Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
The Good and The Bad
Hormone optimization is a topic that has gained a lot of attention in recent years, particularly among individuals who are interested in achieving an increase in their quality of life, energy, overall health and well-being. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that regulate most bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, reproduction and many more. As we age, our hormone levels naturally decline, this leads to a variety of health issues. There is a debate about whether hormone optimization is good for you. This is particularly true when it comes to the use of synthetic versus bio-identical hormones.
Synthetic hormones are created in a laboratory by altering a natural hormone or deriving it from a non-human source. These are not identical to the hormones produced by the human body. They are commonly used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms of menopause or andropause. Synthetic hormones are the most studied and have the side effects (heart disease, strokes, and certain cancers) that were discovered in the Womans Health Initiative.
Bio-identical hormones, on the other hand, are derived from natural sources, such as soy or yam plants, and are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. This is what we use when we talk about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which is a natural approach to hormone optimization.
There is a great deal of misinformation and confusion surrounding hormone optimization, particularly when it comes to the use of synthetic versus bio-identical hormones. Basically synthetic hormones created by the Pharmaceutical companies have alterations to the natural (Bio-Identical) hormones. These can cause the side effects that have given hormones an undeserved bad name.
On the other hand, bio-identical hormones are a safer and more natural alternative to synthetic hormones. These are the same your body has been making and using since you were born. Bio-identical hormones are derived from natural sources and are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body, your body knows what to do with them.
Another common misconception is that hormone optimization is only necessary for women going through menopause. While it is true that women experience a significant decline in hormone levels during menopause or after total hysterectomy, men also experience a slow decline in testosterone levels as they age, a condition known as andropause. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including decreased energy and libido, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, and deminerilzation of bones (Osteoporosis).
Hormone optimization is beneficial for both men and women, regardless of age, provided that it is done under the guidance of a medically trained hormone healthcare professional and tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
In conclusion, hormone optimization is beneficial for individuals looking to improve their overall health and well-being. Bio-identical hormone optimization is the only rational evidence based therapy that gives the most benefit with the lowest risk. It is important to work with a qualified (Hormone Trained) healthcare professional who can help guide you through the process and monitor your hormone levels and symptoms.
Misinformation and confusion surrounding hormone optimization can be addressed by educating individuals about the pros and cons of different hormone therapies, as well as the importance of individualized treatment plans. With the right guidance and support, hormone optimization is a safe and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.
The Miley Clinic is known for its successful approach to healing from within. We curated a unique approach to diagnosing and treating symptoms. Call us today to learn more about our bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, nutrtion and life style services in Sarasota, Fl.
STEPHEN MILEY, MD
Dr. Miley is a native Floridian. He received his BS in Chemistry with Honors from The University of Florida, and his Doctorate of Medicine from The University of South Florida.
He has practiced as a Board-Certified Emergency Physician for the past 42 years. He has served as the Director of the Emergency Department for several large hospitals.
Dr. Miley now sees a changing trend in medicine. Our traditional “sick care model” has many wonderful treatments if you are ill. However, the new health care model uses the best science of traditional evidence based medicine, in combination with functional medicine, to solve diseases at the root cause, rather than just treating symptoms with another prescription.
The Miley Clinic was formed to merge these two disciplines; giving people education and therapies to lose weight, regain their youthful vitalities, get off chronic medications, and live their best lives.
2344 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 104
Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 217-4440
www.themileyclinic.com
