Hormones & Prescriptions

Bio-Identical Hormones

Hormones are the communication molecules that our body uses to turn certain functions up or down. They can increase our metabolism and sex drive, or leave us feeling frustrated, depressed, sleepless, and unable to move forward. It is absolutely important to have healthy hormone function for optimal health, and this is often an important part of disease management.

 

Bio-identical hormones are available by prescription only, and are one option to directly increase levels of circulating hormones if a deficiency is believed to be responsible for negative symptoms, or if lab tests suggest that safety and function would be improved with their use.

 

We often use nutrients, herbs, or other therapies to support hormonal health; this may be done with hormone therapies, or instead of them. It is important to be accurately assessed, and have a thorough discussion regarding hormone supportive therapies to be sure you receive the best care and advice possible.

Prescription Medications

There are times when dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, nutrients, herbs, and other therapies simply are not appropriate, or are not having the desired response. Appropriately used prescription medication can greatly reduce pain and discomfort, improve quality of life, and help us live our desired life. While medication is not appropriate for everyone, it is a powerful tool to use when needed.

 

Simple prescription medication is rarely given without recommendations on other supportive measures, preventative options, and a plan moving forward to discontinue medication or to appropriately manage symptoms and side effects.

 

Picture of Dr. Lucas MacMillan, ND

Dr. Lucas MacMillan, ND

Naturopathic Physician, Clinic Director
Reception Services
604-986-9191

Frequently Asked Questions

Hormones are communication molecules that your body uses to make changes, such as build muscle, relax and sleep, or burn fat. Bioidentical hormones are identical to those already in your body. Many of the hormones commonly used today are notably different than those our body makes. For example, oral birth control pills, many estrogen pills and creams, and many progesterone pills are not bioidentical, meaning they look (and act) a bit differently in the body.
If you have the symptoms of hormone deficiency (can include trouble sleeping, anxiety, hot flushes, irritability, ongoing fatigue & many others), the cause may be hormone deficiency. There are many other things that must be assessed for and treated as appropriate, but we have had many patient who were amazed by how much better they felt when their levels were brought back to normal. The first step is always an assessment to see if this is a good fit, and whether nutrients, herbs, lifestyle changes, or entirely different treatment directions would be a better fit for you.
This is a very common misconception that is largely based on the initial concerns found when studying a non-bioidentical estrogen that was extracted from horse urine. The form of estrogen, dosage, and whether it is balanced by other important hormones such as progesterone are important factors in determining safety. It is important to get hormone levels back to healthy normal levels rather than increasing them beyond what a person would naturally have. We have a range of assessments and tests that are used as appropriate to see whether these therapies are necessary, safe, and dosed appropriately.
The most common use at Delbrook Integrative is for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who are now experiencing hot flushes, anxiety, &/or sleep disruption that wasn't there before. This is a time of major hormone change in a woman's life, and thus is a very common target for these therapies. Bioidentical hormone therapies are also considered in cases of PCOS and fertility concerns, significant menstrual symptoms, insomnia, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, and a number of mood disorders. This is one of many tools that may be appropriate for you. When it is a good fit, it is common to see rapid and dramatic results.
Our naturopathic physician Dr. Lucas manages a number of cases with suspected hormone imbalance. You can book an initial visit with him, or a follow up if you have already seen him or another naturopathic doctor at Delbrook. Dr. Lucas also offers a complimentary meet & greet appointment, which can also be done by phone or virtually as needed. This is a chance to see if Dr. Lucas and his approach may be right for you.
As a naturopathic physician in BC with further certification in prescription medications, IVs, chelation, and various other treatment options, Dr. Lucas is able to prescribe a wide range of medication. Most commonly used medications include antibiotics, anti diabetics (such as metformin), and bioidentical hormones. Various others are used as needed, though these are generally built in to a plan that includes other treatment options and directions. Dr. Lucas prefers to use medication as a single part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
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