What are Bioidentical Hormones
All of the news about hormone replacement for women is very exciting. As a physician in women’s healthcare, I have a special interest in what I feel may be best for the aging woman. There are many misconceptions about hormones. Bio-identical hormones are generally plant derived substances that are engineered to have the exact chemical structure as the hormones in our bodies. The body recognizes these “natural” hormones as their own. Hormone replacement can have amazing benefit. Here are a few:
- Improved Energy
- Better memory and mental acuity
- Cardio protection
- Bone health
- Reduce or eliminate symptoms of PMS and PCOS
- Reduce or eliminate Menopausal symptoms
- Balance of mood and less depression
- Maintenance of good skin, hair and teeth
- Improved muscle definition and normalization of weight
- Enhanced libido and sexuality
SYNTHETIC HORMONES AND THE DRUG COMPANIES:
The drug company alters the structure of hormones so they can obtain a patent on the new chemical structure. This alteration is required in order for the drug company to obtain a patent and the exclusive marketing rights to the “new drug”. Only chemically altered substances can be patented. Substances found in nature such as vitamins and bioidentical hormones are protected by federal regulation. Natural hormones therefore cannot be patented and generally are not profitable for the manufacturer. Drug companies have little incentive to invest time, money, or even studies to promote a substance that won’t enhance the bottom line.
Dr. Edgerton has created a comprehensive program for healthy living that is centered around natural hormone replacement. Read more at www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com.
Fertility Tip!
If you are trying to conceive, knowing when to have intercourse is sometimes tough. There is no alarm that goes off when women ovulate. Two things I suggest to my patients: Try using an over the counter ovulation kit. This narrows the window of when you should have sex. Secondly, if you don’t want to do any tests, you can monitor your menstrual cycles with a calendar. If you count back 14 days from the first day of your period then that is the day you probably ovulated. Doing this allows you to find out how long your cycle is and predict when you may be the most fertile.
Collecting your Baby’s Cord Blood
Question: Should I consider saving my baby’s umbilical cord blood?
Answer: In my opinion. Yes. Collection of the cord blood allows parents and patients to store high quality stem cells for future use. These stem cells can repair damage in the body for a number of different tissue types. This field of medicine is really expanding and exciting. Currently patients with leukemia, sickle cell dz, blood disorders, etc are seeing the benefit. The future will likely aid in cerebral palsy, cardiac, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and more. The drawbacks are the upfront cost and the fact you only have one chance to collect the high quality cells. I will definitely store it for my next child. All pregnant women need to know their options with respect to collecting their baby’s cord blood. — Dr. Edgerton
May 2008
Question: There are a lot of tests early in pregancy, what is the nuchal translucency test my doctor was talking about?
Answer: I know we give out a lot of information in a short amount of time during our visits, so it is easy to miss this one. The nuchal translucency ultrasound or NT (for short) is an measurement of the skin fold behind the babys neck between 11 and 13 weeks. Newer Studies have shown that this measurment is a predictor for Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Trisomy 18. The measurement is combined with blood tests results to get a very early risk screen. This early screening can capture approximately 85 to 90 percent of cases. Early screening allows your physician to guide you on whether you need a more invasive test such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis — Dr. Edgerton
May 2008
Hello Everyone!
I am going to answer some of the more frequently asked questions we get in the office each month. I will try combine questions about obstetrics, gynecology, and fertility. Feel free to comment with your own questions. — Dr. Edgerton
Welcome to Austin Area’s Blog!
This site is designed for friendly interaction between patients and staff. Have Fun! — Dr. Edgerton
