Longevity Medicine
The Fountain of Health
Got hormones? Got health? Unlike pasteurized cow milk, hormones are crucial for life and quality of life at any age. Based on my education, experience and research, natural hormone replacement works and is safe, provided the hormones are bio-identical, bio-available and that they clear out of the body in a timely way. What does this mean and how can hormones in the proper balance enhance life?
Bio-identical means the exact replica of what is made in the body. Bio-available relates to the body ' s ability to utilize whatever substance one is referring to, whether it is a hormone, an herb, vitamin, mineral or enzyme.
First of all, let ' s dispel the myth that the primary goal of hormonal use is to achieve the “ fountain of youth. " Oscar Wilde ' s Dorian Gray was a fictitious character whose extreme vanity and narcissism led him down the path of decay and disaster because he sought youth and good looks above all else in his life. In the opera, Dr. Faustus by Gounod, a man in old age who feels his life ' s work has been in vain, sells his soul to the devil in a bargain to return to his youthful visage and seduce a young girl. Although most of us do not take vanity to these extremes, there are some who do.
Whatever is done to the body to push it beyond natural limits is likely to be harmful on many different levels, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Abuse or overuse of steroids in competitive athletics is illegal because of the ill health effects they produce as well as the seemingly unfair, though temporary, athletic advantage they give. Steroid is a name for hormone, although it has come to mean synthetic testosterone or cortisone. People who overuse thyroid, natural hydrocortisone or testosterone to “ pump themselves up " , are more likely to develop osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems, e.g. rapid heart rate and irregular rhythms. If used in bio-identical form and in physiologic doses (safe and needed) rather than pharmacological doses (excessive and suppressive), these hormones can benefit one greatly in health, well-being and stamina.
The stimulating effect of these hormones must be respected and the temptation to add a little more for weight loss or for an added “ edge ” of energy, needs to be resisted. The consequences of not monitoring or using them at safe levels can also result in more life-threatening problems like stroke, myocardial infarction (not enough oxygen to the heart tissues) or heart failure. Nonhormonal substances, particularly stimulating herbs like ephedra, guarana and yerba mate, as well as too much caffeine, can do the same damage. It is important to know what one is using and insure that use is within the correct balance, measured and monitored with standard laboratory testing.
The best goal of hormonal use is to give or maintain health and quality of life into old age. As a by-product, hormones will contribute to a more youthful appearance in skin, muscle tone and condition of hair and nails, unless one has used tobacco, alcohol or harmful drugs excessively over time. When compared to others of the same age, the user of bio-identical hormones in the correct dosage almost always looks and feels better.
Many women want to use estrogens to stop hot flashes, increase vaginal secretions, reduce moodiness and irritability, improve sleep, libido and memory. Natural estrogen accomplishes all of these goals. It also can help to reduce or stop heart palpitations, shortness of breath, joint/muscle pain and reduce or prevent loss of bone density. I have even seen results in my practice of restoration of bone density. I have also had women with autoimmune issues such as Lupus go into remission or reversal to a non-autoimmune status (the ANA titer reverts to normal) with pure and natural prescription DHEA and estrogen. There are no guarantees in treatment, but when one realizes that the onset of Lupus is either at puberty or menopause typically, it is clear that hormones are crucial to giving health.
Testosterone can greatly reduce or eliminate arthritic pain, give a great sense of well-being, improve sex drive, performance and intensity of orgasm and contribute to lean muscle mass.
Progesterone is calming, helps improve the quality of sleep, can contribute to maintaining and regaining bone density, relieves many of the symptoms of PMS, cramping and peri-menopause and must be used, at least cyclically, if a woman uses estrogen and has her uterus intact. With or without a uterus, it is best to cycle progesterone twice per day for 2 weeks of the month and take estrogens twice per day every day. Testosterone can be used as needed or every day to twice per day as well.
In the book, Sex, Lies and Menopause, by T.S. Wiley and Julie Taguchi, MD, very high doses of estradiol and progesterone are suggested in incremental steps according to the day of the month, for menopause, health and well-being. This therapy puts women back into a menstruating state and research shows lower incidences of cancer and autoimmune diseases using these high physiologic doses. I have used their protocol with a lot of success, although not every woman wants to continue having periods for the rest of her life. There is much to be said for this approach however, and many have found that the higher doses of estradiol really take off excess body fat and weight, give a fullness and perkiness to the breasts, a greatly enhanced sense of well-being and comprehensive peak performance, mentally and physically.
The issue of proper estrogen clearance has been addressed by me in an earlier issue of The Light Connection and can be found on my website. Suffice it to say, it appears that taking natural estrogen is safe in correct doses and with the use of Indole 3 Carbinol, 400 mg. per day. This natural cruciferous substance balances the estrone metabolites and clears estrone out of tissues in an appropriate and impressive way.
DHEA has been mentioned in relationship to Lupus. It is an adrenal hormone which gives vitality, enhances energy and stamina, contributes to lean muscle mass and most importantly, can strengthen the immune system. It has restored health to people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, among other conditions.
Hydrocortisone, another adrenal hormone, used in its natural, bio-identical form and in physiologic, non-suppressive doses, can restore adrenal functioning rapidly in a matter of days to a few months. William Jeffries, MD, in his book, The Safe Uses of Cortisol, provides a comprehensive look at the various uses of cortisol, including improving thyroid function, raising basal body temperature, improving blood sugar metabolism, assisting with regulating menstruation in combination with balancing the female hormones, maintaining pregnancy (preventing spontaneous abortion) and many other significant functions. It is my miracle hormone for Chronic Fatigue! Not everyone needs it but those who do feel better immediately upon using it. Unlike other hormones, after the adrenal glands have built back up with a reserve of hydrocortisone and DHEA, these hormones can be discontinued and the benefits of having taken these hormones may continue and last for years. However new stressors, physical or emotional trauma, excess use of caffeine and sugar, harmful drugs, tobacco, alcohol, etc. can deplete the adrenals again and necessitate starting the process all over again.
Many people have metabolic imbalances with thyroid and understand that it is one of the key players in maintaining health. Another article I ' ve written on thyroid in The Light Connection thoroughly explores this topic. One can obtain a reprint of it by contacting me by email. In a nutshell, thyroid balance provides solid energy levels, healthy metabolism including regulating elimination, weight regulation, sleep improvement, reduction of pain, skin, hair and nail health and many other benefits. For someone who is low in thyroid hormone, taking it is the difference between night and day in how they feel and function on all levels of their life. I have found over time, that some individuals are able to reduce their doses of thyroid and function well; some others may need higher doses. In rare instances, perhaps one can discontinue it without adverse conditions recurring, but so far I haven ' t seen that in my practice. If stress and ill-health progress, typically the thyroid functioning declines as well. I have worked with many people manifesting cancer and I cannot recall one who was not dealing with hypothyroidism.
Melatonin is made in the Pineal gland which regulates sleep cycles and body rhythms. This hormone can improve sleep and rest if taken in small amounts, no more than 3 mg. at bedtime. I rarely suggest this for people as it can cause nightmares and I have found that it isn ' t needed if the other hormones are doing their jobs.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is the new designer hormone for people of the 21st century. The real stuff is injectable, but there are amino acid precursors taken orally at bedtime on an empty stomach that help to stimulate this pituitary hormone known for promoting lean muscle mass, enhancing sleep, giving greater energy, vitality, stamina and overall health. There are still some unknowns about HGH, but if used conservatively, no more than 8 - 9 IUDs per week, divided up daily, is not thought to have harmful side effects. Overuse can cause carpel tunnel syndrome and wrist pain, which typically reverses when the HGH is discontinued.
The testing procedures for examining amounts of hormones in the body will not be discussed in this article as I have addressed it elsewhere and am currently in the process of coauthoring a book on laboratory testing, which will thoroughly address what tests are available for identifying every conceivable biochemical imbalance. Briefly then, my recommendation for testing hormones is by blood specimens rather than saliva, which concurs with other authorities in this hormonal field whom I respect. Twenty-four hour urine samples are comparably reliable also, but saliva test results can be inconsistent. In a small random sampling of patients I found that saliva results did not match clinical symptoms as often as blood results and that levels were either too high or low to make sense.
If the goals for your health are to be, feel and look your best and you haven ' t felt well for awhile, you may be deficient in hormones. If you always had difficulty with periods such as cycle irregularity, various symptoms of PMS and/or menstrual cramps before, during or after a period, chances are your female hormones may not ever have been in balance. For men who cannot keep an erection or have decreased sex drive, natural testosterone is less expensive and probably safer than many of the other available options. If you want to maximize your health long into your senior years, keep your hormones at appropriate levels. You deserve to optimize your health and well-being at any age.
Madhuri Cawley , PA -C, MA, is a nationally certified Physician Assistant. She practices in Vista , California and is available on-line. Call 760/295-5392 or madhuri3@cox.net, www.alternativehealthandhealing.com
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