Healthy Hormones, Bioidentical Hormones 

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                 ~Understanding The Role of Hormones and Bioidentical Hormones~

                                                            Dr. Maria Kraszynska, M.D.

                About Bioidentical Hormones, Natural Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

In order to fully understand the interactions and correlations of bioidentical hormones as well as natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, you first need to familiarize yourself with hormones in general.

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 An Overview of Hormones the "Chemical Messengers"

Hormones are types of chemicals produced and excreted by the cells of a living organism. These natural biological chemicals are used to communicate and signal other cells in an organism via chemical message pathways. That is why hormones are often times referred to as “chemical messengers”. Hormones are capable of changing the metabolism of cells. Hormones are produced by all living multi-cellular organisms (organisms that are made up of more then one cell such as plants, animals and humans where the cells execute specialized functions within the organism). Hormones produced by plants are known as phyto-hormones or “plant growth substances” and are responsible for determining the growth and development of the plant. Human hormones and animal hormones are carried to different parts of the body (mainly through the bloodstream) where they perform their specific tasks. 

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 Hormone Receptors and Causes of a Hormone Imbalance

When a cell comes in contact with a hormone, it responds by emitting a specific receptor for the hormone. A hormone receptor is a type of protein molecule that is inserted into the cytoplasm or plasma membrane of the cell, to which a hormone may attach itself. The attaching hormone is a type of “ligand”. A ligand is a molecule that connects itself to a receptor. Other types of ligands include neurotransmitters, toxins, peptides and pharmaceutical drugs. When toxic ligands such as pesticides, PCBs or industrial chemicals enter the body and attach themselves into a cell receptor, they disrupt the natural chemical message pathways and alter healthy cell signals. This often times results in cell imbalances, including hormonal imbalances and neurotransmitter imbalances that lead to even greater health problems. Since the environment we live in is continually becoming more polluted, ever growing numbers of people are falling ill and developing many cellular and hormonal imbalances.

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 The Begining of the Hormonal Process

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 Activation of a Hormone Signal Transduction Pathway

After the hormone has been recognized, identified and has attached itself to the cell receptor protein, the activation of a signal transduction pathway occurs. Signal transduction is a cellular activity through which a particular cell responds to a signal or stimulus (such as a hormone) and sends out a different response signal. Signal transduction involves various chains of biochemical reactions within the cell that are then exported out of the cell by enzymes. After enzymes carry out these biochemical reactions, the secondary messenger system takes over and activates the biochemical cell signal responses. This process of cellular signaling and biochemical reactions that create a cellular response is known as a “signal transduction pathway”. The targeted cells affected by the hormone, by responding to the hormone and releasing their own signals, alert the originating endocrine gland cells that produced the hormone, to either decrease or increase production of that specific hormone. If the originating cells do not receive the signal, then a hormonal imbalance can occur due to an over-supply or under-supply of the particular hormone.

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 Excreation of the Hormone, Ending the Cellular Response

When the role of the hormone is rendered useless by the body, or when the hormone has executed the task it was produced for (such as FSH stimulating the ovaries to release progesterone and estrogen), its signal is then removed and the hormone is degraded and excreted from the body through the liver or kidneys. This action usually ends the cellular response.

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 Bioidentical Hormones and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormones are natural hormones derived from plant components such as wild yam and soy. Wild yam and soy are used as a base to create bioidentical hormones because they contain an abundance of precursor molecules (also know as phyto-hormones) that are easily converted into bioidentical hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. The molecular composition of bioidentical hormones is identical to the natural hormones that are present and produced by a healthy individual. Since the molecular composition of bioidentical hormones is identical to that of our own human hormones, bioidentical hormones are accepted by the body better then synthetic hormones or those of animal origin. An example of an animal derived synthetic hormone is Premarin (derived from the urine of pregnant horses). Bioidentical hormones are most often applied in the form of gels or creams. The treatment method of using natural bioidentical hormones to restore hormonal balance to a patient is referred to as “bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)”. It is necessary for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy be performed under the supervision of an experienced and knowledgeable doctor specializing in bioidentical hormones.

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 About My Bioidentical Hormones

At My Bioidentical Hormones we are dedicated to helping those who appreciate and value their health and well-being. Through our comprehensive and individually customized alternative medicine programs, we believe in treating the cause of a given ailment, not merely the symptoms. We utilize a dynamic, proprietary approach to healthcare and disease prevention that recognizes the burden of disease placed upon an ailing individual. It is our mission to educate and guide every patient toward achieving their highest health potential. Dr. Maria Kraszynska, M.D. believes in using the broad range of experience and knowledge she has amassed while practicing bioidentical hormones, alternative medicine and anti-aging medicine, to her patient’s advantage. Through her individualized custom health programs, dynamic treatment protocols, educational seminars and structured workshops, patients realize a new sense of empowerment.

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