HORMONES 101
The word “hormone” is from the Greek word “horman” which means to set in motion.
This is exactly what the more than 30 identified human hormones do.
Produced mostly in glands like the pituitary, ovaries or testes, hormones travel through our blood and lymph systems as powerful messengers signaling other cells and organs what to do in numerous situations.
There are three ways to get the hormones we need.
- Produce our own (endogenous hormones)
- Stimulate our bodies to produce more hormones
- Introduce hormones from outside of our bodies (exogenous hormones)
As hormone production declines, one way to get the hormones we need is from outside of our bodies.
A well-known example is the use of insulin when our pancreas no longer produces enough to allow us to properly use sugars.
TWO MAJOR SOURCES OF HORMONES
Many hormones for medical use can be made synthetically or bio-identically.
Because patent law does not allow patents for what occurs in nature, a drug company must chemically alter the molecules of a synthetically manufactured hormone to secure its patent.
Synthetic hormones tend to do many of the things that the natural hormones can do. However, they also tend to have many unwanted side effects.
The result for drug companies is that they can patent their synthetic hormones for mass production, but they are still not identical to our own human hormones.
In contrast, bio-identical hormones are molecularly identical to naturally occurring hormones. They are derived from plants and altered to be molecularly identical to real hormones, not different. And they are compounded (made) for one patient at a time on the exact prescription of a medical doctor.
BIO-IDENTICAL VS SYNTHETIC HORMONES
Even though there is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that bio-identical hormones are safer and more effective than synthetics, drug companies wage constant battles against bio-identicals which take away their sales.
As an example, here is the synopsis of Kent Holtorf, MD, a noted physician expert, who was published in the March 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal:
DR KENT HOLTORF’S CONCLUSION:
“Physiological data and clinical outcomes demonstrate that bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks, including the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, and are more efficacious than their synthetic and animal-derived counterparts. Until evidence is found to the contrary, bioidentical hormones remain the preferred method of HRT. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to delineate these differences more clearly.”
In addition to Dr Holtorf, there are numerous proofs that bio-identical hormones are safer and more effective than their synthetic cousins.
Major study of 80,000 women for 8 years with synthetic and bio-identical estrogen and progesterone clearly stated that:
“Bioidentical hormones are again shown be superior to synthetic hormones, and this is continuing proof that bioidentical hormones are not associated with breast cancer while synthetic versions significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Unequal risks for breast cancer associated with different hormone replacement therapies: results from the E3N cohort study.”
Fournier A, Berrino F, Clavel-Chapelon F. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 2007
After significant review of the current medical literature and clinical studies and from her advanced medical training, for the greater safety and effectiveness for her patients, Dr. Alyse chooses to prescribe bio-identical hormones for her patients.
SIX MAJOR HORMONES
While there are more than thirty human hormones identified, here are the six important hormones and what they do:
DHEA – (dehydroepiandrosterone) our most abundant hormone is mainly produced in the adrenal glands and brain. While it has its own functions to lower fat storage, increase bone density and muscle mass and fight cancer, it is also a precursor hormone that serves as the raw material for making other hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Production of DHEA declines dramatically with age.
Low levels of DHEA are associated with:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic inflammation
- Cognitive decline
- Low libido, and
- Cancer risks
Excess DHEA can lead to:
- Acne
- Tumor formation
- Hair loss
- Heart rhythm problems
- Insomnia
Balanced DHEA is critical for health. Supplementation can be challenging and should be carefully monitored with periodic lab tests by a well-trained physician.
Estrogen – in women is produced mostly in the ovaries. It protects against heart disease and strokes.
A loss of estrogen results:
- thinned and wrinkled skin
- drying of the vagina,
- fatigue,
- depression and mood swings.
There are three main types of estrogen in a woman.
(1) Estrone is formed from Estradiol. It is the most prevalent estrogen after menopause.
(2) Estradiol is the main estrogen before menopause occurs. It is mostly produced by the ovaries.
(3) Estriol is produced in the largest amounts especially during a pregnancy. It is believed to have anti-cancer effects. Once considered non-essential, it is now known to have anti-cancer benefits.
Men also have small amounts of estrogen. However, later in life, many men are believed to have more estrogen than a post-menopausal woman. This is due in part to the fact that as men get fatter, they produce more aromatase which exists in their fat cells. Aromatase is an enzyme required to convert testosterone into estrogen.
Too little estrogen in men can produce osteoporosis and prostate cancer.
Too much estrogen in men increases fat, causes breast development, fatigue, lost muscle mass, and emotional changes.
HGH – (human growth hormone) is a hormone that is vital to life itself. It is secreted in the pituitary gland and converted in the liver into a protein called somatomedin-C, or insulin like growth factor – 1 (IGF-1). HGH is responsible for:
- tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.
- integrity of hair, nails and skin;
- bone strength,
- brain function,
- enzyme production.
The loss of HGH results in:
- increased fat,
- lost muscle mass, energy, vitality, performance, and sleep
- cardiovascular disease and mortality,
Melatonin – is both a hormone and anti-oxidant cancer fighter that is produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It controls circadian rhythm and levels of deep sleep when the body activates the immune system is activated. The pineal, which has controls with almost every cell’s functions including temperature, immunity, growth and development, and kidney function, uses Melatonin to control balance, equilibrium and homeostasis.
Peak production of Melatonin occurs between ages 14 and 20. Production declines throughout life.
Pregnenolone – allows peak performance of the brain and memory. Synthesized from Cholesterol, it is a precursor to DHEA production. Pregnenolone is produced on the brain and adrenal cortex. From age 20 to 40, production drops by 50%. As Pregnenolone production declines so does the production of other hormones.
Testosterone – the male hormone is produced in the adrenals, testes and ovaries of women. It contributes to increased muscle mass and endurance and reduced levels of fat. Sufficient levels of testosterone give one a sense of zest for life, libido and sexual performance. In men, it protects against cardiovascular diseases and disease of aging. Testosterone is critical to the health of both men and women.
Thyroid – the most important hormones produced and stored in the thyroid gland are called T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). When cells need more thyroid hormones to do their work, the tiny pituitary gland deep within the brain hears the call and signals the thyroid with TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to go ahead and make more T4 and T3.
The thyroid then kicks into high gear and uses iodine found in iodized salt to make more T4 and T3. The thyroid also makes calcitonin to strengthen bones with calcium.
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