DHEA

DHEA can prevent or reverse the diseases that anti-aging experts like Orthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness have identified as the most prominent markers of accelerated aging: atherosclerosis (hardening and clogging of the arteries), cancer, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

What is DHEA?

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an endogenous hormone (made in the human body), and secreted by the adrenal gland. DHEA serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30, and are reported to be low in some people with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and in the critically ill. DHEA levels may also be depleted by a number of drugs, including insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, and danazol.

There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The cascade of adrenal hormones starts with cholesterol, from which the brain hormone pregnenolone is made. Pregnenolone is then transformed into DHEA. And DHEA serves as the raw material from which all other important adrenal hormones--including the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and the stress hormone cortisol--are synthesized.

DHEA is the most abundant hormone in your body. But production peaks at around age 20. From then on, your DHEA level decreases with age. By the time you reach 40, your body makes about half as much DHEA as it used to. By 65, output drops to 10 to 20 percent of optimum; by age 80, it plummets to less than 5 percent of optimum.

Because DHEA has such broad-spectrum effects, declining production makes itself known in every system, every organ, and every tissue of your body. The immune system is especially sensitive to diminishing DHEA output, opening the door not just to viruses, bacteria, and other microbes but also to free radicals and the Pandora's box of degenerative diseases they cause.

What's more, the collective indirect evidence from more than 5,000 published studies overwhelmingly supports DHEA's anti-aging role. Scientists now have proof that DHEA:

• Enhances immunity
• Decreases the risk of heart disease
• Defends against some cancers
• Improves blood sugar control, decreasing the risk of diabetes
• Reverses the age-accelerating effects of the stress hormone cortisol
• Prevents and reverses osteoporosis

Does DHEA rejuvenate immune function?

DHEA boosts antibody production; enhances the activity of monocytes, immune cells that attack cancer cells and viruses; activates natural killer cells, immune cells that attack and destroy viruses and other foreign invaders; and maximizes the anti-cancer function of immune cells known as T lymphocytes. In aging laboratory animals, DHEA restores youthful levels of cytokines (immune chemicals involved in protection and healing) and reduces the production of autoantibodies (antibodies that attack healthy tissues). When administered concurrently with a flu vaccine, DHEA dramatically improved the effectiveness of the vaccine in aging mice and in older humans.

DHEA's power to invigorate the immune system is closely linked to its potential to fight aging. Remember, heightened immunity translates directly into protection against oxidation, which in turn translates directly into protection against degenerative disease. So anything that strengthens your immune system also has the capacity to lengthen life. Immune deterioration with age is accompanied by increased incidence of atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, cataracts, and infections--all evidence of accelerated aging.

An important study conducted by leading DHEA researcher Samuel Yen, M.D., of the University of California, San Diego, underscores the hormone's age-opposing activation of immune function. After measuring baseline immune parameters in healthy older men (average age 63), Dr.Yen put the men on a program of 50 milligrams of DHEA per day. After 20 weeks, the men showed dramatic improvement in all markers of immune function, including an average of 45 percent increases in monocytes, 29 percent increases in antibody-making B lymphocytes, 20 percent increases in T lymphocyte activation, 40 percent increases in T lymphocyte anti-cancer response, and 22 to 37 percent increases in natural killer cells.

Perhaps most significant of all, DHEA increases production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone like molecule that is used to measure levels of another potent anti-aging compound called human growth hormone (HGH).

How could any substance that protects us from virtually every major degenerative disease not protect us from aging as well?

Human Growth Hormone

Until recently the effects of Growth Hormone Deficiency in adults were unknown. It is now recognized as a specific clinical syndrome with numerous physiological consequences with effects on:

• Changes in body composition, including central obesity
• Lipids in the blood
• Muscle strength
• Bone composition
• Exercise capacity and energy
• Cardiovascular risk
• Psychological well-being

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD) can be effectively treated with recombinant human Growth Hormone. A medically supervised HGH program has many benefits that can improve the user’s life on every level imaginable and Orthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness specializes in treating adults who are experiencing symptoms and problems associated with AGHD.

Effects of HGH Therapy

• SKIN - Increased skin elasticity, texture, and tightness.
• ENERGY - Increased energy and emotional stability.
• BONE - Improved bone strength.
• SEXUAL POWER - Increased sexual potency and frequency.
• MUSCLE - Increased muscle strength and mass.
• FAT - Decreased fat tissue.
• MEMORY - Improved mental functioning and strength.
• HEART - Improved cardiovascular strength and lower blood pressure.
• KIDNEY - Improved kidney function.
• IMMUNE SYSTEM - Improved immunity and healing.
• HAIR - Improved hair texture.
• CHOLESTEROL - Elevated HDL and lowered LDL.

Hormones can be thought of as "messengers" that are produced by the endocrine glands and then sent all over the body to stimulate specified activities. For example, growth, digestion, reproduction, and sexual functions are all triggered by hormones and they all depend on hormones to work properly.

HGH is one of several endocrine hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin and DHEA that decline in production as we age. As its name suggests, human Growth Hormone is an endocrine hormone that makes humans grow.

HGH is a complex protein molecule of 191 amino acids linked in a specific sequence. It is secreted in pulses by the pituitary gland. These pulses vary between 10 and 30 per day and can be strengthened by exercise. For years, doctors have prescribed HGH for children who needed a growth boost but growth deficiencies do not just affect children, they can be a significant problem for adults too. HGH is critical for tissue repair, healing, muscle growth, bone strength, brain function, physical and mental health, energy, and metabolism.

Somatropin, or Somatotropin, is the man-made version of human Growth Hormone. Each manufacturer of somatropin assigns its own brand name, such as Genotropin, Norditropin, Saizen and Compound Somatropin. They are available only by prescription and administered by injection.

HGH is produced at a rate that peaks during adolescence, at time when normal growth is accelerated. The production of HGH decreases with age, 14% each year on average. Humans normally produce about 500 micrograms of HGH daily at age 20.By age 80, the daily production falls to 60 (or less) micrograms. Many doctors consider IGF-1 levels below 200 to be HGH deficient and a diagnosis on Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency Syndrome is made.Proper blood work called a hormone panel needs to be taken to make sure our patients are HGH deficient.

In the month of August of 1996, the FDA approved recombinant human Growth Hormone for the use in adult patients for the first time. Before, it was approved and authorized only for the use to promote growth in short children with growth deficiencies such as dwarfism. Now HGH can be prescribed for deficient adults to treat Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency Syndrome.

Orthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness offers, to qualified individuals based on medical necessity, HGH therapy in the form of medically supervised programs that are designed to safely replenish and replace your body's own production of HGH.

For most people the pituitary gland produces sufficient HGH to retain a youthful appearance until age 35 or so. Then, somewhere between age 40 and 50, the body's ability to produce HGH declines to the point where the signs of Adult Growth hormone Deficiency (AGHD) begin to show.

Signs of Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD):

• SKIN Skin loses elasticity. Becomes thinner, sags, and wrinkled.
• ENERGY Loss of vigor and stamina.
• BONE Bones lose strength. Tendency toward osteoporosis.
• SEXUAL POWER Loss of sexual powers and libido.
• MUSCLE Muscles lose strength and mass.
• FAT Fat tissue increases and accumulates.
• MEMORY Memory begins to fade.
• HEART Heart muscle loses strength.
• KIDNEY Decreased kidney function.
• IMMUNE SYSTEM Decreased immunity and increased healing time.
• HAIR Hair becomes thinner and loses color.
• CHOLESTEROL Increased cholesterol level.

The first major study showing the promise of HGH therapy was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Rudman; 323:1-6 1990). This study was orchestrated by Dr. Daniel Rudman. It divided 21 men (between the ages of 60 and 80) with IGF-1 levels less than 350 IU per liter into two groups: 12 test subjects and 9 control subjects.

A 6-month period of data collection was followed by a 6-month period in which the 12 test subjects received HGH injections and the 9 control subjects did not. The results were promising: increases in lean muscle mass, decreases in adipose fat tissue, and increases in vertebral bone height. All test subjects had measurable increases in HGH levels, as measured by IGF-1 blood values.

The control group had none of these results. The effects of six months of human growth hormone on body mass and adipose-tissue mass were equivalent in magnitude tothe changes incurred during the 10 to 20 years of aging.

Since Rudman’s landmark study, leading doctors and healthcare professionals worldwide have performed many studies that all come to the same conclusion – HGH therapy works. For a complete background on recent and past HGH studies and information on HGH therapy in general, the book entitled “Grow Young With HGH” by Dr. Ronald Klatz (ISBN 0-06-098434-1) is fascinating reading and a “must read”.

The nervous system and brain are made up of cells called neurons, which are permanent and never grow back once damaged. HGH stimulates the repair and rejuvenation of these particular neurons. The proteins in the brain that are responsible for storing our memories are also affected in a positive way.

Learning, memory, and intelligence all depend on adequate supplies of HGH. According to a team of Swedish Scientists they discovered why HGH therapy makes so many people feel so good. HGH acts in the brain exactly like an antidepressant, raising the level of neurotransmitter B- endorphin, which has been called the brain's own opiate. It also lowers the level of dopamine, which is associated with feelings of agitation. It reverses the outlooks, expectations and attitudes associated with the aging process.

Many other experts expressed that it appears to reduce stress itself, & improves focus and concentration, and builds self esteem and self confidence. HGH can also reverse the decline in memory and cognitive performance.

About 68%of Americans are classified as overweight individuals. Obesity is the 2nd most common preventable death in the United States. Human Growth Hormone may be one of the most effective fat loss regimens ever discovered.

The psychological and emotional symptoms associated with Adult Growth hormone Deficiency (AGHD) include a reduced sense of well being, low energy, vitality, capacity for work, emotional liability, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, and increased social isolation. Important physical signs are increased body fat, especially around the waist (apple shape rather than pear shape), decrease in muscle mass, and thin, wrinkled, or prematurely aged skin. Other symptoms may consist of the following: Reduced cardiac performance, poor sleep, decreased muscle mass and strength, little to no sex drive.

Aging takes place at a more rapid pace when your hormones start to decrease. Once the hormone levels start to decrease, your body starts to change. You tend to gain weight easier, your not as athletic, you tend to be more up tight about things, depressed more frequently, these are all signs that your hormone levels are beginning to drop. Natural hormones are protective and aging is related to the loss of these hormones. Replacing the hormone level to youthful levels delays the aging process.

All of the things that you already know about healthy living are still true, whether you are starting HGH therapy or not. If you are serious about treating your hormone deficiencies with hormone therapy remember that all good programs consist of discipline and commitment in five major areas:

1. HORMONE REPLACEMENT/SUPPLEMENTATION
2. PROPER DIET
3. NUTRITION
4. EXERCISE
5. SLEEP

Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced in the male testes. Though testosterone is thought of as an exclusively male hormone and is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics, it is not unique to males. Testosterone is also produced in the liver and adrenals in women.

Some of the Benefits of Testosterone:

• Energy Levels
• Libido
• Bone density
• Fat distribution
• Muscle strength and mass
• Red blood cell production
• Sperm Production
• Weight Control

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone Pronounced As: testosterone, principal androgen, or male sex hormone. One of the group of compounds known as anabolic steroids, testosterone is secreted by the testes but is also synthesized in small quantities in the ovaries, cortices of the adrenal glands, and placenta, usually from cholesterol. Testosterone is necessary in the fetus for the development of male external genitalia; increased levels of testosterone at puberty are responsible for further growth of male genitalia and for the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair and voice changes. Testosterone also stimulates protein synthesis and accounts for the greater muscular development of the male (see metabolism). For many years, bio-identical hormones have been used by athletes with the goal of improving performance. Now Hormone Replacement Therapy has moved into the mainstream and can be doctor prescribed to anyone over the age of 30 showing a medical need, and who wants to improve their quality of life.

When does it decline?
Testosterone begins to decline in men at about age 25. Testosterone has a number of effects on muscles, bones, the central nervous system, bone marrow, the prostate and sexual function. Androgens, especially testosterone, regulate the normal growth and development of male sex organs and promote other male characteristics, such as body hair, muscle mass and a deep voice. The most common type of treatment for testosterone deficiency is known as testosterone replacement therapy.

Men who receive testosterone replacement consequently report that they feel sexier, stronger and healthier. They state that it makes them feel as they did when they were in their prime. After all, this is what replenishment of hormones is all about. It is about restoring hormones to youthful levels so you can feel as you did when you were at the peak of your physical and mental ability. Testosterone can stop and reverse the physical decline that robs men of their energy, strength and libido. Testosterone can restore muscle tone and improve stamina. Testosterone Therapy can restore healthy sexual excitement and desire, which in turn, results in an improvement in mood and overall well being.

Testosterone is responsible for the sex drive for both men and women. As testosterone diminishes with age, so does the sexual functioning in both men and women. Restoring testosterone to youthful levels in both men and women can reverse the situation. All too often, men and women automatically assume that as they age, their sexual capacity will diminish. There is no need to accept this loss of sexuality. Testosterone can play a critical role in helping to preserve and even restore sexual function so that we can live our extended life span with the same excitement and enthusiasm we enjoyed during our youth.

Physicians are witnessing an explosion of interest in testosterone as a result of our growing realization that Testosterone Levels decline with age and that many men suffer serious consequences to their physical and mental health as a result. In women, it is expressed as menopause, whereas, in men, it is expressed as andropause. Many of these symptoms and disease processes that we come to accept as normal aging are processes that are actually secondary to low testosterone levels and are easily correctable. Testosterone supplementation results in increased muscle strength, muscle size, increased energy level, decreased fat and increased desire and endurance for exercise. Now both men and women may be treated for their sex hormone deficiencies.

Testosterone replacement in the past has been associated with increased cholesterol levels. We feel this is probably secondary to the use of synthetic testosterone that resulted in liver dysfunction and the concomitant elevation of cholesterol. Studies now show that replenished with natural testosterone results in a decreased cholesterol and increased HDL, similar to what has been realized in women taking estrogen.

Clearly, testosterone is shown to have a positive impact on our health and well being, our moods and our ability to learn and retain information. Testosterone has been administered in the form of injections and oral supplements. We prefer not to use either of these methods as the testosterone is in the synthetic form. Testosterone patches are also available. We have found these patches unacceptable and secondary to the ability to get optional blood levels and feeling of the patch. Most patients prefer not to use these patches after experimenting with them. The method of choice is a natural testosterone injected inter-muscular or as a topical gel applied to the skin.

Testosterone cannot be used if one has prostate cancer. Testosterone has not been shown to cause prostate cancer, however, if one does have prostate cancer, testosterone may cause accelerated growth of this tumor. Therefore, there is a need to monitor the PSA on a regular basis to assure that one does not develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It can be easily detected by an annual PSA test. In addition to testosterone supplementation, THARC recommends the daily use of Saw Palmetto, which is a medication to protect the prostate and prevent enlargement of the prostate due to formation of DHT. Most men develop prostate hypertrophy in their later years, and this can be effectively treated and prevented by daily use of Saw Palmetto.

Testosterone has a number of effects on muscles, bones, the central nervous system, bone marrow, the prostate and sexual function. Androgens, especially testosterone, regulate the normal growth and development of male sex organs and promote other male characteristics, such as body hair, muscle mass and a deep voice. The most common type of treatment for testosterone deficiency is known as Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

What is Hypogonadism? (Testosterone Deficiency)
In men, hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes produce a less than normal amount of testosterone, the male hormone. When too little testosterone is present, men tend to undergo a drop in sexual desire and performance. They may also experience depression, fatigue, loss of motivation and osteoporosis. The size and strength of their muscles may diminish and their body hair may become sparse. These symptoms are not specific to testosterone deficiency; however, some men with hypogonadism often don't recognize that they have a medical problem that is treatable.

Hypogonadism is a term medical professional’s use for this condition and you'll see why it is often overlooked. Women go through menopause when their production of female hormones drops off dramatically, usually during middle age.

How do you test for low Testosterone?

Orthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness will draw your blood and send it to a lab where it will be tested and then we will set up a follow up appointment if your testosterone levels are at a low enough level to start our Testosterone Replacement Therapy.  Call to make your appointment today.

Orthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness will have your test results in 1 to 2 days. The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal

The testosterone level for a postmenopausal woman is about half the normal level for a healthy, non pregnant woman. And a pregnantwoman will have 3 to 4 times the amount of testosterone compared to a healthy, non pregnant woman.