Bioidentical hormones (BHRT) are exact copies of the hormones made by the body; they are far more readily metabolized by the body into safe forms of estrogen, unlike their synthetic counterparts that stimulate toxic metabolites. When used in physiologic amounts, bioidenticals carry few of the risks of synthetic hormones. Unfortunately, few physicians are using these hormones in their practices, despite the fact that strong research support exists for their use as safe, effective alternatives to Prempro and similar drugs—including a recent very positive review in the Alternative Medicine Review.

Bioidentical hormones help women to overcome acute menopausal symptoms and improve skin. Based on the research, it seems safe to suspect that these hormones will protect women in the same ways Premarin and Prempro did: strengthening bones, keeping the mind sharp, promoting energy and well-being, and helping to preserve vaginal tone and resist vaginal dryness—without the adverse effects that arise from the body’s attempts to put non-bioidenticals to use in the body.

For men, they add energy and vitality. They improve muscle tone and mental sharpness. Yet, most doctors aren’t up to date on the latest science in hormone testing—the first step towards finding the right BHRT for each individual.

COBBLED HEALTH PROGRAMS

The half-million or so women using bioidentical hormones, and the men who are becoming increasingly savvy on this front, need good information on which to base their decisions.

Patients who wish to address menopausal and andropausal (decreased testosterone in men) symptoms or to achieve lifelong hormone balance to prevent illness often end up not knowing where to go to establish a comprehensive bioidentical hormone replacement program.

Instead, they read what they can and purchase various products available over the counter, and do their best to piece together a program that matches the benefits they’ve come to believe are possible with BHRT. They may spend precious time and money on programs and products that don’t do what they promise. Others who may not yet be convinced of the value of BHRT may be deterred from even trying it by a physician who doesn’t yet know the real story.

SELF-TESTING A MUST

One of the most common errors that leads to poor results in self-prescribed natural HRT: trying to cobble together a program based only on symptoms, without first checking hormone levels. Symptoms may overlap from one hormone pattern to another. Trying to replace or augment specific hormones without first having an accurate test of the levels seldom brings good results.

If you are working with a doctor right now who prescribes transdermal hormones, saliva self-testing is a must if your physician does not use this type of test to measure your hormone levels. It is far more accurate and revealing than other types of tests. Mead Labs, Inc., originally founded by Jay Mead, M.D., a board-certified pathologist, is a leader in this type of testing. They are a comprehensive resource for home hormone testing, telephone consultation with experienced medical professionals, and natural hormone replacement and enhancement products. When you submit your samples to Mead Labs, you actually receive a telephone consultation with a health professional to interpret results, and one of their medical professionals will design a program of products you can purchase at the same place where you got your test.

Having your own results will reveal a lot. For example, symptoms of low estrogen don’t always mean you need more estrogen. If you also lack progesterone, you are likely to be in an estrogen dominant state—especially in this age, where environmental estrogens (such as those found in plastic) are so ubiquitous, and where they are in the bodies of every woman, man, and child. Symptoms for both imbalances may be similar. Men may not need testosterone shots or transdermal patches, the forms most often recommended by doctors; your results may show that you are, in fact, estrogen dominant and that you are converting testosterone into estrogens— a common consequence of andropause. Adding more testosterone may not be the best answer for you; you may find you benefit more from a program that includes special herbs and nutrients.

Whether you’re male or female, your health professional at Mead Labs will first design for you a safe and effective program based on bioidentical hormones, herbs, and nutrients. In bringing the entire process of hormone testing, advice, balancing, and nutritional supplements into one place, Mead Labs dramatically increases your chances for real health success. If you’re using bioidentical hormones or even synthetic hormones, getting this test will be the first step to taking charge of your health.

THE MISSING LINK: HORMONE TESTING

Back in the heyday of prescription, non-bioidentical HRT, any woman with menopausal symptoms was given basically the same basic dose and combination of hormones. There was no testing to find out what kind of imbalance was occurring. Proponents of BHRT want to ensure that this “one-size-fits-all” perspective isn’t promulgated with natural hormones. Hormone profiles and levels can vary dramatically from person to person—even in people of the same age and gender. Testing hormone levels and obtaining appropriate recommendations from a medical professional experienced in BHRT are key to ensuring that you will benefit from this therapy.

Mead Labs, based in Vancouver, Washington, has emerged as a responsible provider of hormone testing and telephone consultation with medical professionals experienced in BHRT. They have created a five-step hormone self-test, consultation, supplementation, and re-test system that streamlines the process of getting on a natural hormone/supplement program that’s individually tailored to each person’s needs. The self-tests are available at health food stores, health spas, and other select centers. They’re great for self-managing and understanding your use of bioidentical hormones.

Once you have your results, you can go back and buy your products and continue to use Mead Labs as your health coach—because you will be doing a retest, of course, to ensure your improvements have real benchmarks as your hormone balance is perfected.

Saliva Testing—The Most Accurate Way to Measure Hormones

Mead Labs does saliva testing, so all you’ll need to do is expectorate through a small straw into a plastic test-tube with a lid that snaps tight.

In each kit there are four tubes; it all comes with clear instructions and a requisition form, as well as a form where you submit information about yourself and your symptoms. On the day you test (and that will vary depending upon whether you are female or male, premenopausal or postmenopausal) you simply fill four vials: one in the morning, one before lunch, one before dinner, and one before bed. Return postage is paid; all you need to do is close the box with the supplied sticker, apply the enclosed mailing label, and pop it in the mail.

Carolyn Nelson, R.N., a clinical nurse specialist for Mead Labs with extensive experience in saliva hormone testing and BHRT use, told DPHL: “A lot of people ask about saliva testing. They want to know why we use it instead of blood testing, which their standard doctor uses for just about everything. They’re often surprised when I tell them that saliva is actually more accurate. Blood or serum hormones can fluctuate quite rapidly, from minute to minute. And stressful events, such as a blood draw, can exaggerate these fluctuations. Saliva hormones levels have fewer fluctuations throughout the day, thereby minimizing the chance of false high or low results.”

Also, she explained, “Blood testing measures both bound and unbound hormones. Bound hormones are inactive—they don’t do anything in the body, because they’re bound to proteins. There’s huge variation between individuals in the amount of active hormone that isn’t normally measured with a blood test. Saliva testing only measures free, active hormone.”

Once you’ve filled your test-tubes and mailed your kit back, Mead Labs will mail you your results and initial recommendations. Next you will schedule a telephone call with a medical professional who will explain those results completely, giving you an idea of how your symptoms are likely to be linked to your hormone levels. Finally, together you’ll review and finalize your recommendations for products and supplements to promote better balance of the “female” hormones progesterone and estrogen; the androgens, testosterone and DHEA; and cortisol, the adrenal hormone that mediates stress.

You can purchase many of the products directly from Mead Labs, which is a reliable, responsible supplier of these products. Consultants will also give detailed advice on dietary and lifestyle changes that will benefit your health and relieve your symptoms. They offer some wonderful adaptogenic products for replenishing depleted adrenals, which are common due to modern Americans’ busy, high-stress lifestyles. (The adrenal glands play an integral choreographic role in hormone function, thyroid function and neurocognitive function, and good hormone balance is seldom achieved unless adrenal function is optimal.) They also carry bioidentical progesterone and estrogen creams, DHEA products, and herbal products that have documented testosterone-boosting effects. (Bioidentical testosterone is available only by prescription.)

Once you’ve been on your new program for three to four months, follow-up testing is recommended to ensure optimal results. The results of that test will, hopefully, add up with your experience of symptom relief to demonstrate how well your program is working.

Resources

At the company’s Web site, www.meadlabs.com, you can find clear, concise information about natural hormones, menopause, and andropause, put together by a team of medical professionals experienced in BHRT. You can order tests and products there and get full support from this team.

You can also call Mead Labs at 866-693-9690 to gain the advantage of their experience and expertise as you implement an all-encompassing health program for the years that may well be your best yet.

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