Moods, Emotions, and Aging: Hormones and the Mind-Body Connection
For many years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was standard practice for women with pre-menopausal symptoms. But HRT fell out of favor after studies showed that women on these drugs were developing decreased vascular function and slight increases in the incidence of breast cancer, stroke and dementia.According to “Moods, Emotions and Aging,” by Phyllis J. Bronson, a Colorado-based researcher who advises women with hormone-based mood disorders, this “set off a wave of misinformation.” Doctors began advising patients to stop HRT, and as a result, Bronson writes, “many women started feeling lousy without their hormones.”Bronson attributes HRT’s side effects to the fact that commonly prescribed hormones are synthetic. She argues that women would respond better to bioidentical hormones, which are chemically identical to the hormones women make in their bodies. Such hormones, Bronson says, can improve a woman’s mood and sense of self without the negative consequences of synthetic versions.Bronson builds her case using her own story and those of the women she advises who have had success with bioidentical hormone therapy. She breaks down what happens to various hormones as women age, and how they can affect sexuality, emotional well-being and overall health, particularly age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.(Washington Post Book World)Dr. Bronson’s book will equip anyone facing the challenges of hormone deficiencies. Because she works with and writes about real people with serious mood and hormone imbalances, her readers may see themselves in the patient stories she tells and be inspired to take action to resolve their own health issues.... Another valuable facet of Dr. Bronson’s book is the discussions of how emotional issues can both provoke and be a result of hormone disarray. With the myriad of tools provided in this book, people who may have “lost” themselves emotionally may be able to find a pathway back.(Women's International Pharmacy)Geared for women over 50 years old,Moods, Emotions and Agingis a culmination of this “out-of-the-box” scientist’s discoveries about how to control moods through and after menopause.... Bronson’s scientific theories are based on her intimate knowledge of how women work. This book is not about finding “the fountain of youth” or anti-aging, she said, but rather it is about aging gracefully and without fear. Her techniques to achieve this goal are “a rational, soulful approach to how to work with the science” of biology.(Vail Daily)Not only does Dr. Bronson discuss diagnosis of hormonal disorders and the proper use of bioidentical hormones to treat them, she also adds in a missing dimension, the use of nutritional supplements to benefit brain chemistry.... The book should be required reading for any physician or health care professional thinking of starting a bioidentical hormone practice.(Jeffrey Dach, MD)Moods, Emotions, and Agingis a treasure trove of crucial information that will help women understand and choose the right hormone therapies for optimal health.(Christiane Northrup, MD)Real Women with real problems are getting real results and life changes with real hormones. Dr. Bronson is the “real” deal as she shares her guidance and experience with her readers. Her message emphasizes that the solution is not a magic elixir used by everyone but is an individualized approach developed by understanding and using the science of biochemistry.(Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP, Women's International Pharmacy)Dr. Bronson cleverly integrates evolving biochemical research with clinical practice, illuminating the path to optimal hormonal balance, for women of all ages.(Chris Martinez, MD, American Board of Emergency Medicine)Dr. Phyllis Bronson is a voice to listen to in the area of mood and hormones. A researcher, clinician and speaker on the subject for many years, she has distilled her world of experience into this well-written user-friendly book that will educate and inspire you. It's a must-read for any woman-- and the man who cares about her.(Hyla Cass, MD, author of 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health)The research which Phyllis and I pursued here, resulting in a significant finding, involved the spectroscopic study of natural progesterone and the synthetic version developed by pharmaceutical companies. The structural differences between the natural and synthetic progesterone have significant implications for women’s health. The work which Phyllis has done generally in the chemical and physiological effects of bioidentical hormones has received wide attention through her numerous lectures and publications.(Dwight Smith, Ph.D., former chancellor of the University of Denver)