body, such as the uterine lining, but depletes natural progesterone in other parts of the body. Menopause is a natural part of life. Hormone replacement therapy regimens are prescribed for quality of life issues, not to con- tinue menstrual cycles beyond normal stages. The length of time someone will take hor- mones, specifically estrogen, is very individual; however, the general accepted guidelines of a few years duration and lowest effective doses should always be considered.
Adrenal Fatigue Bio-identical hormone preparations
are also available for adrenal fatigue. The adrenal hormones pregnenolone, DHEAS, 7-Keto-DHEA, and cortisol can be delivered in a transdermal cream prescription from a compounding pharmacy. Initial doses may be pregnenolone 10-30mg/0.1ml, DHEA 5-15mg/0.1ml, 7-KetoDHEA 2.5-7.5mg/0.1, with or without cortisol 1-2mg/0.1ml. The preparation can be used one to three times a day; because of the stimulatory effect, it should not be used later in the day. The adrenal cream prescription may
provide balancing in other systems such as bone density issues. In addition, persons whose thyroid is not optimal may need to have the adrenal gland supported before the thyroid can be adequately adjusted. Adrenal hormone preparations may not need to be continued forever. In many cases, when a patient is able to address the issues of sleep, diet, vitamins and supplements, and stress management, the adrenal glands respond, producing adequate amounts of hor- mones, specifically cortisol. However, it may take at least a year for some patients to regain adequate adrenal func- tion. Ultimately, some patients can be weaned off adrenal hormones. Other patients have needed to continue the preparation without cortisol in it. Some patients have needed to use the adrenal cream only when under unusual stress. Aware of the possible consequences of continuing cortisol indefinitely (as with other corticosteroids), some patients have decided that their quality of life is best managed by a small, occasional dose of adrenal cream. Patients who use bio-identical hormone
preparations benefit from regular assessment visits with providers. Dosages may need to be adjusted periodically and occasionally testing needs to be repeated. The individual dosage requirements of patients can be easily managed by reputable compounding pharmacies.
Jean Ohliger, APRN. Connecticut Women OB/ GYN. Offices in South Windsor, West Hartford and Enfield. Learn More at www.ctwomenob-
gyn.com. See ad on page 20.
www.NaturalNutmeg.com 25
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