As our knowledge of various anti-aging hormones has expanded, we have
continued to gain an understanding of the variety of ways that these
substances work. The clinical experience of experts in the field of
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) concur with our own data that when a
wider array of hormones is administered, lower doses of each individual
hormone can be used. This is particularly desirable in the case of high
activity estrogens and testosterone, which carry risks along with their
benefits when used at super-physiologic doses. The goal in the replacement
of any hormone is to approach and maintain physiologic levels
- otherwise we
are second-guessing nature. As we have learned more about the GH
stimulating effects of DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen the pressing
question on the minds of many researchers is, "Are some of the observable
anti-aging effects of these hormones occurring as a result of secondary GH
stimulation?"
It is important here to distinguish between the use of natural and
synthetic hormones. Most physicians in the U.S. are familiar with the use
of synthetic patented drugs like Premarin as an estrogen replacement,
Provera as a "progesterone" replacement, and methyl-testosterone as a
testosterone replacement. These synthetic drugs are not the same as their
counterparts that are manufactured by the body, hence they are not
recognized or metabolized as such. Non-patented (therefore less profitable
and less promoted) versions of these natural hormones are readily
available and generally less expensive. Some clinicians argue against
using natural hormones because of absorption problems, but this is a
disputable point since all of these hormones are available in
pharmaceutical delivery systems, which transcend the limiting use of
capsules. In addition, there are a variety of botanical substances that
support and the action of a variety of hormones. Let's look at the effects
of some of the hormones that diminish with age, and the options that are
available in replacing them.
Estrogen
The term "estrogen" represents an entire family of substances with
similar chemical structures that bind to estrogen receptors in the body.
There are three types of estrogen produced by the body, estrone,
estradiol, and estriol.
Although men produce estrogen in limited amounts, it is associated with
the development of secondary sexual characteristics in women and is used
primarily as a hormone replacement in females. Estrogen is necessary for
the proper maintenance of bone tissue through inhibition of osteoclasts.
It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart
disease and control LDL cholesterol. Maintaining stable estrogen levels is
important in controlling hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms
associated with menopause. Estrogen has a stimulatory effect on GH and
vise versa. Estrogen is available in synthetic form and is commonly
prescribed as Premarin or Estrace, which contain high-activity estradiol
and estrone. These products are contraindicated in women with a history of
sex cell related cancers.
Their side effects include weight gain, possible increased risk of breast
cancer, mood swings, depression, headaches, lowered thyroid function, and
increased risk of stroke. In Europe, the most widely prescribed form of
estrogen is estriol.
It does not have the contraindications and side effects that the other
forms of estrogen have. It is even used in women who have breast cancer
because it is thought to have a protective effect against this devastating
disease.
Physiologically, the presence of estriol has a rate limiting effect on the
production of the high activity estrogens that may otherwise cause
symptoms of PMS and other signs of estrogen dominance. Many herbalists and
naturally oriented physicians, recommend phyto-estrogens from plant
sources like dong quai, licorice, and soy. Concentrated forms of these
plant estrogens appear to be effective in the treatment and prevention of
sex cell cancers-the NIH continues to conduct research in this area.
Estrasterone is a natural estrogen supplement. By combining the only
known plant source of estriol with other
phyto-estrogens and herbal progesterone support, the product offers the
same estrogen activity of .625 mg. (the most commonly prescribed dose) of
Premarin without the long list of side effects. Studies on the effects of
one tablet per day of Estrasterone indicate a 92% reduction in hot flashes
as well 88% - 90% improvement in other symptoms of menopause, such as
headaches, depressive moods, and sleep disturbances-all within three
weeks.
Progesterone
Progesterone refers to one specific molecule as it is produced by the
body, however the term is often misused to describe compounds that are
actually progestins, like the prescription drug Provera. Progesterone,
used primarily in women, promotes the growth of bone tissue, and in many
ways counterbalances the unwanted effects of estrogen dominance like
bloating, cramping, mood swings, depression, and headaches. Progesterone
also facilitates thyroid function and has a protective effect against many
sex cell cancers. While natural progesterone is known to be virtually free
of side effects (it is produced in very large amounts by the placenta
during pregnancy) and not directly related to the development of secondary
sexual characteristics, this is not the case with synthetic progestins.
Progestins do not stimulate bone tissue growth, nor do they, with the
exception of endometrial cancer protection, provide the many benefits of
natural progesterone. In addition, progestins have many side effects
including compounding the increased risk of breast cancer associated with
synthetic estrogens, inhibiting thyroid function, causing weight gain,
depression, and headaches. Why do most doctors continue to prescribe
synthetic progestins? Because natural progesterone is not patented, and it
is not well-promoted. Progesterone is a precursor for most other adrenal
hormones as well as a growth hormone stimulant. Clinical experience shows
that lower amounts of progesterone are required with the use of GH
therapy. As both GH and progesterone are effective stimulators of bone
growth, it makes sense to use them in concert with natural estrogen in the
treatment of osteoporosis.
Natural progesterone has absorption problems when taken orally that are
overcome with the use of topical delivery. Dermasterone is used in several
natural progesterone products that employ transdermal (across the skin)
sustained release delivery systems to more closely mimic the manner in
which progesterone is released throughout the day.
Testosterone
Testosterone has been traditionally recognized as a male sex hormone,
as it is involved in male secondary sexual characteristics. It is
important for both men and women in stabilizing mood, promoting sex drive,
maintaining bone density, burning fat, and building muscle. The effects of
lowered levels of testosterone, which occur in aging men, are collectively
referred to as andropause. Symptoms of andropause include weight gain,
reduced sex drive; difficulty in maintaining erection, osteoporosis
(uncommon), and depression. In women, low testosterone levels may cause
vaginal dryness, depression, and lack of sex drive. Testosterone is
thought to be the most potent GH stimulant of all sex hormones.
Testosterone is commonly prescribed as a patch or gel and is known to
have absorption problems when administered orally, but with the proper
delivery, these problems may be overcome. There are botanical products
that contain testosterone support as well as plant steroids that mimic its
effects. Testrasterone incorporates a proprietary delivery system with
active glandulars, and botanical testosterone support.
DHEA
This mildly androgenic hormone is produced by the adrenal glands of men
and women. DHEA is a precursor to other adrenal hormones and diminishes
with age in both sexes. Animal studies conducted with DHEA indicate that
it is a promoter of longevity. Not only is DHEA a growth hormone
stimulant but the mechanisms that control its production, particularly
insulin regulation, are related to those that control the secretion of GH.
DHEA is available in two molecular forms, free DHEA and DHEA sulfate. Oral
absorption of free DHEA is superior to the sulfate form, but can vary
depending on particle size. The use of micronized DHEA insures optimal
absorption and produces a predictable outcome in terms of blood levels.
As is the case with other hormones, more DHEA is not better.
Super-physiologic levels of DHEA can overwhelm the adrenal glands and
cause excess production of estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones
while creating down-regulation and a dependence on DHEA. Clinically, we
have found that the use of a uniformly released DHEA that is dispersed in
microgram amounts over a twelve-hour period (zero-order release) prevents
the excess production of secondary hormones. Additionally, the use of
supportive botanicals and adrenal glandulars often allows the required
dose of DHEA to become diminished over time.
Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid function diminishes with age not only because of declining
thyroid hormone production, but because of the inhibited response of cells
to thyroid hormone. Hence, many people who have thyroid deficiencies are
not able to detect them strictly with the use of a blood test. The thyroid
regulates metabolism and body temperature and affects every cell in the
body. Symptoms of thyroid deficiency include low body temperature,
fatigue, mood swings, depression, unexplained weight gain, irregular
menstrual cycles, dry skin and hair, and brittle nails. Raising GH has a
profound effect on normalizing thyroid function, as does the use of
progesterone and natural estriol. Many patients require lower doses of
thyroid medication, or eventually none at all, when a variety of natural
hormone therapies is introduced. T4 (Synthroid) is the most commonly
prescribed form of thyroid medication, but many people are not able to
respond symptomatically due to other hormone imbalances' nutritional
deficiencies, or autoimmune influences: As these influences are difficult
to fully evaluate, Armour's glandular-based thyroid is often a better
choice.
Melatonin
All the rage of best-selling books and media talk show hosts, melatonin
has maintained its status as one of the hottest anti-aging hormones on the
market. Researchers have indicated that some benefits of melatonin may be
due to its stimulatory effect on GH release. And some caution against
using it on a daily basis, especially for those who may not be deficient.
It has become abundantly clear that growth hormone therapy induces deeper
and more efficient sleep. Patients consistently experience more vivid
dreams with the use of Symbiotropin, and others who have had chronic sleep
disorders have reported overcoming them shortly after the onset of
Symbiotropin therapy. Melatonin probably has its role as a replacement
hormone when used intermittently. Further testing would help us to
understand if Symbiotropin has a measurable effect on melatonin that is
correlative to symptomatic improvement.
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My blood pressure has gone down and stayed down since being on
Symbiotropin.
-S.B. (Female, Age 45)
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