Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy by Dr. John Woodward

When do people feel their “best” ? Typically between the ages of 18-25 when we are “in our prime”. This is when our hormone levels are ideal. So, the goal of hormone replacement therapy, HRT, is to restore hormone levels to the normal range for a 25 year old person. Hormones are what drive how we feel, how we look and the energy and motivation we have.

The ideal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) process involves assessment or measurement of hormone levels; and supplementation with the goal of normalizing levels to those of a 20-25 year old, when we are at our best “in our prime”.

Transdermal delivery of hormones is one of the best available methods of delivery for hormones and pro-hormones. It makes sense. We metabolize many things in the skin. The dermis is our largest organ. The dermis is in fact where many processes of metabolism occur. When supplementation of hormones is administered via a transdermal vehicle the body absorbs through the skin into the blood in small capillaries.

Vitamin D and other pro-hormones and hormones are produced in the skin. This is well demonstrated by medical research. One excellent demonstration of this is a study performed at University of Toronto Medical School by Dr. Fernand Labrie et al published in 2007 in Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

My Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) process involves assessment of hormone levels - ideally the “free” levels of hormones present in the blood in finger-stick blood (at the extremities). Then recommend beginning supplementation of pro-hormones or base building blocks of hormones to normalize levels.

This can be done safely using an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement like Twist 25 DHEA cream. Give that time to work. This may take up to 3 months since small daily administration via transdermal supplementation is very subtle. But great good is done by small consistent daily administration over time.

Begin with DHEA. Then more specific hormone levels down the cascade of metabolism can be tested supplemented and retested to monitor levels every 6 - 12 weeks. A physician trained in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can determine what specific hormones such as progesterone, estrogen or testosterone may be needed to regain normal levels.

Once optimal levels of bioidentical hormones is achieved, subdermal pellets can be custom compounded and implanted by a physician every few months to maintain normal levels.

There is no reason maintaining bioidentical hormones at normal levels (when we are healthiest) would be dangerous or harmful. In fact, on the contrary medical research reveals that maintaining normal hormone levels improves immune response, vascular health, bone density, mood and cognition. Maintaining hormone levels also enhances sex drive, sleep, skin hydration and muscle tone. Low levels of DHEA are associated with most diseases of aging.

Start with the basics. Take care of yourself. Its all the little things we do like eating healthy foods and exercising that keep us healthy and allow us to mature gracefully and enjoy life. A few mild supplements can be very helpful.

Try Twist 25 DHEA Supplement Cream.

Please visit www.abouthormones.org to learn more or contact my office to schedule an appointment.

John R. Woodward, MD
Tel: 972-566-7870