*Interview with Mendy Peterson, PA-C

Hormones are known to be responsible for 25% of weight loss.

What are the markers for when we should have our hormones checked?

Hormones need to be checked between the ages of 30-80. Get hormones checked even if you don’t feel “off,” it will create a baseline for future testing.

Markers Include . . .

• Low Energy
• Moody
• Having trouble concentrating
• Can’t lose weight
• Waistline is expanding
• Can’t get rid of those last 15 lbs on Ideal Protein
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Feeling “Off”

What is bio-identical hormone therapy?

Bio-identical hormone therapy began in the 1930’s in Australia and Europe and brought to the United States in the 1970’s.

You can get hormone replacement through a pharmaceutical company, a compounding company or through naturals.

Hormones (estrogen and testosterone) can be given through

• Naturals, which is plant or food based.
• Compounding companies, which make a bio identical hormone and the pellet is inserted into the hip (FDA approved).
• Pharmaceutical companies, which provide pharmaceutical strength hormones in pill or cream form.

How does bio-identical therapy create better health?

Bio-identical therapy improves your health by . . .

• Increasing bone health
• Providing dementia prevention
• Improving cardiovascular health

What is the testing process that occurs before hormone replacement is given?

All Patients: Required labs include a thyroid test, CBC test (Complete Blood Count), and FSH test (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).

Males: A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test and a prostate exam is required. When testosterone is given, it can cause tissue to swell, so you don’t want your PSA to rise.

Females: A mammogram is required.

How do I start the process of discovering if I need hormone therapy?

• Pay attention to how you feel
• Get lab work done
• Go to a specialist; get to the bottom of the problem

What foods help stimulate hormones?

Estrogen foods include . . .

• Flaxseed
• Vegetables
• Tea
• Grains
• Pasta
• Coffee

Testosterone foods include . . .

• Beef
• Garlic
• Eggs
• Broccoli
• Oysters

If you have gained weight from the imbalance of hormones and begin therapy, how long before you start to see a loss again?

Within 6 months. This is not a weight loss tool though. Balanced hormones will help you maintain muscle and lose fat over time if you are eating well. Trust the process and give it time.