Bio-identical hormones

[Doggygirl]

This topic came up in another thread so rather than drag that thread off topic, I'm hoping we can start a discussion here. Over the last several years I think Suzanne Somers has been instrumental in bringing this subject to light.

I'm no expert, but have done layman's research on the subject, and recently started a course of treatment using natural (not synthetic) hormones with a goal of bringing ALL of my hormones back into balance. My research initially started with concerns about my Thyroid. As I wandered down that path, I learned more about the interdependancy of all the other hormone systems in the body, and the importance of balance.

Thyroid - lots of people are either incorrectly diagnosed as having "normal" thyroid function when they do NOT have normal thyroid function, or are under treated. The ideas put forth on this web site Stop The Thyroid Madness » Index Pagehttp://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/wp/wp-admin/page.php?action=edit&post=52 closely mirror the real stories - real humans I have interacted with to learn of their often YEARS of frustration going through many doctors before finally being treated successfully with natural thyroid such as Armour, and in the correct doses. These women get their lives back.

Further research for myself suggested that other hormones are out of whack - it's that time of life and all. The challenge for me was trying to find doctor who is truly an expert in the field. I think I found her. LOL - my dogs go to a holistic vet. I was familiar with compounded natural hormones as one of our females was treated with them. I asked my vet "who do you recommend for people - someone who is exactly like what you are to animals."

Currently I'm on Armour thyroid and also a compound of estrogen, and another of progesterone. We are still at the dose adjustment phase, so I will be checking in with the doc every two weeks. Armour needs to be introduces very gradually. The estrogen and progesterone are the correct dose "on paper" but that can go out the window in each individual human body.

I will be happy to continue posting results if that would be informative for any others here. I'm sure the depression and other symptoms related to the imbalance with my hormones did not help my struggles with AL in any sort of positive way!! Not to mention the out of control weight gain (sorry but I find that totally depressing!!). So I DO think these things are connected - at least mentally if not physically.

A good start to help find a doctor is this world wide anti-aging network. World Health - Anti-Aging and Longevity - WorldHealth.net My doctor is a member of that organization.

Good luck!!

DG

[LVT25]

Thanks DG!!

I am fascinated with this subject, and flabbergasted that most doctors don't even mention this as an alternative! I love my OB-GYN--but he recommended the Mirena IUD and I just don't think that is the best option for a 48 year old female!

I have a friend that had a hysterectomy and I need to talk to her as she is taking the bioidentical hormones and she's the one that recommended Suzanne's book to me at that time.

Tough in Texas has also been a wonderful resource on the subject! I will keep checking in for sure !

[Doggygirl]

Originally Posted by LVT25

Thanks DG!!

I am fascinated with this subject, and flabbergasted that most doctors don't even mention this as an alternative! I love my OB-GYN--but he recommended the Mirena IUD and I just don't think that is the best option for a 48 year old female!

I have a friend that had a hysterectomy and I need to talk to her as she is taking the bioidentical hormones and she's the one that recommended Suzanne's book to me at that time.

Tough in Texas has also been a wonderful resource on the subject! I will keep checking in for sure !

Yes - let's share info. I'd love to hear what your friend who had the hysterectomy says, and I will be off in search of posts from Tough in Texas on the subject. I can't wait to see how I sleep tonight! (LOL - deep appreciation for the small things in life at this stage!!)

DG

[Doggygirl]

Hi Renegade. That makes sense that tube tying might send the hormones whacky. Glad to hear you are off the AD meds and feeling better. When you say your blood levels are in check, can you share more about what you mean? I'm interested in learning all I can about keeping the body in harmony with itself if that makes any sense!

Congratulations on losing 10 pounds too. I know being over weight is REALLY a depressing thing for me - even though I try to make the best of it, get over it, blah blah blah.

I truly believe that my desire to drink will continue to get less and less and I continue to get better and better.

Tell us more!!

Oh - on the cost. I'm sure they varies greatly by doctor, by geographic location, etc. I feel so lucky to have found the doc I found. I don't think her prices are unreasonable at all - I was very pleasantly surprised. And the actual medications are NOTHING compared to the prices for patented chemical based stuff. As an example, the estrogren and progesterone creams were $16.00 each for a month supply. And once we are sure we have the dose right, we will switch to an oil rather than cream base, which reduces the price even more.

I'm also hoping that as I get my body in balance, and also continue with the lifestyle improvements in the diet / exercise department I won't need to be taking some of the supplements I'm taking such as Milk Thistle (we all know what that's for), Cinnamon (blood sugar stabilizer supposedly), chromium (metabolism), etc. There are certainly some that will always stay, but I throw quite a bit of $ at supps each month for stuff in an effort to fix what should not be broken.

Lots cheaper than booze.

DG

[LVT25]

I'm looking into a newer form of sterilization called "Essure implants" They put these "springs " into the opening of the fallopian tubes, and scar tissue grows around them and blocks them off. Non-surgical. Ten years ago, I didn't want to go through a tubal ligation--but now seems this is a good alternative for birth control. Lord knows at 48 I do not want to get pregnant! I'm thinking this shouldn't affect my hormones however--I'm surprised a tubal would.
I'm planning on discussing the hormone issue with the OB-GYN that I'm seeing next month--would like to at lest get a baseline to see where I'm at.

[fickle]

I had a tubal ligation about 5 years ago.. I had no idea it might have any effect on my hormones!
This is a good thread and I will stay tuned. I will check out the websites DG - Thanks for the links!!

[Lila]

For whatever it is worth, I had Essure Implants done about 6 years ago. I am also on Armour thyroid, which is much nicer than Synthroid.
I like this thread - so I will keep checking for new info.
Lila

[LVT25]

Hi Lila,
I had never even heard of the implants until I started researching on my own. I don't understand why my doctor didn't at least mention it, unless he remembered me telling him 10 years ago I didn't want to lose my fertility. But that can't be right because we even mention hysterectomy as an option if my pap was abnormal.
Would you might sharing your experience with Essure? You could PM me if you want.
Thank you SO much!

[beatle]

Lila, why and how is Armour "much nicer" than Synthroid? I am on Synthroid and don't feel I am responding well but all the docs seem to swear by synthroid. (In other words, it's all in my head.)

[Lila]

To answer both questions-
I was one of the more early people to get essure implants. I was put under, and just woke up infertile - forever!!!! You can't reverse this procedure, unlike tubal ligation. There was no pain, or anything. I still get periods.
About thyroid stuff, my old HMO doctors just looked at my TSH numbers and did not care how I was feeling. I used to get bouts of exhaustion. I asked if they prescribed Armour and it was a flat NO. Then I started going to a natural doctor - he studied under Dr Weil in med school. He doesn't take insurance - this doctor. But he prescribes Armour. The first few weeks on it felt horrible as my body adjusted.
I don't get those bouts of exhaustion anymore. They were just awful.
I hope that answers any questions.
I really should stop eating sugar and white flour. Then I would really have energy.
Lila