Menopause is the time in our lives when our hormones begin to decline. Hormones are crucial to every single function of the human body. Replacing lost or declining hormones is the first step to wellness.
Do you want to be without full benefit of your hormones for half of your life? When hormones begin to decline, so does your quality of life.
The hormone imbalance symptoms that we have in menopause (itching, depression, bloating, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats and no libido) are all indicators that our bodies are in need of hormone replacement. But it is not a “one pill fits all” scenario. Every woman has individual hormonal needs. This is one reason that synthetic hormone replacement therapy is not the optimum choice. The fact that they have been proven unsafe is another.
If your physician is not familiar with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you should find one who is. Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are biologically identical to our own. They are made from soy, plant and yam extracts and are synthesized in a lab to exactly replicate human hormones.
They are natural and come from things found in nature. Drugs are not natural and are made from things that are not found in nature.
If you need help finding a doctor who is qualified in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you can search online. If you have purchased the book “Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness” by Suzanne Somers, there is a list of qualified doctors in the back of the book. That is where I found my doctor that I work with. I have to travel about 65 miles for my check ups that come every four to six months. But boy is it worth it!!
The beauty of having this knowledge is that you no longer have to endure the unnecessary suffering that menopause can bring. Nor do your children or your grandchildren. I want a good quality of life for myself; but I also want it for all those who come after me.
Information is power and I have already shared the benefits of BHRT with my daughters. When their time comes, they will be armed with the tools they need to keep themselves feeling good by replacing their lost or declining hormones.
As a primary care physician who specializes in natural medicine, I think the most important role doctors can play is that of teacher – to provide complete, unbiased information so that patients can make their own informed decisions.
It makes sense to test baseline hormone production, and then if low levels and/or hormone imbalance symptoms deem necessary, to prescribe low dosages of bioidentical hormones that eliminate or minimize symptoms, or to bring a patient’s hormone levels to within physiological range. There is no established protocol for such treatment and potential risks exist; therefore, a conservative approach to treatment is most prudent.
Choosing an doctor who listens, provides you with information, and respects your treatment decisions is your right and responsibility. Expect your physician to provide you with available research, benefits, and risks of any treatment you choose. Do not be afraid to question any treatment or to make your own healthcare decisions
For additional information about hormone imbalance symptoms, anti-aging and bioidentical hormones replacement therapy, please visit my clinic website at:
http://www.hormonesynergy.com
or read my new book: HormoneSynergy, Optiomal Aging and Hormone Balance.
In Health
Dr. Kathryn Retzler
Portland, Oregon