When naturally restored, hormones can help keep us feeling young and vibrant!
What are some symptoms that can be associated with hormonal imbalance?
Bioidentical hormones vs. Synthetic hormones
Bioidentical hormones are taken from plant sources such as wild yam and soybeans, then altered in a lab until they are molecularly identical to the hormones that women naturally produce. Since they’re just like the hormones found in the body, they are metabolized much more easily, thereby minimizing unwanted side effects. Synthetic hormones are not identical to those found naturally; drug companies cannot patent a bio-identical structure, so they intentionally made synthetic hormones different enough to be able to patent. For example, some of the side effects in women taking synthetic hormones can include depression, fluid retention, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, and nausea – which makes little sense when you’re trying to alleviate symptoms in the first place!
Another advantage is that bio-identical hormones can be given in custom-mixed doses to better target a specific problem, matched to each individual needs rather than the “one size fits all” approach taken by traditional synthetic hormone replacement therapies.
Where Should I Start?
We believe the bare minimum for assessing hormonal status and endocrine function is the five hormone panel: Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA and am Cortisol. When there are any sleep disruptions or high cancer risk profiles we also recommend the night Cortisol level. But in general as a basic guideline, an excellent starting place for men and women is the five hormone panel.
Why is Salivary Hormone Testing Superior to Blood Testing?
Our hormones play a vital role in keeping our bodies optimally healthy. In delicate balance with one another, they harmonize to keep us functioning the way we should. But within such a balance, deficiencies, fluctuations, and imbalances can wreak havoc. In such situations, hormone testing can provide a clearer picture of what’s going on, and tell us specifically what needs to be done.
Traditionally, the most common hormone testing is done via the blood. However, research has shown that blood testing is not as accurate, and does not provide the most complete overall picture. Salivary hormone testing has proven to be more effective. The saliva provides a clearer indication of the amount of free, unbound and active bioavailable hormones – the form of hormones that actually have an effect on the tissues – which are filtered into the saliva. Salivary hormone tests can also tell us, more accurately than ever, how much of an effect topical hormone supplementations (gels, creams, and patches) are having. One significant study found that, when topically applied, such preparations elevated hormone levels in the area’s tissue – yet despite the hundredfold increase of hormones, there was no change noted in the blood hormone levels. In order for a blood test to register an increase of hormone levels, there must be extremely high levels of hormones, which has often led to the use of excessive amounts of supplementation. Since saliva better reflects the saturation of topically applied hormones, it’s much easier to determine the correct, most beneficial dose.
The hormones in saliva are very stable and can be stored for up to a week without affecting the accuracy of the result. Last but not least, salivary testing is less invasive and more convenient. It’s a new dawn for hormone testing, and needle-phobes everywhere can rejoice.
