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WHAT ARE HORMONES?
Hormone, secretory substance carried from one gland or organ of the body via the bloodstream to more or less specific tissues, where it exerts some influence upon the metabolism of the target tissue. Normally, various hormones are produced and secreted by the endocrine glands (see endocrine system), including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, ovaries, testes, pancreatic islets, certain portions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the placenta, among the mammalian species. As lack of any one of them may cause serious disorders, many hormones are now produced synthetically and used in treatment where a deficiency exists. The hormones of the anterior pituitary include thyrotropin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, the gonadotropic hormones, and growth hormone; the posterior pituitary secretes antidiuretic hormone, prolactin, and oxytocin. The thyroids secrete thyroxine and calcitonin, and the parathyroids secrete parathyroid hormone. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine while the cortex of the same gland releases aldosterone, corticosterone, cortisol, and cortisone. The ovaries primarily secrete estrogen and progesterone and the testes testosterone. The adrenal cortex, ovaries, and testes in fact produce at least small amounts of all of the steroid hormones. The islets of Langerhans in the pancreas secrete insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, which produces erythrocytes (red blood cells). The passage of chyme (see digestive system) from the stomach to the duodenum causes the latter to release secretin, which stimulates the flow of pancreatic juice. The duodenum can also be stimulated by the presence of fats in the chyme to secrete cholecystokinin, a hormone that stimulates the gall bladder to contract and release bile. There is evidence that the upper intestine secretes pancreatozymin, which enhances the amount of digestive enzymes in the pancreatic juice. In addition, the pyloric region of the stomach secretes gastrin, a hormone that increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid into the stomach. The placenta has been shown to secrete progesterone and chorionic gonadotropin. There is evidence that it even contains a substance similar to growth hormone. Insects have a unique hormonal system that includes ecdysone, a steroid that influences molting and metamorphosis, and juvenile hormone, needed for early development. Plants, too, have a hormonal system, which includes the auxins, the gibberellins, the cytokinins, and substances associated with the formation of flowers, tubers, bulbs, and buds. Ethylene is said to function as a hormone in plants, acting to hasten the ripening of fruits.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC HORMONES?
The term "natural" hormones simply means that these hormones are chemically the same as the ones the human body produces. They are also called "bio-identical" or "human iso-molecular." "Synthetic" hormones refers to those manufactured with a chemical structure that is foreign to the human body but mimics some hormonal activity. An example of natural hormones would be Estriol, Biest, Triest, Progesterone, Testosterone, and DHEA. An example of synthetic hormones would be Premarin, Prempro, Climara, Estratest, Estratab, and all birth control pills.
WHY DO NATURAL HORMONES REQUIRE A PRESCRIPTION?
Natural hormones can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. Compounding or formulating a customized dosage for an individual person is a function a pharmacist performs only with the permission of the physician. All of the ingredients may not be prescription, however anything that is compounded must be prescribed.
WHERE DO THESE HORMONES COME FROM?
Natural hormones are obtained from sterol analogues found in many varieties of plants, primarily soybean and yam. The estrogen and progesterone powder is transformed chemically from the plant into the human bio-identical hormones.
HOW DO I GET STARTED ON NATURAL HORMONES?
Natural hormone replacement therapy must be customized for each person. Only after a thorough review of her symptoms and history can an effective regimen be designed. You may contact one of our hormone consultants if you are interested. They will, in conjunction with your physician, develop a treatment regimen designed just for you. This recommendation will then be faxed to your physician for his or her approval, after obtaining the approval of the physician your medication will be custom made for you.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
Ideally, there are no side effects since the hormones are given with the intention of restoring normal hormone levels. Side effects occur only if one hormone is out of balance with the others. It is important to realize that if you experience side effects a simple adjustment will be made to stop the side effects.
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