Article by DeLaney Gabriel, HHP – June 2022
There is a direct correlation between numerous health conditions and hormone levels in men and women. My work with clients since 1991 has brought me to the conclusion that the body ages because hormone levels drop.
Hormones play a vital role in physical, mental, emotional and general health and levels typically decline as early as our mid-30’s. Hormone support for the body in the form of bioidentical hormone creams, herbal formulas and dietary supplements can be very effective in addressing symptoms and improving overall health.
Utilizing comprehensive blood tests can identify deficiencies and imbalances in health and hormone levels. My focus on optimal reference ranges for all lab tests provides important information which guides treatment recommendations to address deficiencies and imbalances. Clients find this diagnostic method to be very informative.
Here are my favorite blood tests for a general health assessment for women and men: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, C-Reactive Protein, CoEnzymeQ10, Hgb A1C, Magnesium, Vit. D, Pregnenolone, DHEA-S, Testosterone, DHT, Progesterone, Estrone, Estradiol, Cortisol, and a PSA for men. Thyroid lab tests include TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3. Additionally, lab tests that are specific to personal health needs should be ordered.
The ideal approach for improving overall health is through identifying what causes the health condition and providing effective treatment that has the fewest side effects. Speaking from experience, here are some of the primary health assessments that were made based on blood test results over the past 34 years:
1) Estradiol deficiency in women is linked to depression, emotional instability, menopausal symptoms, insomnia, low libido, memory issues, bone loss and cardiovascular disease.
2) Estrogen, “estrone” dominance with low-end progesterone levels is present in women with anxiety, irritability, miscarriages, cysts, fibroids, cancer and other female related health conditions.
3) Progesterone deficiency contributes to insomnia, PMS, excessive menstrual bleeding, emotional instability, miscarriages and bone loss.
4) Testosterone and DHEA levels are especially low in conditions of physical weakness, depression, adrenal gland insufficiency and low libido.
5) Pregnenolone, testosterone and estradiol are low in patients with memory loss, premature aging and neurological conditions. Due to the awareness and rise in degenerative neurological conditions, having comprehensive lab test information early-on is crucial for providing an opportunity to correct the hormone deficiency if that is a part of the decline.
Experience has taught me that optimizing levels of these major hormones can provide positive outcomes in each of the areas listed above.
Cautionary Note: There are risks in taking hormones of any kind, and there are also risks in doing nothing. Taking high powered prescription hormones can be like pouring rocket fuel into aging organs and glands. The long-term risks of doing nothing can increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions and osteoporosis as well as numerous other health issues. An individualized health assessment based on comprehensive lab tests focusing on optimal test results often discloses which risk is greater.
The long-term benefits of holistic anti-aging therapies may provide some very effective health benefits for delaying or reversing the aging process and improving overall quality of life. In making decisions for your healthcare, following your heart and inner guidance are highly recommended!!!
DeLaney Gabriel, HHP is an Holistic Anti-Aging and Hormone Specialist and has been in private practice since 1984. She has been a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 1991. DeLaney’s office is located in the Lobero Office Building at 924 Anacapa St. in Santa Barbara. 805.969.3600. DeLaneyGabriel.com – You Tube Channel: DeLaney Gabriel
