About the Hormones We Use
DHEA
DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. This hormone is a precursor to other sex hormones. In addition to having its own hormone effect, it results in a shift to an anabolic or protein building state. It reduces cardiovascular risk by increasing lipolysis or breakdown of fat. It also stimulates the immune system, restores sexual vitality, improves mood, decreases cholesterol and body fat. Recent studies point to DHEA as a anti-stress hormone, reversing the effects of stress on the immune system.
Estrogen
Estrogen is secreted by the ovaries. Estrogen protects against heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and memory disorders. It protects against vaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence, and prevents symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and temperature deregulation. It improves balance by improving the vaginal somatosensory system in the central nervous system. Estrogen deficiency results in urogenital atrophy, incontinence, sagging skin in the breast, increased skin wrinkles in the face, increased fatigue, depression, mood swings and decreased libido. It is of extreme importance that the estrogen prescribed be a natural estrogen and not a synthetic estrogen. The synthetic estrogens have been shown to be harmful. We only prescribe natural hormones and never use the cancer causing synthetic hormones (such as Premarin). For optimal protection, natural estrogen supplementation should be balanced by natural progesterone supplementation.
Melatonin
Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland. It is a circadian rhythm hormone, thereby affecting the patterns of sleep. Research has shown that the cells of the body rejuvenate and repair during the deeper states of sleep. It is during the deeper states of sleep that the body produces natural killer cells or CD4 cells. Melatonin increases the deep state of sleep and stage IV sleep, thereby increasing and enhancing immunity. Improved sleep patterns serve to energize the body and improve mood. Melatonin has powerful antioxidant effects which accounts for disease prevention qualities. Melatonin has tremendous cancer prevention effects due to its enhancement of the immune system. Melatonin deficiency results in poor sleep, jet lag, irritability, hypersensitivity and premature aging.
Testoserone
Testosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, testes and ovaries. It contributes to muscle mass, strength and endurance, decreased fat, increased exercise tolerance, enhancement of well-being and psychological status. Testosterone protects against cardiovascular disease, hypertension, body fat and arthritis. It leads to improved lean muscle mass, increased bone density, decrease in cholesterol, improved skin tone, improved healing capacity, increased libido and sexual performance. It prolongs the quality of life by decreasing the diseases of aging, as does estrogen in the female. Testosterone is also present and extremely important in the female as well as the male, making supplementation absolutely recommended for men and women.
Pregnenolon
Pregnenolone is a precursor to other hormones. It functions as a memory enhancer and is a factor in cellular repair, particularly in the brain and nerve tissue. Pregnenolone protects cerebral function and protects against neuronal injury.
Progesterone
Progesterone is secreted by the ovaries and reduces symptoms of premature menstrual syndrome. It protects against uterine and breast cancers, osteoporosis, fibrocystic disease and ovarian cysts. It dramatically decreases menopausal symptoms. Most U.S. physicians prescribe synthetic progestins which cause such side effects as bloating, headaches, fatigue and weight gain. The natural progesterone must be prescribed in place of the synthetic progestin to avoid the side effects and protect against cancer. We emphasize the use of natural hormones and not synthetic hormones, which have been proven time and time again to cause significant side effects.
Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid hormone is a metabolic hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that regulates temperature, metabolism and cerebral function. It contributes to energy levels and temperature regulation and body warmth. It increases fat breakdown, resulting in weight loss as well as lower cholesterol. It protects against cardiovascular disease and improves cerebral metabolism. It helps to prevent cognitive impairment. Thyroid hormone is probably the safest and most beneficial cholesterol lowering agent, yet is infrequently used for this!