Bio-Identical Hormones
Bio-identical hormones are slowly gaining attention over synthetic hormones as a treatment for various medical conditions, especially symptoms caused by menopause. Many practitioners utilizing bio-identical hormone therapy focus on treating the root cause of a problem and practicing preventative medicine so that symptoms are not merely masked by drugs, but treated and cured.

In 2002 the National Institute of Health released findings that stated the risks of using synthetic estrogen hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause might far outweigh the benefits. Premarin, a synthetic estrogen that utilizes hormones from PREgnant MARes’ urINe, was originally thought to not only reduce symptoms of menopause, but also decrease the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. But the 2002 study showed that long-term use of this therapy could cause a vast array of side effects not limited to invasive breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, heart attack, type II diabetes, and other frequent effects like migraines, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. Since the study, the use of bio-identical hormones in replacement therapy has become a much more prominent and viable alternative.

Steven Ross, DC, FASBE, director of Ross Health and Wellness in Solana Beach, uses functional diagnostic lab testing in order to find the specific root cause of the problem. According to Ross and well-documented scientific research, stresses we feel every day, both internal and external, cause hormonal imbalances. "When a woman experiences prolonged stress, pregnenolone, a hormone essential for both coping with stress and producing female sex hormones, is diverted from the normal hormone pathway," says Ross. Rather than overloading the body with synthetic hormones, Ross may often recommend bio-identical pregnenolone to help balance the overload of stress hormones with the lacking sex hormones. Ross also may recommend DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which becomes testosterone and estrogen. Saliva tests are used to determine bioavailable hormone levels. Along with the hormones, Ross helps patients examine what may be causing stress in their lives and look for ways to reduce stress and live healthier.

Recently, Ross authored the upcoming book, Curing the Cause & Preventing Disease, which will feature six CDs and a DVD. Ross will also be opening his second clinic in San Diego, Balboa Wellness Center, this month.
(858/481-1131, www.drstevenross.com)

"Most people think of hormone replacement therapy in terms of giving women estrogen," says Michael E. Platt, MD, a bio-identical hormone expert based in Rancho Mirage. However, a woman’s body never really stops producing estrogen because it’s made by fat cells, skin cells, and the adrenal glands. Platt calls estrogen a "toxic hormone" as it is known to cause six different types of cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and other ailments. Estrogen also creates fat and cellulite.

After menopause, levels of progesterone and testosterone greatly decrease and must be restored. Progesterone can reduce hot flashes and help prevent and treat osteoporosis, but the hormone can benefit non-menopausal women as well. Low progesterone levels can contribute to morning sickness, difficulty getting pregnant, and miscarriages. Benefits of progesterone include prevention of endometriosis, fibroids, and estrogen-induced cancers. It’s also a natural anti-depressant and helps to burn fat. Replacement of testosterone is important for women as it protects against Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and helps build heart muscle. It’s also essential for libido.

Men should be aware that they can benefit from hormone replacement as well, especially with testosterone, which helps prevent diseases like prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s.

The second edition of Platt’s book, The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones, was recently released. In the future, Platt will hold seminars on bio-identical hormones at Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe.

Hormones can be prescribed in various forms, including tablets, liquids, and creams. Liquids and creams prove very effective because the hormones are directly absorbed by the body. Keep in mind that hormones need to be used in proper prescribed dosages. If used properly, there are typically very few side effects. If you talk with your doctor and he or she will not prescribe hormones, Platt suggests visiting a compounding pharmacy, which can direct you to a practitioner who will. (760/836-3232,
www.drplatt.com) — Rina Van Orden

Let Your Soul Shine
The recently opened Soul Shine boutique in Del Mar offers a unique collection of items to soothe your senses and liven up your life. Selling everything from Brazilian açai juices and organic chocolate to lingerie and leather, the eclectic boutique provides specialty products and brands that you won’t typically find other places and keeps prices affordable. "We have things that are good for you and make you feel good," says co-owner Kymberly Nelson. Nelson and her best friend and co-owner Melanie Bivens created the Soul Shine Network, an organization that acts as a facilitator for members to find the kind of healthcare that is right for them, whether it be traditional medicine or alternative, Eastern or Western. Members receive a preferred rate with practitioners and can utilize a concierge service that helps maintain appointments. On September 8, the Soul Shine Network will be celebrating its official launch with a gathering for its members and founding practitioners. (858/793-1907, www.soul-shine.net)
— Rina Van Orden, photo by Vincent Knakal