Bio-identical Hormone Balancing

Hormones may become out of balance during our adult life causing certain signs and symptoms. Our hormones also decline as we age. Bio-identical hormones are hormones that have the same chemical structure as the hormones that your body secretes. Cynthia only prescribes bio-identical hormones. Some of the hormones that can be tested and suppplemented are as follows:

Estradiol

Women: Before menopause this needs to be tested during the latter portion of a woman's cycle (day 21) along with progesterone to analyze the ratio amongst the two hormones. After menopause, this may be tested on any day. High estradiol (estrogen) can cause a woman to be estrogen dominant causing premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, and more. Low estrogen in peri-menopause and menopause can cause hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood changes, osteoporosis, and slight weight gain as just a few of the symptoms. Estradiol can be supplemented using FDA approved bio-identical hormones, such as patches shown to the right, creams, gels, topical sprays, vaginal rings, and compounded creams.

Men: As men gain central body fat, their estradiol can increase. Increased estradiol can increase sex binding hormone globulin, which can decrease the man’s testosterone levels. Excess levels of estradiol can contribute to causing prostate cancer.

Estrone

This is an estrogen that increases with increased central body fat.

Progesterone

This is a hormone that is secreted after ovulation in women, and is tested to determine whether it is at a proper level to properly oppose the estrogen so as to prevent symptoms. This hormone can be supplemented using FDA approved bio-identical progesterone in a gelcap, or oral pellets and creams.

Testosterone

Aids in maintaining proper libido, strength, weight, bone density, drive, and mood. High testosterone can cause acne, unwanted hair growth in women, oily hair and skin, and irritable attitude. As med age, their testosterone levels decline causing symptoms. Testosterone can be supplemented in men using FDA approved bio-indentical topical gel called AndroGel. For women, creams can be compounded or levels might be raised by using DHEA, or by using herbal supplements.

Douglas Labs has a product to help raise testosterone levels in men and women. The product is called Testo-Gain. The item number is 99094 for 90 capsules costing $39.10. Patients can call 800-245-4440 to place your first order which requires the fulfilment number 2200479. Subsequent orders may be placed on-line at www.DouglasLabs.com.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

Helps to boost the immune system, and is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. When women are supplemented with this hormone, it generally will convert to testosterone. Therefore, it can be a nice method to raise testosterone levels in women that have low levels. Although, this hormone can be anti-cortisol, so cortisol levels must be tested, also. When men are supplemented with this hormone, it is generally converted it to estradiol, so follow up testing is needed to determine if this is occurring. If so, herbs may be given to block the conversion.

Women do best when supplementing with only 5 mg of DHEA. This product is made by Douglas Labs. The item number is 83025 for 100 tabets that costs $8.90. Patients can call 800-245-4440 to place your first order which requires the fulfilment number 2200479. Subsequent orders may be placed on-line at www.DouglasLabs.com.

Dihydrotestosterone

This hormone causes unwanted hair growth on men and women. It can also cause hair loss on the top portion of the head. In men, excess levels can contribute to causing prostate cancer.

Douglas Labs has a product for men to help prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone or estradiol. The product is called Uni-Pros-Trol. The item number is 83910 for 30 capsules that costs $31.70. Patients can call 800-245-4440 to place your first order which requires the fulfilment number 2200479. Subsequent orders may be placed on-line at www.DouglasLabs.com.

Cortisol

Aids with providing energy, controlling proper blood sugar levels, and controlling proper immune function. If cortisol is too high, the patient will experience weight gain and muscle loss. Low cortisol levels from chronic stress will cause fatigue, poor immune function, allergies, intolerance to cold temperatures, low coping skills, cravings for salt, sugar, and caffeine, suspicious thinking, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure. For low cortisol levels, adrenal supplements may be used to help support the adrenal glands. Patients that are seriously low in cortisol can be prescribed bio-identical cortisol (hydrocortisone).

Douglas Labs has a product to be used for low cortisol. It is called Ora-Adren 80. The item number 7220 fof 100 capsules for $12.10. Patients can call 800-245-4440 to place your first order which requires the fulfilment number 2200479. Subsequent orders may be placed on-line at www.DouglasLabs.com.

Pregnenolone

Aids in mental function, appreciation of art, and is the mother hormone that helps to supply all of the above hormones. Pregnenolone can be converted to into progesterone and cortisol when they are low, which can then cause low levels of pregnenolone. This hormone can be taken as a supplement.

This product may be purchased at Douglas Labs. The item number for 25 mg of Pregnenolone is 83088 for 60 tablets that costs $19.20. Patients can call 800-245-4440 to place your first order which requires the fulfilment number 2200479. Subsequent orders may be placed on-line at www.DouglasLabs.com.

Thyroid hormone

When this hormone is low, the patient can be fatigued, have cold hands and feet, high cholesterol, weight gain, constipation, poor mental focus, hair loss, brittle nails, and loss of outer third of eyebrows. If this hormone is borderline low, thyroid supplements can help improve thyroid panel blood levels.

Douglas Labs has a product to help support patients with low thyroid function. The product is called Thyro-Mend. The item number is 99447 for 90 vegetarian capsules that cost $41.80. Patients can call 800-245-4440 to place your first order which requires the fulfilment number 2200479. Subsequent orders may be placed on-line at www.DouglasLabs.com.

 

There are many other blood tests that are used for assessment of optimal aging at standard lab companies. We also have very specialized testing from cutting-edge lab companies. Click here for more information about specialized lab testing.

 

Rates: The initial and annual office visits are $250.00. Follow-up visits are $125.00. Insurance is not accepted for office visits. Insurance may be used for lab costs, by presenting your insurance card to the lab when your blood is drawn. It is best to find out what your policy covers for lab testing, or if they have a deductible that must be met, before having blood drawn.