The prior articles in this series in Natural Awakenings discussed in depth the need for using a balanced hormone protocol, hence, to create unique customized formulas for every individual according to need and goals. Formulas are created at compounding pharmacies by physician prescription. Other issues to consider when contemplating the use of hormone replacement therapy continue here:

1- Many ask: Are these hormones “natural”, and the answer (that initially may disturb some) is “no”. The hormones used in holistic hormone replacement regimens are absolutely synthesized in labs: they are not derived from animals as is, for example, Armour thyroid, which comes from a “natural “pig source, wherein the thyroid tissue is dried and made into tablet form. However, the hormones used in holistic hormone replacement are chemically identical or “bioidentical” to those found in humans, and can, as such, interact directly as if they were created by our own bodies.

2- Other than using “bioidenticals”, made chemically to replicate our own, other safe use practices should be implemented when using hormones. In fact, these practices should be used by all, even those not using supplemental hormones, but starting a new regimen can serve as a reminder to use these safety measures with regard to preventing cancers of our sexual organs.

• Maintain regular surveillance testing. For men, this includes yearly PSAg and PAP blood work as well as routine prostate and manual breast exams to detect any changes. For women, this includes pelvic and/or transvaginal ultrasounds to examine all pelvic organs, including ovaries, and yearly breast studies. Some thought might be given to what kinds of breast studies are best. Mammography via CT done multiple times over the years can cause considerable irradiation of the breasts, as well as pressure-related discomfort, sometimes severe. Other options include ultrasound (often an add-on after mammography), MRI, or the relatively unknown thermographic study. In the latter, the picture of the breast is taken with a camera that shows the relative heat of different parts of the breast. No irradiation is involved, and the breasts are not compressed or even touched. If a mass is growing, requiring the proliferation of new blood vessels to feed it, a corresponding “hotspot” will show up on the scan. Any of these studies, if suspicious in any way, can always be followed up with additional studies or repeated in short order
• In addition to breast/prostate studies, blood levels of all hormones should be taken every three to six months to follow them.
• Safety measures should also include certain basic protective nutrients,amongst these iodine, and Vitamin D3 (all at levels that must be monitored), as well as Co Q10, cruciferous vegetable extract products (I3C and/or DIM) and perhaps calcium-d-glucarate, resveratrol and others to enhance immunity.

3- Any tenderness or bleeding should immediately lead to diminishing or ceasing hormones and at least to recalculating the dosage, and if persistent, proper prostate, breast, or pelvic exams by specialists should be done.

Various hormone replacement protocols will be addressed in the last article in this series.

If you have your own questions that you would like to see included in “Hormone Replacement: FAQ’s,” please submit them to [email protected].

Since her mentorship with Dr. Robert Atkins, Dr. Robin Ellen Leder has provided functional/holistic medical care to thousands of patients at her Hackensack office, treating a wide variety of hormonal, immunological, metabolic, GI, psychological and auto-immune issues through diet, supplements, and minimal use of medication. She has taken numerous courses in the safe and effective use of bioidentical hormones to achieve long term health and well-being. Each of her patients is evaluated individually, and ultimately decisions are made by doctor and patient working as a team. To learn more about the doctor’s work and approach, visit her website at drrobinleder.com