Interpreting the results and how to safely prescribe hormones and their dosage Naina Sachdev MD: NAINAMD™BEVERLY HILLS www.nainamd.com st Overview of 1 visit BioHRT • Introduction to Anti- Aging Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Integrative Medicine • Discussion on Safety of Bioidentical HRT • Pertinent Patient History • Pertinent Physical Exam • Discussion on Laboratory Data needed and other Significant Data • Informed Consent Introduction to Anti -Aging Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Integrative Medicine } Conventional medicine is no longer an optimal model for practicing medicine } Two Platforms to Retrain ◦ Functional Medicine ◦ Anti-Aging Medicine Discussion of Safety of BioHRT • Involves more than just dispensing Bioidentical Hormones • Discussion on types of Estrogens A. E1-estrones, E2-estradiol, E3-estriol B. Good Estrogens vs. Bad Estrogens C. Metabolization of estrogens is important in defining the risk • Goal is to correctly prescribe Bioidentical HRT and optimize estrogen metabolism • Synthetic vs. “Natural” Progesterone's § not all progestin's are the same • Importance of Testosterone Replacement Therapy • Importance of DHEA • Importance of other hormones • • • • • Thyroid Cortisol Insulin Melatonin Growth Hormone Discussion on Safety of Bioidentical HRT } Minimize dosages of Bioidentical HRT prescribing by optimization of estrogen metabolism and balancing any existing system imbalances in terms of Functional Medicine Approach ◦ Thyroid dysfunction ◦ Adrenal dysfunction ◦ Neurotransmitter imbalances ◦ Gastrointestinal imbalances ◦ Mitochondrial dysfunction ◦ Inflammation reduction ◦ Immune system imbalances ◦ Environmental Toxin Exposure reduction ◦ Diet Regimens ◦ Exercise Regimens Treatment Goal of Bioidentical HRT • Very Important to get patient history as it relates to estrogen metabolization Pertinent Patient History • • • • • • Hx of prolonged antibiotic use Family hx of cancer Fibrocystic Breast Disease Hx of uterine fibroids Hx of endometriosis Hx of menstrual periods • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Hx Dysmenorrheal Length of menstrual cycle Duration of menstrual cycle of of of of of of of of of of of of of how OCP’s were tolerated PMS and/or severity of symptoms and/or type of sx’s nicotine abuse alcohol use drug reactions abnormal pap weight fluctuations and ranges hirstuitism stressful life events diet (eating patterns, typical foods etc) other medical problems in particular what age they were diagnosed surgeries including pregnancies medications used and list of current meds Pertinent Patient History } Thyroid exam ◦ ◦ Thyroid enlargement Thyroid nodules } Cardiac exam ◦ ◦ ◦ Cardiac murmurs Arrhythmias Heart rate } Abdominal exam ◦ ◦ ◦ Liver enlargement Pelvic mass Gallbladder pathology } Skin changes ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Skin texture Loss of muscle mass Lip volume loss Skin jowls Dark circles under eyes } Muscle strength ◦ Fibromyalgia trigger points } Waist to Hip Ratios } Gynecologic Exam ◦ ◦ Pap Smear Pelvic Exam Pertinent Physical Exam } } } Hormone Saliva Test Adrenal Saliva Test Serum Blood Tests for ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ } } } Lipids, Chemprofile, CBC Serum ferritin Hs-CRP , Homocysteine , Fibrinogen HBA1C Serum insulin 25-OH Vitamin D levels Free T4, Free T3, TSH CTX bone marker If saliva tests nor performed then estrones, estradiol, total estrogens, free and total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, DHEA-sulfate levels Dexa Scan Mammogram Urinanalysis ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ pH of urine Specific gravity Glucose screening Protein screening Practical Laboratory Testing • • • • Body temperature chart Adrenal Fatigue Questionnaire Food Dairy x 7days Body Composition Analysis:Body fat and muscle mass percentages Other Pertinent Data to Obtain • • • • • • Have patient read informed consent form. Must initial each page Witness signature Patient name on each page Give copy to patient Option: patient may bring back on 2nd office visit Informed Consent Absolute Must Have: • Hormone saliva or serum blood tests for hormones and other serum blood tests • Urinanalysis • Pap normal results within one year on file in chart • Mammogram results within one year on file in chart • Dexa scan results within 2 years on file • Body temperature chart – pt brings back • Food dairy- pt brings back • Informed consent filed in chart nd 2 office visit prescribing BioHRT • Clear definition of symptoms patient wants treated • Very important as symptoms MD thinks should be treated is not what patient may want treated • This will guide the success of Bioidentical HRT Symptoms of Patient } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } Hot Flashes Abdominal weight gain (even despite exercise regimen) Fatigue Insomnia Mood irritability/ Mood Swings Generalized Anxiety Depression Abnormal weight gain Palpitations Vaginal Dryness Lack of Libido Skin changes Headaches Sense of Urgency of Urination Frequent Yeast Infections Rashes Food Intolerances GERD Lack of interest/ lack of passion different from depression symptoms Hunger cravings Common Sx’s Patient Seeks BioHRT • Recognize each individual has own biochemical individuality • Differences in relative amounts of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone • Many combinations of which hormones are declining more rapidly relative to each other • Perimenopausal state hormones fluctuate • Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy must be customized in terms of dosage Functional Medicine Approach • Becoming very prevalent as exogenous sources of estrogen continue to increase • Related to higher incidence of anovulatory cycles occurring earlier in age • Excessive stimulation by estrogen without adequate levels of progesterone Recognizing estrogen dominance • Herbicides and pesticides estrogen-like effects • Plastic containers & water bottles exposed to high temperatures or very cold temperatures • Hormone driven meat and dairy products • Toxins and pollutants in the environment • Alcohol • Pharmaceutical and recreational drugs Exogenous sources of Estrogens } } } } } } } } } } } } Hot flashes and/or night sweats Temperature fluctuations Vaginal dryness Trouble falling asleep Palpitations Mental fogginess Depression Weight gain Arthralgias/back pain Headaches Diminished sex drive Hair loss and/or hair thinning Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency • • • • • • Breast tenderness Breast enlargement or swelling Fluid retention/ abdominal bloating Pelvic cramping Nausea Mood irritability Symptoms of Estrogen Excess } } } } } } } } } } } } Insomnia or getting up in the middle of the night Anxiety Water retention/ abdominal bloating Irregular menstrual periods or shorter cycles Frequent or heavy periods Spotting before menstrual period PMS Painful breasts Endometriosis Uterine fibroids Hunger or sugar cravings Leads to estrogen dominance Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency • • • • • • Lack of libido Loss of muscle mass “sagginess” Muscle weakness Decreased endurance or stamina Decreased pubic and/or body hair Hair loss/ hair thinning • Many different options • Estrogen Replacement: • • • • • • • Transdermal vs. Oral vs Sublingual Start with topical Bi-est cream (80/20) 1.25mg/ml ½ ml qd and titrate upward to ½ ml bid topically groin area am and pm. If no improvement of symptoms increase to topical Bi-est 2.5mg/ml (80/20) ½ ml qd and titrate to bid topically If too much then decrease to Bi-est (80/20) .625mg /ml ½ ml qd and titrate to bid dosing If still not balanced then start to vary percentages of estriol to estradiol If any therapy not working then consider switching to gels, then sublingual forms, then oral forms Sites of application: groin area, intravaginally. • If experiencing vaginal dryness must add • • Estriol cream 1mg/ml with acidophilus 1ml intravaginally everyday and then decrease to 1-2x/wk as symptoms resolve Acidiophilus should not be added in patients lactose intolerant Prescribing Bioidentical HRT • Progesterone Replacement • Transdermal vs oral vs Sublingual • Start with ranges of 50-150mg/ml ½ ml topically qd at night and titrate upward by 12.5mg/ml every 10 days • If no improvement then consider switch to gel forms, then to oral micronized progesterone • Oral micronized progesterone from 75mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 200mg/ml • If no improvement in insomnia symptoms then consider adding melatonin or initiating targeted amino acid therapy for inhibitory support • Sites of application: groin area, intravaginally, Prescribing Bioidentical HRT • Testosterone Replacement • Transdermal vs Sublingual Do not use oral forms • Start with topical testosterone cream • 2mg/mlwith DIM 30mg/ml or chrysin 30mg/ml 1/4ml titrate upward from ½ ml to ¾ ml and then ½ ml bid • If no improvement of symptoms increase to testosterone cream 4mg/ml with DIM 6omg/ml or chrysin 60mg/ml ¼ ml and titrate upward to max of 1ml dosage per day. • Sites of application: upper inner arm area, clitoral area, intravaginally Prescribing Bioidentical HRT • Follow up in 4-6 wks • Make dosage adjustments on the prescribed hormones • Discussion now on how to optimize estrogen metabolism • Customize entire nutriceutical protocol • Evaluate for adrenal fatigue • Evaluate for thyroid dysfunction rd 3 office visit • Good estrogens vs. Bad estrogens • Consider testing for 2-methoxyestrones/16 – alpha hydroxyestrone ratio • Enhance hydroxylation and methylation reactions in the liver of estrogens • Golden flax meal, tumeric, green tea extracts 5-methyl • tetrahydrofolic acid, kudzu, selenium, • Indole 3-carbinol and DIM • Omega-3 fatty acids • Gamma tocopherols Optimizing Estrogen Metabolism EPA/DHA X 1-2 tabs po bid Estroblock 2-4 tabs/day Golden flax meal 1 tbsp/day Green tea 1-2 cups decaf/day Dr. Nick Delgado’s blended drink (bokchoy) Vit D-3 1000IU/day (25-0H vit D serum levels keep between 40-60) • Vitamin E succinate 400mg or gamma tocopherols • • • • • • Recommended Nutriceutical Protocol • Multivitamins • Good B-complex vitamin that includes 5methyltetrahydrofolic acid • Selenium up to 200mcg/day • Calcium hydroxyapatite 1000-1500mg/day or calcium citrate 1000-1500mg/day if hx of nephrolithiasis • Vitamin C 1000-4000mg/day • Customized anti-oxidant protocols Recommended Nutriceutical Protocol } Adrenal Saliva Testing } If cortisol levels high use rhodiolia 100mg/day and/or phosphatidylserine 100mg 3 tabs in the evening. } Cortico B5B6 } Herbal adaptogens: Exhiliran 1 tab am and afernoon and/or Adreset 1 tab am and afternoon } If fatigue persists then add adrenal glandulars or Cortef to the regimen } Adrenal glandulars are also very effective } Lastly, initiate DHEA replacement therapy DHEA 5-25mg/day for women orally, transdermal or sublingual spray or 50mg-150mg for men and monitor DHEA-sulfate levels saliva or serum. Adrenal Fatigue Assessment Thyroid Function Assessment } Common Symptoms Clinically presented ◦ Despite optimum bioidentical HRT and adrenal fatigue treatment fatigue still persistent ◦ Hard to get up in the morning ◦ Lack of mental clarity ◦ Cold intolerance ◦ Abnormal sleep pattern ◦ Weight gain continues despite optimum exercise, diet and bioidentical HRT and adrenal fatigue treatment • Laboratory Data • Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 • TSH • Thyroid peroxides antibody, thymoglobulin antibody • Iodine deficiency testing • Basal body temperatures Thyroid Function Assessment } } } } } } } } } } } } Mediterranean Diet Anti-inflammatory Diet Avoidance of corn, green beans, peas, Food Allergy Assessment Minimize wheat and dairy Essential fats, complex carbohydrates, soluble fibers, bioavailability of proteins Adequate water intake- alkaline water Cruciferous vegetables Hormone free meats and dairy products Organic vegetables and herbs Green Tea Bok Choy Diet } } } } } } } } } Type of cardio exercise is very important Jump roping at least 10minutes 3-5x/wk Circuit training Lunges, squats, kicks Upper body most common workout not always the most effective Abdominal crunches upper and lower abs Back strengthening exercises Must vary routine Enhance exercise with music that stimulates the excitatory neurotransmitters } Weight bearing exercises with leg weights and arm weights Exercise • • • • 54 y/o c/o abdominal wt gain, hair loss, fatigue, headaches, postmenopausal x1 yr, lack of mental clarity PMH • Hypothyroidism do's age 51 yrs • Hx of endometriosis • IBS Screening Tests • Pap normal within a year • Mammogram within a year • Average basal body temperature < 97.4 Laboratory Data • Borderline hyperlipidemia • Elevated hs-CRP 4.5 • Homocysteine 10.3 • TSH 1.37 FT4 0.97 FT3 2.8 • 25-OH vitamin D 34 • Saliva hormone test E1 (estrone) 3.0 (9.6-20) E2 (estradiol) 3.5 (<6) E3 (estriol) 30 (1-41) • Progesterone 421.5 ( < 159), testosterone 116.6 (25-190), DHEA-S 4.7 (2.5-25.0) • Adrenal saliva test results showed nl range cortisol levels and low nl DHEA-S levels and the DHEA-S/ cortisol ratio low Case Study #1 • As stress response becomes maladaptive, reduction in DHEA and increase in cortisol synthesis can occur. • Pregnenlone metabolism shifts to increased glucocorticoid synthesis rather than the mineralcorticoid or androgen pathways. • Saliva DHEA-S Ranges in nmol/L • Postmenopausal <6.5 • Premenopausal with OCP’s 2.0-8.0 • Premenopausal without OCP’s use 2.5-25 DHEA-S/Cortisol Ratio • Treatment 3rd office visit (hormone saliva test results were not back) • Omega 3- fatty acids, gamma tocopherols, actifolate, probiotics, vit D-3, Iodorol, liquid minerals, estroblock, lean ‘n fit , whey protein • Compounded thyroid titrated dose up to T-3 GR 10mcg + T-4 75mcg GR po qd • Diet: hormone free meat and dairy, minimize wheat, green tea, golden flax meal, our clinic list of recommended foods • Already on MVI, calcium/mg supplementation, vitamin C • Exercise regimen given Case Study #1 • Treatment 4th office visit • Pt had already done very well in just a few weeks. • Increased mental clarity • General increased sense of well being • BP dramatically improved • Fatigue significantly improved • IBS significantly improved • Started on HRT • Progest cream 50m/ml ½ ml topically and titrate upward pm • Bi-est cream .625mg/ml 1/2ml topically and titrate upward am • Testosterone cream 2mg/ml with DIM 30mg/ml 1/4ml upper inner arm area am • After 3 wks of rx initiate DHEA 5mg po qd Case Study #1 • 5th office visit • Feeling great • • • • • • • • • Energy level optimum Hair loss resolved Headaches resolved Libido improved Weight loss 8 lbs BP dramatic improvement Increased exercise endurance and exercise frequency Skin changes improved occ breakouts resolved Mood improved and now feels like she did “years ago” Now consider repeat saliva testing in 6mos to 1 yr depending on how she does Also consider serum 2/16 estrogen ratio testing after 1 yr to assess estrogen metabolism Case Study #1 • • 57 y/o c/o muscle aches, joint aches, fatigue, abdominal bloating and gas, emotional swings from overwhelmed feelings to lack of motivation, she feels like she is “aging to fast”, lack of libido, demised sexuality, lack of passion PMH • H x of hypothyroidism • Postmenopausal intermittently on HRT for < 6 mos took herself off as she felt she was not balanced had lots of breast tenderness, pelvic cramping, abdominal bloating increased • Hx of pacemaker insertion 9/00 • Osteopenia Laboratory Data & Other pertinent Data Saliva hormone test and adrenal saliva test Neurotransmitter testing do if relevant Serum lipids, 25-OH vitamin D, hs-CRP, homocysteine,ANA , HBA1c, TSH, FT4, FT3, Fasting insulin, TPO Urinanalysis Dexa Scan Mammogram H&P including pap Body temp chart Food dairy x 1 week Case Study #2 Case Study #2 } } } } } } } } } } } Hormone saliva tests results reviewed ◦ estradiol 1.7 pg/ml low read as normal range by lab no estrone levels or estriol levels calculated by lab ◦ Progesterone 10.4pg/ml low read as low by lab ◦ Ratio of Pg/E2 6.1 low read as low by lab ◦ Testosterone 7.9pg/ml low but read as normal range by lab ◦ DHEA 52.4pg/ml normal read as low by lab ◦ Cortisol in nmol/L ◦ Cortisol morning 3.9 read as low by lab ◦ Cortisol noon 2.2 read as normal by lab ◦ Cortisol evening 0.3 read as low by lab ◦ Cortisol night <0.3 read as low by lab ◦ No DHEA /cortisol ratio calculated by lab Borderline high LDL , normal Chemprofile, CBC Hs-CRP 0.7 Homocysteine 11.5 (<8.0) HbA1c 5.6 Fasting insulin 2.0 TSH 0.38 FT4 1.54 FT3 2.9 TPO and TBG antibodies normal ANA negative Neurotransmitter test results showed low urine epinephrine, low urine-serotonin, low urine-norepinephrine, low urine-dopamine, low urine-GABA U/A normal Dexa Scan shows she is continuing to have bone loss compared with previous study Mammogram normal Pap normal • Protocol • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Progesterone cream 50mg/ml start with 1/2ml topically pm and titrate to ¾ ml in 2 weeks Testosterone cream 2mg/ml w/ DIM 30mg/ml start with 1/4ml and titrate to ½ ml topically qd am Adrenal Fatigue regimen with herbal adaptogens Omega-3 fatty acids 1 gram/day DHEA 5mg sublingually Probiotics Estroblock 2 tabs/day 5-methyl and 5-formyl tetrahydrofolic acid and other B-vitamins Calcium hydroxyapatite 100mg Vit D-3 1000iU/day Liquid Minerals Whey Protein lactose free preferably Policosanol Plant sterols Continue synthroid 100mcg po qd Added armour thyroid 15mg po qd and then increased to 30mg po qd in two weeks Case Study #2 • 6 • • • week follow up visit Mental clarity improved Fatigue significantly improved Mood significantly improved, accomplishing more tasks in a day without feeling overwhelmed • Skin texture improved • Able to start to exercise • Improved libido Ø Now initiated Bi-est cream (80/20) .625mg/ml ¼ ml topically and titrate to ½ ml topically qam Ø After another 6wks she felt back to her “normal self” and losing weight especially from the abdomen Case Study #2 Adrenal Saliva Test Adrenocortex Stress Profile Result (nmol/L) Range (nmol/L) Cortisol Profile AM 21.6 6.0-42.0 Cortisol Profile Afternoon 13.6 0.0-15.0 Cortisol Profile PM (2) 7.4 2.0-11.0 Cortisol Profile Evening 3.8 1.0-8.0 DHEAS Profile AM 0.4 l 2.5-25.0 DHEAS/ Cortisol Ratio 0.02 l 0.20-0.60 Case Study #2 • 6 months later repeat hormone saliva test results showed: Salivary Estrogens Result (pmol/L) Range (pmol/L) Estrone (E1) 41.4 h 9.6-20.0 Estradiol (E2) <2.0 l Estriol (E3) <6.9 l 11.0-41.0 E3/[E1+E2] 0.16 l >1.00 Progesterone 585.3 l Testosterone 26.1 25.0-190.0 DHEAS 0.8 l 2.5-25.0 Case study #2 } Interpretation of test results } The estradiol is low because she is converting to estrones. This is cause for concern. Emphasis must be on optimizing estrogen metabolism. } She admitted she was not taking the estroblock which is key nutriceutical that has DIM and chrysin and indole-3-carbinol and much more. } She admitted she was not being compliant with diet recommendations. } Kept her at the same dosage with her bi-est and testosterone creams. She increased her progesterone cream 50mg/ml to 1 ml topically qd. } Within 3 wks pt called stating she was having hunger cravings, weight gain, and feeling depressed. Instructed to decrease the progesterone cream 1/2ml topically to the same previous level and her symptoms resolved. Case Study #2 • If patient is on oral estradiol or premarin then may need to consider switching to tri-est which is 10% etrones, 10% estradiol and 80% estriol orally, then transdermal or sublingual. After several weeks/months switch to bi-est. • If on oral synthetic progestin and having insomnia then switch to oral micronized progesterone 100-200mg dosage po qd. Then consider switching to transdermal or sublingual forms. Switching from Synthetic to Bioidentical HRT • • • • • • • Progesterone replacement Adrenal fatigue treatment Thyroid dysfunction treatment Targeted amino acid therapy Exercise Diet Over the counter medication use Insomnia Rx • Boron • Necessary for formation of steroid hormones • Clinical trial 3mg/day x7wks postmenopausal women significant increase in 17-beta estradiol and testosterone levels • Two fold increase in testosterone concentrations • • Reference Nielson FH,et al. Effect of dietary bone on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women FASEB J 1987:87:394-397 Nutritional Approach Hormonal Enhancement • Success in resolving patients symptoms is balance adrenal, thyroid and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones. • Start with transdermals and if they don’t work switch to sublingual and then to oral. • Generally start low and titrate upward. • Clinical response and test results don’t always correlate. • Individualize treatment. Conclusion of Bioidentical HRT } Compounded hormones are NOT the same } Delivery systems } Common base preparations in transdermals } Delivery forms } Oil preparations and common oils used } Other ingredients used } Raw materials } Standards and quality controls } Stability of hormones } Important to have good relationship with compounding pharmacy Final Observation in Prescribing Bioidentical HRT • Patient leaves your office happy, energized and says “thank you, I’m feeling great”. Success of Bioidentical HRT • “Estrogens have widespread biological actions, and there are naturally occurring phytoestrogens that mimic some of the actions of endogenous estrogens. In this review we will focus on new biochemical and molecular aspects of action of estrogens as well as the clinical and physiological influences {of their metabolism}”. • N Engl J Medicine 2002; 346-340 Beneficial Estrogen Metabolism • “Estrogens are also metabolized by hydroxylation and subsequent methylation to form catechol and methoxylated estrogens. Hydroxylation of estrogens yields 2-hydroxyl estrogens, 4-hydroxyl estrogens by catechol • O-methyl transferase yields methoxylated estrogen metabolism”. • N Engl J Medicine 2002; 346:340 Beneficial Estrogen Metabolism • Dietary Modifications of Estrogen Metabolism and Sensitivity • “Integration of new genetic information into epidemiological studies can help clarify causal relations between life-style and genetic factors and risks of disease. Thus a balanced approach should provide the most effective choice about the most effective means to prevent disease. • Willett, Science 2002; 296:69 Beneficial Estrogen Metabolism
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