Forty years ago while a young medical student in Brussels and under the tutelage of a passionate Canadian endocrinologist, I developed a passion for studying and understanding the impact of a set of tiny, unique molecules that exist in our bodies. Hormones are essential to our survival and have an amazing, crucial and precise power when it comes to both our physical and mental wellbeing.
In order for our bodies to function optimally and to their full potential, we need to produce sufficient hormones. When our bodies stop producing the correct levels of hormones we have a problem. A diabetic without insulin will die, a person without thyroid hormones will too. So when our bodies are functioning correctly we continuously replace our hormones to maintain their correct levels.
Through the years, I have observed patients in my consultations, men and women starting from their forties who suffer physical and mental symptoms because of imbalanced or declining hormones. This mental and physical decline was and still is so often seen as “just ageing”. However, in so many cases this simply isn’t true - or at least doesn’t need to be the case. I think the need to age gracefully is a myth. Why accept these symptoms, when in many cases they can be halted or even reversed? Why not replenish the hormones that are the critical building blocks of wellbeing and balance?
Bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT) can correct many of the symptoms we notice, such as lack of energy and drive, tiredness, sleep disturbance, sweating, hot flushes, loss of muscle tone and strength, decreased or loss of sex drive or libido, loss of confidence, loss of focus and memory, loss of concentration, weight increase…the list goes on and on. With BHRT, we aim to treat the symptoms, but above all we aim to optimise health too. BHRT can protect our inner invisible health: cardiovascular, metabolic, bone strength and brain functions. When it comes to anti-ageing medicine BHRT definitely plays a crucial part.
My philosophy when I meet a patient is to treat a human being holistically, not just a medical problem and not just a set of negative symptoms. A whole person comes to see me with a past, a present and a future. Therefore it is crucial to have an in-depth consultation, without time constraints. This allows me to develop the best strategic plan. In essence, it is an individual, specific and customised plan, with a tailored treatment that aims to achieve health, vitality, balance and wellbeing - the best positive future for that patient.
If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms I’ve discussed or feel that you’d like to boost your wellbeing, get in contact on 07809 408457 or email berlinde@hebemedical.co.uk.