It’s no wonder people are confused by hormones. There’s estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol and thyroid hormone, to name a few. Hormones are a fickle bunch as they fluctuate throughout our lives from puberty and pregnancy to menopause and andropause (the male version of menopause).
Then, of course, there’s hormone replacement therapy with synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones. Add in the questions and controversies over hormone replacement therapy and it’s enough to make your head spin.
As with any medical issue, it’s important to work with a physician who understands hormones, how they impact the body and how to safely and effectively use hormone supplementation.
At Cenegenics, we pay close attention to hormones and their role in a patient’s health. We test patients’ hormones levels while also assessing their overall physical health, as well as diet and exercise habits.
Hormones are safe. We tend to hear about athletes using steroids and growth hormones and think hormones are risky business. But those athletes are using them at very high levels. When hormones are used appropriately and under a physician’s guidance, the benefits tend to outweigh most potential side effects.
The key is looking at each patient and determining how nutrition, exercise and hormone supplementation can work together. Sometimes patients can alter their hormone levels by simply getting better sleep, reducing stress, eating different foods and increasing physical activity.
Think about how behavior, emotions and bodies change during puberty, PMS, pregnancy, menopause and andropause. It’s clear hormones greatly impact our health and our daily living. When used safely, taking hormones can help reduce body fat, retain calcium for healthy bones, improve immunity and more.
Don’t get lost in the medical jargon and media hype surrounding hormones. Talk with your physician about your hormone levels and how an individualized health plan with hormone supplementation can get your health back on track.
Tags: Hormones