Hormones are chemical messengers derived from proteins, amino acids and cholesterol. Hormones are responsible for the amazing growth spurt from birth through adolescence, for the roller coaster years of puberty and for sexual desire and reproduction. They are critical for day-to-day energy and for your metabolism to function normally.

The word hormone comes from the Greek word meaning to excite.  Hormones are produced by a various number of glands. These glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries and testes. The endocrine glands secrete hormones into your bloodstream where they are carried to specific receptor sites in other parts of the body. These hormones serve as powerful messengers from your brain, telling the internal organs how to function.

Two endocrine glands, both located in the brain, serve as important regulators of complex hormonal messages traveling to the rest of the body. The first is the hypothalamus.  This walnut-sized gland is considered the master hormone gland because it is the central link between the brain and the endocrine system.  It controls many of your basic instincts, such as thirst, hunger and sex drive.  The pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, acts as a liaison between the hypothalamus and the other endocrine glands throughout the body.  The pituitary gland helps to translate messages the hypothalamus is sending.

Bioidentical hormones, sometimes referred to as natural hormones, are molecularly (biochemically) identical to the hormones made in your body. These include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol. Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in a lab and are available by prescription through a compounding pharmacy. Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources such as the wild yam.

Synthetic hormones such as Prempro, Estratest, Provera and Premarin are not identical to human hormones. They are not identical in either structure or activity to the natural hormones that they emulate. Hormones work like a key in a lock. Bioidentical hormones are the keys that fit the lock perfectly and are able to unlock the lock.

European medical studies suggest that bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic versions. Long-term studies regarding the safety of bioidentical hormones have not been completed. Each individual patient needs to consider the benefits along with the risks of any type of hormonal therapy.

The Wycoff Wellness Center's personalized 8-point program promotes natural hormones balance, dietary and lifestyle advice and the appropriate nutritional support. It is our mission to serve you and work to improve your health and wellness naturally.

Please find additional information regarding hormonal therapy by clicking on the "Female Hormonal Health" or "Male Hormonal Health" tabs or contact any member of the Wycoff Wellness Center professional staff.