Educate Yourself on Bioidentical Hormones
Posted by Jeanne Schmit on Wed, Mar 24, 2010 @ 01:53 PM
Who's going to help you balance your hormones?
You are! You'll get the best results by putting yourself in the driver's seat and learning as much as you can.
Your hormones affect everything in your body. Your thinking, your energy level, your fat to lean ratio, your sleep and your appetite and much more. Hormones are of the sex hormone type (testosterone, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, etc) and the insulin type (cortisol, adrenaline, relaxin, insulin, etc).
If you're not getting the results from exercise and diet, sometimes hormones are the trouble. Remember, hormones include insulin, cortisol, adrenaline and thyroid. Don't think you have to be menopausal to have hormone problems.
The best way to learn about hormones is to read. The information is out there and you CAN learn on your own. A book list is included at the bottom.
First, keep in mind that hormone therapy is not necessarily the first step. Work with your diet, supportive supplements and lifestyle before diving into hormones.
However, if you're unable to sleep and/or you're having severe symptoms, starting with hormones can certainly make sense. Just know that it's not wise to use hormone therapy in place of a healthy lifestyle. Not everyone needs hormones.
Once you have a working knowledge of hormones, find a health care practitioner you can work with. This isn't necessarily easy. Not many doctors work with bioidentical hormones. Don't expect your doctor to have all the answers. You must form a successful partnership with your provider and do your part. No one can do it all for you.
When choosing a provider, be sure he/she works with adrenals and thyroid, in addition to the sex hormones.
It's important you first understand how your body works and a good understanding of hormones before you go to your first appointment. You'll learn more as you start your therapy and see how your body responds.
Here is a short list of Twin Cities health care providers who work with bioidentical hormones:
Noelle Radcliffe M.D at Edina Sports Health and Wellness
Rob Bruley, MD, DC at the Bruley Center in Linden Hills
612 455 0444
www.bruleycenter.com
Sandi Greenquist at the Minnesota Menopause Center
Nancy Gossard NP at Park Nicollet 952 993 3282
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Book List:
For men: The Testosterone Syndrome by Eugene Shippen, M.D.
Change Your Brain Change Your Body by Daniel Amen M.D. (also good for men)
Female Brain Gone Insane by Mia Lundin, R.N.C., N.P.
The Schwartzbein Principle II, by Diana Schwartzbein, M.D.
The Miracle of Bioidentical Hormones by Michael Platt, M.D.
Before the Change, Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause, by Ann Louise Gittleman, M.S., C.N.S
Perimenopaue the Natural Way, by Deborah Gordon, M.D.
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Perimenopause, by John Lee, M.D.