What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is not one hormone, but a group of similar hormones of varying degrees of activity.  Estrogen is secreted by the ovaries throughout a woman's reproductive years.  The three most important hormones of this estrogen group are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).

What Does Estrogen Do?
Estrogen is the female hormone responsible for ovulation. Special estrogen receptors are located in the breasts, lining of the uterus, cervix, brain, bones and in the vagina.  Estrogen plays an important role in a woman's life from the time she enters puberty until the end of her last menstrual period.

What Does Estrogen Hormone Replacement Do?
With the onset of menopause, often called peri-menopause, the ovaries produce less and less estrogen.  During this time many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections and emotional changes such as depression and irritability.  Estrogen replacement therapy can help relieve these symptoms, as well as, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

What is Triple Estrogen (Triest)?
Estrogen is not a single hormone.  Technically it is more accurate to speak of "estrogens". In adult human women, three different natural hormones predominate: Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol.  Triestrogen is a hormone optimization that contains 10% estrone, 10% estradiol, 80% estriol.  Under normal circumstances, hormone levels vary according to the stage of the menstrual cycle, but the amount of each hormone usually fluctuates within the proportions of the finest formulation.

Does Triestrogen Therapy Require A Prescription?
Yes, it does. You will need to consult your doctor regarding estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is the other primary hormone produced by the ovaries.  More specifically, it is produced by the corpus luteum just after ovulation.

What Does Progesterone Do?
Progesterone is responsible for preparing and maintaining the lining of the uterus in preparation for the fertilized egg.  Progesterone secreted from the ovary is necessary for the survival of the ovum and the resulting embryo until the placenta takes over this production.

The decline in progesterone each month triggers the menstrual cycle.  Progesterone and estrogen are closely interrelated and their actions in the body are in a delicate balance.  PMS symptoms can be relieved by progesterone therapy from day 14 to day 28 of a woman's cycle.  After menopause, progesterone stimulates osteoblasts to help build bone and increase bone density.

Who Should Take Progesterone?
Progesterone opposes the stimulatory activity of estrogen on the endometrial lining and protects against uterine and cervical cancer.  There is a growing feeling among physicians that women taking estrogen hormone therapy should be taking progesterone too.

What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by both men and women.  It is not just a male sex hormone.  In men testosterone is primarily produced in the testes and to a lesser extent in the adrenal glands.  In women testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenals and to a lesser extent in the skin, brain and liver.

What Does Testosterone Do?
Testosterone behaves differently in the bodies of men and women, but it plays a very important role in the overall health and well being of both sexes. In men testosterone builds muscle, enhances sex drive, elevates the mood, prevents osteoporosis and increases energy.

In women testosterone enhances the sex drive, helps relieve menopausal symptoms, restores energy, strengthens, bone, elevates the mood and increases the sensitivity to sexual pleasure in the nipples and genitals.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Taking Testosterone?
Testosterone can improve the energy and strength in both men and women. It has a tonic effect on the body. Reports indicate that adequate levels of testosterone can help prevent heart disease, stroke and vascular disorders such as diabetic blindness. Testosterone supplements in men and women can increase the risk of liver toxicity, especially if taken orally. This is because the oral drug goes directly to the liver. It is better to take testosterone transdermally by patch, gel or injection for men and by gel or vaginal ointment for women. In women side affects such as oily skin, acne, irritability of behavioral changes and increased facial hair are dose related. When dosed correctly these problems rarely occur.

Does Testosterone Require a Prescription?
Yes, it must be ordered by a licensed physician or practitioner.

What is DHEA?
DHEAS is within mid-normal expected age range. DHEAS is highest during the late teens to early twenties (10-20 ng/ml) and drops steadily with age to the lower end of range by age 70-80. A lack of DHEA may contribute to fatigue, poor concentration and diminished overall well -being. Low DHEA can also mimic symptoms of testosterone deficiency such as weight gain, depression, anxiety, and poor muscle tone.