Frequently Asked Questions

Bioidentical hormones

Why do we need hormone support?

In a state of optimal health, our bodies would produce the correct amount of hormone and there would be no need to correct imbalances.

However, most of us are not in a state of optimal health. We are stressing our bodies in many ways:

We counsel our clients on addressing these issues. In the meantime, using bio-identical hormones can help support these taxed systems.

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured to have the same biochemical structure as the hormones made by your own body. Synthetic hormones like Premarin, Prempro, and Provera are not the same hormone molecules that your body produces. Drug companies can't patent the hormone molecules in your body, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable - by changing their shape and molecular function.

Why we like bioidentical hormones

Clinically, we see fewer side effects with bioidentical hormones. Because they are the same molecule found in your body, the body processes them more easily than synthetic hormones.

Why is testing so important?

Have you received a prescription from your doctor for hormone replacement therapy without having your hormone levels tested first? How could your doctor know what exact levels you need without knowing your baseline hormone levels? We believe testing is imperative - before receiving a prescription and monitoring while on a prescription. We often make adjustments to each patient's personalized prescription based on follow up monitoring.

Baseline and follow up testing is fundamental in responsible treatment with any hormone supplementation.

Why should you choose naturopathic medicine to treat hormone imbalances?

Naturopathic physicians are trained at 4 year medical schools - like MDs or DOs. Our primary care training is essentially identical, and in the state of Arizona, we can prescribe medication and refer for imaging and surgery. Our training is focused on disease prevention and not just covering up symptoms. In addition to our Western medical training, we have the highest level of training in:

We use these therapies, as well, in balancing your hormone health. Bio-identical hormones are just a small part of the tools we can use.

Our advanced training helps us understand the specific nutrients and botanicals needed to support the thyroid, adrenal, and sex glands. Our goal is to help your body produce as much hormone and in the correct ratios as possible.

Healthy support is not just about giving the hormone as a supplement - but about also giving the body what it needs to make hormone on its own. Our naturopathic perspective helps us to always work toward this goal.

Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

An integrative system of therapeutics derived from several schools of thought. Historically, only basic modalities of healing were used such as natural foods, light, warmth, massage, fresh air, and regular exercise. Through the years, we have seen the modalities of naturopathic medicine evolve as the field of medicine has evolved. There are many tools in a Naturopathic Physician's medicine bag including vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, herbs, acupuncture, and prescription medications when indicated.

The underlying philosophy of the medicine, that illness is reversible through the natural processes of the body, is its cornerstone. This core philosophy guides the physician when listening to the patient, so that they may formulate an individualized treatment plan together. The Naturopathic physician uses the least invasive, clinically indicated combination of therapies to assess and support the body's ability to heal itself in an effort to promote wellness physically, mentally and spiritually.

Education and Training

Naturopathic doctors practice a unique form of medicine that integrates the training and knowledge of conventional medicine into a treatment model based on the philosophy of naturopathic medicine.

After receiving a bachelor's degree, naturopathic physicians then attend one of the five accredited naturopathic medical schools located in North America. The four-year curriculum includes courses in basic sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pathology as well as clinical sciences such as Cardiology, Rheumatology and Radiology. Students also take classes in the history of medicine as well as philosophy. It is it's cogent philosophy based on the fact that the body has the power to heal itself, which sets the Naturopathic Medical Model apart from the rest. Two years of clinical training are spent working under established practitioners with their patients incorporating several different therapeutic modalities. These modalities include Homeopathy, Clinical Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Hydrotherapy and Acupuncture, to name a few. Using these methods, health can be restored from the inside out without the use of drugs or needless surgeries. Naturopathic physicians find that conditions which conventional medicine fails to treat effectively or provide answers for are easily remedied using these other means.

What is the best way to evaluate nutritional supplements and natural medicines?

Every year billions of dollars are spent on natural medicines. However, results vary due to the quality and purity of the products. Some companies manufacture natural medicines but do not conduct the necessary testing and research to ensure a pure, safe and effective product.* Some supplements of low quality may be ineffective and harmless, but others may be dangerous.

*Tip: Best to shop for supplements where a wide variety of companies' products are offered like your local co-op. Chances are, these supplements are of better quality than those sold at stores that offer only one or two generic brands. At Natural Health Connections, Inc. we hand select the best quality products for your money provided by physician-only based manufacturers. Only use standardized or whole plant herbal products from eligible manufacturers. Keep supplements in a dry place away from light, possibly in dark glass containers with a tight seal.

Look for products that list:

Talk to your naturopathic doctor about supplements you are considering and what to expect from products that you are using.