports emotional balance. When lacking in these hormones, a woman will experience emotional instability that often results in increased anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, anger, sadness and depression.
And ladies hear this: Hormone imbalance starts 10-15 YEARS before hot flashes! So don’t use that as an indicator of your hormone balance!

Again, pay attention to that little voice that is telling you “things aren’t quite right”, those inner voices are usually spot on! Most importantly, you want to find a highly trained practitioner who will not only listen to your specific fears and concerns, but who understands the intricate nature of hormone BALANCE….that is the key.

 

Join Plaid for Women to connect with like-minded women who are making a difference in their world — share your experience implementing the ideas Terri suggests in this article!