WhatÂ’s the Best Way to Make a Hormone? Naturally!
Hormones used in WHI study not identical to human bodyÂ’s own, not tailored to individual's needs, says hormone specialist Nisha Jackson
(PRWEB) March 5, 2004
Women who are taking or considering hormone treatments received another shock this week when the National Institutes of Health announced that it has halted the estrogen-only phase of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study.
What's a Woman to Do?
Does this mean that women should refuse all types of hormone therapy? Not at all, says hormone specialist Nisha Jackson, Ph. D., a women's practitioner in Medford, Ore. There are safe, effective alternatives to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hormone Education
"Women need to educate themselves about how hormonal balance can seriously affect their lives, and in turn how their lifestyle affects their hormone levels," says Jackson. "They also need to know the difference between bioidentical hormones that exactly match those produced by the human body and synthetic hormones, such as those used in this study, that don't."
Not Your Mama's Estrogen
The trademarked pharmaceutical products used in the WHI study are not biologically identical to human hormones and are therefore more likely to cause unwanted side effects. Bioidentical, or natural, hormones are made by a compounding pharmacy to match exactly the body's own hormones and allow choices for dosing, potency and application method (including capsules, creams and patches).
Your Personal Hormone Profile
In her practice Jackson stresses individualized testing. Controlled scientific experiments such as the WHI study use a "one size fits all" approach, giving the same dosage to everyone without regard for each woman's unique needs.
"The key to safe, successful treatment is in getting your hormone levels tested first," says Jackson. "Then you and your healthcare provider can determine the best way to get back in balance." That often includes making some changes in diet and lifestyle in addition to taking natural hormone supplements.
About Nisha Jackson
Jackson, whose clinics have helped thousands of women achieve hormonal harmony, is the author of "The Hormone Survival Guide for Perimenopause: Balance Your Hormones Naturally" (ISBN 0-9742067-0-9, 192 pages, Larkfield Publishing, $14.95). She hosts a popular call-in show Monday through Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 9:00 on radio station KDOV 91.7 FM, broadcast throughout southern Oregon and northern California.
For more information on hormones, perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) and Dr. Jackson's new book, visit www. hormonesurvival. com
