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Menopausal Issues |
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Combat hot
flashes Breakthrough in menopause management Management of menopausal symptoms with conventional hormone replacement therapy has become a real medical mess. Many clinical trials and studies have been done - the latest showing that synthetic hormones may do more harm than good. So what's a gal with hot flashes, cold feet and mood swings to do? Spit! That's right, women with pre and menopausal symptoms can now look to saliva testing and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for answers. It sounds odd, but there is good research out there to show that there are alternative ways to test hormonal balance and we can offer safer and more effective hormone replacements through Bio-identical HRT. What is Bio-identical HRT? For years, medical science prescribed synthetic (man made) forms of the hormone estrogen and progestin because it was all that was available. We are now finding out we can make these to be biologically identical to the estrogen and progesterone that an individual person has in their body. These bio-identical supplements are working safely, with few, if any, side effects and women are getting relief because the hormones are biologically identical to those produced by their own body. And remember, this is not only for peri-monopausal women. Men and women of any age who have sudden emotional changes, sleep or hair loss, irritability, hot flashes, pain, headaches, skin changes or just feel their hormones may be out of balance can benefit from saliva testing and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. How do I know if I need to be tested? Check with of these symptoms are troublesome and persist over time. Two or more symptoms are an indication you may need to find out your hormonal levels.
Diagnosis In the past, blood draws were the only test available for measuring hormonal levels. Although we still use those, we also have available a test that uses saliva. It's much less expensive and invasive than blood to collect (no needles!), and because the saliva has passed through an organ, it carries very accurate hormonal indicators. Yes, this is controversial, but many of us here at Lincoln Hospital have read the studies and feel confident that this is a legitimate way to monitor hormone levels. It's also covered by many insurance companies. Will insurance cover a saliva test? Saliva testing and BHRT are now part of the Women's Health Program here at Lincoln Hospital. For those with insurance, check with your company before getting a test to make sure it's covered. Many plans treat it just like a traditional blood test. For ladies with no insurance, it's less expensive to purchase the saliva test kit at the Davenport Pharmacy. Follow the directions on the test and send the saliva sample to the address on the testing kit. Your results will be mailed directly to you. Where do I take my test results? Once you have your results, bring them to a member of our women's health team which includes Dr. Donella Young, Lorie Klahn, ARNP, Susan Eastman, ARNP and Stacia Soliday, ARNP, and they will get on the case. One of those who've read mountains of studies over the years on this subject is Lincoln Hospital Pharmacist Merilla Hopkins. While on staff at Davenport Pharmacy, Hopkins saw scores of women desperate for relief from menopausal symptoms who were willing to try almost anything. It got her interested and she started to research. She's now hopelessly hooked on the topic and has an amazing grasp on the intricacies of Bio-identical HRT. Merilla has spear-headed our BHRT program and continues to be our technical consultant. Get relief from
menopausal symptoms & live life to its fullest! The Women's Health
Team works closely with ZRT Laboratory of Beaverton, Oregon, a world leader in
BHRT and women's health issues. |
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