DHEA benefits

Many of my patients have found relief from hot flashes, and fatigue using DHEA, but it has many other benefits.

 DHEA is a natural steroid and precursor hormone produced by the adrenals. It’s also available at health food stores and on-line as an over-the-counter supplement. Manufacturers hype it as a magic cure-all for many things: muscle loss, weight loss, osteoporosis, and depression — even menopause. Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol and secreted by the adrenal glands. The adrenals are walnut-sized organs located right above your kidneys. The average adult makes about 25 mg of DHEA per day (some more, some less) with dwindling production as we get older. Men at all ages have more DHEA than women. Natural DHEA production is at its highest in your twenties: by the time we reach seventy we only make about 20% of the DHEA we had when we were young. Another reason is that DHEA is a very powerful precursor to all of your major sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. (Its molecular structure is closely related to testosterone). When DHEA levels are low, your body does not have enough working material for proper endocrine function. This throws off your hormone production and you feel a general sense of malaise, along with other symptoms of hormonal imbalance — how severe depends on how many other demands are being made on your body at the same time.

 Most of the women we see at our practice  have some indication of adrenal imbalance, including symptoms of low DHEA levels, such as:

Extreme fatigue
Decrease in muscle mass
Decrease in bone density
Depression
Aching joints
Loss of libido
Lowered immunity

Many of my patients in menopause who are taking bioidentical hormones also take DHEA to promote a good overall balance and vice-versa. DHEA can be a great bridge through menopause.

 In one study they found that women ages 65-75 taking DHEA along with calcium and vitamin D increased their bone density 2% each year during a 2 year study. This study used a dose of DHEA of 50 mg. This is not a huge increase, but if you have failed bisphosphonates or do not want to take them, it is worth consideration.  Even if you are on prescription medications, ask your doctor if you should add this for extra benefit.

I recommend checking your hormone levels before supplementing with any hormones. If DHEA levels are too high, people may experience acne, facial hair, oily skin, etc. So I evaluate a hormone panel before adding any hormone to a regimen. If used appropriately, results can be good... if used randomly, results can be random.

There are multiple ways to take DHEA, sublingual, transdermal, etc.  Find the way that is easiest for you.  The way you can be consistent, always works the best.

DHEA with resveratrol

DHEA Micronized 25 mg. - 180 Vegetarian Capsules

DHEA sublingual

DHEA transdermal cream




The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


 

Estrogen Dominance Quiz

Do you have premenstrual breast tenderness?

Do you have premenstrual mood swings?

Do you have premenstrual fluid retention and weight gain?

Do you have premenstrual headaches?

Do you have migraine headaches?

Do you have severe menstrual cramps?

Do you have heavy periods with clotting?

Do you have irregular menstrual cycles?

Do you have uterine fibroids?

Do you have fibrocystic breast disease?

Do you have endometriosis?

Have you had problems with infertility?

Have you had more than one miscarriage?

Do you have joint pain?

Do you have muscle pain?

Do you have decreased libido?

Do you have anxiety or panic attacks?

Do you have hypertension?

Do you have cyclic acne?

Do you bruise easily?

Do you have hemorrhoids or constipation?

Do you have insomnia?

Do you have depression or irritability?

Do you have dark circles under your eyes?

Do you have a craving for sweets or carbohydrates (potatoes, bread)?

Do you have abdominal weight gain (extra belly fat)?

Do you have IBS, Chrons, or colitis?

Do you take birth control pills or oral estrogen?

Do you take equine estrogen (Premarin)?

Do you regularly eat fatty cuts of meat, whole-fat dairy, and/or grains?

Do you often experience abdominal bloating?


In the past did you have breast cancer?

In the past did you have a hysterectomy or D&C?

In the past did you have a stroke?

In the past were you diagnosed with gallbladder disease?

In the past did you suffer from recurrent ovarian cysts?

In the past did you have varicose veins?

In the past did you have cervical dysplasia?



Total Score
< 5 — It is not likely that you have estrogen dominance. 5-8 — Possibility of estrogen dominance. 9-20 — Estrogen dominance is probable. > 20 — Indicates that estrogen dominance is very likely.



PriVita supports improved estrogen metabolism leading to an optimal ratio of "good" to "bad" estrogen metabolites, which results in a greatly decreased risk of getting cancer as well as improved prostate and cardiovascular health. The latest research strongly implicates "estrogen dominance" as a major contributing factor in perimenopause and premenstrual syndrome, prostate enlargement, early age heart attacks and cancer. PriVita provides an effective natural treatment for these and other important conditions confronting both women and men.

Many researchers have concluded that an over abundance of estrogen is responsible for a vast number of today's health problems. This over abundance of estrogen is referred to as "estrogen dominance" and is an increasingly serious problem for both women and men. Many believe that "estrogen dominance" is a risk factor in prostate enlargement and prostate cancer in men and a big risk factor for breast cancer in women.

"Estrogen dominance" can occur as we age and can also occur from exposure to "estrogen like" substances in the environment known as "xenoestrogens".

Xenoestrogens are synthetic substances that differ from those produced by living organisms and imitate or enhance the effect of estrogens. The estrogenic stimulation is an unintended side-effect of these agents or their metabolites. Xenoestrogens are part of a heterogeneous group of chemicals that are hormone or endocrine disruptors. They differ from phytoestrogens (estrogenic substances from plants), mycoestrogens (estrogenic substances from fungi), and pharmacological estrogens (estrogenic action is intended). External estrogens from a variety of sources may have a cumulative effect upon living organisms, and xenoestrogens may be part of a larger picture of a process of estrogenization of the environment. Xenoestrogens have only been recently (less than 70 years) introduced into the environment, as produced by industrial, agricultural, and chemical companies.

Xenoestrogens have been implicated in a variety of medical problems. Foremost is the concern that xenoestrogens as false messengers disrupt the process of reproduction. Studies have implicated observations of disturbances in wildlife with estrogenic exposure. Reproductive issues which are of concerns in humans are fetal exposure (perhaps leading to hypospadia) and decreased reproductive ability in men (i.e. decrease in sperm numbers). Another issue is the potential effect of xenoestrogens as oncogenes, specifically in relation to breast cancer.

Natural estrogen blockers are a type of popular dietary supplement that have a number of benefits. They are have been used to help increase the metabolism of athletes and those who want to cut down on their body’s level of body fat, and increase the production of lean muscle mass. They can also be used to block bad estrogens, such as 16-hydroxyestrogen, to reduce the amount and the effectiveness of the aromatose enzyme, and to help block estrogen receptor sites.

Privita includes resveratrol, pomegranate, green tea, quercetin, nutgrass, white turmeric, astralagus so it has high antioxidant activity, as well as aromatase inhibitor and estrogen blocking activity.

It is good for conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, fibrocystic breasts, benign prostatic hypertrophy, abdominal fat, gynecomastia (man boobs), and endometriosis.

The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing new exercises. We recommend you educate yourselves on the scientific / nutritional facts.

Fibromyalgia herbal ideas for relief of symptoms

There are no known cures for fibromyalgia, due to the fact that the cause is unknown. Theories suggest the condition may be due to chemical or hormone imbalances.

However there are treatments that can help alleviate the various fibromyalgia symptoms.

Counseling
Exercise (especially yoga)
Nutrition therapy
Detoxification (Like Parasite Cleansing, Colon Cleansing)
Herbal Therapy


Herbs can be used to help alleviate fibromyalgia by reducing inflammation, stimulating hormones, providing immune system support and eliminating pain.

Herbal remedies are often used effectively in people suffering from fibromyalgia. Herbs can help to treat the wide range of symptoms produced by the syndrome, including:

depression
fatigue and sleep disorders
widespread muscle pain
immune deficiency



St. John's Wort St. John's wort is a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. It also has antiviral properties. (Caution: Do not take if you are taking conventional antidepressants.)



























*Echinacea and Borage Oil are remedies that have been tried. Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as a painkiller.

*Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. Magnesium, along with malic acid (a fruit acid found naturally in apples) are often suggested for people with fibromyalgia because they are both needed for the generation of energy in cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).













*The supplement 5-HTP is thought to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. There is preliminary evidence that it may reduce the number of tender points in people with fibromyalgia, possibly by effecting pain-modulating systems in the brainstem.



This supplement also contains Passionflower which Helps with insomnia, stress, and anxiety.
Valerian, chamomile, and passionflower in combination can be more effective than valerian alone for improved sleep. All three are also contained in Herbalith
















Green foods should be added for optimal nutrition. (My green foods supplement contains Quercetin, digestive enzymes, CoQ10, Grape seed extract, Alpha Lipoic acid, lactobacillus and astragalus) see "GREEN CELL THERAPY"

Astragalus-Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its main use has been to boost the body's immune system

Alpha Lipoic acid is very useful for enhancing the body's utilization of carbohydrates and enhancing energy. Take 100 milligrams three times daily.

Grape-seed extracts are natural anti-inflammatories that help to ease pain


Quercetin is a bioflavonoid considered to have excellent properties as a natural antihistimine and allergy-fighter.

People with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndromes that have started a digestive enzyme regime often show and improvement in their symptoms. This is because the regimen provides enzymes that the body lacks, and promotes cell nutrition by nourishing the nervous system and digestive system.



























Coenzyme Q10 is also an antioxidant and helps deliver oxygen to cells. (It can be found in combination with Fish oil or Omega-3 fatty acids)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - especially those found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation and allergic response.





















The scientific community will continue to discover more specific causes for auto immune disorders but at present there are four significant factors that have been proven to cause fibromyalgia like symptoms, they are:
1. Viral infections
2. Parasite infestations
3. Bacterial infections
4. Intestinal yeast infections

OCTOCLEANSE Herbal Parasite Detox may be of interest to you it contains:
Black walnut aid in removing parasites.
Paud'arco, taken in tea or tablet form, is good for treating candida infection.















Antioxidants help reduce free-radical damage and fight inflammation. Take a good antioxidant formula that provides daily:

5,000 to 10,000 International Units of vitamin A
Up to 10,000 milligrams of buffered vitamin C
400 to 800 international units of vitamin E
200 micrograms of selenium.

OCTOVITE Ultimate Herbal Antioxidant contains A, C, E in addition to:

Gingko Biloba-Ginkgo biloba stimulates circulation, particularly in the brain. Because of the increase circulation and oxygenation of the brain cells, produced by the extract from ginkgo leaves, this plant has given excellent results for combating fatigue.

Ginseng-Siberian ginseng is an energizing herb that can help resolve the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.























Fibromyalgia pain is thought to be produced by a combination of factors. These fibromyalgia factors include imbalances in brain and body chemistry. Disturbed sleep, a symptom of fibromyalgia, is also thought to be a cause. Though the degree of pain fibromyalgia can produce varies with individual sufferers, it's not progressive or debilitating. However, chronic fibromyalgia pain sets off a chain reaction of physical and mental side effects. The persistent stress of chronic fibromyalgia pain can affect the nervous and immune system. Coping with chronic fibromyalgia pain can also bring on depression and cause the brain to perceive even more pain.

What I have recommended to patients, is to maintain health with natural pain relievers that also boost the immune system.
Resveratrol, a phytochemical derived from grape skin, is also abundant in members of the Polygonum genus, widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol were first described in 1997 after an animal model determined its primary activity to be the inhibition of COX-1. Then a study led by some of the same researchers from Cornell Medical College in New York City revealed resveratrol's COX-2 inhibitory effects.
Green Tea is also in this supplement. There is a compound in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that University of Michigan researchers found to alleviate arthritis pain.

Maqui/Resveratrol/Acai Ultimate is a supplement that contains both of these ingredients. This product underwent ORAC analysis at Brunswick Labs.
























Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia respond to many of the same treatments. Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have many similarities. Although the two illnesses have many symptoms in common, the most prevalent symptom of FM is widespread pain while the primary symptom of CFS is extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest.





The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, or supplement. The FDA has not evaluated any of these statements or this treatment and there is no guarantee of cure with this treatment. Results may vary.