Natural Hormone Treatment - Supplementing

Introduction

All of the hormones below are covered in this one webpage - you can scroll down or jump to a relevant topic by clicking the topic below. You can return to the top easily by clicking 'Back to Top' on the lower left side pf the page.

related topics

Thyroid Questionnaire

Dr Lind's Thyroid-Adrenal Questionnaire

Morning Temp THyroid Chart

3 Temp Daily Thyroid Chart

Cortisol Questionnaire

DHEA Questionnaire

Estrogen-Progesterone Questionnaire

Testosterone Female Questionnaire

Testosterone Male Questionnaire

Aldosterone Questionnaire

Pregnenolone Questionnaire

Growth Hormone Questionnaire

As you understand more about the ageing process, particularly the role of depleting hormones, the logic and commonsense of retaining at least a healthy younger adult level makes sense. Ageing is about many changes, some of which are:

Hormones - what are they

They are chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands to cause an effect on target cells by attaching to a specific receptor site. They pretty much 'run the show'. In other words hormones are part of the body's communications systems - others are direct 'hardwiring' via nerve fibres, local chemical release such as prostaglandins, and cell-to-cell 'talk' via glycoproteins. Of course the brain is in overall control, we hope.

Certain hormones very well researched and well known for benefits by replacement. It is most important to understand that no hormones should be prescribed and taken in what is termed supra-physiological doses. Simply put, do not take excess amounts. Why not? Because the whole purpose is to restore levels to a 25-30 year old adult range. At this age hormones have 'settled down' to a healthy level. Children and especially adolescents can have very high hormones - don't think we want that craziness again!

Did nature intend us to have low levels

Good question. Some feel they prefer to have deficient hormone levels because that's natural, so accept the degenerative conditions that result as well as the not-so-subtle mind changes. Well, that's ageing, but with this natural deficiency comes consequences. Many are now choosing to optimise ageing by retaining healthy hormone levels, so all cells can benefit. Same as with a diabetic who is insulin deficient; we don't hesitate to give her insulin. Same as a thyroid depleted individual; we wouldn't think twice about restoring thyroxine to healthy young adult levels. These examples are life threatening, the other hormones are threatening life quality.

Its about ageing well!

And the key is : only replace with exactly the same biochemistry. In other words, we use Bio-identical hormones (BHRT) not synthetic altered hormones which most pharmaceutical companies are 'forced' to supply in order to gain patent rights. I have no problem with that freedom; I just do not want to have my patients take purposely tampered hormones. The human system is too delicate and side-effects commonly result - hence all the trouble with HRT.

Which hormones are safely available, apart from insulin.

Important Note

All natural hormones are extracted from plants such as the giant Mexican yam. They are then finally converted into complete bio-identical human hormone. Humans cannot convert yam cream into hormones in the body, contrary to what some natural cream manufacturers may imply.

Thyroid

A critical gland situated in the base of the throat. It produces several thyroid hormones which regulate every cell's metabolism, energy, temperature regulation and growth. It speeds up and slows down cells. The consequences of deficiency or excess can range from minor 'missed' symptoms to catastrophic life-threatening illness.

Refer to the Thyroid questionnaire to see how you score.

Typically, a person with established under active thyroid lacks energy, feels the cold excessively, has dry coarse skin, cant lose weight, is puffy and has a slow mind. The list goes on. But there may be subtle signs and symptoms forewarning thyroid failure which can slowly take place and be missed as the person and close family-friends become used to the changes and never think of something wrong. So typical of many gradual hormone deficiencies. Some may have enlargement of the thyroid.

Testing

Blood tests measure T4 and T3, the main hormones and TSH which is released by the Pituitary gland in the brain to stimulate (control) the Thyroid gland production of T4. So its easy, check all three. However, because of financial constraints, health authorities control what doctors are allowed to test for and so only TSH is used as a screening test. Most of the time that gets by as long as the doctor also remembers to check thoroughly the patients symptoms looking for clues of early deficiency.

Importantly, the blood tests can sometimes be misleading. They can be in the low normal range, yet the patient still be unwell from thyroid problems. Normal ranges are a GUIDE ONLY. The is much debate about resistance to thyroid hormones requiring some folk to 'need' more than others just to feel normal. It may be similar to the resistance some have to insulin hormone.

Research confirms that increasing folk are seriously deficient in iodine (present in seasalt and marine foods). various techniques of measuring iodine are used - even wiping iodine on the skin and seeing how long it takes to absorb. Blood tests are not suitable. Best is the Iodine loading test which we arrange from the clinic.

A full questionnaire, examination and body temperature series as well as bloods should be done. If in doubt still, and pending comprehensive assessment of all other hormones, a 'trial of therapy' may be warranted to assess the benefit of improving the hormone status.

As with all hormone treatments, it is mandatory to be under a doctor's care who understands the biochemistry and physiology of hormones.

Why low thyroid function

This depends on where the fault lies.

Thyroid Function

Our brain monitors all functions. If more Thyroxine is required, it signals to the Pituitary which secretes TSH into the bloodstream which reaches the Thyroid and causes production of several Thyroid hormones especially T4.

However T4 is quite inactive until it reaches the tissues, loses one iodine (it has 4) and becomes T3, the very active and now fully functioning Thyroid hormone. As the levels of T3 and T4 build up the brain senses this and slows TSH release. Its all fine tuning.

So by measuring TSH, T4 and T3 we can assess whether the Pituitary-Thyroid axis is within normal limits.

That's the simple situation. An individuals symptoms do not always match the blood result. The final functionality of the thyroid system depends on how the T3 accesses the cell receptor sites within each cell. Many things from gene expression, toxins, other hormones etc can decrease or increase cell responsiveness. Relatively normal blood levels can occur with significant dysfunction and symptoms.

Treatment

Having assessed all the information including questionnaire, examination, temperature charting and blood workup, a treatment plan is constructed. This may vary from prescribing certain thyroid related supplements to actual thyroid hormone to supplement what the thyroid is unable to do. it depends on where the faults lie.

Thyroid protocols - for patient or member access only - call or email for assistance.

Thyroid - Adrenal balance

Thyroid functioning is affected by adrenal gland function too. If the adrenals are under active the thyroid may not be as responsive. Many symptoms can be similar. Check out a very interesting questionnaire compiled by a Dr. Lind in the US. Refer to the right side-bar.

Estrogens and Progesterone

These are the classic female hormones. All mammalian species require these for feminisation and fertility. Across many species, there are shared similar, even some identical estrogens. Science or rather pharmaceutical industry has capitalised in this by producing prescription medicines by either using other species hormones or synthesizing hormones bearing a close similarity to human types.

Estrogens and Progesterone have complimentary and opposite effects and are required together for this balancing of nature. When out of balance by disease, ageing causes or incorrect prescribing, then consequences may develop.

There are many estrogens but in particular three:

Estrogens are produced mainly in the ovaries but also in fat tissue. Again, the brain controls production via pituitary hormones LH and FSH.

By menopause, most of the original 2 million ovarian eggs are used up and since they and the ovary are the principle estrogen producers, estrogen levels fall quickly resulting in problems for over 60% of women. Some can completely change character, moods, body shape, flushes, night sweats, weight gain, breast lumps or tenderness, loss of libido, poor concentration, muscle aches, joint aches and so on.

There are certain times when imbalances of estrogens and progesterone can result in mild to very severe problems for many young and older women.

This can be treated naturally. For example:

Menopause - symptoms can begin years before the actual periods cease. Progesterone production falls and finally ceases. Estrogens often fluctuate wildly before finally reducing to very low. During these swings many symptoms can develop, typical are flushing and night sweats. Many other complaints are suffered but often not realised that hormones are the cause. Whilst 30% of women sail though menopause with few symptoms most do not. It is not necessary to put up with these debilitating consequences; a variety of natural options is available from nutrients and herbs to safe bio-identical natural hormones.

The burning question is: are these normal or natural states or disorders? Well there are many view points depending on whether you have actually suffered these life-changing symptoms! Of course it is not normal. Normal is to go through life without adverse symptoms and a feeling of constant wellness!

Is menopause natural? Of course! But when hormones are deficient or out of balance with one another then the symptoms that result suggest a problem. We rush to supplement other hormones like insulin, thyroxin and cortisol - so it is commonsense to treat ovarian failure the same, as long as we use natural substances. Beneficial effects on quality of life can be enormous for the young or older woman.

Toxic Estrogens

Environmental scientists find that there are other sources of estrogens from the environment - some very potent whilst others very mild like soy or clover. These non-human estrogen like chemicals are termed xeno-estrogens. Sources are:

Some estrogen-mimicking chemicals can be thousands of times more potent than natural ones, and have been linked to many animal sexual aberrations as well as human sexual and reproductive disorders (read the Silent Spring or website www.ourstolenfuture.org).

In the body these go through detoxification via the liver - called Estrogen biotransformation. Breakdown products are formed, of which some are considered to increase risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

2-hydroxy-estrones are low or no risk but 4- and 16-hydroxy-estrones are high risk. These can be measured in the urine. Refer to lab tests available >>>

Estrogen excess, imbalance or its metabolites are said to be associated with multiple disorders, some are:

How to counter the effects of xeno-estrogens and bad estrogen metabolites - read more >>>

Do you have symptoms of estrogen and progesterone imbalance or deficiency - refer to Hormonal Questionnaire >>>

Testing you for imbalances

The most important step is completing a full Hormonal Questionnaire. You see we want to treat the person not a piece of lab result paper. Lab tests are a guide only to ensure blood levels are kept in a physiological (normal healthy adult) range. Of course in certain situations and hormones, blood test levels are vital in monitoring a treatment.

Laboratory blood testing indicate current levels of hormones. They can fluctuate during the day as well as day to day. Its important to know that labs give a result and compare yours with averages of persons your age. Sensible, but this strikes at the heart of wellness versus ageing 'illness'. Do you want the hormone levels of an older person or a healthy young adult of say the 30's? Most would say 30's please. Critics say 'its not natural'. It really depends on whether you want to retain health and vitality or get old with its infirmity. take your pick.

More extensive testing can be done. Refer to lab tests link just above.

Treatment

Following assessment and laboratory evaluation, options are presented. At all times it is best practice to ensure good nutrition, specific nutritional supplementation and then the hormonal options. Balancing all hormones is preferable; it makes no sense to try to be smarter than nature; best just to do what nature has always done!

Hormone types and methods of supplementing in order of preference

Progesterone

Estrogen

Side-effects - is it safe?

Usually no side-effects. Its putting back in what you had most of your life. Some women may experience changes when having hormones back after a long absence, or if still not balanced properly with other hormones. So its important to start with low doses especially if she has a known sensitivity to estrogens in particular.

Q. Are there risks of breast cancer or heart attacks because I have been told that HRT is dangerous and my doctor wont prescribe it for me?

A. This is very interesting and a good question. The short answer is NO.Click here for the full answer.

Hormonal supplementation should always be prescribed and monitored by a doctor properly trained in this field.

Testosterone for Women

Testosterone is just as important for women as for men. It has many roles, some are :

In the female, half of the T production is from a hormone called DHEA in the fat and other tissues, a quarter from the ovaries and a quarter from the adrenals. Women make 20 - 30 times less than men. Perhaps just as well.

The pituitary gland under the brain controls production in the ovaries by the hormones LH. T levels decrease with age so at 40 there is only half that of a 20 year old.

Factors reducing T production:

Factors increasing T production:

What are the effects of T deficiency

Refer to the Hormone Questionnaire for a full list, some are:

Testing for Testosterone

Treatment

  1. The traditional method was to insert long-acting testosterone pellets under the skin. Apart from the discomfort and cost, the daily release is not as natural and dosage not easy to adjust.
  2. Transdermal creams and gels - very effective, applied daily and far more physiological (natural). Of course only use bio-identical testosterone. Doses are easy to adjust.

Dosage is based on blood test monitoring

Side-effects

Q. Women may ask "will I grow a beard, or my voice deepen?"

A. Did you when you were younger and had much higher levels of testosterone? Of course not. As long as doses remain just as nature intended then you will not grow whiskers!

Rarely, a woman may intentionally overuse T gel just to get the 'aggressiveness she thinks she needs at the workplace'. That may be asking for trouble, yet even if T levels get very high, it does take a long time to develop masculinising effects.

Women who need to be cautious are those who:

Testosterone is said to be 'The Hormone of Desire'.

Testosterone for Men

What is it and how is it made

Testosterone, the predominant male hormone, can convert into DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is the most potent male hormone, producing male characteristics of virile body, beard growth, voice, male hair pattern, penis and erections and so on.

Testosterone can also convert, by the enzyme aromatase, into estradiol, the female hormone which feminises; enlarging breasts, increasing female body fat pattern, reducing hair, voice, increases libido etc.

Neither DHT or Estradiol can be converted back once changed.

Men produce about 30mg a day, 20-30 times more than women. Levels are higher in the morning hence the morning erections men have. The majority og T is produced in the testes under control of pituitary LH hormone. Small amounts can be made from the adrenal gland and fat tissues from DHEA and other androgens.

Testosterone metabolites (breakdown products) mainly are:

What does T do

  1. It is an androgen (male) group hormone, producing all the virilising characteristics of maleness and reproductivity
  2. T protects against heart disease and the vascular system. It is anti-atheroma, protecting blood vessels. Men with higher levels of T have less heart disease.
  3. It protects against developing diabetes and obesity by reducing fat mass and increasing muscle mass. It assists the transfer of glucose into muscles, brain and other tissues.
  4. T is good for the brain, increasing blood supply. It improves memory and cognitive brain function (better processor RAM !)

What affects T production and levels

Common symptoms of deficiency in men

For a full list refer to the Hormone Questionnaire.

  1. Ageing appearance of face and body, increasing abdominal obesity
  2. Loss of muscles and strength - more prone to injury
  3. Tiredness, fatigue worse with activity
  4. Loss of mental drive, cant be bothered any more, loss of assertiveness
  5. Memory worsening, can't concentrate
  6. Poor erections or none at all, loss of sensations, reduced sex drive
  7. Even hot flushes and upper body sweats
  8. Moodiness, depression, anxiety, worrying more, even crying spells
  9. Can become socially more withdrawn

Often symptoms come on gradually and fluctuate. Many men, their wives or family put these symptoms down to other reasons like "has been under stress at work; hasn't had a holiday; works too hard; doesn't sleep properly; hasn't been the same since such and such". Whilst these may be true, it may be quite the other way around; meaning low testosterone may set him up to not cope with all these situations and he reacts far worse.

Assessment

It is important that men too have an annual screening health review - also refer to Health Screening Tests

Treatment

Most successful is the use of Testosterone transdermal creams and gels applied daily to the skin. Skin route is best as the T bypasses the liver where it can be converted into other byproducts (metabolites)

Injectable testosterone can be used for very severe deficiency and higher levels are needed quickly

For our patients on testosterone - The Testosterone Protocol >>>

Precautions

DHEA

An excellent hormone! DHEA (Dehydro-epiandrosterone) is the most abundant steroid hormone. The term steroid refers to the biochemical structure of a whole class of hormones, of which there are dozens. In fact most of the hormones from the ovaries, adrenals, testes are very similar biochemically. Its amazing how a tiny difference in the structure of each can make a world of difference to resulting affects.

By 1996, many workers including Stephen Cherniske MS, had published over 3000 research articles on DHEA. Ever since, the role of DHEA as one of the most potent 'anti-ageing' hormones has been hotly argued and debated.

In summary, DHEA - the facts:

  1. Is the most abundant hormone, influencing over 150 known repair functions in the body and brain.
  2. It declines gradually with age - when degenerative processes also accelerate.
  3. Long living people on average have higher DHEA levels.
  4. If low DHEA, there is more depression, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
  5. Low DHEA is associated with increased death rate from all causes.
  6. DHEA and its metabolites can easily be measured to give a valid 'Ageing Biomarker'.
  7. Mainstream leading endocrinologists approach is to regard the levels found in ageing populations to be 'normal' levels. The opposing view by 'anti-ageing' doctors is that these levels are NOT OPTIMAL but 'disease levels' from DHEA deficiency! Optimal levels are those of a healthy adult of around 30 years of age. OPTIMAL versus NORMAL AVERAGE concept.
  8. DHEA is absorbed well from oral dosing of 10-50mg daily.
  9. There is no evidence - clinical or experimental - of any adverse effects by supplementing physiological doses other than the production in a few susceptible women of oily skin and acne.
  10. It is speculation to claim, as some critics do, that it is necessary to have lower levels of DHEA as part of the natural and normal ageing process.
  11. DHEA has been used with patients on cortisone or prednisone to reduce side-effects and enhance the depressed immune state caused by these other steroids.
  12. DHEA is an ANABOLIC hormone (builds and promotes tissues) rather than a CATABOLIC one (breaks down tissues). For example people on long term cortisol-like steroids (catabolic) will develop osteoporosis, the destruction of bones, but DHEA will protect bones.

DHEA use

In women, DHEA can convert easily into testosterone; it can be a good way of elevating low levels of T. Refer to the area on this page about Testosterone for Women.

Start with low doses and build up according to blood tests.

In men, DHEA wont raise the T levels by anything significant. It acts on many areas of the body and brain itself or by converting into other hormones.

DHEA is like a 'mother' hormone.

Who may benefit

Anyone with sub-optimal DHEA levels - refer to the DHEA Hormone Questionnaire >>>

In brief

Optimising treatment - Mediterranean diet, low sugar and refines carbs.

Caution

As with most steroid hormones, it is prudent to to use in the presence of hormone sensitive cancer. Levels of other 'conversion hormones', like estradiol, must be monitored especially in males, and Testosterone in females.

For a comprehensive review of DHEA debate click here >>>

DHEA must be prescribed and monitored by doctors trained in Anti-ageing Medicine

Growth Hormone - GH

GH is a critical anabolic hormone (stimulates growth) especially from childhood trough puberty. It increases the size and amount of brain, muscles, hair, bones, tissues and organs. In fact all tissues of the body. In adulthood, GH maintains the replenishment of these tissues as the cells die off and are replaced. As we age, signs of failure of replenishment are seen as thinning, wrinkling and sagging skin, loss of muscles, bone thinning, stooped appearance, mind and memory ageing and so on.

GH during adult life helos the function and repairing of all these tissues - brain, heart, arteries, skin, muscles etc.

People with restored levels of GH may age more slowly (there are other issues of course causing ageing a well), they feel better, have better concentration, are happier and less anxious. GH affects all tissues and organs of the body, it is a key hormone to address 'Anti-ageing'.

How is it used

Despite many websites claims about GH and their oral products, GH can at this point only be administered by daily subcutaneous injections. Just like a diabetic, using tiny 'cant feel a thing' needles. An option is the auto-pen which is a nifty way of not having to use a syringe and needle.

Cost factor is higher - and for many people not a viable option.

GH levels are measured by testing IGF-1 which is a hormone produced in the liver by GH. It pretty much is responsible for most of GH activity. (IGF-1 is Insulin-like growth factor 1 or another term is Somatomedin C.) So IGF-1 is a marker test for GH.

What are the signs of GH deficiency - refer to GH Questionnaire >>>

Cautions

Must not be used with cancer. All patients must have cancer screening prior.

Can GH treatment cause cancer? Most studies in fact show a reduction in overall cancer including breast and prostate cancer but not bowel cancer when IGF-1 levels were very high. In fact persons with hypopituitarism (almost absent GH) have increased cancer risk up to 5 times higher. This is back to less than normal, on GH replacement.

Commonsense applies - on GH means regular health checkups.

GH administration MUST be done under supervision of a trained doctor familiar with GH dosing, monitoring and effects.

Cortisol

This is one of the most misunderstood steroid hormones. Largely because of the long history of use and abuse. From the adrenal glands, cortisol is a key hormone without which severe consequences result.

A case example:

Susan is in her 30's, she is thin (always has been), tired all the time, craving food especially sweet stuff yet most foods make her feel nauseous or cause stomach pains.

She is prone to allergies, eczema and always gets colds or sore throats. She feels pent up emotions, gets angry easily and has outbursts which she tries hard to control - she is 'so fragile". It is affecting her family life more and more. Looking back as a child she was very 'sensitive'.

Tests revealed low levels of cortisol output. She wasn't so severe as to be termed Addison's Disease, but just low range of normal. In other words, deficiency. Once this was corrected along with diet and supplements Susan gradually became 'human' again.

Cortisol belongs to the group called glucocorticoids - cortisol, hydrocortisone, cortisone etc, from the 'cortex' or outer layer of the adrenal glands. These are the naturally occurring adrenal glucocorticoids; prescription products resemble but are not found in the human. They are usually much more potent. Examples - prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and many more.

When first discovered and used medicinally, the effects were stunning; many chronic illnesses like arthritis pain, chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders etc responded rapidly. Steroid use became widespread. Then the side-effects kicked in, and were so serious that cortico-steroid use was almost banned. From then it has been limited to serious illnesses where there is no other treatment and the benefits outweigh the side-effects.

The key message here is that this kind of prescribing was generally in relatively high or supraphysiological dose ranges. As we have seen time and time again with all hormones and any supplements for that matter, not only do deficiencies cause problems but also high excesses.

Cortisol, when given to bring a low level up into the normal expected healthful range, will not cause side-effects as long as it is taken and monitored properly! Is that commonsense?

Because of the past and present disasters of cortico-steroid prescribing, adrenal cortisol causes great unease amongst both doctors and public alike.

So what does cortisol do that's so important!

It keeps us alive, that's what...

So it can affect mood, energy, immunity, pain control, stress resistance and many other functions. It really is a life and death hormone. Unlike most other hormones it does need to maintain its level all through life. (as with thyroid and insulin). However, older people do have lower levels and their cell receptor sites are less able to respond which makes the whole thing worse.

Cortisol is used up a lot during the day and builds up overnight when its not needed so much. Levels are highest early morning. Activity, bright morning sun, stress will stimulate production. Nighttime melatonin and growth hormone will keep the night cortisol from getting too high - this will keep a person awake!

Am I deficient?

Refer to the Cortisol Questionnaire >>>

Treatment

Only after full evaluation of symptoms, examination and blood and urine tests should cortisol supplementing be considered. All other hormones must be checked and balanced appropriately.

Too much naturally ? Beware...

This is not the time to go into this huge topic suffice to say that there is a lot of evidence that chronic long stress exposure can cause, as its supposed to, elevated cortisol levels. But we argent meant to have continuous exposure. High cortisol output was designed for sudden stress situations like attack from a sabre-tooth tiger, or the mother-in-law (Not mine, she is a top lady!). All this cortisol can damage tissues like brain cells etc. Gradually the adrenal can no longer keep up and the levels slide down further and further into a depletion state. So a normal or high cortisol does not always mean healthy if the person has a high stress lifestyle!

Terms

Cortisone converts into cortisol. Hydrocortisone and cortisol are the same thing.

Thyroid functioning is affected by adrenal gland function too. If the adrenals are under active the thyroid may not be as responsive. Many symptoms can be similar. Check out a very interesting questionnaire compiled by a Dr. Lind in the US. Refer to the right side-bar.

Cortisol administration MUST be done under supervision of a trained doctor familiar with dosing, monitoring and effects.

Melatonin

Wonderful hormone. Secreted by the pineal gland as night falls. It helps put us to sleep. But, if we remain active and wired up it cant work or even doesn't get secreted as much.

With age, levels drop like everything else. Insomnia is a major situation for millions worldwide; reflecting stressful living, poor diets and lack of relaxing end-of-day calming down time. How can the brain and eyes sense nightfall when there is none - bright house lights, television glaring till all hours and night snacks of sugars, carbs which stimulate not calm.

Melatonin has many other activities and influences, including anti-cancer role, anti-oxidant etc.

It is supplemented when appropriate as capsules with dosing individualised.

Melatonin administration MUST be done under supervision of a trained doctor familiar with dosing, monitoring and effects.

Admin