Obtaining Success with Thyroid Medications and Bio-identical Hormones
What is the difference between synthetic and bio-identical hormones?
Bio-identical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones that are made by the human body. The term "bio-identical" does not indicate the source of the hormone, it rather refers to the chemical structure. In order for a replacement hormone to fully replicate the function of hormones produced in the body, the chemical structure must exactly match the original. Bio-identical hormones follow normal metabolic pathways to duplicate your bodies functions.
There are significant differences between bio-identical hormones and synthetic hormones (including horse) preparations. Side chains are often added to the molecule so the drug can be patented by a manufacture. However, bio-identical hormones cannot be patented by a manufacture. The structural differences between the synthetic and bio-identical hormones may be responsible for the side effects that are experienced when using hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Synthetic estrogen such as Premarin is derived from the urine of pregnant horses. Although it has similar effects in humans , horse estrogen is not the same as human estrogen, and is not necessarily safe or effective. Estrace is a synthetic estrogen that is not a balanced form of estrogen. It only includes estriol. The human female produces three estrogens in very specific ratio that also includes estrone and estradiol in addition to estriol.
Bio-identical hormones that are in the proper ratio and naturally derived are not sold by drug companies. Physicians must prescribe which hormone in what amount they want to a pharmacist who then custom makes it for each individual patient. This is called compounding and is one of the methods used by our physicians at the clinic.
Thyroid replacement therapy is also very complex and requires expert help to resolve. We only use natural thyroid replacement such as Armor Thyroid, Nature Thyroid, or naturally derived replacement therapy. If necessary we will use compounded thyroid replacement to achieve specific balances of the medication the patient might require.
Symptoms Of Thyroid Dysfunction
According to American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), 1 in 10 Americans – more than the number of Americans with diabetes and cancer combined – suffer from thyroid disease, yet half remain undiagnosed. Thyroid disease is a condition that is relatively easy to diagnose and treat but still remains undetected.
Thyroid hormones control the efficiency and speed at which all our cells work. Of all your hormones, the thyroid is the most important! Without the crucial influence of thyroid hormones, proper maturation and function of the other hormone glands is not possible. ~ Mark Starr, M.D. – author of Hypothyroidism Type 2
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of thyroid problems. Some of the symptoms and signs associated with hypothyroidism are:
Symptoms:
Fatigue
Lethargy
Sleepiness
Mental Impairment
Depression
Cold Intolerance
Hoarseness
Dry Skin
Decreased Perspiration
Weight Gain
Decreased Appetite
Constipation
Menstrual Disturbances
Arthralgia
Partesthesia
Signs:
Slow Movements
Slow Speech
Hoarseness
Bradycardia
Dry Skin
Nonpitting Edema (Myxedema)
Hyporeflexia
Delayed Relaxation of Reflexes
If you are suffering from one of these symptoms you may be suffering from thryroid problems.
Thyroid Replacement Therapy - Video uploaded soon!
(Explanation of the complex issues of thyroid management.This is a very important video to understand thyroid dysfunction and the interpretation of the appropriate thyroid test. Even if you
are currently taking Rx thyroid replacement view this tape. Also order the Medical Detox of the Liver tape and view that tape along with this one. They go together.)
Women's Heatlh - Video uploaded soon!
(Osteoporosis, Bio-identical hormones, Special female issues)
Medical Detox of the Liver - Video uploaded soon!
(A must see if you are taking prescription of any kind even natural based Rx such as Armor or Bio-identical hormones.)
NOTE: Thyroid or hormone medications are available in New Mexico and Oklahoma.