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Weight Loss Survey > Hormone Survey > |
Bio-Identical Hormones
A natural bioidentical
hormone has a chemical structure that is identical to the hormone
naturally produced by the body.
With the advent
of genetic engineering, it is now possible to produce natural
bioidentical hormones that in every way match those produced by
our body. The medical
procedure to replenish these hormones with natural bioidentical
hormones is called bioidentical hormone replacement therapy --
the science of simply restoring the balance of the endocrine system
to that which we had at an earlier age.
In order to sell a
drug, a pharmaceutical manufacturer instructs physicians how and
when to prescribe it. Much of what physicians are taught comes
from pharmaceutical companies that have done tremendous medical
research in order to justify a product. Because no pharmaceutical companies manufacture
natural hormones, most physicians do not learn about them unless
they do personal research and become educated in the use of natural
hormones.
Where do these natural bioidentical hormones come from? There is a special type of pharmacy known as a compounding pharmacy. These are regular licensed pharmaceutical companies. And they are able to do more. They are similar to the old fashioned concept of pharmacist with a mortar and pestle. They acquire the pure pharmaceutical grade hormone and compound it into the form ordered by the physician. They produce pills, capsules, liquids, and creams per the doctor’s prescription order for you. This makes your program very customized and personalized. Are’t health food
store products “natural”? Products in health food stores provide
people with a variety of natural options, usually from an herb
or plant source. Folk medicine, naturopathy, and herbalists have
evolved such that there is more substantiation and better acceptance
of these alternative, herbal products.
However, the products
from compounding pharmacies are different in several ways. First, the dose provided by a pharmacy requires a prescription.
Health food store products (and over the counter products sold
at pharmacies) are most often of a dose that is insufficient to
produce a measurable difference in the body based on actual laboratory
tests.
Second, the products
from the compounding pharmacy utilize ingredients of pure pharmaceutical
grade that are “micronized.” Micronized means that the product
is a fine grain that will be well absorbed. This results in less
waste as it processes through your digestive system. Third, the
natural hormones from the compounding pharmacy can be prescribed
as long-acting or sustained release. This helps the body have
a more balanced hormone level instead of the highs and lows that
come with quick acting, quickly absorbed or poorly absorbed products.
A compounding pharmacy
is able to customize an individual prescription and provides many
options for a personalized hormone program. Options range from
individualized doses, to custom fillers (i.e.: lactose free),
to options of delivery (sublingual triturates, tablets, capsules,
liquids and creams).
To summarize, a natural bioidentical hormone has a chemical structure
that is identical to the hormone naturally produced by the body.
Natural hormones can not be patented by drug companies. Synthetic
hormones have a structure similar to but not exactly the same
as a hormone produced by your body. These chemical differences
mean that the synthetic hormone acts differently and produces
substantially different effects or that the breakdown product
causes side effects. “Natural bioidentical” and synthetic hormones
should not be considered the same or used interchangeably.
DHEA
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced naturally in the adrenal glands, gonads
and brain. Clinical
studies have shown that DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
has a profound effect on the immune system, sex drive,
metabolism and emotional stability. It effect on the immune system
via the modulation of stress hormones and its use as a powerful
antioxidant, demonstrate potent age-resisting capabilities. Other
health related benefits include the ability to alter cognitive
decline, to help the body cope with stress and to exert a healthy
influence over the heart via cholesterol modulation.
Most of the tremendous
effects seen from DHEA are based on its ability to stimulate protein
synthesis from the cell which in turn results in an increase in
cell regeneration, increase in protein synthesis and an improvement
of immune function which forestalls disease processes.
DHEA is the ultimate antioxidant as it appears to prevent
the formation of free radicals.
The
mean concentration of DHEA in serum decreases progressively from
a peak at age 25 to less than twenty percent (20%) of that peak
before the age of 70. Serum levels are typically low in those
with chronic diseases, such as cancer and AIDS, and heart disease
as well.
DHEA has been shown
to increase insulin sensitivity which means that less insulin
is required. This results in protection against diabetes
and greater control for those who
have diabetes. It has also been shown to have significant
effect in treating connective tissue disorders such as lupus,
a disease that tends to show minimal improvement from standard
therapy.
Insulin-resistance
has lead to over 14,000,000 Americans having some form of diabetes. Insulin-resistance or inability of insulin
to do its job results in increased glucose, increased weight,
obesity, and heart disease. DHEA
has now been discovered to be the missing link between insulin-resistance
and atherosclerosis. It is the decline in DHEA that precipitates
the insulin-resistance that can lead to damage of the cardiovascular
system. Diabetics given DHEA have noted marked decrease insulin
resistance that prevents the harmful effects of insulin on the
vasculature.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 1995 stated
that there are over 2500 published papers documenting DHEA’s multiple
benefits. This important paper documented that we produce half
of the DHEA at age 40 than we did when we were 20.
Some elderly people produce no DHEA whatsoever. DHEA was
shown to improve the quality of life and postpone many of the
unpleasant effects of aging such as fatigue and muscle weakness.
Patients receiving DHEA slept better, had more energy, and were
better equipped to handle stress compared with a placebo group
not receiving DHEA. Other
potential benefits of DHEA include immune enhancement, anti-cancer
effects, anti-atherosclerotic effects, anti-depression, life extension
and cognitive enhancement.
DHEA is available over the counter and is common
in drug stores, warehouse stores and health food stores. Unfortunately, many of the over-the-counter products from foreign
countries contain contaminants and therefore are not entirely
pure pharmaceutical grade. The
half life of DHEA from over-the-counter sources is approximately
six hours, which would require that one take the supplement three
times a day. The Preventive
Medicine Clinic will prescribe DHEA in a sustained release micronized
form which allows for complete absorption as well as a sustained
level over a 24-hour time period, thereby foregoing the need to
take the supplement three times a day.
In addition, The Preventive Medicine Clinic will prescribe
only pure pharmaceutical grade DHEA that is compounded by a pharmacy
to assure a 100% pure pharmaceutical compound.
Benefits of DHEA Replacementü Improves function of the immune system ü Improves brain function ü Hinders the damage that stress can cause ü Increases energy ü Reduces body fat and cholesterol, thereby preventing heart disease ü Increases insulin sensitivity ü Potent antioxidant by preventing formation of free radicals ü Improves mood ü Cognitive enhancement Side Effects
In very high doses various androgenic effects
including acne, deepening of the voice, hirsutism and hair loss
have been reported in women using supplemental DHEA.
Administration
DHEA is usually taken orally in the capsule
form; however creams/gels are also effective.
DHEA can be obtained over the counter or through a compounding
pharmacy. Pharmacies that compound DHEA will micronize and slow
release it for a more consistent serum level.
Hormones obtained through a pharmacy are usually of a higher
pharmaceutical grade then that obtained over the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) If I develop acne what should I do? Stop taking till the acne clears then resume at a lower dose.
2)
I don’t feel any different after taking the DHEA, is that normal?
Some people do not notice a difference taking DHEA. Some
do notice increased energy and improved brain function.
As long as your doctor is replacing the proper dosage it
is a very good hormone to take daily.
Estrogen
Estrogen is the primary female hormone and was the first hormone commonly
replaced. It has been prescribed for over forty years to women
suffering from symptoms of menapause such as hot flashes,
insomnia, vaginal dryness, bladder problems, difficulty concentrating
and anxiety. With time, many of these symptoms diminish.
Unfortunately, the disease processes, such as cardiovascular
disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s only increase in
the absence of estrogen.
Estrogen is produced
in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Men also produce estrogen through a conversion of testosterone,
although this is an extremely small amount. There are three types
of estrogen found in a female’s body, estrone, estradiol and estriol.
The levels of all of these hormones fall dramatically at the onset
of menopause. The rapid bone loss
after menopause has been attributed to the decline in the production
of estrogen, which is essential for bone growth.
In addition the loss of estrogen results in the development
of heart disease, which is the number one killer of both men and
women. Postmenopausal women on estrogen have a 70% decrease in mortality
from heart disease. Natural
estrogen has also been shown to lower total blood cholesterol
and raises HDL, the good cholesterol.
Not only does natural estrogen protect vessels of the heart,
it also protects vessels of the brain and may protect against
Alzheimer’s disease.
There is no doubt that estrogen can protect
a woman against many of the diseases of aging and that post menopausal
women on estrogen typically feel better and stay healthier. Unfortunately, most of the estrogen that is prescribed to women
is in the form of a synthetic estrogen or an estrogen that is
not natural to the human body. Because of this, many women develop
side effects as well as cancer.
A healthy trend these days is to avoid the synthetic estrogens
that have been used for years and prescribe natural estrogens.
Human receptor sites
were designed to accept the natural estrogen and not a synthetic
analog that not only causes adverse symptoms but also can be linked
to cancer formation. A recent article in the New England Journal
of Medicine proved by meta analysis that long term use of synthetic
estrogens increases the formation of breast cancer.
In Europe, most research
trials have shown that natural estrogen, especially when taken
in conjunction with natural progesterone, protects against breast
cancer similar to the way it protects against uterine cancer.
In addition, the use of estriol, which is a weak estrogen,
has been shown to lower the incidence of breast cancer.
This article was first published in the Journal of the
American Medical Association, which indicated that
there was enough presumptive and scientific evidence accumulated
to prove that estriol is the safer estrogen as it has been shown
to actually decrease the incidence of breast cancer.
Benefits of Estrogen Replacement
ü Protects against heart disease ü Protects against stroke ü Decreases cholesterol ü Prevents and or lowers incidence of Alzheimer’s disease ü Improves memory ü Decreases symptoms of menopause ü Prevents osteoporosis by slowing down the process
ü
Improves vaginal dryness and eliminates bladder problems
Side Effects
Usually only occur with estrogen dominance
meaning there is no progesterone to counter balance or the progesterone
level is too low in comparison to the amount of estrogen.
Estrogen dominance can result in mood swing, depression,
breast swelling, fibrocystic breast tissue, craving for sweets,
sleep disturbances, uterine fibroids, weight gain, acne, and water
retention.
Administration
Estrogen is best administered in the natural
form as a Biest or Triest preparation.
Biest contains 1.0 mg of estadiol and 0.5 mg of estriol
supplied as a capsule, cream, or sublingual.
Frequently
Asked Questions 1) How is natural estrogen different from Premarin. Premarin is derived from the urine of pregnant mares. It is comprised primarily of horse estrogen’s that are not bio identical to the estrogens human make. The different forms of estrogen mentioned above are bio identical to what your body already makes causing less side effects and better results. 2) Will I get any breakthrough bleeding? Not usually, but sometimes your doctor may have to adjust the dosage of estrogen and progesterone. Breakthrough bleeding can occur if you forget to take your progesterone. Be sure to contact your physician if this happens.
3)
My doctor told me that soy and other herbs are a natural may to
combat menopause. Although they may have phytoestrogens, the estrogens
are not high enough to combat osteoporosis, heart disease and
other diseases of aging.
Progesterone
is the female hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal
glands. It functions to balance the effects of estrogen. Progesterone may be viewed as a lifelong partner of estrogen, in a balanced
relationship of yin and yang.
Progesterone stimulates bone growth while estrogen halts
bone loss. Natural progesterone enhances the action of
estrogen as these two hormones were meant to work together to
maintain a normal hormonal balance. Female hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone
drop dramatically after menopause. It comes as no surprise that
after menopause heart disease in women skyrockets, surpassing
even the male population. In fact, it is the leading cause of
death in older women with over a half-million deaths per year
in the United States, more than twice as many as all cancer deaths
combined.
The lack of progesterone causes disease processes
similar to those caused by the lack of estrogen which include
osteoporosis, heart disease, decrease in libido and a significantly
diminished quality of life. The
combination of natural progesterone and estrogen can prevent this
downward spiral by keeping women vital, strong and healthy.
On its own, natural progesterone replacement has a mild tranquilizing effect and enhances an overall sense of well-being. Too many women who have had hysterectomies are not prescribed progesterone and therefore lack the general makeup that made them strong and complete in their more youthful years.
Benefits of Progesterone
Replacement
ü Precursor to the sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) ü Maintains lining of uterus ü Promotes the survival of the embryo and fetus throughout gestation ü Protects against fibrocystic breasts ü Natural diuretic ü Acts as a natural antidepressant ü Aids thyroid hormone action ü Normalizes blood clotting ü Helps keep blood sugar levels normal ü Protects against endometrial cancer ü Helps protect against breast cancer
ü
Promotes bone building and protects against osteoporosis
Side Effects
There are no
side effects associated with natural progesterone.
However, if there is estrogen dominance, women may experience
premenstrual mood swings, depression, breast swelling, craving
for sweets, heavy or irregular periods, sleep disturbances, weight
gain, acne and or water retention. Administration
Natural progesterone
comes in many forms, most commonly topical creams, the oral capsule
and the sublingual tablet. The
recommended form is sublingual. Progesterone levels should be
measured by a physician to ensure that the levels are within therapeutic
range. Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is progesterone taken continuously or is it better to cycle. Estrogen and Progesterone can be administered either way. Discuss options with your physician. 2) Can I take estrogen only? Progesterone counter balances the negative effects of estrogen. It is recommended that both be taken together. 3) I have had a hysterectomy and my doctor says progesterone is therefore no longer needed, is that true? No, it is not, progesterone has many benefits outside of the uterus and is necessary to counter balance the effects of estrogen replacement. Testosterone
Testosterone is the
primary male sex hormone, responsible for male sexual development
and critical in maintaining erectile function, libido, normal
energy levels, and mood. It also controls a wide range of other
physical functions throughout the body. As with other hormones,
testosterone declines with age in both men and women. At the age of eighty (80), the levels are only
one fifth of the levels obtained in youth.
Both men and women benefit from the supplementation of testoserone. At optimal
levels, testosterone increases bone density and bone formation,
increases muscle strength, enhances energy and sexual function,
decreases body fat and moderates cholesterol levels. It is also
the hormone that keeps a woman’s skin soft and supple.
Testosterone is a hormone both men and women need to replenish
as they venture into their fifties and beyond. Testosterone is a hormone secreted by the ovaries, adrenal glands and testes. While women need a much smaller amount, it helps control a woman’s libido and also appears to enhance the functions of estrogen. In both males and females, it also helps to strengthen bones in preventing osteoporosis. Benefits of Testosterone Replacement
ü Increase in bone density, bone formation and bone minerals ü Increase in energy ü Improvement in sexual function ü Decrease in body fat ü Increase in HDL and decrease in LDL levels ü Decrease in heart disease ü Improved brain function, learning and memory ü Improved blood glucose levels ü Decreased blood pressure ü Increase in sexual desire ü Increase in both muscle strength and in the diameter of muscle fibers
ü
Enhancement of skin and hair texture Side Effects
Increase in aggressive behavior if dose is
too high. Testosterone should not be prescribed if prostate
cancer is present. Testosterone
has not been shown to cause prostate cancer, however, it may accelerate
the growth of a tumor. PSA
levels should be monitored yearly or every 6 months.
Administration
Testosterone can be administered orally, by
injection, patches, pellet implants or in a cream/gel form. The safest most natural way to take testosterone is in the cream
or gel form. It is quickly
absorbed, short acting and least liver toxic.
Dosing is usually done twice daily and the strength varies
from 50mg to 100mg administered in the morning and evening. For
men over 200 pounds, the recommended dose is increased.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Will women taking testosterone get an increase in hair growth? No, they would have to take a man’s dose to experience any hair growth. While men take 100mg to 200mg daily women, only take 4mg to 8mg. 2) How often can I get my prescription refilled? Testosterone is a controlled substance and cannot under any circumstances be refilled before your dose is due to run out. Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 3) Will taking testosterone cause my bodies own production to decrease? Yes it can in some cases and some men may experience a small decrease in testicular size, although unsettling, this does not impact sexuality or well-being. Thyroid Thyroid hormone is
a metabolic hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It regulates
temperature, metabolism and cerebral function that result in increased
energy, temperature and warmth. It increases fat breakdown resulting
in weight loss and lowers cholesterol. Thyroid hormones control
the growth differentiation and metabolism of each cell in the
body. They also control how fast our body uses the fuel that we
consume particularly carbohydrates and fat. This in turn helps
to regulate our temperature and body fat percentage.
The thyroid hormone
protects against cardiovascular disease by its cholesterol lowering
properties. It improves cerebral metabolism, prevents cognitive
impairment and relieves symptoms of thin, sparse hair, dry skin
and thin nails.
Persons who suffer from low thyroid function tend to experience fatigue and low energy, slowness in their speech and actions, forgetfulness, mental confusion, depression, arthritis-like pain and susceptibility to colds and infections. Many of these aspects are considered normal aging. However, we now know that it is secondary to thyroid insufficiency. The thyroid hormone is an indispensable ingredient in the total hormone package. Thyroid production
declines as we age, similar to other hormones. This is not considered
to be true hypothyroidism but rather a thyroid insufficiency that
has in the past been thought to not need hormone replacement.
Research has now shown that improving thyroid levels will alleviate
the symptoms of thyroid insufficiency and allow our system to
function more effectively and efficiently.
Mitochondria need
thyroid hormone to burn oxygen and produce ATP, the fuel that
runs the body. If the mitochondria are weakened due to an inadequate
supply of thyroid hormone, then we will not be able to burn up
proper amounts of oxygen thereby giving us less energy and symptoms
of thyroid insufficiency. In addition, we will be unable to keep
up mentally and physically as we once did. In addition, our immune
system slows down becoming weaker and less effective. Physicians
have been hesitant to supplement thyroid hormones largely due
to a lack of understanding of the importance of optimal thyroid
levels and the relationship to the quality of daily life.
There are two types of thyroid hormones, Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is inactive and kept in reserve, T3 is the active hormone. Thyroid hormone initially is produced in the thyroid gland as a storage form of the thyroid called T-4. Once in the body, this circulating T-4 is converted to the active form of T-3 by an enzyme. As we age, the production of T-4 diminishes. In addition, the conversion of T-4 to the active form of T-3 also diminishes, resulting in less stimulation of the cells. Low thyroid levels
results in complaints of fatigue, lack of energy, weight gain
and all the other symptoms typical of low thyroid. Tests often
show a “normal” thyroid. Patients are treated with synthetic T-4 products
and still experience hypothyroid symptoms even though the laboratory
test values appear normal. The reason for this is that the treating
doctor may rely on one thyroid test, TSH or thyroid stimulating
hormone. This is an indirect measurement of thyroid function.
The new paradigm is to measure the free hormones in our
body, which is the Free T-3 in thyroid. The free hormones are
the “active” hormones and are a more accurate indication of the
body’s metabolism of the hormone. About 80% of the thyroid
hormones we produce is T4, the inactive thyroid hormone that is
typically held in reserve by the body.
T3 makes up only 20% of the thyroid hormone, but is about
four times more potent than T4 and is the active hormone that
the body uses to function. T4 is converted into T3 when thyroid hormone is needed.
The release of the
thyroid hormones is controlled by the thyroid stimulating hormone
(TSH), which is produced in the pituitary gland. Low circulating
levels of thyroid hormone are detected by the hypothalamus which
then instructs the pituitary to release TSH. When sufficient amounts
are released the hypothalamus communicates with the pituitary
to stop or slow down. Because
of this complicated feedback loop, high levels of TSH in the blood
often means the pituitary is trying to stimulate production of
the thyroid hormone but the thyroid gland is not responding. This
condition, known as hypothyroidism, is more common in women and
the elderly.
Benefits
ü Regulates temperature, metabolism and cerebral function ü Increases energy, body temperature and warmth ü Increases fat breakdown resulting in decreased weight and lower cholesterol ü Protects against cardiovascular disease ü Improves cerebral metabolism ü Prevents cognitive impairment
ü
Relieves symptoms of thin sparse hair, dry skin and thin nails
Side Effects
Most common side effects from too high a dose
include chest pain, increased pulse rate, palpitations, excessive
sweating, heat intolerance, or nervousness.
Administration
Most physicians continue to prescribe the
synthetic thyroid hormone T4 or Synthroid.
Synthroid is only T4 and may not be converted to the T3
the body needs. The recommended form of thyroid replacement is
with Armour Thyroid or compounded thyroid which is a combination
of T3 and T4. The combination allows the body to receive the active
form as well as the inactive to treat those patients who are not
able to properly convert. The standard dose is 1-2 grains taken
once daily in the a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What do I do if I forget to take my thyroid? If you forget to take your thyroid in the morning you may take it later in the day and resume your schedule the following morning. Do not take two the following day to make up your dose.
2)
What will happen if I forget to take my thyroid for a few days.
You will generally start to feel more fatigued, decreased energy
and possibly feel more cold than usual.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a powerful
antioxidant produced naturally in the body by the pineal gland. It manages our inner clock by lowering body
temperature that in turn controls our sleep/wake cycle. It regulates
the circadian rhythm as well as the deep stages of sleep. Studies
suggest that the immune system is stimulated in the deep stages
of sleep. The levels are higher at night, are suppressed by bright
light, and decline as we age.
Melatonin has been
used for years to treat jet lag and insomnia. By using melatonin
as a supplement, the sleep/wake cycle can be adjusted to allow
quality rest at night and optimal function during the day.
In the January 1997
issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, melatonin was extolled
as a potential anti-cancer agent. In light of hundreds
of studies showing that melatonin can scavenge free radicals,
induce youthful sleep patterns and possibly slow the aging process,
it’s a perfect candidate for the anti-aging roster.
Melatonin is derived from the essential amino acid tryptophan. When tryptophan is consumed through the foods we eat, it is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin and then broken down further into melatonin at night. Light suppresses the release of melatonin, while dimming light transferred through the eyes into the pineal gland stimulates the release of more melatonin into the blood stream. Benefits
ü Powerful antioxidant effects ü Potential benefit in preventing and treating cancer ü Immune enhancing properties ü Promote better sleep ü Avoid jet lag ü Biologic regulation of circadian rhythms
Side effects
Adverse reactions associated with melatonin include stomach discomfort, morning grogginess, and daytime hangover. Aspirin, NSAIDS and beta-blockers may lead to
decreased melatonin levels. Use of melatonin with benzodiazepenes,
sedating antihistamines, sedating antidepressants and other sedating
drugs may cause additive sedation and increase incidence of adverse
effects.
No apparent serious
consequences have been reported in those taking up to 24 grams
daily of melatonin for one month, though such doses are not recommended. Administration
Those who use melatonin
supplements for sleep disturbance or jet lag usually take about
3 mg at bedtime. Morning
drowsiness indicates too high a dose.
Dose can be increased under physician supervision to obtain
a good night sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What if I wake up tired in the morning? Usually means your dose may be too high. Either take it earlier in the evening or decrease your dose. 2) I still have trouble sleeping on the dose my doctor prescribed. Check with your doctor first, but it may be necessary to increase your dose.
3)
Is it normal to have more dreams when I take melatonin? Yes, some people do report more vivid dreams
that they now remember. Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is most
notably recognized for its tremendous memory enhancing properties.
Many studies show that pregnenolone may be a powerful adversary
against such age-related cognitive diseases as Alzheimer’s and
may be an important agent against age-associated cognitive decline.
Nicknamed the “grandmother hormone”, pregnenolone
is a precursor to DHEA, which in turn can convert to testosterone,
estrogen and progesterone. It is a steroid manufactured from cholesterol
and is produced in the brain and the adrenal cortex. It works
to keep the brain functioning at peak capacity. Its levels are
highest in the brain and studies have shown that it enhances many
of our mental functions. Pregnenolone is to the brain what other
hormones are to the body.
New and exciting research has also shown that
pregnenolone works as a cellular repairer, particularly in the
brain and nerve tissue, and it protects cerebral function by guarding
against neuronal injury. Pregnenolone is to the brain what other hormones
are to the body. In countless
studies, pregnenolone has been shown to reverse age-related deficiencies
in spatial memory performance and to have protective effects on
memory in different models of amnesia.
Benefits
ü Promotes nerve regeneration ü Decreases symptoms of arthritis ü Reduces the signs of aging skin (when applied in cream form) ü Enhances memory ü Improves sense of well-being ü Increases energy ü Increases mobility ü Improves sleep quality
ü
Reduces the harmful effects of stress Side Effects
To date there are
no reported significant adverse effects. However, pregnenolone
may be converted to steroids such as DHEA that may cause acne,
particularly in women. There are no reported drug, nutritional supplement,
food or herb interactions to date.
Administration
Pregnenolone is generally
administered by capsule, however it can be taken in a cream or
gel form as well. It is
generally taken in doses ranging from 10-100 mg per day.
Since pregnenolone is so quickly converted to other hormones
in the body it is difficult to accurately measure, therefore it
is typically replaced as a person ages with 25mg to 50mg per day.
Most frequently asked questions
1) What changes will I notice? Some people do report an improvement in their memory.
2)
Can pregnenolone be measured by a blood test? Yes it can, however it is difficult to get
an accurate measurement because it converts to other hormones
so quickly.
Human Growth Hormone
This important hormone
has had a strong impact in the medical community ever since the
landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
in 1990 by Daniel Rudman, M.D. HGH, also known as somatotropin,
is the most abundant hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Cells in the pituitary, known as somatotropes, produce
HGH and release it into the bloodstream where it is absorbed by
the liver and converted into various other growth factors.
It appears that nearly
every organ in the body is dependent on HGH for proper growth
and development. HGH regulates the body’s metabolism of proteins,
electrolytes, and carbohydrates and controls how the body uses
fat. However, after the age of thirty, HGH declines at the rate
of fourteen percent (14%) per decade.
Typically, as we age,
lean body mass diminishes while fat stores increase. Muscle mass
may decrease by as much as thirty percent (30%) while fat may
increase as much as fifty percent (50%). The liver, kidneys, spleen
and brain as well as bone mass all start to shrink.
On a chemical level, the body becomes more susceptible
to disease, the immune system declines, and the ability to metabolize
sugar drops. Bad cholesterol levels soar while good cholesterol
levels sink. Elimination of toxins becomes less efficient.
HGH promises rejuvenation
from the inside out, so much so that Stanford University medical
researchers concluded that “physiological HGH replacement might
reverse or prevent the inevitable sequela of aging.”
Benefits of Human Growth
Hormone Supplementation
ü Decrease the % of body fat while increasing lean muscle mass by stimulating the body’s ability to increase protein synthesis ü Increase bone mass, reversing damage that leads to osteoporosis ü Reverse the degeneration of neurological functions ü Improve cardiac function ü Improve skin tone, thickness, and elasticity ü Improve pulmonary functions ü Improve the functioning of the immune system ü Improve kidney function ü Improve exercise and aerobic capacity and endurance ü Help wounds heal faster ü Improve cartilage synthesis for stronger joints ü Reverse the normal, age-related shrinkage of organs ü Decrease levels of LDL and VLDLcholesterol
ü
Rejuvenate sex drive
Side Effects
Side effects include
mild fluid retention and carpal tunnel syndrome. If this happens,
decrease your dose till symptoms disappear and then increase the
level more slowly. Consult with your physician if you notice these
symptoms.
Administration
Growth hormone is
typically injected daily at night before bedtime.
The shot is usually given in the thigh area. An alcohol swab is used to clean the injection site prior to giving
the shot. Pinch the skin
and place the needle straight in.
The doctor or nurse will review with you the proper technique
for injecting the HGH and will provide detailed instructions for
mixing as well. If you have questions please call the doctor’s
office or pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) If I forget to take an injection what should I do? Make up the shot when you remember or do 2 injections the next day. Your doctor has prescribed a certain amount of HGH that should be taken each week, it is important to stay on schedule. 2) How do I avoid getting a bruise at the injection site? Once you have given yourself the injection take out the needle and apply pressure over the area for at least 1 minute. 3) Will I immediately notice a difference? Usually not, the changes are subtle and take place over a period of 6 months. 4) Do I have to worry about injecting an air bubble? No. If there is a little air in the HGH syringe it will not cause any harm. Air bubbles are only a concern when an injection is given into the vein. These shots are subcutaneous, meaning directly under the skin.
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