Sexy Forever: How to Fight Fat After Forty (45 page)
Read Sexy Forever: How to Fight Fat After Forty Online
Authors: Suzanne Somers
Tags: #Health; Fitness & Dieting, #Aging, #Diets & Nutrition, #Diets & Weight Loss, #Weight Loss, #Women's Health, #General, #Diets, #Weight Maintenance, #Personal Health, #Healthy Living
BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE
REPLACEMENT
Hormone replacement is an art, and it is crucial to find the right doctor, one who has chosen to specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement. Once you find yourself in the right office (go to
SuzanneSomers.com
for a doctor near you), then it is important you understand the different ways to take your hormones. I will explain both and you can make your own decision.
There are two correct ways to replace hormones: static dosing and rhythmic cycling. I have chosen to take my hormones in a natural rhythm, mimicking nature. But read the explanations below and decide for yourself. If you are menopausal and still have a uterus, you will be reactivating your monthly period. “What?” you ask. According to every doctor I have interviewed, it is crucial to replicate nature. Even though you may no longer have any or a sufficient number of eggs left, it is important for you to reset the hormonal clock. To do it any other way is to go against nature. Whenever we try to outthink nature we get in trouble. The argument that cessation of your menstrual period is natural is correct if you are choosing to age and not take advanatage of the advances in medicine. But think about it, every time you have an MRI or a CT scan, or take pharmaceutical drugs, even simple ones such as antibiotics, and utilize sewage treatment systems, you are prolonging life. Years ago people died early without the advantage of these new technologies. So to replace hormones that extend life and replicate your healthiest and optimal prime with good quality requires replacing hormones exactly the way nature once poured them into the body. In order to do this, having a monthly
period is the only way to replicate nature and thereby be your healthiest and happiest self. Remember, you are choosing restoration versus deterioration.
“But still,” you ask, “reactivate or perpetuate my period?” Yes, you are essentially tricking your body. The body knows that it produces estrogen every day of the month and for two weeks out of that month it produces progesterone. At the end of that cycle you get a period. It would confuse your body if you altered that pattern. When you confuse the body, you set yourself up to be sick and often very sick. So the way to be healthiest, happiest, and thinnest is to put the hormones back the way nature intended.
With static dosing your doctor will most likely start you on low-dose bioidenticals according to your symptoms. After a couple of months he or she will order a blood test, approximate your hormone levels, and prescribe a static daily dose (constant amount) of estradiol and estriol. (Never, ever use estradiol without a greater quantity of estriol unless you know for sure that your body makes plenty of estriol on its own! Mine didn’t, and that may be a big part of why I developed breast cancer!) On days 18 to 28, your doctor adds in a static dose of progesterone based upon your lab work. This regimen is designed to match what our bodies once made when we were making a full complement of hormones. It brings about a period at the end of each cycle at the end of the month.
So far it sounds simple, but here is the complex part.
Stress affects hormone production, so if you are going through a stressful period in your life it changes your needs. To compensate you may need to dose up or down a milligram. If the stress is severe you may need to have another blood test to determine where your levels are. This is the part I call an art form. It is important that you work closely with your doctor and communicate your symptoms (those seven dwarves) so he or she can adjust your dosages until they are just right.
If you are still making some hormones, meaning if your symptoms are mild but you are just not feeling “right,” then static dosing seems to work quite well. As long as your body is still producing
some
hormones, as in women in their thirties, forties, and even early fifties, you are making your own rhythm and simply augmenting what is missing by replacing additional hormones with a static dose to re-create your optimal health.
Most doctors who have chosen to specialize in bioidentical hormones will prescribe hormones in this way. However there is another approach, it’s called rhythmic cycling.
Rhythmic cycling is a new concept in bioidentical hormone replacement that is based upon the ancient cycles of nature. I take my hormones (including both estradiol and estriol) rhythmically, in what is called the Wiley Protocol, as prescribed by my doctor. At my age, my body is no longer making hormones, so I need complete replacement, and I also need to reestablish the rhythm of nature in my body for it to operate at its peak. I have found taking my hormones in a rhythm is best for me. Every woman is different, though, so use your own judgment as to which way most fits your needs.
The rhythm that this process refers to goes back to early man, who was attuned to the planet in a way that is completely inaccessible to us in the modern world. In ancient times women cycled to the rhythms of the moon. Our bodies would produce estrogen in increments: the first three days was one amount, the next three days another amount (each woman required the perfect amount for her) and by the twelfth day our estrogen would peak, which happened to coincide with the full moon. Then the receptor sites opened to receive progesterone, and the lining of the uterus would shed. As the estrogen fell, the progesterone would rise until it reached its incremental peak, only to rebuild the lining of the uterus to be ready the next month to start this process all over again. Our cycle of life.
Sound complicated? Not really.
Every month my syringes arrive in the mail along with a calendar indicating how much to take daily; the syringes have lines on them, each one representing a milligram. The calendar tells you how many milligrams to take on that particular day. It’s really quite simple. I have been taking them for ten years in this way, and for me it is working great. I never have any symptoms and it is very easy to keep my weight under control. This method is also known as the Wiley Protocol; if you’d like more information about it, visit
www.suzannesomers.com
.
Now you realize there are two ways to take prescribed bioidentical hormones and they both work. The choice is yours. If you are younger, perhaps static dosing will work best for you. If you are older than fifty, rhythmic cycling seems to work well. Either way, it’s important to understand each individual hormone, what it does, and why it is important to your health, quality of life—and your waistline.
Hormone replacement gets very confusing. So I’d like to clear up the differences between synthetic pharmaceutical hormones and synthetic pharmaceutical bioidentical hormones. Both of these are different from compounded, made-to-order, individualized bioidentical hormones. You need to know the difference when you get a prescription.
So many women write and tell me they are on BHRT (they think) and then mention names such as FemHRT and others. In putting this together, I asked Dr. Jonathan Wright to clear up the confusion:
Precise definitions are tricky. Remember, bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, DHEA, tesosterone, are all
synthetic
, starting originally with material derived from yam or soy, but after chemical manipulation they end up finally as
bioidentical
to human hormones. That makes them the safest thing out there—when used properly!
Synthetic
means starting with one molecule, and altering it
through chemical processes into another molecule. The synthetic process is not good or bad in itself; it’s the final molecule that is good or bad. For instance: Premarin is not synthetic, it’s totally natural—to a horse—but
not at all bioidentical
for humans. That’s why it’s dangerous.
Here is a list describing a number of different available hormones:
Premarin: Natural horse estrogens; not bioidentical to human estrogen
Provera: Synthetic not bioidentical
Prochieve, Crinon: Synthetic but bioidentical to human progesterone; difficult to individualize
Synapause-E3: Synthetic and bioidentical, but taken orally, so it is not safe. Oral estrogens, even bioidentical, raise risk. BHRT should always be transdermal or transmucosal.
Cenestin, Enjuvia: Synthetic horse estrogens (Natural horse estrogens are bad enough; why synthesize ’em?)
FemHRT: Synthetic estrogens (like those usually found in birth control pills)
Bioidentical Hormones Safely Used in BHRT
Estradiol: Synthetic but bioidentical—used in BHRT in combination with estriol
Estriol: Synthetic but bioidentical—used in BHRT in combination with estradiol
Progesterone: Synthetic but bioidentical
DHEA: Synthetic but bioidentical
Testosterone: Synthetic but bioidentical
The doctors and professionals in this list are experts in their chosen fields. I have personally worked with some of them; others have been referred from trusted sources. That being said, I cannot guarantee your satisfaction with any of these professionals. Please use this list as a starting point, then interview each doctor to see who fits your particular needs. I always appreciate your feedback.
For a complete list of integrative health care practitioners providing support for BHRT, optimal health, antiaging, and healing from various disease conditions, as well as a list of compounding pharmacies and Ondamed practitioners, please go to
SuzanneSomers.com
where they are listed by state and country.
Sexy Forever’s
online companion, available at
SexyForeverPlan.com/book
, includes tools and support that will make finding lifelong health and slimness so easy. You’ll receive a customized daily meal planner to guide you through each step of my plan, plus have access to hundreds of delicious recipes, personal weight and inch trackers, an online journal to help track your progress, and printable wallet-sized shopping lists and food guides to keep in your purse or take with you on the go. When you join
SexyForeverPlan.com/book
, you’ll become a member of a supportive community of like-minded people with similar health goals, who share advice and words of encouragement in the message board forums. You’ll even be able to enlist one-on-one support from a Sexy Forever
nutrition coach. And of course I’ll be there every step of the way: You’ll receive a daily Sexy Forever newsletter with plenty of motivational advice from me, plus healthy eating and detoxification tips, news, updates, and everything you’ll need to stay Sexy Forever. Visit
SexyForeverPlan.com/book
.
An analysis of your blood can uncover biological abnormalities that may be causing or contributing to unwanted weight gain. Appropriate blood tests can also reveal silent conditions that predispose you to increased risks of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and dementia.
Once you receive your blood test results, you possess the knowledge to
reverse
undesirable factors that are an underlying cause of a variety of health maladies, including surplus fat accumulation.
Here are some obesity-inducing factors that are included in the Comprehensive Weight Loss Blood Test Panel.
1. Estradiol (a type of estrogen)
. Suboptimal levels of estrogen are associated with weight gain in women, especially in the abdominal area. Several studies show a
reduction
in abdominal obesity in women in response to restoration of estrogen balance. In fact, many experts in the field of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy report impressive improvements in body composition in peri- and postmenopausal women once hormone balance is restored. If a woman’s blood test shows estrogen levels are low, she can be prescribed bioidentical estrogen to restore it to a more youthful level.
In men, low testosterone in combination with
excess
estrogen is associated with excess abdominal fat mass. There are several methods to restore optimal hormone balance (including estrogen) in men. That is why estradiol levels are included in the male and female Weight Loss Blood Test Panels.
Experts in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy strive to achieve optimal results by working in harmony with each individual’s unique biochemistry, carefully titrating bioidentical hormone dosages with blood levels as well as biological effects. For menopausal and postmenopausal women, most experts in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy believe the optimal
estradiol
blood level range is 90 to 250 pg/mL. For men, most experts believe the optimal estradiol range is 20 to 30 pg/mL.
In addition, bioidentical hormone replacement experts believe that it is important for women to keep their
progesterone
blood level between 2.0 and 6.0 pg/mL, especially if they are taking supplemental estrogen (preferably in bioidentical forms discussed in this book).
2. Testosterone
. Low levels of testosterone in men are associated with visceral adiposity (i.e., fat that surrounds the organs of the abdominal cavity). When men deficient in testosterone are given supplementary bioidentical testosterone, the result is often a
decrease
in belly fat. In postmenopausal women, relatively low estrogen and higher-than-optimal testosterone can contribute to an
increase
in abdominal fat mass. Furthermore, some young women with excess body fat suffer from an underlying medical condition characterized by elevated testosterone, insulin resistance, and menstrual irregularities. Many people do not know that this medical problem, called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common hormone abnormalities that occur in women of reproductive age. There are several ways to restore balance between estrogen and testosterone in women. That is why testosterone levels are included in the male and female Weight Loss Blood Test Panels.
Many experts in testosterone restoration therapy believe that men (who do not have prostate cancer) should maintain their
free testosterone
in the range of 20 to 25 pg/mL, which is approximately the upper third range for free testosterone observed in young men, whereas women should keep their free testosterone blood level much lower, at 1.0 to 2.2 pg/mL.
3. Thyroid
. The rate of cellular energy expenditure is regulated partially by T3 thyroid hormone. Low thyroid predisposes women and men to weight gain. The Weight Loss Blood Test Panel checks free T3, free T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). If deficient, thyroid hormone replacement can be prescribed. Optimal free T3 and free T4 levels are at the upper one-third range of normal. The normal range for
TSH
is typically between 0.3 and 3.0 mIU/mL, but for optimal thyroid status, a TSH of greater than 2.0 mIU/mL may predispose one to weight gain. When TSH is elevated, this suggests reduced thyroid hormone output as the body’s endocrine system tries to compensate by secreting more thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
4. Triglycerides
. This test is used to identify coronary heart disease risk, but it can also uncover fat metabolism disorders. An elevated fasting triglyceride level has been identified as an independent risk factor for vascular disease. However, many people do not realize that in the context of weight loss, experimental studies indicate that higher than optimal levels of triglycerides after eating (such as 2 to 4 hours following a meal) can predict the risk of diet-induced obesity. Clinical studies suggest that the optimal level for
non-fasting triglycerides
(the level of triglycerides 2 to 4 hours following a meal) is no more than 116 mg/dL, above which there is an increase in risk of heart disease and stroke. There are a number of proven methods to reduce excess triglycerides from your bloodstream that may better enable you to reduce your risk. Optimal
fasting triglyceride
levels to strive for are 80 mg/dL or less.
5. Glucose
. Excess blood sugar induces metabolic havoc and is often associated with excess body weight, in particular excess visceral fat. Many people are not aware that a number of studies suggest that chronic elevations in insulin and blood sugar can impair the brain’s appetite regulating mechanism. Even when fasting blood sugar levels are in the upper normal ranges, you may still suffer from impaired glucose tolerance associated with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance
causes your pancreas to pump out more insulin in the attempt to drive nutrients into cells. However, burning body fat is difficult in the presence of elevated levels of insulin. Glucose elevation is also associated with activation of genes that induce body fat formation. Fortunately there are several proven methods to safely restore glucose levels to an optimal level. An optimal
fasting glucose
range to strive for is 70 to 85 mg/dL.
6. C-reactive protein
. Excess C-reactive protein interferes with the ability of leptin to control appetite and burn fat. If your C-reactive protein levels are elevated, it is important to follow the steps discussed in this book to suppress this marker of chronic inflammation (C-reactive protein) in your body. A side benefit to lowering C-reactive protein is a reduction in the risk of heart attack and stroke. Men should have a
C-reactive protein
blood level of 0.55 mg/L or less, while women should have 1.50 mg/L or less of C-reactive protein.
7. Food sensitivities
. Many people don’t realize that various forms of food sensitivity can create a chronic low level of inflammation that can disable some of the body’s fat storage regulatory mechanisms. Reactions to food can also be a hidden cause behind an array of health problems, including headaches and migraines, insomnia, and digestive disorders. An advanced, convenient diagnostic blood test technology called the FoodSafe test enables you and your doctor to zero in on the potential foods behind your health problems and methodically eliminate them.
8. Omega-3 Score
. Based on an overwhelming volume of published documentation, health-conscious Americans are gulping down fish oil and other supplements that provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. What a lot of people don’t realize is that dosing of omega-3s varies considerably among individuals. Many people who think they are getting enough EPA/DHA omega-3s are not. A new at-home Omega-3 Score blood test measures your individual fatty acid status so you can
optimize your body’s omega-3 to omega-6 balance. Research suggests that relatively deficient levels of omega-3 in the presence of excess omega-6 can contribute to systemic inflammation in the body, insulin resistance, and difficulty with weight management.
9. Heavy Metals Profile
. Even those who try to eat healthfully can inadvertently suffer buildup of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic. This is becoming a problem as more people eat seafood that has been contaminated with industrial pollutants. Blood or urine tests can reveal if you need to remove (chelate) these heavy metals from your body.
10
.
H. pylori
. A strikingly high percentage of the population is infected with the
Helicobacter pylori
bacteria. This bacterium resides in the stomach and can create serious health issues, including stomach cancer, if not eradicated. An
H. pylori
antibody blood test can help detect this insidious bacteria and enable you to take steps to eliminate it from your body.
11. Vitamin D
. Overweight and obese individuals are often vitamin D deficient. The problem with insufficient vitamin D is that this is often accompanied by systemic inflammation that can sabotage the best weight loss plans. Remember that pro-inflammatory compounds like C-reactive protein can bind to leptin and deactivate leptin’s natural antiobesity effects. Most people need to take at least 5,000 IU a day of supplemental vitamin D to achieve vitamin D blood levels (measured as 25-hydroxy vitamin D) of at least 50 ng/mL. Many aging individuals who avoid sun exposure out of concern for skin cancer and skin aging require 5,000 to 8,000 IU of vitamin D
3
daily to achieve optimal levels in the body. A blood test for 25-hydroxy vitamin D should be obtained within two months of vitamin D
3
supplementation to ascertain the body’s response.