Microsoft word - bioidentical hormone therapies 6.2011.doc

Bioidentical Hormone Therapies
Functional and integrative medicine is the focus of this practice. Integrative and
functional medicine is a lens by which a practitioner examines the patient from
their social and cultural perspective, genetics, environmental influences,
personality, hormonal influences and other components that may affect their
health. She concentrates on a preventive medical approach that helps ameliorate
and improve the problems caused by adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, thyroid
disease, signs of early menopause, perimenopause and andropause.
Bioidentical hormone replacement is a component of therapy that addresses
symptoms of aging and degeneration, often impacting the ways the individual
feels systemically. Addressing these needs in conjunction with a holistic view of
other components such as nutrition, exercise and functional capacity can be a
key to restorative treatment. Dr. Davis' intent as a practitioner is to partner and
assist her clients toward their maximum wellness. As a board certified internist
and medical acupuncturist, she has over 25 years experience in treating the
whole patient. Therefore, her practice is patient centered instead of diagnosis
centered. Each patient is unique in this perspective.
Bioidentical hormone replacement can be a safer and effective way for middle-
aged individuals to assist the balance of their body’s natural hormone levels. In
the past, synthetic hormones have been available, but they have often not been
dosed in an individual fashion, rather relying on a standard dose for everyone. To
achieve optimal health, therapies are adjusted to the unique pattern of deficiency
for the patient's testing profile; since an imbalance of one hormone can cause
significant effects that impact a patient's health. The attempt to decrease the risk
factors and side effects of standard synthetic therapies is based on using
compounds that match the patient's biochemical profile as well as adjusting the
doses to the minimum needed to achieve wellness. Bioidentical hormones are
extracted from natural sources, usually plants, and are compounded to your
individual requirements. By following a patient’s biologic markers, a health
provider can adjust for their symptoms and levels. Bioidentical hormone
replacement therapy (BHRT) may help individuals gain a new perspective on
metabolic issues and aging.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat the
following conditions or symptoms:
Menopause - A gradual process that happens when a woman's ovaries make
less estrogen and progesterone and her lifetime supply of eggs is depleted. A
woman is considered to have reached menopause when she hasn't menstruated
for 12 months. Outside of hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood changes, the
symptoms of menopause are often protean and can be a considerable change in
the individual’s prior baseline.
Perimenopause - The period of transition to natural menopause during which
the body undergoes endocrinologic and biologic changes resulting from declining
ovarian hormone production. Symptoms are often similar to those of menopause.
Perimenopause can last years and usually ends after twelve months of no
menses.
Andropause - Andropause is the period of a man's life marked by a drop in
testosterone hormone levels secreted by the testicles. The body changes occur
and may be accompanied by symptoms such as changes in attitudes and
moods, weight gain, fatigue, a loss of energy, loss of sex drive, change in blood
sugar and other symptoms.
Thyroid - An imbalance of your thyroid hormone can affect every metabolic
function in your body. Thyroid hormone can effect metabolism, digestion, muscle
and nerve action, blood flow, hormone excretion, oxygen utilization, sexual
function and other areas.
Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia is a disorder causing aching muscles, sleep
disorders, and fatigue, associated with abnormal levels of the brain chemicals
that transmit nerve signals (neurotransmitters) It is characterized by symptoms in
several body systems. Symptoms include: Wide spread body pain, skin
temperature changes, irritable bowel, brain fog, immune system or repeated
illness and more.
Weight Loss Resistance – There are multiple reasons for weight loss
resistance as we grow older including changes in your insulin metabolism, your
thyroid and sex hormones, a decreased need for calories and an increased need
for exercise and stamina training. Our overall body composition is greatly
dependent on having balanced hormones, a healthy digestive tract, a balanced
diet and an awareness of food allergies.
Adrenal Fatigue - Adrenal fatigue is a stress-induced condition characterized by
a set of common symptoms that indicate decreased function of the adrenal
glands. This syndrome is also known as hypoadrenia, adrenal exhaustion,
adrenal insufficiency, adrenal gland fatigue, adrenal chronic fatigue, and non-
Addison’s hypoadrenia. This syndrome can affect your metabolism, notably those
of fatigue and sleep issues, however multiple systems can be affected by this
imbalance.

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