Women's Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

1. Increased breakdown of fat, weight loss and reduced body fat.
2. Decreased incidence of heart disease and atherosclerotic plaque.
3. Increased energy and exercise capacity.
4. Improved vitality and quality of life.
5. Increased strength, endurance and muscle tone.
6. Improvement in hair, skin, and nails.
7. Improved sleep and well-being.
8. Reduced levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
9. Less incidence of heart disease and diabetes.
10. Progesterone decreases the incidence of breast and endometrial cancer.

Hormones are molecules that are synthesized and secreted by specialized cells, which are frequently localized in endocrine glands. Hormones are released into the circulation and have biochemical effects on target cells. The presence of specific hormone receptors determines the action of hormones. Hormones activate the cellular machinery, resulting in an increase in metabolism, protein synthesis, cellular repair, and cell replication. Hormones have an impact on all aspects of aging. Hormones have the potential to slow down the aging process and assist in the preservation of good health. While nothing reverses aging, we can employ techniques of preventative medicine, such as "the avoidance of risk factors for disease, optimal nutrition, adequate exercise, caloric restriction, antioxidant therapy, and optimal hormone replacement." We can undoubtedly slow down the aging process in order to achieve a higher quality of life, less illness, and a decrease in deterioration, as well as to improve our physical and mental health. This is genuine preventative medicine. 

The bioidentical hormone molecule is structurally identical to the hormone  that is naturally present in the body. FDA approved compounding pharmacies are able to provide pure pharmaceutical grade hormones and compound them to the specifications ordered by your provider to meet your individual needs. "The pure biologically identical (human identical) hormone is either extracted from plants or synthetically manufactured."¹ Pharmaceutical companies cannot  patent natural or biological compounds. Nevertheless, they have the  ability to patent molecules that are chemically distinct and different from naturally occurring hormones. These commercially available hormones can create uncertain and alarming side effects These are the medications traditional western medicine utilizes. At Mountain River Health we prescribe bioidentical hormones

Thyroid hormone is metabolic hormone secreted by the thyroid gland and affects every cell in the body. The Thyroid hormone:

• Regulates temperature, metabolism, and cerebral function. 
• Protects against cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol. 
• Improves cerebral metabolism and prevents cognitive impairment. 
• Relieves symptoms of thin sparse hair, dry skin, and thin nails. 
• Effective treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

People who suffer from low thyroid function tend to experience: 

• fatigue and low energy, 
• difficulty losing weight, 
• slower thinking and actions, 
• thinning hair,
• forgetfulness, 
• mental confusion, 
• depression, 
• arthritis-like pain, and 
• susceptibility to colds and infections. 

Many of these aspects are considered normal aging or misdiagnosed as depression since it's hard to get out of bed in the morning. However, we know that these symptoms can be caused by thyroid insufficiency. 

Testosterone is not only for men, it is also a female sex hormone as it improves libido and sexual performance. Total hormone replacement means restoring all of our hormones to the levels of our physical and mental peaks. Testosterone plays a crucial role in the physical and emotional health of women. Replenishment of testosterone in women contributes to the:

• Enhancement of libido/sexual drive, 
• Relief of menopausal symptoms, 
• Restoration of energy, 
• Strengthening of bone, 
• prevention of osteoporosis, 
• Improvement of an overall sense of well-being and zest for life.,
• Improvement of skin, muscles, tendons, and joints. 
• Enhancement of memory and, 
• protects against the development of Alzheimer's disease. 

The NEJM reviewed testosterone replacement for women and found it the best therapy for improving energy along with estrogen and progesterone. 

Estradiol is the naturally occurring hormone in our bodies. Estradiol is extracted from plants. Estrogen, derived from animals,  is the name pharmaceutical companies call their product. Mountain River IV, Health, & Wellness only uses the bioidentical version, Estradiol. Read below for some of the benefits of using estradiol:

• Estradiol protects against heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and memory disorders
• Estradiol improves vaginal atrophy, incontinence, and decreases UTIs
• Estradiol contributes to the maintenance of appropriate HDL cholesterol levels and the strength and health of the pelvic floor 
• Estradiol reduces macular degeneration, cataracts
• Estradiol helps decrease colon cancer
• Estradiol impacts overall brain function and mood 
• Estradiol regulates the menstrual cycle 
• Estradiol supports the health of the skin, hair, and bones
• Estradiol facilitates the growth and regeneration of female reproductive tissues 
• Estradiol helps maintain a healthy libido 

Let us help optimize your estradiol levels to be healthy and have the best quality of life.

Progesterone stands for pro-gestational or the hormone of pregnancy. It is absolutely necessary for the initiation and maintenance of pregnancy.  Women in menopause lose progesterone, which protects against uterine cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.  Unfortunately, most doctors do not replace the lost progesterone with progesterone, but they use synthetic, chemically different drug called Provera.

Progesterone is another female hormone of equal  importance as estradiol for the aging woman. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries and is used to balance estradiol. It too can safely and effectively:

• relieve menopausal symptoms
• protect against cancer
• prevent osteoporosis
• improve overall well-being
• treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual migraines
• reduce moodiness, anxiety, and emotional irritability 
• reduces fluid retention 

Ask us how optimizing your progesterone levels can help you.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and is derived from cholesterol. Any hormone that is derived from cholesterol or sterols is called a steroid. DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are all beneficial natural steroids. DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body. DHEA is the building block that is necessary to make estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

• DHEA improves the function of the immune system, brain function, relieve stress
• DHEA has shown to be a very potent anti-cancer supplement. 
• DHEA increases energy...reducing body fat and cholesterol, 
• DHEA helps in preventing heart disease.  
• DHEA has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,
• DHEA protects against diabetes and greater control for those with diabetes.
• DHEA protects against increased glucose, increased weight, and obesity.
• DHEA was shown to improve the quality of life and 
• DHEA postpones many of the unpleasant effects of aging such as fatigue, and muscle weakness.
• DHEA helps you sleep better, have more energy, and are better equipped to handle stress.
• DHEA benefits immune enhancement, anti-cancer effects, anti-atherosclerotic effects, and cognitive enhancement.
• DHEA is currently being shown in studies to be effective in helping to treat Lupus.

It is important to understand that we produce half the DHEA at age 40 then we did when we were 20. Some elderly people produce no DHEA whatsoever which puts them at significant risk.