Bioidentical Hormones

I had my second saliva test about two months ago. My hormone cream was changed up a bit to fit my current needs. That is what is so important! Our hormones change all the time. Bioidentical hormones are mixed to fit exactly what each person needs and can be changed when necessary.

I have encouraged you in my previous posts to read and learn about bioidentical hormones. I strongly suggest that you do not self medicate. You may find a scenario that you believe fits you exactly. You want to do something right then, so you go shopping for hormones creams. Yes, they are out there! But please, find a bioidentical doctor and go that route. There are so many factors that influence the correct mix of hormonal cream for you.

Menopause is a serious condition. Menopause needs to be followed just like any other hormone replacement therapy. Hormone dosages may need to be continuously adjusted around any women's aging and changing lifestyle. Your personal history is to be factored in as well. Blood pressure, insulin and blood sugar levels all play a part in finding the right mix.

Bioidentical Hormones - Aging Isn't So Bad!: Menopause!?!?

Well, life got in the way and I haven't posted in awhile. I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis and I have to admit that it took me by surprise! I have always tried to make the right decisions for good health. I eat right, I exercise and I have an active life. As I have read about osteoporosis, I realize that it is very common in older women, especially women who are petite and have a small frame. In fact, I have been more at risk all along and didn't realize it.

My first thought was that I was doing something wrong with my bioidentical hormones. Safe to say that all is well in that department. I just have to take a pill once a month and do weight bearing exercises. All in the name of good health, right! So once again, taking care of our bodies as we age is of utmost importance. We must eat right (step away from the salt shaker and do you really need that bag of chips?), exercise at least three days a week for thirty minutes. If you do all these things and keep your hormones in balance, you will feel better, look better and just plain feel good about yourself. That's what we're looking for day in and day out!

Hormonal Balance

During menopause, our bodies hormones are unbalanced. They are always shifting, sometimes on a daily basis. Our bodies perform optimally when our hormones are in balance. Finding that perfect balance is challenging. It can be a daunting task to learn the many functions of all the hormones that drive our daily activities. All of my reading led me to find that many "ads" claiming to relieve menopausal symptoms were all "one size fits all" preparations. Reading the fine print about possible side effects seemed daunting at best. I turned to my personal physician and was told time and again that when I reached post menopause, she would talk to me about hormones. That just wasn't good enough. I had done enough reading to know that I could be helped right now! So I continued to read and I will admit that I was quite tempted to reach for one of the "one size fits all" preparations. That's how desperate I was. And then I came across a paragraph that really jumped out at me. Balanced hormones prevent disease. Young people do not get the diseases of aging, because aging is the loss of hormones. As we lose our hormones in the aging process, we continue to look and feel good but eventually, without our hormones, which provide nourishment to our organs, we start to have problems. A disease here, a medical problem there; and eventually we die because we are no longer being nurtured and nourished by our hormones. It is then that our bodies give out on us.

Menopause!?!?

And then there came menopause! Actually, it came out of nowhere. Here I was living my life, going about my business and all of a sudden I was having a hot flash. A really bad hot flash! What was wrong with me and then it hit me like a ton of bricks - MENOPAUSE. That was my rude awakening. I started reading about menopause, everything I could get my hands on - books, searches on the internet - if it had the word menopause in it, I read it! The light bulb finally came on...I had been in menopause for quite a few years. Sure, I was forgetful, but I had become very forgetful. That's one sign! For a period of time, every night one spot on my leg itched. I scratched it so much that I'm surprised it didn't bleed. There's another sign. Moody, crabby...who me? One more sign. And what is up with night sweats! I'm talking about being so sweaty that your sheets are wet. Really!?! And why was I so tired and sleepy all the time. Maybe because when I did go to bed, I couldn't sleep. I mean, how can you when you wake up every hour? Oh, and did I mention being bloated. It used to be just once a month, but now it seemed like every day. And last but not least, where did my sex drive go? Wow! I was so unprepared for menopause. My mother certainly never talked about it. So what now? All my reading pointed to the fact that my hormones were all out of whack. Okay. I can learn about hormones! I can ask questions of my doctor and once again, I can read. Reading made me dangerous - there are synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones. How on earth does one decide? So I kept reading...and reading...

Older in Age - Younger at Heart!

Why is it that hindsight is always 20/20? Why do we find out late in life the things that we really needed to know much earlier? I spent my teens, 20's, 30's and even early 40's in great misery from my monthly cycle and horrendous migraines. I knew there had to be a better way, but with working 50+ hours a week and taking care of three boys (I am divorced), there wasn't much extra time. Going without sleep wasn't an option!

I have at different times throughout my life implemented great exercise programs and have always tried to eat healthy. But I always fall off the wagon, so to speak. And then a few weeks or even months later, I try again. But as you get older, that just isn't enough. I've always been a very active person and feel that I am in great shape for my age. I'm almost 55! For the past 6 years, I have been searching for that elusive quest. How can I feel better and stay healthy as I age?

Well, this is what my blog is going to be about. My search for good health and somewhere along the way learning about and using bioidentical hormones!