Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Best Medical Practice Relax this

Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Best Medical Practice Relax: this presentation is available online

Topics Introduction Why Doctors Don’t Get It Hypometabolism: Cortisol and Thyroid Hormone Loss with Age Estradiol and Progesterone for Menopause Progesterone prevents Breast Cancer Pharmaceutical Hormone Substitution Testosterone for Women and Men Compounding Pharmacies Practical Issues

Hormones Parts of our integrated neuro-endocrineimmune system Travel via blood to all cells Control cells’ proliferation, differentiation, protein synthesis, metabolic rate, etc. The most powerful molecules in biology Optimal levels and effects are essential for health and quality of life

Central Control Master Gland TSH T 3, T 4 Cortisol, DHEA Aldosterone ACTH LH/FSH Testosterone Estradiol, Progesterone Testosterone

Human Steroid Hormones Testosterone DHEA Estradiol Progesterone Aldosterone Cortisol Drug companies have patented ~5 to 100 variations of each molecule

Bioidentical Hormones are not Drugs Correct molecular structure—same action at receptors, same metabolism and elimination Non-toxic: No side effects, only effects No interactions with drugs No allergic reactions Safe in youthful physiological levels/balance Negative effects: excessive dose, wrong delivery method, or imbalance with other

Bioidentical Hormone Restoration is Good Medical Practice If a hormone is missing, replace it!; if present but deficient, optimize it! Type 1 Diabetes: bioidentical insulin Hypothyroidism: bioidentical T 4 Growth hormone def. : bioidentical GH Adrenal insufficiency: bioidentical cortisol The Controversies: How do we diagnose deficiency? How do we decide which dose is right? What do we do about deficiencies due to aging?

Why Docs Don’t Get It: Reference Range Endocrinology “Normal” ranges are misunderstood: May mean 95% of all persons tested (only 2. 5% low) 95% of tested persons of same age Optimal values (glucose, cholesterol) Docs assume that all ranges are optimals! Male free testosterone: 35 -155 Female free testosterone: 0. 0 -2. 2 Thyroid - Free T 4: 0. 6 -1. 8 AM serum cortisol 5 -25 5 x! ! 3 x! 5 x! “Normal” result no hormonal dx/rx drugs

Reference Range Endocrinology 95/5% population range Hormone Effect Disease 0 FT 4 ng/d. L “Everything is Normal” No Disease 1 Hormone Level Disease 2

Intelligent Endocrinology Tighter range based on carefully screened young healthy persons Individualized Diagnosis and Treatment Hormone Effect 0 FT 4 ng/d. L Optimal? ? 1 Hormone Level 2

Thyroid and Cortisol Insufficiency Thyroid sets throttle, cortisol delivers the fuel Our health and quality of life require optimal levels of both hormones! Deficiency reduced metabolic rate fatigue, brain dysfunction, depression, pain Conventional tests are insensitive to most deficiencies Irrational fear of thyroid and cortisol supplementation Underdiagnosed, undertreated—Docs prescribe pharmaceuticals instead (SSRIs, amphetamines,

Glucocorticoids (“Steroids”) Cortisol (hydrocortisone) Methylprednisolone (5 x) Medrol® Dexamethasone (70 x) Prednisone (4 x)

Cortisol Made in the adrenal glands Maintains blood sugar (delivers the fuel) Modulates the immune system We need higher levels with stress, disease Too much Diabetes, HTN, osteoporosis Too little fatigue, depression, anxiety, autoimmune diseases, hypoglycemia, allergies, aches & pains Women have lower cortisol levels/effects than men.

Mild-to-Moderate Cortisol Insufficiency Blood cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests are insensitive, need to do 24 hr. saliva testing Undiagnosed: Docs only taught to recognize Addison’s Disease (total adrenal gland failure) Common cause of chronic fatigue, pain Common cause of thyroid hormone intolerance Clues: Feels better on prednisone, often needs steroids for allergies, illnesses, etc.

Normal Saliva Cortisol Profile

Cortisol Deficiency

Cortisol Restoration Mild deficiency can resolve with stress, rest, adrenal supplements Moderate-to-severe deficiency—needs cortisol restoration Physiological doses of 15 -40 mg daily do not cause hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes Doctors fear of low-dose cortisol unfounded See Dr. William Jeffries’ Safe Uses of Cortisol

DHEA—The Other Adrenal Hormone Most abundant steroid hormone; yet ignored Cells make testosterone and estradiol with it Anabolic—builds tissues, improves immunity Reduces abdominal fat Reduces pain—restores natural endorphins Reduces inflammation ( IL-6, TNF- , IL-2) Anti-cancer effect in animal, in vitro studies

Cortisol and DHEA Any Questions?

Hypothyroidism Mental fog, poor concentration Depression Fatigue, need for excessive sleep Cold extremities Aches and pains Thinning scalp hair Weight gain Constipation Ankle swelling, puffy face

Thyroid Testing Doctors often order only a TSH test--Inadequate Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a pituitary hormone. It is NOT a thyroid hormone, it is not a measure of thyroid hormone levels. Must test free T 4 and free T 3 levels Hypothyroidism: symptoms plus one or both hormone levels below middle of reference ranges Severe hypothyroidism: signs and symptoms plus both hormones in lower third of ranges.

We Need Optimal T 3 Levels Incidence of severe atherosclerosis doubled with lower T 3 levels within the reference range Clin Cardiol. 2003 Dec; 26(12): 569 -73 Lowers cardiac risk factors: cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, homocysteine and lipoprotein(a) Lowers blood pressure, dilates arteries Reduces tendency to form blood clots Prevents weight gain

Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Depression Epidemic Fatigue, fibromyalgia, and depression are due to low cortisol and/or low thyroid until proven otherwise Pre-1970 s: Treat the patient’s signs and symptoms with T 4 and T 3 (desiccated thyroid-Armour ) Post-1970 s: Treat TSH test using T 4 only! Doctors often lowered doses by 30 -50%! TSH-normalizing T 4 dose often lower free T 3 levels weight gain, persistence of symptoms

Rational Thyroid Restoration If sign/symptoms of hypothyroidism: Restore! Do not rely on TSH test for diagnosis or treatment Fraser WD, Are biochemical tests of thyroid function of any value in monitoring patients receiving thyroxine replacement? Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1986 Sep 27; 293(6550): 808 -10 Give T 4 plus T 3 (Armour , Cytomel +T 4) Adjust dose according to symptoms and free hormone levels Safe: No bone loss if Vit. D and hormones are restored No cardiac abnormalities J Clin Endo Metab. 2000 Jan; 85(1): 159 -64

Thyroid Restoration Any Questions?

What should we do about hormones that are lost to normal aging?

Adrenopause DHEA-S J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Aug; 82(8): 2396 -

Thyropause Endocr Rev. 1995 Dec; 16(6): 686715 TSH response to low T 4 (2. 7 -3. 2 g/d. L) Carle, Thyroid. 2007 Feb; 17(2): 139 -

Somatopau se Hormone (GH) Growth Clinical Chemistry 48, No. 12,

Andropause Testosterone in Men

Steroid Loss in Women>>Men Women Testosterone 50% loss Progesteron e average 90% Loss pg/ml ♂ ♂ ♀ ♀ Less estrogen than old men! DHEA-S 5, 000 pg/ml Cortisol 100, 000 pg/ml

Common View The loss of hormones is adaptive–helps us to live longer (? ) Persistence of youthful levels of hormones would cause more heart attacks and cancers as we age (? ) Fits the Pharmaceutical Agenda: Take drugs for every symptom and disorder caused by hormone loss (!!)

Against the Common View Aging is a natural self-destruct program that kicks in around age 25 in humans Obesity, high blood pressure, heart attacks, autoimmune diseases, and many cancers increase years after hormone deficiencies set in and occur more often in those with lower hormone levels! Studies of balanced hormone restoration show the expected benefits and no proof of harm!!

New Paradigm: Restorative Endocrinology Endocrine glands and their feedback control systems deteriorate with age. Our bodies cease to regulate our hormones for optimal health. Partial hormone deficiencies are harmful. The restoration of youthful/optimal nutrient and hormone levels is: Essential to preventative medicine Essential to the treatment of disease Essential to our quality of Life!

Not Just “Sex Hormones” Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA are required for the function, growth, and maintenance, of all tissues in both sexes! Maintain brain function and health— neurosteroids affect mood, cognition, memory, pain, etc. Maintain the immune system—progesterone and testosterone are mild immunosuppressants Maintain connective tissue: skin, hair, bone, muscle Improve insulin sensitivity: prevent diabetes Reduce blood pressure—improve endothelial

Women Killers and Hormones Cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, and breast cancer are all rare before menopause. All three diseases are clearly related to hormone deficiency or imbalance. Youthful estradiol/progesterone/testosterone hormonal milieu protects women from these diseases.

Coronary Heart Disease vs. Age Female AIHW Heart, stroke and vascular diseases - Australian facts

Estrogen Replacement Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease 72% used Premarin only Zandi PP, et al. , Cache County Study. JAMA. 2002 Nov 6; 288(17): 2123 -9. RR 0. 46 in Kawas C, The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Neurology 1997; 48: 1517 -1521 RR 0. 65 Paganini-Hill A, Arch Intern Med 1996; 156: 2213 -2217. RR 0. 4, Tang M-X, Lancet 1996; 348: 429 -432.

30 Speroff L, Fritz M Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility, 7 th Ed.

Osteoporosis In menopause 5% bone loss each year for first 5 years=25%—due to loss of estrogen! 20 yrs. post menopause— 50% reduction in trabecular bone, 30% in cortical bone 50% of women >65 yrs. old have spinal compression fractures 14% lifetime risk of hip fracture for 50 yr. old woman, 30% for 80 yr. old. Speroff L, Fritz M Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility, 7 th Ed.

Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment A hormone deficiency disease—the proper prevention and treatment is hormone restoration. Estradiol prevents resorption of old bone while testosterone, progesterone, DHEA and GH build new bone. Raisz LG, J Clin Endo Metab. 1996; 81: 37 -43 Dec; 44(12): 1012 -20 Barrett-Connor E, J Reprod Med. 1999 Hormone restoration including Vit. D increases bone density better than bisphonates and preserves normal bone remodeling Bisphonate drugs cause Ca++, esophageal

Female Endocrinology Nature makes special demands on the female body for reproduction. Much more complex hormonal system than men Breast, uterine and ovarian tissues undergo a monthly cycle of proliferation, differentiation, and breakdown Defects in this cycle can lead to cancers in female organs and to many medical disorders.

Estradiol—Progesterone Complementarity Estradiol (human estrogen) promotes breast/uterine proliferation and growth. Progesterone stops proliferation and promotes maturation and differentiation. Differentiated cells can’t become cancers. Progesterone withdrawal sloughing and necrosis of uterine lining and breast duct epithelium. Jun; 10(6): 382 -93 Longacre TA, Am J Surg Pathol. 1986 High progesterone/estradiol ratio suppresses proliferation and prevents cancers

Progesterone’s Anti-Estrogenic Actions in Uterus and Breast Decreases synthesis of estradiol receptors Increases conversion of estradiol to estrone (weak estrogen) by inducing 17βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 2 Reduces conversion of estrone to estradiol by inhibiting 17β-HSD Type 1 Increases sulfation (inactivation) of estrogens Williams Text. of Endocrinology, 10 th Ed. , p. 612

Progesterone Deficiency Estrogen Dominance Allergies Autoimmune diseases Anxiety, irritability Insomnia Decreased sex drive Depression Bloating and edema Fibrocystic breasts Uterine fibroids Breast cancer Ovarian cancer Uterine cancer Thyroid dysfunction Gallbladder disease Heavy periods Migraines Seizures Endometriosis Progesterone restoration is the only effective treatment for estrogen dominance

Aging Ovaries Females born with a fixed no. of oocytes which are continually lost With aging, fewer oocytes of lower quality are left reduced estradiol and progesterone production beginning as early as age 30 Lower progesterone estrogen dominance No ovulation=no progesterone

Normal Progesterone Dominance Ovulation Menstrual Cycle

Perimenopause Luteal Insufficiency=Estrogen Dominance Inadequate Luteal Phase shorter periods, early spotting ’d risk of breast cancer Ovulation Menstrual Cycle

Anovulation=Estrogen Dominance ’d risk of breast and uterine cancers Menstrual Cycle

Menopause Estradiol and Progesterone Deficiency

Estradiol Deficiency Hot flashes Irritability, insomnia, depression Fatigue, aches and pains Poor memory, ’d risk of Alzheimer’s dementia Osteoporosis spine and hip fractures, loss of teeth Genital atrophy, vaginal dryness Atrophy of skin and connective tissue Endothelial dysfunction, blood pressure Increased blood sugar Atherosclerosis, heart disease

Estradiol Restoration Eliminates hot flashes, restores sleep Protects cognitive function, improves mood Maintains thickness, fullness of skin and hair Protects against colon cancer and macular degeneration Protects against dementia Prevents atherosclerosis, hypertension Maintains genital/pelvic health Improves insulin sensitivity—prevents diabetes Prevents osteoporosis and osteoarthritis Maintains gynecoid fat distribution

Q: OK, estradiol restoration has many benefits, but won’t it increase the risk of breast cancer? A: Not if progesterone is also restored.

E 3 N-EPIC Study TD-E 2=transdermal estradiol Cohort study 55, 000 women 8 years f/u c/w WHI-16, 000, 6 yr. f/u No HRT Int J Cancer. 2005 Apr 10; 114(3): 448 -54 E 2 plus progesterone: no increased risk of breast See also: De Lignieres B, de Vathaire F, Fournier S, et al. Combined hormone replacement therapy and risk of cancer! breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175 women. Climacteric 2002; 5: 332– 40.

Ordet Study: Int. J. Cancer 112 (2004) (2), pp. 312– 318. Progesterone vs. Breast Cancer in menstruating women 6, 000 women 5 yr. F/U Risk of breast cancer Higher progesterone=lower risk of breast cancer

Progesterone vs. Breast Cancer Progesterone cream applied to the breast reduces proliferation. Chang KJ, Fertil Steril 1995; 63: 785 -91 Biol Reprod (Paris). 1990; 19(3): 269 -74 JM, Fertil Steril. 1998 May; 69(5): 963 -9 Barrat J, J Gynecol Obstet Foidart Estradiol is carcinogenic in breast cell cultures unless progesterone is present. Oct; 87(1): 1 -25 Russo J, J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2003 Normal breast cells proliferate after E 2 treatment, but become quiescent when P is added. Malet C, J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2000 Jun; 73(3 -4): 171 -81 May; 69(5): 963 -9 Foidart JM, Fertil Steril. 1998 Estrogen upregulates cancer-promoting gene

Progesterone vs. Breast Cancer Premenopausal women with low progesterone levels had 5. 4 x risk of early breast cancer 17 Cowan LD, Am J Epidem 1981; 114: 209 - Breast cancer victims have progesterone resistance Simpson HW, Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1998 Mar; 105(3): 345 -51 Progesterone decreases proliferation and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. Feb; 25(1 A): 243 -8 Oct; 11(11): 1593 -607 Ansquer Y, Anticancer Res. 2005 Jan. Groshong SD, Mol Endocrinol. 1997 Progesterone receptor positivity predicts better long-term survival with breast cancer Jul; 38(10): 1329 -34 Nov; 76(1): 65 -71 Costa SD, Eur J Cancer. 2002 Lamy PJ, Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2002

Key: Hormones within the Breasts Compared to the premenopausal breast, postmenopausal breast nipple aspirate fluid has: Same estradiol concentration (youthful serum conc. ) Much lower progesterone concentration Chatterton RT Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Mar; 90(3): 1686 -91 Breasts produce estradiol locally from adrenal androgens (DHEA, androstenedione) Breasts must get progesterone from blood, and they concentrate it by a factor of 3 to 4 x. Gann PH, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006 Jan; 15(1): 3944 In peri-menopause/menopause: No progesterone estrogen dominance in the breasts breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Rate vs. Age Loss of ovarian function higher risk of breast cancer Menopause Ovarian function National Cancer Institute. SEER cancer statistics review 1975 -2002. Table IV-3.

Top European Researchers Agree! “The hypothesis of progesterone …decreasing the proliferative effect of estradiol in the postmenopausal breast remains highly plausible and should be, until the coming of new evidences, the first choice for symptomatic postmenopausal women. ” Modena MG, Sismondi P, Mueck AO, Kuttenn F, Lignieres B, Verhaeghe J, Foidart JM, Caufriez A, Genazzani AR; The TREAT. Maturitas. 2005 Sep 16; 52(1): 1 -10.

So why are most doctors saying that hormone replacement for menopause is dangerous?

2002 WHI Study—“HRT” is Dangerous! Premarin alone given to older postmenopausal women had adverse effects in the first year (strokes, blood clots) (as with all oral estrogens) Adding Provera (Prempro ) caused more adverse effects (breast cancers, heart attacks) Prempro caused a large increase in dementia, probably vascular. Thousands of lawsuits pending; drug companies running a legal-protection propaganda campaign to paint all “hormones” as equally dangerous!

Pharmaceutical “Hormone Replacement Therapy” Horse-urine Premarin approved in 1942 Synthesis of first human steroid hormone, progesterone, in 1942. Poorly absorbed orally Progesterone altered to make “progestins”— among the first drugs to be patented. “HRT”= alien molecules with hormone effects Drug Co. s became dependent on HRT profits 1942 to present—Pharm. Corps. pushed doctors to use hormone substitutes and to ignore or fear natural hormone restoration!

Conventional HRT is really HST: Hormone Substitution Therapy! Estradiol substitutes: conjugated equine estrogens (CEE-Premarin ) and ethinyl estradiol (in birth control pills)=“estrogen” Progesterone substitutes: medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPAProvera ) and 30+ other “progestins” Testosterone substitute: methyltestosterone Patented drugs—not human hormones! Most docs don’t know the difference!

EE in Birth Control Pills Estradiol Ethinyl Estradiol Acetylene EE cannot be inactivated by normal oxidation! EE does not interact with estrogen receptor ! EE is 12, 000 -60, 000 times more potent by weight! EE is highly thrombogenic DVTs, pulmonary emboli

Contraceptive Hormone Substitution is Dangerous EE with alien progestin, shuts down ovaries Lowers testosterone and DHEAS levels ’d risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack 1 -3 x risk of breast cancer ’d blood sugar, blood pressure Up. To. Date 2006 Liver tumors Instead of using BCPs: : Diagnose and fix the hormonal disorder Use a copper IUD for contraception!!

Premarin Conjugated Equine Estrogens Human Horse Estrone Equilin Horse Equilenin CEE contains at least 10 estrogens, only 3 are human; also contains horse androgens and progestins. Klein R The Composition of Premarin. 1998 Int J Fertil 43: 223

Oral Estrogen Replacement is Dangerous First-pass effect on the liver IGF-1, SHBG, CRP, clotting factors blood clots, strokes, heart attacks in the first year Transdermal estradiol has none of these effects! “Oral but not transdermal estrogen is associated with an increased VTE risk. ” 20; 115(7): 840 -5 Canonico M, ESTHER study. Circulation. 2007 Feb Transdermal estradiol improves insulin sensitivity, oral estrogens do not.

Progestins Progesterone Provera Drospirenone Prempro Yasmin Progestins are often called “progesterone”, even in scientific papers!

Progestin Zoo progesteron e Kuhl, Climacteric 2005; 8(Suppl 1 Every progestin has a different spectrum of androgenic, estrogenic, glucocorticoid, and

Scientific studies show that: Provera Progesterone Causes birth defects Can cause depression Insomnia, irritability Fluid retention Raises blood sugar Counteracts estrogeninduced arterial dilation Worsens lipid profile Causes heart attacks Increases estrogenic stimulation of breasts Causes breast cancer Maintains pregnancy Improves mood Improves sleep Diuretic No effect on blood sugar Maintains estrogeninduced arterial dilation Improves lipid profile No evidence of CVD Reduces estrogenic stimulation of breasts Prevents breast cancer

Bioidenticals: ACOG Caves In to Pharma Pressure October 31, 2005, ACOG NEWS RELEASE No Scientific Evidence Supporting Effectiveness or Safety of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Washington, DC – “hormone therapy does not belong to a class of drugs with an indication for individualized dosing…ACOG recommends that all of them should be considered to have the same safety issues as those hormone products that are approved by the FDA and may also have additional risks unique to the compounding process. ” (So……. No differences exist between any: women, estrogens, progestins, bioidentical and alien molecules, or oral vs. transdermal estrogens. All “hormone” therapies are the SAME! ) ACOG is funded by Pharmaceutical Corporations that make hormone substitutes. ACOG’s physicians individually receive money from

Common Sense Substitutes are alien molecules! Problems caused by hormone substitutes cannot be attributed to human hormones until proven otherwise. Problems caused by oral estrogens don’t apply to transdermal estradiol. Bioidentical hormone restoration to restore the youthful hormonal milieu must be considered safe until proven otherwise!

Menopausal Hormone Restoration Daily transdermal estradiol combined with progesterone (sublingual, transdermal). May stop for 5 days each month. No need to cycle and bleed—uterine lining remains thin. No need to stop hormones, ever. Most women need testosterone and DHEA for optimal results.

Estradiol and Progesterone Restoration for Menopause Any Questions?

Female Andropause Young woman’s free testosterone level is 2 x her free estradiol DHEAS declines with age—main source of androgen effect in women Female testosterone levels decline 50% between age 20 and 45. Oral estrogens and birth control pills reduce free testosterone and DHEAS levels

Testosterone for Women Improves energy and mood Improves sexual desire and sensation Increases muscle and tissue strength With estradiol, increases bone density -20 J Reprod Med. 1999 Dec; 44(12): 1012 Probably decreases risk of heart attack Sep; 7(7): 825 -9 J Womens Health. 1998 Opposes estradiol-induced breast stimulation and reduces risk of breast cancer Jun; 25(3): 374 -88 Sep; 14(12): 1725 -30 Menopause. 2003 Jul-Aug; 10(4): 292 -8, Endocr Rev. 2004 Menopause. 2004 Sep-Oct; 11(5): 531 -5, FASEB J. 2000

Andropause in Men Testosterone levels decline slowly in men— “just getting old. ” Fatigue, reduced mental function Passivity and moodiness—loss of drive and ambition Loss of muscle, increased abdominal fat Increased blood sugar and blood pressure Loss of libido, spontaneous erections, and eventually erectile function.

Testosterone Restoration for Men Improves mood and sociability Restores energy and ambition Improves cognition, protects against Alzheimer’s disease Increases libido and sexual performance Increases muscle and bone mass Reduces abdominal fat, improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure-counteracts metabolic syndrome (X)

Testosterone and the Heart Low testosterone levels correlate with coronary artery disease and stroke 54 Arterioscler Thromb. 1994; 14: 701 -706 Eur Heart J 2000; 21; 890– 4 Int J Cardiol. 1998 Jan 31; 63(2): 161 -4 Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1996 Jun; 16(6): 749 - Testosterone dilates coronary arteries— improves angina T increases heart muscle size, strength T decreases fibrinogen levels—prevents blood clots Endocr Res. 2005; 31(4): 335 -44

Testosterone and the Prostate Lower testosterone levels increase the risk of prostate cancer. Endogenous sex hormones and prostate cancer: a collaborative analysis of 18 prospective studies. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Feb 6; 100(3): 170 -83, also Morgenthaler A, Urology 2006; 68: 1263 -7 Testosterone supplementation does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. Morgentaler A, Testosterone replacement therapy and prostate risks: where's the beef? Can J Urol. 2006 Feb; 13 Suppl 1: 40 -3 Low testosterone associated with more aggressive prostate cancers Slater S, Drugs Aging 2000 Dec; 17(6): 431 -9 Testosterone promotes prostate growth to a point, compared to no testosterone, but does not promote prostate cancer.

Testosterone for Women and Men Any Questions?

Growth Hormone Declines 14% per decade after age 25 IGF-1 of many adults equal to hypopituitary patients (only 80 -110 vs. 300 @25 yrs. old) Deficiency heart disease, frailty, depression, body fat, bone loss GH restoration for GH-deficient adults: reduces abdominal fat lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and BP Improves cognition, mood, sleep, energy, stamina Increases muscle, decreases fat Improves bone density, skin thickness Downside: at least $185/mo. , daily injections

What Else Can Hormone Restoration Help? Infertility, PMS, heavy bleeding, endometriosis Insomnia—almost always Heart failure, Angina Mood/Anxiety/Cognitive disorders Autoimmune diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, etc. ) Allergies, skin diseases Every disease/disorder!!

Where Do They Come From? All steroid hormones (including substitutes) are chemically synthesized from diosgenin (wild Mexican yams, soy, and other plants).

Compounding Pharmacies USP-certified bioidentical hormones mixed into creams, sublingual tablets, capsules. Convenient, low cost, locally made Winola Pharmacy—Rt. 307 at Lake Winola, 378 -2885 Harrold’s Pharmacy—W-B, 822 -5794 Fino’s Pharmacy—Dallas, 675 -1141 Hazle Drugs Apothecary—Hazelton 1800 -439 -2026

Controversies Best delivery methods Ideal doses Variations between compounding pharmacies When/how to measure levels and effects To cycle or not to cycle estradiol and progesterone Estriol? Bioidenticals, especially compounded, not well studied—no money.

Doing HR History, consent, contract forms online Get saliva and blood tests before visit, or Dr. Lindner can order tests at initial visit. Individualized adjustment, trial and error Follow-up office visits as needed; at least every 6 months initially, once/year when stable. Telephone follow-ups as needed. Brief e-mail responses are free.

Costs Physician time only as required @ $4/min No Medicare or insurance billing; may submit claim for recognized diagnoses Hormones—$10 to $80/month from compounding pharmacy, often covered by insurance Diurnal salivary cortisol test—$138, or insurance Blood tests—insurance usually covers, or pay for discount labs ~$50 to $300 Out-of-pocket professional fees and prescription hormones are tax-deductible

For More Information The Hormone Solution—Stay Younger Longer Thierry Hertoghe, MD The Miracle of Natural Hormones David Brownstein, MD How to Achieve Healthy Aging—Look, Live, and Feel Fantastic After 40 Neal Rouzier, MD Life Extension Foundation (www. lef. org) Information and hundreds of abstracts at www. hormonerestoration. com. Contact me: Henry@hormonerestoration. com