What You Must Know About Women's Hormones »

Hormonal imbalances can occur at any age-before, during, or after menopause. The reasons for these imbalances vary widely, and can include heredity, environment, nutrition, and aging. While most hormone-related problems are associated with menopause, the fact is that fluctuating hormonal levels can also cause a variety of other conditions, and for some women, the effects can be truly debilitating. What You Must Know About Women's Hormones is a clear and concise guide to the treatment of hormonal irregularities without the health risks associated with standard hormone replacement therapy.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I describes the body's own hormones, looking at their functions and the different side effects that can occur if these hormones are not at optimal levels. Part II focuses on the most common problems that arise from hormonal imbalances, such as PMS, hot flashes, postpartum depression, and endometriosis. You will learn that even disorders that seemingly have nothing to do with hormones, such as heart disease and osteoporosis, can be affected by a hormonal imbalance. Lastly, Part III details hormone replacement therapy, focusing on the difference between natural and synthetic hormone treatments. It explains how you can have your hormonal levels measured, and provides examples of the various hormone replacement therapies available.

Whether you are looking for help with menopausal symptoms or you simply want to enjoy vibrant health and well-being, What You Must Know About Women's Hormones can make a profound difference in the quality of your life.

Library Journal

Hormones play a vital role in normal human physiology, but an imbalance may cause health problems and unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Here, physician Smith (What You Must Know About Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, & More), who specializes in antiaging medicine, tackles hormones and the treatment of hormonal irregularities. She begins by discussing individual hormones, their roles in bodily functions, and how they work together. She then focuses on common problems that result from hormonal imbalance like premenstrual syndrome, postpartum depression, and, more seriously, osteoporosis and heart disease. The final section discusses hormone-replacement therapy and the difference between natural and synthetic hormone treatments. Smith is a proponent of natural or bioidentical hormones in custom-compounded drugs. However, this treatment has no evidence-based literature to support it, and these hormones are not approved by the FDA. Smith is a diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Physicians, an institute not recognized by the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, or the American Board of Medical Specialties. VERDICT Skip this and buy an extra copy of Our Bodies, Ourselves and Barbara Seaman and Laura Eldridge's No-Nonsense Guide to Menopause.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L.

Acknowledgments vii

Preface viii

Introduction 1

Part I Hormones

Introduction 4

Estrogen 5

Progesterone 19

Estrogen/Progesterone Ratio 24

Testosterone 26

DHEA 30

Cortisol 32

Pregnenolone 38

Insulin 40

Thyroid Hormone 43

Melatonin 57

Prolactin 59

Part II Aliments and Problems

Introduction 62

Acidity 63

Acne 63

Adenocarcinoma 63

Age Spots 63

Allergies 63

Anxiety 63

Arteriosclerosis 63

Back Pain 63

Bladder Problems 64

Bloating 64

Blood Clots 64

Bone Fractures 64

Breast Cancer 64

Breast Swelling/Tenderness 64

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Toxicity 65

Calcium Deficiency 65

Cancer 65

Carcinoma-in-Situ 73

Cardiovascular Disease 73

Cervical Cancer 73

Cervical Dysplasia (Abnormal Pap Smear) 73

Cholesterol Issues 76

Copper Deficiency 77

Coronary Artery Disease 77

Cramps 77

Cystic Acne 77

Cysts 78

Depression 78

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Babies 78

Diabetes 80

Dysmenorrhea 81

Dyspareunia 81

Endometriosis 81

Fatigue 88

Fibrocystic Breast Disease 88

Fibroids 89

Food Cravings 90

Headaches 90

Heart Attack 91

Heart Disease 91

Heavy Periods 97

High Blood Pressure 97

Hot Flashes 97

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 97

Hypertension 97

Hypoglycemia 97

Hysterectomy 97

Incontinence 97

Inflammation 98

Insomnia 98

Iron Toxicity 98

Irregular Menstrual Cycles 98

Irritability 98

Kidney Failure 98

Low Blood Sugar 98

Magnesium Deficiency 98

Malnutrition 99

Menopause 99

Migraines 102

Mood Swings 104

Nausea 104

Night Sweats 104

Obesity 104

Osteopenia 104

Osteoporosis 104

Ovarian Cancer 121

Painful Intercourse 121

Painful Menstrual Cycles 121

Pelvic Pain121

Perimenopause 122

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 122

Postpartum Depression 125

Premature Ovarian Decline (POD) 131

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) 137

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 137

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 139

Rosacea 148

Skin Problems 149

Stress 152

Stroke 152

Strontium Deficiency 152

Surgical Menopause 152

Urinary Leakage 152

Uterine Cancer 152

Vaginal Issues 152

Vaginitis 153

Vitamin C Deficiency 153

Vitamin D Deficiency 153

Vomiting 153

Vulvodynia 153

Weight Gain 154

Zinc Deficiency 154

Part III Hormone Replacement Therapy

Introduction 156

What is HRT? 157

Hormonal Testing Methods 161

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) 165

Birth Control Pills 167

Nutrition and HRT 167

Conclusion 169

Summaries 171

Resources 183

Recommended Reading 185

References 187

About the Author 233

Index 234