Guest Writer: Roberta Foss-Morgan D.O.

The idea of replacing hormones as we gently age is not new. European physicians have been gently replacing bioidentical hormones for over 50 years.

Compounding pharmacists make hormones like Estrogen, Progesterone, Estriol, Thyroid, Testosterone, and DHEA –to name a few. These hormones are identical to the hormones we made when we were younger. The European medical model has the goal of aging with vibrant glow and robust health. Integrative Medicine physicians marry the conventional FDA approved medical model and the European wellness model of medicine. Patients get lean, get low dose hormonal replacement, sleep, and feel well.

Integrative physicians work in synchrony with compounding pharmacists whom are exceptionally well trained in pharmacology. The goal is internal plastic surgery which requires low dose replacement of many hormones. Often there is a reduction of the number of pharmaceuticals which are metabolized through the liver.

There seems to be much confusion as we are presented with an avalanche of medical data presented via the information age. We hear that Estrogen is good, then we hear that Estrogen is bad. The same story is repeated with Testosterone, Thyroid and many other hormones. Usually – after confusion, there is clarity.

It is increasingly common for patients to report fatigue, digestive problems, memory loss, hair loss, inability to lose weight, and debilitating insomnia. Insomnia includes difficulty getting to sleep, difficulty remaining asleep, early morning awakening, and feeling fatigued upon awakening. It seems many are tired, but too wired to sleep.

All of these symptoms persist despite having exhaustive medical tests done by numerous specialists. Most patients are told to lose weight, and receive prescriptions for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and depression. Is a part of the depression so common because our basic functions of health need some tendering? After all the testing to rule out diseases that can be treated, perhaps it would be a good idea to have laboratory testing to assess your hormonal and nutritional status. Often, patients experience alleviation of many of their symptoms after replacement of depleted hormones, nutritional changes, and reduction of unnecessary medications.

Many believe that they have an under active Thyroid and that the test results of Thyroid function are not accurate. Maybe the patient should be heard. After all, tests to determine if a patient needs more or less Thyroid have been changed seven times in recent medical history. Medical conferences remind us that Thyroid hormone is inside the cell. Many physicians replace a pinch of Thyroid after the age of 39 with amounts that are physiologic low doses, not pharmacologic high doses.

Medical textbooks teach us that there are 12 types of Thyroid which are contained in bio-identical Thyroid. Synthroid is usually prescribed but only contains one type which does not convert to the eleven other types of Thyroid. Many physicians are taught to combine the laboratory studies with how the patient looks and what they tell us, which requires time.

Testosterone also seems to be confusing. There is an FDA approved Testosterone gel which is sticky, and converts to Estrogen. If men have too much Estrogen they get little breasts, then their prostate gets puffy, then they have multiple awakenings. And yes, Testosterone is a steroid. So is cholesterol. Some steroids are actually good and required for many bodily functions.

Some physicians prescribe bioidentical Testosterone after testing for Testosterone and the various hormones which Testosterone can convert to. There are actually more receptors for Testosterone surrounding your heart than anywhere else in your body. Yes, Testosterone is good for libido. Of equal importance, Testosterone is good for your heart, Insulin resistance, entering a deep stage for sleep, and maintaining muscle. Women need a pinch of Testosterone, men need much more.

Since Thyroid, Testosterone, and many other hormones wane with our wisdom which grows with age, perhaps it is a good idea to have hormonal testing with an expanded health oriented view. This may guide us in 2010 with a fresh start.

Being proactive with our health seems a worthwhile investment in our present and future.