Testosterone, the major male hormone, is another hormone that has a vast array of functions. Testosterone is produced in the testes as a result of messages sent by the brain’s pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Testosterone then circulates the body bound to a protein. If free testosterone is released from the protein then it is able to find its target cells and carry out its task.

Testosterone’s primary role is to make men like men. It characterizes males both physically and mentally. It is also responsible in no small part for the growth of muscle mass and the distribution of fat content in the body. Furthermore, it has significant effects on the brain and goes some way to explaining why a man reacts differently in certain situations to a woman.

Testosterone levels similarly deplete as we age, almost 50% by the time a man reaches 50. This can have a devastating affect on any one man’s lifestyle. It can all but wipe out a man’s sex-drive, increase fat levels, lead to osteoporosis and increase the risk of cancer. Andropause is the name given to these symptoms. It is regarded as the reason why men can be subject to the much feared mid-life crisis. So is there a way to avoid this downward spiral of despair?

In a man’s youth, diet and exercise are the most efficient ways to sustain testosterone levels. The problem as a man gets older is that diet and exercise are often not enough to keep testosterone levels at where they should be for a fuller life to be enjoyed. Traditional doctors have come to view diminishing testosterone levels as a natural part of aging, but these beliefs are being put into perspective by the increasing numbers of men who are experiencing a rejuvinated zest for life thanks to testosterone replacement therapy.

As with estrogen replacement, testosterone therapy in unskilled hands can be very dangerous. It is important to find doctors specially trained in anti-aging medicine.

Tags: Hormones by Doctor Nick
No Comments »

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. Estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries, the corpus luteum and the placenta. Estrogen is not, as often thought, a single compound, but three: estrone, estradiol and estriol. All three occur in the body in varying levels at different times.

Estrogens are responsible for a great many tasks. They aid the body in its mission of fertilization, improve neural connections within the brain and maintain insulin levels in the body. Estrogen levels decrease in women during menopause, when the menstrual period stops. The symptoms of menopause can be devastating – hot flushes, mood swings, night sweats, insomnia and depression are all common complaints from menopausal women.

As estrogen levels decrease, insulin resistance and insulin levels rise. This is one cause of chronic disease in menopausal women as there are fewer proteins for estrogen molecules to work with in the bloodstream. This results in more free estrogen than normal and the loss of the primary control points for estrogen to function normally. Free estrogen can affect the breast tissue and lead to breast cancer, so you can already see that without estrogen women can suffer greatly.

Estrogen replacement therapy replaces the hormones that the ovaries are no longer able to produce and combats the symptoms of menopause. Millions of women across the globe have benefited from estrogen replacement and have been able to lead more prosperous lives as a result; effectively sticking their tongues out at the aging process. Estrogen replacement has been linked to a reduction in the risks of heart disease, strokes and osteoporosis. It is estimated that 20% of menopausal women use estrogen replacement therapy and it is often relied upon to reduce the symptoms of menopause.

Estrogen replacement can be immensely beneficial and has been linked to a more youthful appearance. The most notable results occur in the skin.

Some people still aren’t convinced about estrogen replacement therapy, and these people are quick to suggest that there may be some risks involved. To counter this, it should be noted that most recorded problems have been the result of administering too much estrogen, which can come when the therapy is administered by unskilled hands. It is important to seek professional, well informed advice so that you are not persuaded to buy a product that may not be right for you or may cause you harm.

Tags: Hormones by Doctor Nick
No Comments »

Growth hormone is produced in the pituitary gland in the brain. It is used to boost growth when we are young and helps maintain tissue and organs throughout our lifespan. With aging comes a gradual reduction in the formation of growth hormone.

Growth hormone is essential for increasing lean body mass and reducing levels of stored fat. It also helps with the thickness of the skin. Think of an old, overweight, wrinkly man. He probably doesn’t have much growth hormone. Rather than ending up like that old man, could it be that there is a way keep your body feeling and looking young?

The levels of growth hormone in the blood decrease up to 15% every ten years, so you can imagine that by the time you reach 60 the levels are rather low. If there is less growth hormone in the body then there will be problems associated with decreasing body mass, extra fat and the skin becomes thin and wrinkled.

Replacing growth hormone is something as yet not allowed in some countries due to a need for greater testing to be done to ascertain the benefits that any one person might experience. Evidence suggests that growth hormone therapy can reduce fat mass and replenish muscle mass. The results can also include increased heart strength and an improved sense of well being. People who have had growth hormone therapy have reported increased energy levels and a better ability to be able to do the things they want to do because they are able to exercise more regularly. Growth hormone therapy can also improve the mind as mental acuity and memory function greatly improve.

Whilst the positive effects can be immense, growth hormone replacement therapy is somewhat scrutinized because the levels of understanding with regards to the hormone itself are still somewhat fragmented.

Tags: Hormones by Doctor Nick
No Comments »