Bioidentical Hormone Treatment
BHRT, or bioidentical hormone treatment, is a method of balancing hormones that are naturally based using yams, soy, or peanut oil. It IS NOT the use of synthetic hormones. For women and men, it is essential to maintain a healthy balance of hormones throughout life, as the estrogens (estrone, estradiol, and estriol), progesterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, and testosterone all play a significant role in maintaining health in differing doses and combinations at differing times in life. These hormones form an intricate web that interacts with many other hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, allowing for healthy bodily function.
Hormones regulate cellular functions and essentially direct the actions of either anabolism (to build) or catabolism (to use) which should remain in balance to remain healthy. Alterations in one hormone generally affect the production and release of other hormones.
When a patient is stressed by the presence of chronic infection(s), changes in cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones frequently occur. Inflammation mediated by proinflammatory cytokines compromises cellular and tissue function which interferes with optimal organ function. Additionally, because all of the hormones work in concert, changes in cortisol production and release do not only affect the sex hormones, but also the metabolic hormones such as insulin, somatostatin, and leptin. In addition to thyroid hormone dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, this may be one of the reasons Lyme Disease patients often gain weight. They are in general, hormonally compromised.
By using bioidentical hormone treatment, is a method of balancing hormones that are naturally based using yams, soy, or peanut oil, thyroid replacement, adaptogens (herbs that help to regulate cortisol), lifestyle modifications, and diet, we can correct the hormonal imbalances with natural substances (i.e., botanical medicines and herbs) using a combination of creams and oral capsules to optimize hormone function. Patients will experience a greater sense of well-being which will dramatically contribute to their ability to heal from infection(s).
