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Family history
important for hormone therapy
by Dr. Margaret Beeson ND
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We
have been prescribing bio-identical hormones for 13 years and
have been working with Juro’s Pharmacy and
other
compounding pharmacies, here in Billings, for at least 10 years.
We feel that it is very important for women
to
have a complete history and physical exam before beginning any
hormone therapy. Our goal is to establish a
relationship that will allow women to understand the benefits,
risks and limitations of hormone therapy, as well as
expose
them to the many options regarding this important aspect of
their health care program.
Having worked with hundreds of women who are experiencing a
variety of symptoms associated with the
“change of life”, it is pretty clear to me that proper
management of these symptoms takes more than simply
prescribing hormones, of any type. Also, we find that women are
very savvy about their needs and are quickly
able
to give us valuable feedback to help us adjust their custom made
formulations. We do use testing, as
necessary, either at a patient’s request or if it appears that
it will provide additional information to refine a formula.
Salivary hormone testing is often recommended by popular books
or web sites. We have used these and have
not
found them to be reliable or significantly useful to us or our
patients, over the years. We have also used 24
hour
urinary hormone analysis, which has provided us with some
helpful information. Recently we are the most
satisfied
with a comprehensive Female Hormone Health Assessment panel,
which uses the serum portion of the
blood to evaluate a number of the important hormones involved in
menopausal issues. The test measures: DHEA,
progesterone, Sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, and
five estrogens. Estradiol, estrone, estriol,
2-methoxyestrone
and 16-hydroxyestrone. This test helps to identify how a woman
utilizes and clears hormones.
It
is true that a one-time evaluation of just estrogen or
progesterone, from a blood sample, may have limited use.
However,
when you evaluate a number of the reproductive hormones
simultaneously, many different aspects of
an
individuals’ hormone metabolism come to light.
When this information is integrated with a woman’s personal and
family health history, and current symptoms,
an
individualized treatment program can be discussed and
recommended. It is helpful for women to have the
opportunity to discuss their needs and concerns regarding
hormones, as well. A relationship with a physician
experienced
in the use of bio-identical hormones and the opportunity to work
together to get the most effective
formula for you is the safest and beneficial way of addressing
hormone therapy.
Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655
ync@180com.net
Dispensary
406·254·9682
dispensary@yncnaturally.com
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