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by Daniela Dadurian, M.D.
Hormones are literally one of the body’s important driving forces. They are chemicals made by glands and act to control certain actions of cells and organs which make them messengers of the body. Hormones play a critical role in several areas of our body. They control many facets of our emotional and physical health. If you have ever suffered from fatigue, mental fog, depression, anxiety, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, tension, headaches, hair loss, acne, weight gain or weight loss then you have been directly impacted by your hormones.
Each hormone in the body is responsible for a different function and the imbalance of those hormones may trigger unwanted responses from your body.
To diagnose a hormonal imbalance a blood test is used to measure the levels of hormones in the body. Some of the most common hormones to measure are FSH, LH, Estradiol, Testosterone levels. There are many ways to treat hormonal imbalances either by using synthetic hormones which include pills, patches and/or shots, or by using Bio-identical Hormones which include pills, creams, troches, and pellets.
Once the hormones are measured, we can accurately assess whether a patient is a candidate for replacement. The most common misconception usually seen from a lab result is that all levels are within normal limits. That does not mean they are optimal. The goal is to optimize hormones in order to achieve the best medical benefits.
Estrogen alone has over 400 functions in our body. It helps to control hot flashes, maintain bone density, maintain memory, reduces the risk of colon cancer, increases serotonin and dopamine (happy hormones). If you have a history of drinking or smoking, these habits can decrease estrogen.
Testosterone is vital to protecting your heart, bones, brains, joints and breasts. Both men and women need testosterone and lose testosterone every year. The benefits of a truly balanced testosterone level are truly remarkable. It can help to increase energy, decrease anxiety and depression, improve memory, improve focus, increase libido and enhance performance.
Traditional medicine has known only one way to treat hormone imbalance in women and that is prescribing synthetic hormones. However clinical trials show an increase in strokes, heart attacks, breast cancer, blood clots and Alzheimer’s disease in women with this type of replacement. Other methods of hormone delivery include:
Patches – are not easily absorbed; need to be changed throughout the week
Creams/ Gels – can be difficult to determine if you have applied enough or remembered to apply daily
Injectable Testosterone – tends to have a “roller coaster” effect due to a very uneven absorption.
Pellets – are a natural, non synthetic option derived of soy and yams. They are bioidentical which means they have the same molecular structure as human hormones. Once pellets are inserted under the skin, little blood vessels form around the pellets, which ensure a daily even delivery of hormones. In women they last 3-4 months and in men 5-6 months.
Pellet therapy using bioidentical hormones has been by far the most effective in my practice. Patients are happier and healthier. They are finding that they are more energetic, sleeping better, have better focus and clarity. Spouses are thankful for the boost in libido and word travels fast of the many benefits of pellet therapy. For more information, visit www.drdadurian.com or call 561-655-6325.
For more information
or to schedule a complimentary consultation call
561-655-6325 or visit www.drdadurian.com
