By Kaley Burns EBS COLUMNIST
Hormones are critical for nearly every essential function of your body. They are the messengers that tell your cells what to do, and regulate vital sensations such as mood and energy.
Hormones are chemicals made by the endocrine glands. They tell other parts of your body how and when to function. Even the slightest imbalance can cause symptoms that disrupt overall health and daily life.
Holistic hormone replacement therapy can be used as a treatment for these symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps to support and balance your hormones as you go through various stages and shifts in life. BHRT is a natural hormone replacement strategy that uses hormones derived from plants to mimic those produced by the human body. Meanwhile, synthetic hormones used in hormone replacement therapy do not have the same molecular structure as the hormones in your body. Instead, your body has to work to break them down into a usable form.
Ultimately, the research has shown that bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks, including the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, and are more effective than their synthetic and animal-derived counterparts.
We can also support hormone health naturally through balancing the diet, addressing digestive health and function of the liver. The liver is a very important organ. It metabolizes proteins and carbohydrates, stores nutrients, synthesizes cholesterol, neutralizes toxins and processes hormones. A healthy liver can excrete excess estrogen and keep hormones in balance. However, a stressed or overworked liver leads to elevated estrogen and hormonal imbalance.
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your hormone levels, making stress management equally important. When the body is under stress, the adrenal glands produce cortisol. In times of excessive stress, the body will convert progesterone to cortisol to preserve heart and brain function. As a result, chronic stress can deplete progesterone and can lead to estrogen dominance.
Hormone testing is not common practice in conventional medicine, but helpful nonetheless. Similarly, many patients are told that their labs are “within normal range,” yet they still experience symptoms. Every patient has their own unique biochemistry, genetics and health conditions, which often means a broader spectrum of testing can prove beneficial. Specialty labs serve to narrow down where therapy must be applied to bring back balance to one’s health.
Holistic management of hormone care is beneficial at all phases of life. Things like nutrient deficiencies, a lack of sleep and high amounts of emotional stress can all disturb hormonal balance and raise inflammation. A holistic healthcare team can help optimize your hormone balance.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
