Progesterone

Progesterone is produced in the adrenal glands, the gonads (specifically after ovulation in the corpus luteum), the brain, and, during pregnancy, in the placenta. In humans, increasing amounts of progesterone are produced during pregnancy, initially the source is the corpus luteum that has been "rescued" by the presence of human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG) from the conceptus, but after the 8th week production of progesterone shifts over to the placenta. The placenta utilizes maternal cholesterol as the initial substrate, and most of the produced progesterone enters the maternal circulation, but some is picked up by the fetal circulation and is used as substrate for fetal corticosteroids. At term the placenta produces about 250 mg progesterone/day.

Progesterone is a C-21 steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy (supports gestation) and embryogenesis of humans and other species. Progesterone belongs to a class of hormones called progestagens, and is the major naturally occurring human progestagen.

It is important that Progesterone not be confused with progestins, which are synthetically produced progestagens.

Like other steroids, progesterone consists of four interconnected cyclic hydrocarbons. Progesterone contains ketone and oxygenated functional groups, as well as two methyl branches. Like all steroid hormones, it is hydrophobic. This is mostly due to its lack of very polar functional groups.

Progesterone, like all other steroid hormones is synthesized from pregnenolone, a derivative of cholesterol. This conversion takes place in two steps. The 3-hydroxyl group is converted to a keto group and the double bond is moved to C-4, from C-5.

Progesterone is the precursor of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, and after conversion to 17-hydroxyprogesterone (another natural progestogen) of cortisol and androstenedione. Androstenedione can be converted to testosterone, estrone and estradiol.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Postmenopausal women have reduced production of progesterone. While this “deficiency” is normal, progesterone, including the natural forms of progesterone, has been found to relieve menopausal symptoms when used in combination with estrogen replacement therapy.

Anti-aging Benefits of Natural Progesterone

1. Progesterone is a primary precursor in the biosynthesis of the adrenal corticosteroids. Without adequate progesterone, synthesis of the cortisones is impaired and the body turns to alternate pathways. These alternate pathways have masculine-producing side effects such as long facial hairs and thinning of scalp hair. Further impaired corticosteroid production results in a decrease in the ability to handle stress, e.g., surgery, trauma or emotional stress.
2. Many peri- or post-menopausal women with clinical signs of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance to cold, are actually suffering from unrecognized estrogen dominance and will benefit from supplementation with natural progesterone.
3. Estrogen and most of the synthetic progestins increase intracellular sodium and water uptake. The effect of this is hypertension. Natural progesterone is a natural diuretic and prevents the cell's uptake of sodium and water, thus preventing hypertension.
4. Whereas estrogen impairs homeostatic control of glucose levels, natural progesterone stabilizes them. Thus, natural progesterone can be beneficial to both those with diabetes and those with reactive hypoglycemia. Estrogen should be contraindicated in patients with diabetes.
5. Thinning and wrinkled skin is a sign of lack of hydration in the skin. It is common in peri- and post-menopausal women and is a sure sign of hormone depletion. Transdermal natural progesterone is a skin moisturizer that restores skin hydration.
6. Progesterone serves a role in keeping brain cells healthy. A disorder such as premature senility (Alzheimer's disease) may be, at least in part, another example of disease secondary to progesterone deficiency.
7. Progesterone is essential for the healthy development of the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells. Low progesterone levels lead to recurring aches and pains.
8. Progesterone creates and promotes an enhanced sense of emotional well-being and psychological self-sufficiency.
9. Progesterone is responsible for enhancing the libido.
10. Progesterone is thought to be better at maintaining bone density than Estrogen.

Source: John R. Lee, M.D., Slowing the Aging Process with Natural Progesterone,

Estrogen

The major female sex hormone. It is made mainly in the ovaries for women before menopause. It is made in muscles and fat tissue for women after menopause

Estrogen is produced primarily by developing follicles in the ovaries, the corpus luteum and the placenta. Some estrogens are also produced in smaller amounts by other tissues such as the liver, adrenal glands and the breasts. These secondary sources of estrogen are especially important in post-menopausal women. Synthesis of oestrogenes starts in theca interna cells in the ovary, by the synthesis of androstenedione from cholesterol. Androstenedione is a substance of moderate androgenic activity. This compound crosses the basal membrane into the surrounding granulosa cells, where it is converted to estrone or estradiol, either immediately or through testosterone. Estrogens can be produced by the enzyme aromatase which converts androgens such as DHEA to estrogens, mainly estradiol and estrone. Estriol is the third major human estrogen.

Estrogen is made up of a group of several different but related hormones:

1. Estriole ( E3) aprox 60-80% of circulating hormones
2. Estradiol ( E2) aprox 10-20% of circulating hormones
3. Estrone ( E1) aprox 10-20% of circulating hormones

Functions of Estrogen

• Structural - stimulate endometrial growth - maintanence of vessel and skin - reduce bone resorption, increase bone formation - -increase uterine growth
• Protein synthesis - increase hepatic production of binding proteins
• Coagulation - increase circulating level of factors 2,7,9,10, anti-thrombin III, plasminogen - increase platelet adhesiveness
• Lipid - increase HDL, triglyceride, fat deposit - decrease LDL
• Fluid balance - salt and water retention
• GI - reduce bowel motility - increase cholesterol in bile

SYMPTOMS OF A LACK OF ESTROGEN:

Mood Swings	Night Sweats
Vaginal Dryness	Anxiety
Headache	Depression
Memory Loss	Sleep Disorders
Hot Flushes	Shortness of Breath

SYMPTOMS OF ESTROGEN EXCESS:

Weight Gain	Fluid Retention
Fatigue	Loss of Sex Drive
Breast Swelling	Craving for Sweets
Endometriosis	Fibrocystic cysts

Source: Wikipedia

Estrogen is not one hormone, it is the name of a group of hormones. There are three principle forms of estrogen found in the human body estrone, estradiol and estriol, also known as E1, E2 and E3 respectively.

Estrogen is responsible for the development of the female characteristics.

There is also a group of compounds called phytoestrogens, generally found in food, which can have "estrogen like" effects in the body. Estradiol (E2) is the primary estrogen produced by the ovaries. Estrone (E1) is formed from estradiol. It is a weak estrogen and is the most abundant estrogen found in the body after menopause. Estriol (E3) is produced in large amounts by the placenta during pregnancy and is a breakdown product of estradiol. Women who have children, are vegetarian, or are of Asian ethnicity are thought to have higher levels of Estriol and are thought to be at less risk of breast cancer.

Before menopause estradiol is the predominant estrogen. After menopause estradiol levels drop more than estrone so that now estrone is the predominant estrogen.

After Menopause, Estrogen is made by the adrenal glands. Estrogen is thought to be the most carcinogenic.

For the past 50 years, conjugated equine estrogen, brand name Premarin® has been the most commonly prescribed estrogen supplement in the U.S. Conjugated estrogens are derived from pregnant mare's urine. They must be converted by the body into active estrogens. Premarin® is the most studied estrogen supplement. It is also the most widely prescribed hormone in the world. If you are taking a hormone, it is probably Premarin®. Estradiol (E2) is now widely prescribed in the form of skin patches, tablets and creams and is gaining on premarin in popularity. A combination of E1,E2 and E3 called Triple Estrogen or Tri-Est, has been available for many years. It's proponents claim it is the most natural way to take estrogen. Triple estrogen is difficult to get. It is generally available only by mail order

Hormone Replacement Therapy - HRT

Natural Estrogen Treatments:

1. Triest: Is a combination of 3 plant based Estrogens imitating the natural human ratio of:

• E1 (10%)
• E2 (10%)
• E3 (80%)

This is the most popular combination

2. Biest: Stronger than Triest.

• It is a combination of two plant based Estrogens:
• E2 (20%)
• E3 (80%)

3. Estriol: Otherwise known as E3.

• The weakest of the 3 Estrogens

Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group. Testosterone is primarily secreted in the testes of males and the ovaries of females although small amounts are secreted by the adrenal glands. It is the principal male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In both males and females, it plays key roles in health and well-being. Examples include enhanced libido, energy, immune function, and protection against osteoporosis. On average, the adult male body produces about twenty times the amount of testosterone an adult female's body does.

Sources of Testosterone

Like other steroid hormones, testosterone is derived from cholesterol. The largest amounts of testosterone are produced by the testes in men, but it is also synthesized in smaller quantities in women by the thecal cells of the ovaries, by the placenta, as well as by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex in both sexes.

In the testes, testosterone is produced by the Leydig cells. The male generative glands also contain Sertoli cells which require testosterone for spermatogenesis. Like most hormones, testosterone is supplied to target tissues in the blood where much of it is transported bound to a specific plasma protein, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Testosterone Therapy for Women

Women normally have circulating in their blood 3 major sex hormones: oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Each of these is produced by the ovaries. Oestrogen is also made throughout the body but particularly in body fat. Testosterone can also be made in other parts of the body from hormones (DHEA and DHEAS) that are produced by the adrenal glands.

At the time of natural menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries oestrogen and progesterone levels fall precipitously.

Testosterone and DHEAS levels however fall more gradually with increasing age such that a woman in her forties has on average only half of the testosterone and DHEAS circulating in her bloodstream as does a woman in her twenties. After a woman has her ovaries removed by surgery testosterone levels can fall by up to fifty percent. However testosterone does not change across menopause, although this varies somewhat between women.

Testosterone and other related hormones (DHEA and DHEAS) in the body (also known as androgens) have known physiological roles in women. Firstly, oestrogen is actually made from testosterone and DHEA, and without the ability of our bodies to make testosterone we cannot make oestrogen. Testosterone and DHEA appear to have direct independent effects in different parts of the body, and some women may experience a variety of physical symptoms when their blood levels fall. Such symptoms may include:

• Impaired sexual interest (loss of libido or sexual desire)
• Lessened sexual responsiveness
• Lessened wellbeing

• Loss of energy
• Low mood, thinning pubic hair
  

Testosterone therapy may be beneficial for some women who have had their ovaries surgically removed or in some cases who have significant symptoms in the form of loss of libido, fatigue and diminished wellbeing.

Source: Jean Hailes Foundation

Referral for Men:

For men concerned about symptoms that may be related to low testosterone levels, some clinics are able to offer tests for current levels of testosterone. Doctors can prescribe hormone replacement to enjoy the benefits of optimum testosterone levels in men. Typically, testosterone levels in men decline from the age of 35 onwards.

Contact:

NZ Men’s Clinic
0508 DOCTOR (0508-362-867) or
www.nzmensclinic.co.nz
for more information

DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

"The fountain of youth hormone" / "The master hormone"

DHEA is taken for overall youthful mental and physical energy, mood, and well-being.

What is DHEA?

Very simplistically, DHEA is manufactured in the adrenal glands. The hormone breaks down in the body into testosterone and estrogen in men and in women.

Aging

The body's production of DHEA drops from about 30 mg at age 20 to less than 6 mg per day at age 80. According to Dr. William Regelson of the Medical College of Virginia, DHEA is "one of the best biological bio-markers for chronological age."

DHEA levels are directly related to mortality (the probability of dying) in humans. In a 12-year study of over 240 men aged 50 to 79 years, researchers found that DHEA levels were inversely correlated with mortality, both from heart disease and from all causes. This finding suggests that DHEA-S (DHEA sulfate) level measurements can become a standard diagnostic predictor of disease, mortality and life span. Furthermore, if animal results hold true, supplemental DHEA may prevent disease, reduce mortality, and extend life span in humans.

Brain Function

Dr. Eugene Roberts found that very low concentrations of DHEA were found to "increase the number of neurons, their ability to establish contacts, and their differentiation" in cell cultures. He also found that DHEA also enhanced long-term memory in mice undergoing avoidance training. It may play a similar role in human brain function.

Alzheimer's Disease

Evidence increasingly suggests that DHEA is essential in maintaining the function of brain cells. Neurologist speculate that DHEA supplementation in humans may be an important ingredient both in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's and in treating the sort of degenerative memory disorders that often arise in old age.

Source: Biosynergy

Disputed effects

The significance of the hormone in health and disease is not fully established.

It is postulated that DHEA supplements are beneficial in the prevention of:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Obesity
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Disorders of the immune system
• Depression
• Osteoporosis

It is also commercially advertised that DHEA:

• Helps decrease insulin resistance
• Improves fat metabolism
• Increases immune system function
• Has anti-aging properties
• Increases lean muscle mass
• Increase in sexual desire Increase in orgasmic intensity

Pregnenolone

• Pregnenolone is taken to enhance mental alertness and awareness, improve long-term memory, improve mood and reduce symptoms of PMS, arthritis, and stress.

• Pregnenolone, like DHEA, is a steroidal hormone manufactured in the body.

• Pregnenolone has been found to be 100 times more effective for memory enhancement than other steroids or steroid-precursors in laboratory mice. Dr. Eugene Roberts, PHD says about pregnenolone, "appears to be the most potent memory enhancer yet reported in animals."

• Pregnenolone has been reported to not only make people smarter but happier and enhance ones ability to perform on the job while heightening feelings of well-being.

• Pregnenolone enhances the ability to acquire knowledge and motivation.

• Pregnenolone has been reported to reduce high stress induced fatigue.

Source:Biosynergy

What is it?

Pregnenolone serves as a precursor to other hormones, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and progesterone.

The functions of pregnenolone in the body are not well known. It has been suggested the role of pregnenolone in the body is to serve as a "mother steroid" (precursor hormone). Aside from that role, it has no known functions in the body.

Many effects of pregnenolone on the nervous system have been studied. In healthy men aged 20 to 30, administration of pregnenolone (1 mg daily) was found to improve sleep quality and decrease intermittent wakefulness.

It has been suggested this hormone may play a role in the neuroendocrine response to stress. In a study of airplane pilots subjected to stress, administration of pregnenolone (25 mg twice daily) improved performance without causing adverse side effects.

Pregnenolone appears to exhibit an antagonistic effect on the calming receptors in the brain (gamma-amino butyric acid [GABA] receptors), resulting in an excitatory effect. It is possible this alteration in nervous system transmission could contribute to seizure activity.

Steroid hormones are known to affect mood and behavior via effects on the nervous system. In people with either current depression or a history of depression, pregnenolone in the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that bathes the brain) was significantly lower, than levels in healthy people. In addition, it was found that patients with active depression had lower levels of pregnenolone compared with those with a prior history of depression.

Where is it found?

The cells of both the adrenal gland and the central nervous system synthesize pregnenolone. Human studies show there are much higher concentrations of pregnenolone in the nervous tissue, than in the bloodstream. Animal studies indicate the concentration of pregnenolone in the brain is ten-fold higher than that of other stress-related hormones (including DHEA).Pregnenolone is present in the blood as both free pregnenolone and a more stable form, pregnenolone-sulfate.