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 Replacement
ü 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 menopause 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.
Women using estrogen have seen favorable changes in muscle tone, wrinkles,
hair texture and sex drive. Multiple studies illustrate that estrogen
should not simply be used as a treatment for menopause, but rather as
a life-long therapy for the deterrent of age related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s
disease and depression.
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.
CALL
TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 512-266-6713
