I believe that the future for men and
women, in terms of anti-aging, vitality, sexual vigor
and well-being lies in specifically tailored hormone
compounds, which are calibrated on an individual
basis to match the changing endocrine system.
When I look into a physical body intuitively, I see
the body
in
terms of the systems that are out of balance. One of
the most common imbalanced systems is the
endocrine system. Overweight people almost always
have hormone imbalances.
In a recent teleseminar, I interviewed Larry Frieders,
pharmacist at The Compounder Pharmacy in
the
Chicago area (see link below). We spent a
fascinating hour
unravelling
the mystery of hormones.
Click on my link below,
email us and request a CD of my July 24th
teleconference.
Hormone balancing is often
missing or rarely discussed in any popular diet book.
That is why I felt it was so important to write
The Body Knows Diet - cracking the weight
loss code.
If those hormones are not balanced, weight loss
can be elusive - occurring initially but then will
plateau.
All too often, people can blame themselves, their
emotional issues, and past experiences when in my
opinion, much of their mental anguish can stem from
endocrine imbalances which when identified, can be
corrected.
Hormone imbalances in men and women can
contribute to fatigue, depression, anxiety, aging skin,
poor libido, brittle bones plus overeating and
that never satisfied
feeling.
In my own life as a menopausal woman, I know that
my emotional well-being and maintaining my ideal
weight has been greatly enhanced by the addition of
bio-identical hormone balancing.
Hormone levels are also a factor in depression or
feeling blue. Why not get your hormone levels tested
either by blood or saliva? Men and women can suffer
from a low thyroid or low testosterone levels. In
women, progesterone can be low. In fact there is
evidence to show that post partum depression can
be a symptom of low progesterone. Following the
birth of a baby, a womans progesterone levels
plummet. They are very high during pregnancy which
is why women feel calm, happy, optimistic and even
euphoric they radiate. Many women could be
dealing with the aftermath of post-partum depression
that may not have been correctly diagnosed at the
time. Take a look at the hormone equation.
Most people think that their hormones are located in
their pelvis but the master endocrine glands are
actually located in the head!
For instance, the hypothalamus is an important
endocrine gland that governs appetite, emotion,
memory and hormone balance. The pineal gland
responds to light and endocrine balance and the
pituitary gland relates to growth. The thyroid gland
located in the base of the neck regulates mood,
temperature and weight control as well as effecting
elimination! Many people suffer from what is known
as sub-clinical low thyroid.
The Candida yeast syndrome, which I have often
discussed, can often contribute to a
low functioning thyroid. The thyroid gland at the
base of the neck is involved in maintaining body
weight balance, body temperature, energy and well-
being. It is very often out of balance. Some doctors
say that low thyroid is in epidemic proportions in this
country.
A medical test may not always detect
a low
thyroid.
Insulin is another important hormone. Insulin,
secreted by the pancreas is responsible for blood
sugar regulation. Lowering carbohydrates can help
balance insulin levels thus contributing to improved
hormone function. Cholesterol is another important
component in the hormone balance equation. Many
people with the best of intentions greatly reduce fats
in the diet often effecting vital hormone function.
Stress can affect hormones. Constant stress and low
blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can affect the stress
hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
Too much cortisol from stress and too much insulin in
the blood affect adrenal function creating fatigue,
irritability and weight gain. High cortisol levels can
create excess weight around the waist and low
cortisol levels could mean that it is impossible for the
person to lose that weight. This can also contribute
to adrenal exhaustion.
When it comes to
hormones, please dont blame
yourself for your attitudes, history or emotional
states but seek help from a competent practitioner.
Menopause is a time when we have a tendency to
put on weight and this can be so frustrating
especially when many of us are not over eating!
During the pre (before), peri (in the middle of), or
post (after) menopausal years, there are changes
taking place in the body that we need to be aware
of.
Therefore a very important element of menopause is
seeking
perfect endocrine balance. What you seek is to feel
good emotionally and physically - calm, stable, and
balanced with a great sense of well-being, boundless
energy, libido, and zest for life. This is not impossible.
Fortunately, there are many medical doctors,
practitioners, and experts whose life work and
expertise lies in balancing hormones. Do not rest until
you find someone who can assist you in this area.
Hormones are not all created equal. There is no one
size fits all where hormones are concerned.
Hormones that are chemically similar to those found
in the human body are called natural or bio-identical.
Plant based or herbal formulas can be used to
balance hormones. Synthetic hormones are
manufactured with a chemical make-up that is not
found in the human body but mimics some of the
bodys natural hormonal activity. Your symptoms, the
way you feel and your blood tests will determine the
appropriate strategies used by your medical doctor or
practitioner.
Hormones are constantly
changing. You will know when your hormones need to
be rechecked by the way you feel. You should have
great energy, great skin, a clear mind as well as
optimism and vitality. Throw in wonderful libido and
you have the equation for eternal youth! If not, then
the hormone compounds you are taking need to
change too. Your symptoms plus saliva testing or
blood tests will determine a new course of action.
Some hormone compounds cause side effects. Know
what these side effects are. Dont settle for weight
gain and feeling awful. Keep researching and asking
questions.
I recommend:
The Compounder Pharmacy
340 Marshall Ave
Unit 100
Aurora, IL 60506 (Chicago area)
630-859-0333
Saliva testing kits are available through The
Compounder Pharmacy for $195.
www.thecompounder.com
This kit includes an evaluation of test results which
you
can share with your doctor.
The Compounder also has an excellent newsletter,
very informative staff, progesterone cream
available online, plus a list of references for
practitioners specializing in bio-identical hormones
accross the country.
