Hormones
What are Hormones?
Hormones are the protein secretions that are secreted from certain glands in the body, master gland being Pituitary Gland in the brain, from the Master gland to glands in the body ( like Thyroid, Ovary, Testes), glands to the target cells and from the target cells back to the brain.
Why do Hormones Decline? - The primary reason for hormonal decline is NOT aging, instead this hormone decline causes aging. Hormone Balancing and Replacing thus causes reversal of aging and age related symptoms.
- Hormones like Testosterone, growth hormone, estrogens, progesterone, Melatonin and DHEA start to decline in mid to late twenties. That is when the decline of cellular function begins.
- Decreased hormone levels are NOT “normal for your age”
Menopause: Millions of women in the United States are suffering from hormonal imbalance. (menopause) Symptoms may include: hot flashes, nightsweats, insomnia, dryness and thinning of the skin, diminished sex drive, hair loss, and depression.
Andropause: #Andropause, the male menopause , is the result of a gradual drop in testosterone. Men frequently notice andropause symptoms that may include a gradual loss of energy, vitality, irritability, muscle mass, decreased stamina, hair thinning, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, sleep problems, depression and diminished libido.
Treatment - Supplemented in appropriate, individualized doses are natural bio-identical hormones (estrogens, progesterone), melatonin, testosterone, human growth hormone, DHEA-s, and others.
Natural Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones
- Synthetic hormones, like Provera or Premarin, have shown to be harmful to the body in several National Institute of Health sponsored studies.
- We only use natural, plant based hormones that are identical to your body’s own hormones.
- They’re made from soy, wild yam root and other plant extracts, which are changed in a lab to be biologically identical to the same hormones your body makes.
- For optimal safety and results, we supplement only hormones that are low and relate to patients to symptoms.
- Individualized hormone prescription and dosing.
- Reevaluation and balancing the dosing is the key.
Testosterone
Important in both men and women
Increases bone density and muscle strength
In men deficiency may be associated with andropause, aging, prostate disease, heart disease, and depression
In women deficiency associated with osteoporosis and low libido.
Benefits of its Supplementation may include:
- Improved brain function
- Increased energy and strength
- Increased bone density
- Improved libido and performance
- Improved cardiovascular health, HDL and LDL profile.
Estrogens
Estradiol is the major active estrogen in both men and women
Metabolic product of testosterone
In men, excess estrogen is associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity
In women, too little estrogen is associated with menopause, vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
Benefits of its Supplementation may include:
- Protection against heart disease and stroke
- Decreased LDL, bad cholesterol.
- Lowered incidence of Alzheimer’s
- Improved memory
- Helps symptoms of menopause: mood swings, bloating, hot flashes, fatigue.
Progesterone
Balances the effect of estrogen on the uterus, promotes bone growth and calms the mood
In men protects against prostate cancer
In women protects against osteoporosis, menopause, hot flashes
In women deficiency associated with insomnia and irritability (eg PMS)
Benefits of its Supplementation may include:
- Protection against breast and uterine cancer
- Protection against fibrocystic disease
- Better fat metabolism
- Helps normalize blood sugar
- Helps reverse osteoporosis
- Helps thyroid hormone function
- Protects against anxiety and irritability
Pregnenolone
- Repairs brain and nerve tissue and increases brain functions.
- Reduces aging skin
- Improves sense of well being, energy, vitality
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces harmful stress effects
Thyroid: T4 and T3
The two primary thyroid hormones Regulate metabolism
Of the two, T3 is the bio-active form whereas the T4 serves as the reservoir for T3. Distorted ratios may indicate thyroid dysfunction
Low levels of thyroid result in constipation, dry skin, fatigue, muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, and menstrual irregularity.
Benefits of its Supplementation may include:
- Increases energy
- Improved mood
- Increases fat burning, and controls weight
DHEA
The primary adrenal hormone
Elevates mood improves memory and enhances immune function
In women, it is associated strongly with testosterone.
Benefits of its Supplementation may include:
- Improved neurological function
- Increased sense of well being
- Improved immune function and stress tolerance
- Increases metabolism
Cortisol
Level is checked as one of the measure for Adrenal Stress or Fatique. The abnormal levels are corrected with diet, nutrition, de-stress and mind-body techniques.
- Hormone of basic adrenal function.
- Acts to mitigate against inflammatory process and stress. Too much can result in damage and too little make the body susceptible to injury and fatigue.
- Increases your appetite for sugar
- Responds to stress
- Helps protect you against your immediate environment (allergens etc.)
- Mobilizes energy, improves fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass, and slows down your metabolism
Growth Hormone (HGH)
Steady decline associated with aging
Increases lean body mass (muscle) and decreases adipose (fat)
Enhances bone and muscle growth
Benefits of its Supplementation may include:
- Decreased body fat and Increased muscle mass
- Improved tissue healing and protein synthesis
- Increased bone density
- Better immunity – so decreased incidences of illness and fast recovery.
- Increased capacity to exercise
- Increased skin hydration and elasticity
- Improved sense of well being
Melatonin
- Induces sleep and Restores circadian rhythm.
- A metabolite of serotonin and deficiency may indicate a deficiency of serotonin
- Helps alleviate “jet-lag”
- Improves the immune system (by decreasing cortisol)