Know Your Hormones
The Androgens - The Male Hormones
Androgens are male hormones that are found – at different levels – in both men and women.
Androgens are responsible for the health of hair, bones, nails and skin, as well as the libido.
Lower than normal levels of these hormones cause weight gain, hair thinning and sexual dysfunction.
They may also be connected to complications of aging, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and painful joints.
The androgens are:
Testosterone:
- Improves brain function
- Increases energy
- Improves sugar metabolism (a factor in diabetes)
- Increases muscle and bone strength
- Increases bone density
- Increases sex drive and sexual function
- Improves HDL and LDL cholesterol levels
- Improves cardiovascular health
DHEA:
- Improves immune function
- Increases sense of well being, vitality and energy
- Increases bone density
- Improves stress tolerance
- Increases metabolism
- Guards cardiovascular health
Note: Once inside the body, DHEA can be converted into other hormones that may cause health problems for specific patients.
Even though DHEA is available without a prescription, be sure to check with your doctor before taking it.
The Estrogens - The Female Hormones
Estrogen is the family name of three separate hormones: Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol.
In his book, Natural Hormone Balance for Women, Dr. Uzzi Reiss calls estrogen “the essence of femininity...It makes a woman feel sensual. It brings a glow to the skin, moisture to the eyes, fullness to the breasts and clarity to the mind. It keeps the vagina lubricated. It uplifts and stabilizes your mood. It influences your brain and your bones.”
Estrogen:
- Protects against heart disease and stroke
- Decreases cholesterol
- Improves memory
- Alleviates menopausal and per-menopausal symptoms
- Regulates cell growth
- Suppresses thyroid function
Note: Estrogen stimulates cell growth. Too much estrogen can cause breast tenderness, cysts and even cancer
Note: Premarin/Prempro are estrogens derived from the urine of pregnant horses (Premarin = Pregnant Mares Urine) and are not the same
molecular structure as human estrogen. The landmark Womens Health Initiative (WHI) study established a link between the use of Premarin/Prempro and
increased incidence of Breast Cancer, Stroke and Heart Attack! These types of pharmaceutical hormones should be avoided!
You should insist on Bio-Identical forms of all hormones, as they have the same exact molecular structure as our own human hormones.
Progesterone:
Progesterone is the great balancer.
In addition to helping a woman become pregnant and avoid miscarriage, progesterone offsets the negative effects of excess estrogen (a condition known as estrogen dominance).
Progesterone is also an important factor in the symptoms associated with preimenopause and menopause.
Progesterone:
- Protects against uterine cancer
- Protects against fibrocystic disease
- Helps normalize blood sugar
- Helps reverse osteoporosis by building new bone cells/li>
- Improves thyroid hormone function
- Acts as a natural antidepressant
- Protects against nervousness
- Protects against anxiety and irritability
Pregnenolone
A “precursor” hormone, pregnenolone plays a vital role in the formation of other hormones such as DHEA and estrogen, while performing other vital functions.
Pregnenolone:
- Promotes formation of male hormones, female hormones and adrenal hormones
- Repairs brain and nerve tissue
- Helps repair aging skin
- Improves emotional well being
- Increases energy and mobility
- Improves quality of sleep
- Reduces the harmful effects of stress
- Helps guard against age-related brain damage
Thyroid
Hormones produced by the thyroid act as messengers, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
The level of thyroid hormones is affected by other hormones, as well as by foods, and by the activity of the body’s immune system.
Thyroid:
- Increases energy
- Raises fat metabolism, and controls weight
- Regulates heart rate
- Increases appetite
- Improves function of the bowels
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
Adrenal Cortisol
Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands, and is known for providing the burst of energy (adrenaline) your body needs in emergency situations.
It is also responsible for providing us with our "energy" level on a day to day basis.
It also regulates the activity of the sex hormones, and a deficiency of Cortisol can cause poor libido.
Other signs of adrenal weakness and low cortisol production include: Difficulty waking up and morning sluggishness, dependence on caffeine, and the need for sugar and carbohydrates in order to make it through the day.
Cortisol:
- Helps the body handle stress
- Regulates energy levels
- Controls allergic symptoms
- Affects your appetite for sugar
- Regulates bone mass, muscle mass, and overall metabolism
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the brain during sleep. It is the body’s strongest natural anti-oxidant – a compound that protects body cells against age-related damage.
Melatonin:
- Helps the body remain asleep
- Alleviates “jet-lag”
- Improves mood
- Strengthens immune system activity
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