Hormonal Imbalance:Disease Indicator, Part 2

Hormones which need testing. The major sex hormones to assess, according to Dr. Merced, are estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. The main adrenal hormones are DHEA and cortisol. These five hormones will provide crucial information about deficiencies, excesses, and daily patterns, which then result in a specifically tailored treatment approach.

Below is a brief description of each of the five hormones:

• Estrogen comes in three forms made by the body: estrone, estradiol and estriol. Estradiol is the form used in past hormone replacement therapies, often in the form of concentrated pregnant mare's urine (premarin). It is a proliferative (causes growth) hormone that grows the lining of the uterus; a known cancer-causing hormone that can induce breast and endometrial (uterine) in women and prostate cancer in men. It can treat menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, insomnia and memory-loss. With the bio-identical formulas, estriol is matched with estradiol (biest) to provide protective effects and additional estrogenic benefits. The other major protector in keeping estradiol from running amok is progesterone.
  

• Progesterone is called the anti-estrogen hormone because it balances estradiol's proliferative effects. It is considered preventive for breast and prostate cancers as well as osteoporosis. In addition, too little progesterone promotes depression, irritability, increased inflammation, irregular menses, breast tenderness, urinary frequency and prostate gland enlargement (BPH).
  

• Testosterone is an anabolic hormone (builds tissue) that is essential for men and women. The proper level of testosterone is necessary for bone health, muscle strength, stamina, sex drive and performance, heart function and mental focus.
  

• DHEA is an important adrenal gland hormone which is essential for energy production and blood sugar balance. DHEA is a precursor to other hormones, mainly testosterone.
  

• Cortisol is your waking day hormone (highest in the morning and lowest at night). It is necessary for energy production, blood sugar metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects and stress response.

Some of the common imbalances identified through testing include estrogen dominance, estrogen deficiency, progesterone deficiency, androgen (testosterone and DHEA) excess or deficiencies, adrenal dysfunction and adrenal fatigue.

Finally, Dr. Merced enumerates the steps in checking if our hormones are balanced:

• Saliva test for hormone levels.
• Review the results with your doctor.
• Determine together the hormone supplementation program best for you.
• Repeat testing and follow up with your practitioner as advised.