Medical Doctor
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Medical Doctor |
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Name: Rochelle
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I am 59 years old and I am very healthy and active. I workout 7 days a week. I lift weights 3-4 days and I do aerobics 3-4 days. I have been doing this routine for almost 2 years and all that happens is that I gain weight.I Had an exam in Dec 2004 and the result was that I have an under active thyroid, so I now take synthroid.Also Was told that I have vaginal dryness.Had A bine density test which was ok. The mammogram was also ok.Pap Smear ok. I am interested in bioidentical hormone therapy. Do you think that I should give it a go.Also I would like to know why you are not in favor of saliva testing.Everything That I read says that saliva testing is far better than blood testing.Thank You for your time. Rochelle Noble
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Your questions require several answers. First is the thyroid issue: Synthyroid may not be the best thing to take since it is only Levothyroxine (T4) and you may need Liothyronine (T3). You must have the following blood tests done- FREE T4 and FREE T3 If your levels are low, you need replacement of Both T4 and T3.
Since you are 59 years old, you are certainly menopausal meaning that your ovaries are no longer producing estrogens, progesterone and testosterone. This puts you at greater health risk for heart attack, breast cancer and stroke even though you are certainly taking care of your health by your wonderful nutritional and exercise routines which I would encourage anybody to follow. Therefore, bioidentical hormones, in the proper doses for YOU would be indicated. Finally, testing of your hormones at this point is not indicated, since you are making NO ovarian hormones and we would be wasting the time and money to test. Once bioidentical hormones are given, your response is more important than any saliva or blood test. Your body is the best test. In general, I prefer blood testing to saliva because it is more clinically useful and gives better repetitive results. In your case, NO testing is necessary. Phillip Warner, M.D. |
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