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A BRIEF LOOK AT THE MAJOR HORMONES
by Elora Gabriel

There are many hormones in the human body.  Among the most important are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and DHEA.  Human growth hormone has been studied intensively in recent years and has strong implications for aging reversal.

ESTROGEN is the hormone that makes us women and that makes us feel like women.  When estrogen levels begin to drop, usually in our late 40’s, we may notice one or more of the symptoms in the table below.  Or, we may simply experience a loss of well-being.

Symptoms of estrogen deficiency

Hot flashes Depression, moodiness Joint/muscle pain Vaginal atrophy
Night sweats Anger/rage Heart palpitations Vaginal dryness
Fatigue Memory loss Dizziness Bladder infections


Supplementing with natural estrogen can provide the following benefits:

Stabilizes moods Improves memory and energy Restores vaginal lubrication
Relieves hot flashes Alleviates sleep disturbances Improves vitality and energy
Slows bone loss Prevents vaginal/bladder infections Improves skin & breast tone

But what about the dangers and side effects of estrogen?   First of all, there are different types of estrogen.  Some are much, much safer than others and have virtually no side effects.  There are three major types of estrogen in our bodies: estradiol, estrone, and estriol.  Estradiol and estrone are the highly potent estrogens that may stimulate cancer. Estriol is considered very safe, and clinical evidence indicates that it even protects against breast cancer.  All standard estrogen prescriptions are either estradiol or estrone.  Premarin, for example, is estrone, and is made of horse estrogens that are not natural for our bodies. For most women, the ideal balance of estrogens is 80% estriol, 10% estrone, and 10% estradiol.  This blend, called tri-estrogen, has been found to rapidly alleviate the symptoms of menopause.  Tri-estrogen is the blend of estrogens naturally found in a healthy young woman’s body.   

Phyto-estrogens are estrogenic compounds found in plants. Phytoestrogens differ remarkably from synthetic estrogens in that they are easily broken down, are not stored in the tissues and spend very little time in the body.   And because humans have spent millions of years eating plants and herbs, our bodies easily accept plant estrogens and find them both effective and beneficial. We carry a product called Pro-Estron which is a phyto-estrogen blend based on the tri-estrogen ratio.  

Please click here to view our estrogen products.

 

 

DHEA is the most abundant hormone in the human body, and is produced by the adrenal glands.  Levels drop with age, for both men and women, falling to a fraction of their peak value in the 20’s.  Most people over the age of 50 are deficient in DHEA and would benefit from supplementation.  DHEA can be converted in the body into other sex hormones.  Perhaps the best thing about DHEA is that it just makes you feel better!   Supplementation tends to increase energy, well-being, and sleep quality.  Many people report reduced joint and muscle pain.  For more information on DHEA, please email The Green Willow Tree.

 

TESTOSTERONE is the major sex hormone for men, and is needed by women in smaller quantities.  It is responsible for firm muscles and a healthy libido in both sexes, and has other important roles to play in the body as well.   Please see Testosterone, Hormone of Energy and Desire, for more information.  For women, levels of this hormone usually drop before or during menopause.  Men also pass through "andropause" which is caused by a lessening of testosterone production, resulting in lowered virility and decreased muscle mass.  Many men would benefit by supplementation with natural testosterone.  While synthetic methyl testosterone (found in Estratest, for example) can cause liver toxicity and other side effects, natural testosterone is considered very safe.  Numerous studies have shown, for example, that it actually has a positive effect upon cardiovascular health.  Natural testosterone also protects against breast cancer, according to Dr. William Douglas, editor of Second Opinion health newsletter.   Benefits of testosterone may be obtained either by using a prescription form of natural testosterone, or through one of the other hormones which convert into testosterone--DHEA and Androstenedione.  For women specifically interested in increasing sex drive, please see How to Have a Healthy Libido in Mid-Life and Beyond.  Please click here to view our testosterone enhancing products.

 

THYROID HORMONE is essential to proper metabolism and for the functioning of almost every organ and system in the body.  Low thyroid symptoms include cold hands/feet, sluggish metabolism, low basal temperature, weight gain, slow pulse, depression, dry skin, dry/brittle/thinning hair, fatigue, feeling groggy in the morning but more alert at night, constipation, yellowish coloration on skin (particularly on the palms), slow speech, PMS and/or painful menstrual cramps, recurrent respiratory infections, fluid retention and puffiness in face, ankles, etc.  Many doctors and practitioners believe that we are currently experiencing an epidemic in low thyroid function, particularly among women.  A large majority of hypothyroid patients are not able to get help with their condition, due to the fact that doctors usually rely solely on the TSH for diagnosing thyroid problems.  It is my belief that the TSH test is not always accurate, and that symptoms are an important guide.  Please see The Thyroid Connection for more information.  This article offers resources for getting help, either by prescription or using effective non-prescription alternatives.  Please click here to view our thyroid products.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.