"Hormones - They Keep Us Young & Sexy"

By Dr. Laura Thompson

For women and men?

Yes. There are natural therapies and products to help balance our hormones? Yes, they are effective at significant times in our lives, such as when we are experiencing low sex drive, poor sexual function, low energy, menopause, hot flashes, night sweats, PMS, infertility, poor muscle tone, sleep difficulties, joint problems, osteoporosis, thyroid and skin problems, and allergies.

Hormone testing is done with saliva samples, taken by you in your home. The therapies recommended are very cutting-edge, customized topical hormone creams, which contain plant-derived hormone precursors or building blocks. They have been found to be extremely effective in balancing hormone levels in men, women, teens, and even younger children. (Can be effective for children who have diagnoses of ADD or ADHD.)

These creams are made for you, according to your hormone test results. Many women are choosing to replace their prescription hormone drugs with these customized creams because the natural approach is so effective, protective and causes no threat of cancer. Some children have benefited greatly from the adrenal support that these creams offer. (No other hormone precursors are used for children.)

Since I have been utilizing saliva hormone testing and natural hormone therapies in my practice, I have seen so many tremendous results with people that I have to keep talking about it. When people's emotions become balanced, energy improves, libidos increase, muscle and joint pain are eliminated, bone loss is halted, allergies and skin problems are eliminated, and sleep problems are gone, I have to spread the word.

The excitement fills my office. Finally, there are natural methods and products that produce very measurable results --- the most exciting of which is – people feel better, physically and emotionally. These results are life changing!

What Hormones Are Tested and Why?

The hormones tested through the saliva are: 1. & 2.) cortisol and DHEA which are adrenal gland hormones, 3., 4., & 5.) estradiol (an estrogen), progesterone, and testosterone which are the sex hormones, and 6.) melatonin, the sleep hormone produced by the pineal gland.

A primary marker of the aging process in both men and women is a reduction in normal hormone levels, which is responsible in a large part for infertility, decreased energy and muscle strength, loss of libido, and an increase in the symptoms of menopause.

Hormone levels can also be related to the symptoms of PMS, thyroid function, sleep disorders, andropause (male menopause), bone mineral density and osteoporosis, sex hormone imbalance, blood lipid balance and heart health, as well as certain aspects of brain function.

Why Saliva?

Saliva testing provides a simple non-invasive means of determining if hormone levels are within the expected normal range for one's age and gender. It is also an accurate method of evaluating how hormone replacement therapy, topical hormone creams, sublingual hormone drops, diet, herbal therapy and exercise influence your hormone levels.

Saliva testing measures the levels of circulating hormones available to body tissues in men and women. Saliva is considered to be a better indicator of biologically active hormone levels than blood more accurately reflecting the body's functional hormone status. Samples are taken in your home, sent to the lab for analysis, and the results are sent to your practitioner.

Saliva testing is useful for 1.) monitoring the effectiveness of products (skin creams, pills and suppositories) containing hormones or their precursors, 2.) measuring the effect of phytoestrogens consumed in foods and herbs, and 3.) determining whether the body compensates and maintains its balance while undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

Longevity, Biomarkers, and Biological Age

Biological age is measured by evaluating a number of physiological and biochemical parameters or biomarkers, known to change as we age. One of the most common and predictable aspects of aging is the shifting of hormone levels, resulting in many of the diseases and disabilities of aging.

Measuring these biomarkers and comparing them with healthy young adult levels (age 25-30 years), provides a clear indication of the degree of age-related dysfunction of particular organs or organ systems. Once these parameters are restored to a functional balance, the result should be a reduction of biological age and the likelihood of a healthy extended life span.

Who Should Be Tested for Hormone Levels?

• Men concerned with their sexual drive and testosterone levels
• Cycling women experiencing PMS symptoms
• Pre-and postmenopausal women concerned with their estradiol and progesterone levels for replacement hormone considerations
• People with hot flashes, irritability, night sweats, or depression
• People wishing to monitor their hormone levels, following replacement therapy (oral, sublingual or topical), and subsequently regulate their supplement levels
• People with sleep disorders who wish to know their natural melatonin levels
• People with stress-related disorders, fatigue, depression
• People with allergies or immune weakness

Indicators for Hormonal Imbalances

• Chronic stress and related health problems
• Lack of vitality and energy
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Muscle and joint pain
• Migraine headaches
• Osteoporosis
• Sleep disturbances
• Poor memory
• Alcohol intolerance
• Allergies
• Low sex drive
• Low body temperature
• Depression

THE HORMONES

Adrenal Hormones

The adrenals are two small glands; one located above each kidney, each weighing three to five grams. Each adrenal gland is composed of two separate functional entities. The outer zone, or cortex, accounts for 80% to 90% of the gland, and secretes adrenal steroids (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and aldosterone).

The inner zone or medulla, comprises 10% to 20% of the gland and secretes adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, epinephrine, and nor-epinephrine, called catecholamines. Cortisol, DHEA and adrenaline are the three adrenal stress hormones. DHEA declines dramatically with age.

DHEA is the second most abundant steroid in the body. (Cholesterol is number one). Decreased levels of DHEA may be associated with diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, age-associated memory impairment (AAMI), and senility.

The human adrenal gland does not secrete its steroid hormones at a constant level throughout the day. The hormones are actually released in a cycle with the highest value in the morning and lowest at night. This 24-hour cycle is called the circadian rhythm. An abnormal adrenal rhythm can influence many functions of the body. The adrenal hormones can affect:

1. Energy Production
   Abnormal adrenal function can alter the ability of cells to produce energy for activities of daily living. People who have a hard time getting up in the morning, those who suffer from energy slumps during the day (and may even be tired all the time), often have abnormal adrenal hormone rhythms.
2. Muscles and Joints
   Abnormal adrenal rhythms are known to compromise tissue healing. Reduced tissue repair and increased tissue breakdown can lead to muscle and joint injury and chronic pain.
3. Bone Health
   Adrenal rhythm determines how well we build bone. If night and morning cortisol levels are too high, bones do not rebuild well and are more prone to osteoporosis.
4. Immune System Health
   Various immune cells (white blood cells) cycle in and out of the spleen and bone marrow for special conditioning and possible nourishment and instruction. This immune system trafficking follows the cortisol cycle. If the cycle is disrupted, especially at night, then the immune system is adversely affected.
5. Sleep Quality
   The ability to enter REM sleep cycles, i.e. regenerative sleep, is interrupted by high cortisol values at night and in the morning. Chronic lack of REM sleep can reduce the mental vitality and vigor of a person and induce depression.
6. Skin Regeneration
   Human skin regenerates mostly during the night. With higher night cortical values, less skin regeneration takes place. So, a normal cortisol rhythm is essential for optimal skin health.
7. Thyroid Function
   The level of cortisol at the cell level controls thyroid hormone production. Quite often, hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue and low body temperature are due to adrenal stress.

Steroid Sex Hormones

Other hormones that decrease with age include estrogen and progesterone in females, and testosterone in both males and females. This family of steroid hormones supports a variety of essential physiological functions and an appropriate balance is necessary for optimal health. Steroid hormonal changes or imbalances result in reduction of bone density and muscle mass, decreased energy levels, and reduced libido.

Estradiol

Estradiol is the most potent estrogen of a group of endogenous estrogen steroids including estrone and estriol. Estradiol is responsible for maturation of long bones, development of breasts, reproductive organs and secondary female characteristics. Estradiol is mainly produced by the ovaries, with secondary production by the adrenal glands and conversion of steroid precursors into estrogens in fatty tissue.

Upon reaching menopause, estrogen levels fall. This fall is associated with hot flashes, a higher risk for cardiac disease, and an increase of bone loss. Estradiol levels are used to evaluate amenorrhea (no period), fertility, and monitor replacement therapy.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a steroid hormone synthesized by the corpus luteum. Progesterone stimulates the cyclic changes in the uterine endometrium that allows the implantation of the fertilized egg.

It is also responsible for maintenance of the uterus during pregnancy, suppression of uterine contractions, and preparation of the breasts for lactation.

Progesterone levels are low during the follicular phase. Levels increase sharply for a maximum of ten days following ovulation. Levels decline rapidly at about 4 days prior to menstruation.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone synthesized primarily by the testes in males, the ovaries in females, and adrenal glands of both sexes. Testosterone is synthesized from androstenedione, a metabolite of DHEA and progesterone, the precursors of which are pregnenolone and cholesterol.

From puberty through the reproductive years, males synthesize 20 times more testosterone than females. In males, testosterone is utilized to develop the external genitalia, secondary hair patterns, stimulation of spermatogenesis, development of muscle mass, and behavioral patterns.

In females, testosterone affects pubescent musculo-skeletal development, general anabolic activity and libido. Testosterone enhances aerobic metabolism and increases protein synthesis in males and females. This hormone decreases with age in both males and females.

THE TESTS

Female Hormone Panels

Female hormone testing for women still menstruating, is done over the 28 day cycle. Seven samples of estradiol and progesterone are taken, 1 sample of testosterone, 6 of cortisol, 4 of melatonin, and 3 of DHEA-SO4. This is the best way to determine hormonal balance throughout the cycle and assess problems associated with PMS, infertility, or pre-menopause.

Testing for menopausal or post menopausal women examines 6 samples of cortisol, 3 of DHEA-SO4, 4 of melatonin, and 1 each of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. This helps assess conditions associated with menopause and the correct type of natural replacement therapy. Proper testing provides the key to successful supplementation and cream therapy.

Male Hormone Panel

The Male Hormone Panel examines 1 sample for progesterone and estradiol, 6 samples of cortisol, 3 of DHEA-SO4, 4 of melatonin, and 4 of testosterone collected at specified times. This allows for evaluation of the adrenal glands, as well as output of testosterone.

Adolescent Panel

Hormone testing for children ranging from age 7-16 is focused on the adrenal hormones, which control energy production and how we deal with stress. This panel is the same as the Comprehensive Adrenal Panel except that the analysis is focused on targeting specific levels for children/adolescents between the ages of 7 and 16. Many children with asthma, allergies, fatigue, ADD, ADHD, and autism have benefited from adrenal testing and treatment. No sex hormones are utilized in treatment with young children.

Treatment

Unique, customized creams are designed especially for you. They are much more comprehensive than the standard yam creams that have been on the market for years. These custom creams applied topically, are preferred to supplements because the hormones are absorbed through the skin directly into the blood stream, bypassing the digestive system. After several months of cream therapy, there will be a retest, at which time the cream will be continued, altered, or discontinued if balance is achieved.

Dr. Laura Thompson, Family Nutritionist and Naturopathic Endocrinologist has a nationwide practice by phone, and locally in Carlsbad, California. Call for in-home testing info, 800-608-5602.  

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products suggested, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care practitioner for your best health options.

Contact Us | Site Map