Despite decades of research on prevention, detection, and management, coronary heart disease is still a number one cause of mortality and morbidity in the developed world for both men and women. A major risk factor for both myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis is hypercholesterolemia.

Anti-aging medicine concepts and interventions were shown to be highly relevant with regards to hormone replacement therapy in a small clinical study by Dzugan et al. in 2002. The theory presented was the belief that high cholesterol levels were a consequence of low production of steroid hormones, i.e., estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. After youthful levels of these hormones were restored, total cholesterol dropped by 23.5 percent and normalized completely in 61.6 percent of patients. It is also important to note that individual dosing with bio-identical hormones were used. In this study all patients reported an increase in quality of life. So, it seems bio-identical hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be an effective approach in the control of hypercholesterolemia.

Treatment for high cholesterol (dyslipidemia) should start with optimal nutrition, diet, and ideal body weight, along with an aerobic and resistance exercise program. If appropriate for a low to moderate risk person, nutritional supplements are utilized. Some nutraceuticals that have shown to have the best clinical data for lowering lipid levels are tocotrienols, pantethine, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, red yeast rice, probiotics, curcumin, green tea extract and plant sterols. However, those with high or very high risk will likely need pharmacological agents used in conjunction with diet, exercise, weight loss, and nutraceuticals, along with hormone corrective therapy.

Bio-identical hormone replacement used to correct estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to optimal levels helps to keep the heart and body healthy. Estrogen increases HDL (good) cholesterol by 10 to 15 percent. It also decreases lipoprotein A, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Estrogen also lowers homocysteine, as well as acting as a natural calcium channel blocker to keep arteries open, reducing the risk of heart disease by as much as 40-50 percent.

Progesterone without adequate estrogen not only increases weight gain, it also increases LDL cholesterol, decreases HDL cholesterol and increases triglycerides. Inadequate levels of testosterone also results in low HDL cholesterol.

Remember, your hormones are like a web; they are a symphony, working together for total body optimal functioning. If there is a deficiency in any one area, the actions of other areas will be affected. Replacement of your hormones should be individualized and monitored for adjustments as your body fluctuates in response to life's stresses.

For more information, contact Jan Nelson at Balanced Wellness Medical Clinic, (509) 919-4575, [email protected], www.balancedwellnessmed.com.