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Brief Review of Our Most Abundant Hormones
Estrogen
Protects the heart, reduces the risk of stroke and osteoporosis, and
protects the brain against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. It is
a women's most abundant hormone and effects nearly all aspects of her health
and well-being.
Women in their 40's or 50's will experience the loss of estrogen, menopause,
resulting in symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes,
fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, and many other adverse symptoms that may
effect her quality of life. Replacing the loss of estrogen with a natural
form will not only alleviate menopausal symptoms but can help delay and
possibly prevent the onset of age related disease such as heart attacks,
stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Progesterone
Also produced by the ovaries and helps to balance estrogen. It protects
against cancer, prevents osteoporosis, and improves overall well-being.
Menopausal women will also lose their progesterone and which cause
menopausal symptoms. Progesterone supplementation in its natural form can
help alleviate hot flashes, mood changes, and insomnia associated with
menopause.
In pre-menopausal women, low progesterone can result in estrogen "dominance"
causing PMS, irritability, heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating, headaches,
and insomnia. Natural progesterone replacement can alleviate many symptoms
of PMS and provide general feelings of well-being.
Testosterone
Decreases fat and helps with mood. It protects against cardiovascular
disease and lowers cholesterol. It increases bone density and skin tone.
It increases libido and sexual performance.
Both men and women can benefit from supplementation. For men the loss of
testosterone can result in the loss of drive, energy, libido and sexual
function. It can lead to weight gain in mid-section, loss of muscle mass,
and exercise tolerance, irritability, and increased glucose and cholesterol
levels. For women, the loss of testosterone can result in diminished libido
and sexual function, too.
DHEA
One of the most abundant hormones in our bodies. DHEA is a precursor to all
our hormones. Optimal levels can decrease cholesterol and body fat and
improve our immune system, improving mood and brain function. Low levels are
associated with weight gain.
Thyroid
Regulates temperature, metabolism, and brain function. Thyroid contributes
to energy levels and increases fat breakdown. Low levels contribute to
weight gain, elevated cholesterol, low energy, poor concentration, thinning
hair and nails, and constipation.
Commonly a very basic thyroid test is performed, TSH, which may not give the
full story of one's thyroid function. A comprehensive analysis is warranted
when one complains of classic thyroid symptoms despite a "normal" TSH.
Optimizing one's free thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, can often provide relief
of fatigue, weight gain, poor concentration and low mood.
Vitamin D
Is a vitamin and hormone whose chief effects is to regulate the absorption
of calcium and phosphate to maintain healthy bone. Low levels are associated
with osteoporosis and his been correlated with a host of health diseases
such as cancers and heart disease.
Low vitamin D levels are often undetected as most will not have symptoms.
Some symptoms in severe deficiency may include fatigue, depression, and
muscle aches.
Melatonin
Regulates the circadian rhythm and the deep stages of sleep. Melatonin is
also a powerful antioxidant and potential anti-cancer agent.
Melatonin supplementation can help restore healthy sleep patterns and
provide antioxidant effects.