Hormone Therapy News Articles

DHEA

5-Dehydroepiandrosterone (5-DHEA) is a 19-carbon endogenous steroid hormone. It is the major secretory steroidal product of the adrenal glands and is also produced by the gonads and the brain. DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans.

By age 40, DHEA has declined markedly. Replacement results in immune enhancement, therefore making DHEA extremely important in cancer and infection prevention. DHEA is a precursor to the sex hormones and is therefore an important building block in the production of these hormones. DHEA helps the breakdown of fats and cholesterol, while reducing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Regular exercise is known to increase DHEA production in the body

Estrogen

Replacement with natural estrogen protects against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis in women. Estrogen prevents symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, temperature disregulation, mood swings, urogenital atrophy, decreased libido and depression. Estrogen lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL (the good cholesterol). Bio-identical estrogen replacement therapy is the healthy alternative.

Progesterone

Replacement with natural progesterone protects against uterine and breast cancer plus osteoporosis. Progesterone reduces symptoms of menopause. Progesterone occurs naturally with estrogen and should be prescribed concurrently to balance estrogen. Bio-identical progesterone replacment is the healthy alternative.

Melatonin

This hormone is produced by the pineal gland and declines significantly by age 40. Melatonin controls circadium rhythm and sleep cycles. It induces sleep, improves quality of sleep and increases REM sleep and deep stage IV sleep. During this deep stage of sleep the immune system is stimulated. It has anti-cancer effects and modulates immune function by activating the cytokine system (lymphocytic function).

Testosterone

This sex hormone is necessary in both men and women and declines steadily after age 30. Testosterone is responsible for sustaining libido, muscle mass and immunity. It protects against heart disease in men plus the degeneration of muscle, bone, tendon and joints. It is a great mood enhancer and imparts a sense of well-being in aging men and women.

Thyroid Hormone

This metabolic hormone decreases steadily with age. Lack of thyroid hormone results in weight gain, cold intolerance, fatigue, weight gain, increased cholesterol, thin and dry skin, hair loss, thin and brittle nails. Replenishment results in reversal of these symptoms plus increased energy and metabolism.

Pregnenolone

Decline of this hormone occurs after age 30. This hormone aids in cellular repair of the central nervous system and is the most potent memory enhancer of all the hormones.