I just started reading the book The Women's Guide To Natural Hormones, and in it, the author discusses her non profit organization, Natural Women Institute. I went to the site, and holy cow, there is an extensive list of pharmacies listed, and an area where you can email for a list of practitioners in your state. Do check it out!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dr. Phil's Show on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
This is a somewhat modified and edited version of what I emailed to my doctor right after the show, to say I was disappointed in how the subject was presented would be an understatement:
The show presented women who were "suffering" and were "saved" by Robin taking them to her physician, Prudence Hall of the Hall Center in Santa Monica After seeing tapes of the women draped on their couches, sticking their heads in the freezer, sighing deeply, and tossing and turning in bed (because they couldn't sleep) Dr. Hall told them how off their hormones were. In the next shot, the women were introduced to come out on the stage, they hugged Dr. Phil and Robin, and gushed and told them how Robin's book "saved their lives", Dr. Phil spoke to their husbands in the audience about how it must be wonderful to "have their old wives back" (wink, wink).
Only a couple passing mentions were made to thyroid levels (one segment was about thyroid cancer), and I will guarantee you that those message boards for the Dr. Phil show are going to light up with women having questions and complaints about how nothing was covered on how to find a doctor who specializes in BHRT, what does it cost (if I were watching this for the first time, I would immediately assume only wealthy women could afford this, unless Robin "saved them" and took them by the hand to her own doctor). I'm going back on the boards and politely politely tell women that BHRT is something that, with some careful budgeting, most women can afford.
They wasted time right off the bat going on about how when Robin entered Menopause she called her husband and children together to explain to them "what Mom was going through" and to make it "a family affair". Oh, for heaven's sake, give me a break. Even when they did get to the symptoms, it was what most women already know (if they're living on this planet, anyway): the mood swings, hot flashes, disrupted sleep, tiredness, irritability.
Of course, when they got to the testosterone for women, Robin had to inject on how it made your hair and skin so much better-----it does, but that's not why I am taking it----it's helped tremendously to build muscle tissue in my back.
They did one segment on "the male menopause" and not once did they call it by it's proper medical term of andropause.
In every segment, no matter what the subject, they show shots of Robin posing for pictures of her book, time wasted that I think could have been used in much better ways.
It gets better----near the end of the show, they had a woman DOCTOR (ER physician) sitting next to Robin, telling her how she had NEVER heard of bioidentical hormones, nor had she ever heard of a compounding pharmacy, until she saw Robin appearing on Ophah, and how it was a perfect example of "how even a doctor can learn from you". The doctor called her ob/gyn for the bioidenticals, started taking them (didn't say what and in what doses), and had bad side effects, so now she has gone back to synthetics. Robin and Dr. Phil to the rescue again, Robin is taking the doctor (her name is Natalie) to Dr. Hall's Center-------I smell a follow up show coming soon.
The last segment just about threw me over the edge, it was Robin telling women about "taking care of themselves", including "always having a pair of lightweight pajamas on hand for those night sweats". She then (to much wild applause) told everyone in the audience they were getting a free pair of her favourite cotton pjs. Next, her "little bedtime ritual" always includes a cup of hot tea----and everyone gets a free box of "Sleepytime" tea (more applause). Oh, it gets better, everyone got a free portable fan, and a free copy of Robin's book "What's Age got to do with it?"
There was so much NOT covered in this show that it would take me all day to write about it. I will be back with another post soon!
The show presented women who were "suffering" and were "saved" by Robin taking them to her physician, Prudence Hall of the Hall Center in Santa Monica After seeing tapes of the women draped on their couches, sticking their heads in the freezer, sighing deeply, and tossing and turning in bed (because they couldn't sleep) Dr. Hall told them how off their hormones were. In the next shot, the women were introduced to come out on the stage, they hugged Dr. Phil and Robin, and gushed and told them how Robin's book "saved their lives", Dr. Phil spoke to their husbands in the audience about how it must be wonderful to "have their old wives back" (wink, wink).
Only a couple passing mentions were made to thyroid levels (one segment was about thyroid cancer), and I will guarantee you that those message boards for the Dr. Phil show are going to light up with women having questions and complaints about how nothing was covered on how to find a doctor who specializes in BHRT, what does it cost (if I were watching this for the first time, I would immediately assume only wealthy women could afford this, unless Robin "saved them" and took them by the hand to her own doctor). I'm going back on the boards and politely politely tell women that BHRT is something that, with some careful budgeting, most women can afford.
They wasted time right off the bat going on about how when Robin entered Menopause she called her husband and children together to explain to them "what Mom was going through" and to make it "a family affair". Oh, for heaven's sake, give me a break. Even when they did get to the symptoms, it was what most women already know (if they're living on this planet, anyway): the mood swings, hot flashes, disrupted sleep, tiredness, irritability.
Of course, when they got to the testosterone for women, Robin had to inject on how it made your hair and skin so much better-----it does, but that's not why I am taking it----it's helped tremendously to build muscle tissue in my back.
They did one segment on "the male menopause" and not once did they call it by it's proper medical term of andropause.
In every segment, no matter what the subject, they show shots of Robin posing for pictures of her book, time wasted that I think could have been used in much better ways.
It gets better----near the end of the show, they had a woman DOCTOR (ER physician) sitting next to Robin, telling her how she had NEVER heard of bioidentical hormones, nor had she ever heard of a compounding pharmacy, until she saw Robin appearing on Ophah, and how it was a perfect example of "how even a doctor can learn from you". The doctor called her ob/gyn for the bioidenticals, started taking them (didn't say what and in what doses), and had bad side effects, so now she has gone back to synthetics. Robin and Dr. Phil to the rescue again, Robin is taking the doctor (her name is Natalie) to Dr. Hall's Center-------I smell a follow up show coming soon.
The last segment just about threw me over the edge, it was Robin telling women about "taking care of themselves", including "always having a pair of lightweight pajamas on hand for those night sweats". She then (to much wild applause) told everyone in the audience they were getting a free pair of her favourite cotton pjs. Next, her "little bedtime ritual" always includes a cup of hot tea----and everyone gets a free box of "Sleepytime" tea (more applause). Oh, it gets better, everyone got a free portable fan, and a free copy of Robin's book "What's Age got to do with it?"
There was so much NOT covered in this show that it would take me all day to write about it. I will be back with another post soon!
Monday, April 20, 2009
My Post on the Dr. Phil Show website!
I am delighted to see that the Dr. Phil show is addressing the issue of bioidientical hormone therapy. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that BHRT saved my life.I am blessed to have a progessive, "thinks out of the box" physician who prescribed progesterone and testosterone cream for me starting in September 2006. I was experiencing severe menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, no libido, extreme fatigue, substantial depression, you name it. I suffered from a variety of health problems, and I weighed over 300 pounds.
Within 2 weeks of starting the hormone therapy, I was off six medications: antihistamine (cured my severe seasonal allergies), acid reflux medication, sleeping medication (I had taken them all), Klonepin for anxiety, blood pressure medication, and most importantly, Ritalin (I am ADD). I began to feel a level of energy I hadn't felt in years. It took longer (several months) to come off a seventh medication, antidepressant, as those meds must be very carefully weaned.
My restless leg syndrome was cured in less than a week, and I no longer suffer from the severe dry eyes that plague many menopausal women. Oh, yes, did I mention I am down over 80 pounds from my high weight? I finally know what it is like to feel like a healthy, peaceful woman.
I take my hormones transdermally (by creams on the skin) as that way they bypass the liver. I now work out 5-6 days weekly at our local gym, which has tremendously benefited the substantial back, hip and pelvis limitations I have because of a car accident in 1992. My pain management physician is thrilled that the testosterone has allowed me to strengthen my back to the point of no longer needing a back brace, and I have been able to discontinue using the cane I relied on for many years.
I was bemused to read an earlier post about women overdramatizing their menopausal symptoms, but of course, everyone has a different perspective. This goes way, way beyond simple discomfort from a transient set of symptoms, this is about overall health and quality of life. My cholesterol has dropped over 65 points since I started the BHRT, and my other blood levels are excellent. I am now at decreased risk for a number of different types of cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and diminished brain function. I am confident that with the help of balanced hormones, I will be able to live the second half of my life with better quality, and more independently.
Although I do not personally deal with fibromyalgia, I have spoken with more than one person who has told me their symptoms were greatly diminished by progesterone cream. I would be more than happy to correspond with anyone who would like to learn more about BHRT. I have a blog dedicated to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, as well as a group on one of the social networking sites that I hope people will use as resources to educate themselves. I am also happy to hear from other women (and men, I was so glad to see an earlier post about andropause, which is a significant health issue for men) who have successfully used BHRT. I am quite passionate about the issue, as you can imagine. I use the name Holyhormones because everyone in NC (where I currently reside) is evangelical about something, with me it's just hormones instead of religion!
However, because I am somewhat new to using this site, I do not know if it is allowed to give my email address (which I did over on the Oprah Winfrey site----it's the one I use for my blog) or if I am allowed to give the blog address. I would appreciate it if one of the show's staff who monitors the message boards could clarify that issue for us (I tried to read the terms of service, but they are complicated and incomprehensible), as I know after Oprah did her two shows on bioidentical hormones, the message boards went NUTS and women were desperate to communicate with each other. I hope that this show generates similar reactions and excitement from people who want to learn more and feel better! We exchanged information about doctor referrals, resources to learn more, book lists, success and frustration stories, and answered questions. I have made a number of new friends through BHRT and am proud to be able to help women educate themselves (and in many cases, their doctors!) For now, until we get a clarification, I think you can add me to a "friends" list and I will try to communicate with you that way. Best wishes to all for happy, balanced hormones, there is hope out there for a better life!
Within 2 weeks of starting the hormone therapy, I was off six medications: antihistamine (cured my severe seasonal allergies), acid reflux medication, sleeping medication (I had taken them all), Klonepin for anxiety, blood pressure medication, and most importantly, Ritalin (I am ADD). I began to feel a level of energy I hadn't felt in years. It took longer (several months) to come off a seventh medication, antidepressant, as those meds must be very carefully weaned.
My restless leg syndrome was cured in less than a week, and I no longer suffer from the severe dry eyes that plague many menopausal women. Oh, yes, did I mention I am down over 80 pounds from my high weight? I finally know what it is like to feel like a healthy, peaceful woman.
I take my hormones transdermally (by creams on the skin) as that way they bypass the liver. I now work out 5-6 days weekly at our local gym, which has tremendously benefited the substantial back, hip and pelvis limitations I have because of a car accident in 1992. My pain management physician is thrilled that the testosterone has allowed me to strengthen my back to the point of no longer needing a back brace, and I have been able to discontinue using the cane I relied on for many years.
I was bemused to read an earlier post about women overdramatizing their menopausal symptoms, but of course, everyone has a different perspective. This goes way, way beyond simple discomfort from a transient set of symptoms, this is about overall health and quality of life. My cholesterol has dropped over 65 points since I started the BHRT, and my other blood levels are excellent. I am now at decreased risk for a number of different types of cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and diminished brain function. I am confident that with the help of balanced hormones, I will be able to live the second half of my life with better quality, and more independently.
Although I do not personally deal with fibromyalgia, I have spoken with more than one person who has told me their symptoms were greatly diminished by progesterone cream. I would be more than happy to correspond with anyone who would like to learn more about BHRT. I have a blog dedicated to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, as well as a group on one of the social networking sites that I hope people will use as resources to educate themselves. I am also happy to hear from other women (and men, I was so glad to see an earlier post about andropause, which is a significant health issue for men) who have successfully used BHRT. I am quite passionate about the issue, as you can imagine. I use the name Holyhormones because everyone in NC (where I currently reside) is evangelical about something, with me it's just hormones instead of religion!
However, because I am somewhat new to using this site, I do not know if it is allowed to give my email address (which I did over on the Oprah Winfrey site----it's the one I use for my blog) or if I am allowed to give the blog address. I would appreciate it if one of the show's staff who monitors the message boards could clarify that issue for us (I tried to read the terms of service, but they are complicated and incomprehensible), as I know after Oprah did her two shows on bioidentical hormones, the message boards went NUTS and women were desperate to communicate with each other. I hope that this show generates similar reactions and excitement from people who want to learn more and feel better! We exchanged information about doctor referrals, resources to learn more, book lists, success and frustration stories, and answered questions. I have made a number of new friends through BHRT and am proud to be able to help women educate themselves (and in many cases, their doctors!) For now, until we get a clarification, I think you can add me to a "friends" list and I will try to communicate with you that way. Best wishes to all for happy, balanced hormones, there is hope out there for a better life!
Another Resource for information on BHRT
I just got a nice email from Justin, who is a Pharmacist for Kohll's Pharmacy in Omaha, NE. I went on their site, on the home page there is an area that says Bioidentical Hormones, click on it and it will take you to several other pages with information and explanations about a number of different hormones. Also, remember I told you that a compounding pharmacy is always a great place to call for physician referrals, so if you are in the Omaha area, give them a call, and if not, still check out their website for some great information. The pharmacy is licensed in every state, so they can do mail order, which for many is a big help, especially if you live far away from a local source. Thanks, Justin, for contacting me!
On another note, I just checked the Dr. Phil website (Google it) and there are already comments about the show on hormones, and the show doesn't even air until tomorrow. You have to read the one from someone who thinks women are just overdramatizing their menopausal symptoms, it's the funniest thing I've seen so far this week! I have already written and submitted one very long, detailed post about my experiences with BHRT, and I have asked the show for clarification about posting an email address for viewers to contact me. I forgot to copy what I wrote so I could cross post it here (brain blip), but as soon as it appears on the Dr. Phil site I will put it here so you all (or as we say, y'all) can read it. Have a great evening!
On another note, I just checked the Dr. Phil website (Google it) and there are already comments about the show on hormones, and the show doesn't even air until tomorrow. You have to read the one from someone who thinks women are just overdramatizing their menopausal symptoms, it's the funniest thing I've seen so far this week! I have already written and submitted one very long, detailed post about my experiences with BHRT, and I have asked the show for clarification about posting an email address for viewers to contact me. I forgot to copy what I wrote so I could cross post it here (brain blip), but as soon as it appears on the Dr. Phil site I will put it here so you all (or as we say, y'all) can read it. Have a great evening!
RADIO SHOW ON BHRT
Hi everyone, I know I have talked about this on the blog, but be aware there is a 1 hour radio show on KSEV each day from 1-2 Eastern Time (noon-1 pm Central) by the doctors at Hotze Health and Wellness Center. I try to listen to it on the days I am home. Click here to access the station website, or go through the Hotze Health and Wellness website. Take care!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I now have a FACEBOOK Group!
I took the plunge and started my own Facebook Group on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy----click here to join! If you are not a member of Facebook, you can easily sign up for an account. I was somewhat surprised that there weren't several active groups already on Facebook, but the few groups that exist are not terribly active. I hope with this group we can share information about doctors, compounding pharmacy, information websites, our personal experiences (good and bad) and have a few laughs too! Have a great week, everyone ---- I suspect it will be busy for me once the Dr. Phil show airs, I know after the two Oprah shows back in January I had a wonderful time connecting with lots of great women and men about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy!
What's hormones got to do with it?
Dr. Phil is doing a show on hormones (and I assume it would be favourable to BHRT, as his wife Robin takes bioidentical hormones) on Tuesday, April 21 (according to his website).
Laughter is Indeed Good Medicine----
So that gives me an excuse to watch a few episodes of MASH tonight instead of 60 Minutes, for medicinal purposes, of course! Click here to learn more....
Dark Skinned and Veil Wearers Should be Screened for Vitamin D
I had never thought of this population as not getting enough Vitamin D from the sun, but it makes sense. Read the article in Medical News Today. Please note, many doctors (including mine) do not feel that 400 IU's of Vitamin D daily is an adequate dose, I take 5000 IU's daily and have never had a problem.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Psychotherapy Goes From Couch To Yoga Mat
Check out this article from Time Magazine, I enjoyed reading it. I know without a doubt regular exercise improves mood (I'm living proof). I don't do a lot of yoga, as it tends to bother my back and hip (especially lying on the floor), but I try to meditate on a regular basis (and need to try harder!) Have a great weekend, everyone!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Vegan Buddhist Nuns Have Same Bone-----
Density as non vegetarians. One of the concerns about veganism is the low calcium intake and how it might affect bone health. Read the article here.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A Milestone!
I've reached over 1000 hits on the Holy Hormones! blog-----thanks so much for your support, everyone!
Two videos by Dr. Erika Schwartz on Hormone Health
Dr. Erika Schwartz has appeared in two segments of the television show "Extra" (I don't get the show in this area, I happened upon these through a news alert to my email). Here's the link for the first segment, and a second link for a segment that clarifies and answers some questions raised in the first appearance.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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