Replacement Therapy
What Are Hormones?
The word "hormone" is derived from the Greek language, and it means to excite or stir up.
In the human body, hormones are produced by ductless glands and secreted directly into the blood, travelling attached to cholesterol to their final destinations, called "receptor sites."
After exciting or stirring up the receptor site, hormones die, sometimes experiencing brief half lives of only one second. Hormones need constant and plentiful replacement.
Although considered drugs, and explained and
sold in that manner, hormones really aren't drugs. Rather, they
are naturally-produced substances--sent as messengers--to stimulate cells to heal, reproduce and rejuvenate.Hormones, Aging and Disease
Disease and symptoms of aging occur when hormone levels decline. Physical dilapidation of our bodies and the onset of degenerative diseases are not a requirement of growing older, nor are they caused by chronological aging.
That's why there are many instances when doctors administer hormones as "synthetic replacement therapy" or as "natural hormone supplementation"--to restore the patient to abundant health enjoyed earlier in life and forestall the aging process.
Are Synthetic Hormones OK?
In almost all cases, NO! Premarin and Provera are the most-commonly prescribed synthetic hormones for women.
Premarin, as the name "pre-mare" suggests, is derived from pregnant horses. A catheter is inserted into the horse to collect urine, and then horse estrogen is extracted. A few molecules of other things are added to justify a patent. There is a saying among alternative physicians, "If you don't whinny, don't take it."
A woman naturally produces three kinds of human estrogen--estrone, estradiol and estriol. These are dissimilar from horse estrogen.
Provera is a 100% synthetic hormone used as a progesterone replacement. Whereas a woman's natural progesterone will protect a fetus, Provera can cause a woman to abort.
Natural progesterone avoids fluid retention, irritability and depression--often experienced with the use of synthetic progestins.
At Nature's Path, we believe that use
of these unnatural synthetic hormones is both absurd and dangerous. After all, who knows what damage decades of these substances unfamiliar to our bodies will produce?Are There Natural Alternatives
For Women?
Some natural hormones come from the large steroid molecules of various plants, and this molecule is called diosgein. Mexican wild yam, Tribulus turetris, and soybean are excellent sources for this molecule.
These molecules are separated into estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone and testosterone. When matched with hormones produced by women, they are exactly the same.How Does Nature's Path
Solve Hormone Imbalances
Using sophisticated diagnostic testing, Nature's Path measures the body's natural hormone output and calculates deficiencies.
Only natural hormones are used. You achieve all the benefits of hormone replacement with none of the risks and/or side effects of synthetic hormones.
The following are the hormones we study and why each is important.DHEA
(Dehydrepandosterone)
DHEA is a precursor to the production of sex hormones and, as a result, is a most important hormone.
Unfortunately, by age 40, DHEA has already declined seriously. DHEA replacement is a strong immune system stimulant, which is critical in the prevention of cancer and infections.
This hormone helps to break down fats and cholesterol, reducing the creation of atherosclerotic plaques.Estrogen
Replacement of a woman's declining estrogen levels with natural estrogens guards against cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and osteoporosis.
Moreover, estrogen combats and lessens symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, urogenital atrophy, decreased libido and depression.
Estrogen also lowers dangerous LDL cholesterol whilst increasing HDL, the good cholesterol.Progesterone
Use of natural progesterone protects against uterine and breast cancer, osteoporosis, and the vexing symptoms of menopause.
Since both estrogen and
progesterone are present in women naturally, progesterone replacement should normally be used with estrogen replacement.Melatonin
This is another hormone that declines significantly by age 40.
Produced by the pineal gland, this hormone controls the body's circadian rhythm and sleep cycles, inducing sleep and improving its quality--particularly REM sleep and deep stage IV sleep.
During the stage IV sleep, the immune system is stimulated. Melatonin is also believed to have anti-cancer effects.
Melatonin is highly effective for people with jet lag fatigue after crossing many time zones.Testosterone
Both men and women need this hormone and, unfortunately, it, too, declines after age 30.
Testosterone sustains libido, muscle mass and immune system function. In men, it protects against heart disease, as well as degeneration of muscle, bone, tendons, and joints.
In both men and
women, particularly as people age, this hormone enhances mood and well being.Thyroid Hormone
This hormone declines with age, as others do. Thyroid hormone deficiency causes a multiplicity of symptoms, including cold intolerance, fatigue, lassitude, weight gain, increased cholesterol, thin and dry skin, hair loss, and thin and brittle nails, to name a few.
Replacement of this hormone results in
reversal of these symptoms and creates increased energy and
more efficient metabolism.Thymus Hormone
This hormone, which declines dramatically after age 20, regulates the immune system by stimulating cells to fight bacteria, cancer and viruses.
Pregnenolone
Another hormone which declines after age 30!!! This hormone aids in cellular repair of the central nervous system and is a strong enhancer of memory.
Like DHEA, pregnenolone is a "master" hormone, meaning the body can "remanufacture" it as another needed hormone.Human Growth Hormone
Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, this hormone decreases steadily after age 30. When it's replaced. there is development of muscle tissue, bone and a breakdown of stored fat. It causes increases in strength, energy and endurance.
HGH stimulates and enhances tissue repair, healing, immune system function, libido, and it sometimes tightens saggy skin and muscles. HGH increases heart output
and kidney function.Don't Be Half The Person
You Used To Be!!!
After age 40, don't accept your body's half-hearted production of needed hormones, making you half the person you were at age 20.
NeoGENESIS physicians believe strongly in "youthful aging." That means that although your chronological years keep on increasing, your biological health--as well as your personal appearance--remains youthful or even becomes younger.
As an example, consider a 75 year old who runs marathons and is misjudged as a 45 year old.
She's an example of "youthful aging," and this is NOT uncommon, IF you maintain your hormone levels, your health and vitality, using natural means and alternative therapies available at NeoGENESIS.
If you are 55, why look like your 80? This applies to men and women. Talk to a NeoGENESIS physician to find out how you can experience "youthful aging."
The physicians at NeoGENESIS can determine which hormones in your body need natural replacement--and at what levels--and customize a hormone supplementation plan just for you.