9
Fountain of Youth
Anti‑aging, preserving our youth and
reverse aging is a hot topic because it affects all of us. The people most
interested in looking and feeling younger represent a growing segment of
"Baby Boomers" past the age of 35. Visit a retirement home or
convalescent hospital and you will see the ravages of aging in our senior
citizens. By the year 2030 we will have 52 million Americans past the age of
70.
Some people age more rapidly than others,
because of a breakdown in our body's aging clock. Our organs age, shrink in size and produce
fewer hormones. This reduction in available hormones leads to a slow
deterioration of all of our vital body systems. The declines in the Immune
system, Reproductive, Neurological, Metabolic and Circulatory systems cause us
to look and feel old.
The “Fountain of Youth”
involves understanding the aging process. There are eight critical hormones
that decrease, as we grow older causing us to age rapidly. Reversing the clock
is a matter of simply restoring these eight hormones to your youthful levels. I
have seen numerous examples of people looking and feeling ten to twenty years
younger within only ninety days. Total
replacement of all the deficient hormones is new, however hormone replacement
therapy has been around for years. All
of the hormones replaced have been in our bodies and have been replenished by
endocrinologists for decades. Finally we
are realizing the necessity to replace all of the hormones at the same time to
a more optimal physiologic level.
Dr. Eugene Shippen,
author of “The Testosterone Syndrome” said hormones are “total body hormones”,
not just sex hormones. Men and women
have estrogen and testosterone receptors in every cell of the body. Men have three times more estrogen in the
brain than women. As men age
testosterone declines. The healthiest
men and women have naturally high hormone levels. Individuals with the lowest hormone levels
have the poorest health. Successful men
who are type A, energetic and not needing much sleep have high testosterone
levels. There are women with naturally
high estrogen levels with femine successful
traits.
Any deficient hormones require natural supplementation: The results I obtained with
oral Growth factors led me on to the pursuit of
analyzing each of the critical hormones.
I had my levels measured for DHEA, Human growth factors by IGF-1 and HGH, Total Testosterone &
Free Testosterone, Melatonin, Pregnenolone, Thyroid, Progesterone and Estrogen. Each of these levels should be
checked by blood, urine and saliva very carefully because with aging, there are
certain optimum levels that we need to maintain (see section at end of
chapter).
Lets go into detail
now about each of the critical hormones known to slow or reverse the aging
process:
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone also known as Preg is considered
the Grandmother hormone because it can be converted by the body into DHEA and
Progesterone and over 150 other important natural steroid
hormones. Preg
helps keep our brains functioning at peak capacity. It is a potent memory enhancer
that improves concentration and fights mental fatigue, depression and reduces
arthritis. According to Ray Sahelian M.D., many
people reported that Pregnenolone provided as much
alertness as coffee. It made them more
focused yet relaxed. Pregnenolone must be taken in
the morning because it increases alertness, mental clarity and heightened
awareness. It is best not to take at
night because it could cause insomnia.
It will enhance and possibly increase levels of DHEA and progesterone.
Pregnenolone is produced from cholesterol. DHEA, testosterone,
and estrogen are also made from cholesterol.
Low cholesterol levels will not interfere with the maintenance of proper normal
levels. However, as we age the ability to convert cholesterol to proper
hormonal levels is a problem. Take supplements providing 2-10 mg per day to
replace what you need to restore your levels. For people past the age of
50 you may take up to 15 mg per day. Be
sure to stay on low dosages of Pregnenolone. At dosages over 25 mg per day, some people
complain of irritability, headaches or insomnia. At low dosages you may expect enhanced mood,
euphoria, alertness and energy. Pregnenolone adult blood levels should
range between 20-150 ng/100ml or for Preg Sulfate
2.7-8 meg/100 ml. Pregnenolone
concentrates in the brain and central neural tissues over 70 times more that in
the blood. DHEA is only 6 times higher
in the brain than blood, with more found in the peripheral tissues. I have found it
beneficial to take pregnonolone with other brain
strengthen supplements including 5-HTP (a form of tryptophan),
phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine,
NADH, DMAE, vitamin B5 and Ginkgo Biloba.
Testosterone
The next critical hormone that slows
aging is testosterone. Free and total
testosterone is found naturally circulating in the bloodstream
of baby boys creating the male testes and penis. Small amounts of testosterone
produced in women's ovaries and adrenals provide energy, libido and a feeling of well
being. Young teenagers and adult men have large increases in free testosterone
followed by a gradual decrease after age 25 with a steady fall decade by
decade. In certain rare instances men
maintain high testosterone at the upper end of the normal scale into old age
and they are the healthiest mentally and physically, most vital individuals.
A 73-year-old Doctor said, "I take testosterone because I want to feel the same way I did when
I was in my prime. I want to have the same sexuality that I did when I was
young. I want to maintain my muscle strength.
I want to feel vital. Testosterone makes it all possible."
Research during W.W II on testosterone showed the powerful effect on the immune system. A physician transplanted testes from a
dying soldier into the abdomen of a soldier suffering from gangrene caused by a
gunshot wound. The soldier would have died, but the gangrene was cured
following the transplant of the testes. In 1934 a scientist isolated the testosterone
make up and received the Nobel Prize. Discoveries in 1951 reported that testosterone
improves nitrogen balance, increases muscle mass and repairs damaged bones and
ligaments.
The first important study on men given
testosterone for symptoms of aging was reported in 1944 by
Drs. Heller and Myers in the JAMA
126(8) 472-7. In twenty men treated for
low testosterone levels, after only three weeks nearly all symptoms had been
cured including insomnia, depression, crying spells, suicidal tendencies,
inability to concentrate, palpitation, headache, fatigue, muscle pains, urinary
problems, and loss of normal sexual function.
Yet this landmark study was forgotten or ignored until recently!
In the 1960's it was
discovered that testosterone lowers cholesterol, improves
abnormal EKG's of cardiac patients, helps claudication
(clogged leg arteries) and angina pectoris (chest pain) ‑clogged
heart arteries. Free testosterone maintained at youthful
levels protects men against atherosclerosis ‑hardening of the
arteries. Testosterone also improves diabetic retinopathy,
helping eyesight, lowers insulin requirements and enhances glucose tolerance of diabetic patients.
Testosterone decreases body fat, improves waist‑to‑hip
ratio of fat and enhances lean body mass. It has a protective effect against
autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies show
that men with high testosterone levels live longer, healthier lives and
maintain sexual potency. Men over 50 years old with low testosterone
levels, in a double blind, placebo‑controlled study, were given either
replacement testosterone for 90 days or a placebo. They found the
hormone renewed strength, improved balance and increased libido. Restoring testosterone
increased red blood cell count, lowered LDL
("bad") cholesterol and enhanced feelings of well being.
In July
1996 New England Journal of Medicine researchers discovered that testosterone significantly enhanced muscle size and reduced
body fat even in men who do not exercise or go on a diet. Three groups of male weight lifters did the same exercise or no
exercise. The men were given testosterone or placebo every week for
ten weeks. The men given testosterone had much more muscle
whether or not they exercised.
The
American Journal of Physiology reported in men age 67 after only 4 weeks
with the addition of testosterone had an increase in leg muscle strength and
restored muscle size. In another study at the
Sexual pleasure,
performance assessment
Is your sex
life or desire for sex declining as compared to your libido at age 20? Women, do you have less satisfaction with
sex? Do you have reduced or dry vaginal
lubrication associated with uncomfortable intercourse?
Men, are you finding a decrease in
spontaneous early morning erections? Are you experiencing a decrease in
fullness of erections and volume of ejaculate?
Do you have difficulty in starting an erection or in maintaining a full
erection?
Loss of sexual function: We have been hearing a lot in the press about
a prescription drug used for sexual performance and we recognize what a
critical problem this is in millions of men who have developed sexual impotency. Impotency is a very common
problem in our country mainly because of clogged arteries and high cholesterol that narrow the arteries to the male
organ. Diabetes, nerve damage or blood pressure medications can cause impotency. The medications reduce blood flow so much
that a man can’t achieve an erection.
The prescription drug, Viagra, is a method
to regain short-term sexual potency by providing extra blood flow to the penis.
It could cause side effects such as headaches, changes in vision and even risk
of death in some frail people. The drug
is a temporary solution to an alarm sign that aging is setting in prematurely. Correct the weakness caused by aging and you
can restore potency and vitality.
A recent survey of over 4,000
males showed a 50% difference in the frequency of orgasms between different age
groups:
Orgasms per month
20 to 39 years old - 9 to 10 orgasms per
mo.
40 to 49 years old - 7 orgasms per mo.
50 to 59 years old - 5 orgasms per mo.
59 to 79 years old - 3 orgasms per mo.
An orgasm more than twice a day, seems to
draw on the body's nerve energy, and dramatically
reduces our recuperative powers.
Fortunately, 60 orgasms a month is above the study groups
average. And it's unlikely that you'll
have to worry about curbing your sexual appetite, if we recommend that you have
less than three orgasms a day! Try
having five to six orgasms a day and you will notice a reduction in your recuperative
powers. As proof, your sleep
requirements go up with frequent orgasms.
Your ability to overcome simple illnesses
like colds and flu is affected by excessive orgasms as well. You will notice it takes longer to be free of
symptoms. Your immune system, life systems and muscle building
depends on the same adaptive energies that are released after having an
orgasm. So leave yourself some energies.
Thirty-four percent of the men on a high
fat, high cholesterol diet, past the age of 65 become sexually
impotent. They are unable to achieve an
erection, and enjoy orgasm because the blood vessels in the penis are clogged
with cholesterol. The cholesterol
plaques restrict adequate blood flow to the male organ. This blood flow is essential for normal
sexual relations into advanced ages.
In parts of
Sexual Dysfunction and Solutions
Getting to the cause of the problem can
solve these physical disorders leading to impotency. Avoidance of foods high in
cholesterol like meat, chicken, fish, eggs,
and cheese replaced with fresh vegetables, fruit, rice, beans and sprouts in the diet along with HGH replacement and testosterone will unclog arteries to the male
organ and restore circulation throughout the body. It would be best to overcome
the most common causes of sexual dysfunction by correcting the diet and
hormones. Improved blood sugar control will reduce the incidence of diabetes. Over 65% of those on blood
pressure medications can be off medicines and back to normal within 30 days
using the Grow Young & Slim plan. As blood flow is restored men can regain
sexual potency.
Hormones improve sexual function in men &
women
Depressed hormone levels
is yet another cause of impotency. When the men past the age of
40, in Dr. Chin & Terry’s study, restored their hormone levels, they could
function sexually as if they were twenty years younger. HGH, Testosterone, Progesterone and DHEA are the ultimate aphrodisiacs. Testosterone along with DHEA
is responsible for the sex drive of both men and women, stimulating our desire
for sexual activity and orgasm. It is testosterone, not estrogen that causes the heightened erotic sensitivity
of the clitoris, breasts, and nipples. Testosterone
encourages a woman to go after a man. She becomes more sexual, more responsive
and more assertive. It does not influence the frequency of intercourse. Testosterone
improves self‑confidence and serves as an antidepressant in women. Testosterone is regulated by LHRH- (Luteinizing
Hormone Releasing Hormone), the director of testosterone
to give you desires.
PEA- (phenylethylamine) is the hormone that releases when you see someone you're
interested in, causing attraction to the opposite sex.
DHEA contributes to the sex drive in both men and
women, increasing your libido by sensitizing your erogenous zones to touch and
promoting positive sexual scents called pheromones.
Dopamine increases our receptivity
to pleasure. High serotonin levels reduce our interest in sex and inhibit orgasm in
both sexes. Low serotonin
levels caused by diet pills can increase aggression and
excessive sexual aberrations.
Estrogen is a warm,
receptive, willing, passive and seductive hormone. Progesterone and prolactin are nurturer
hormones, reducing sex drive. Oxytocin increases
during touch creating bonding and a feeling of love. Vasopressin is a peptide
like hormone that bonds and enhances parenting feelings, according to Dr.
Theresa Crenshaw.
The American Journal of Physiology
reported crossover studies where the placebo group was given testosterone and the group given testosterone was
taken off. 67-year-old men reported being more aggressive and energetic at work.
The men with normalized testosterone levels found that their
relationships improved with their wives because of better sexual performance,
initiation of sexual intercourse and increased ability to maintain an erection.
In older men, ages 31 to 80, high levels
of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin reduced free testosterone in 74% of the men complaining of sexual dysfunction. Nearly 80% of the men had a reduction in libido (interest in sex), difficulty in
getting or maintaining an erection,
rarely had early morning erections
and 92% experienced a reduction in sexual
satisfaction.
In addition, these men with low free testosterone levels reported fatigue, depression,
irritability, aches, pains and stiffness. A significant drop in free testosterone
can occur as early as age 40. At age 60,
18% of men are impotent and at age 80, 75% are impotent. Once a man becomes
impotent he loses his drive for life, has impaired erections, his muscles
become thinner, he becomes depressed and mental acuity fade.
All healthy males get erections, mostly during the REM dream stage of sleep every night
without exception. These erections are
not stimulated or associated with the content of dreams. The penis of a medically fit man erects more
than 10 times a night! Erections occur
in cycles lasting about 30 minutes, although the penis is not fully erect the
entire time.
If a man wakes up in the middle of the
night with an erection this is a normal healthy sign. If he gets an erection early in the morning,
he can rest assured that his penis is in good working order. If he is not
having good erections during sex, any difficulty is probably psychological.
That is assuming random erections occur. You can do a simple test using postage
stamps to test for erections. Take a roll of postage stamps and wrap it around
the flaccid penis before sleep. If the perforations between the stamps tear by
morning, then the man had an erection during the night. If no erection, then
the problem is organic and physical.
The following 3
tests can determine what type organic problem exists:
1.
Vascular
disorders are the most common causes of penile erection dysfunction. High
cholesterol levels will clog arteries that bring blood to
the penis or by leaks in the venous
system that result when the blood in the shaft of the penis drains out
prematurely. A doctor can use one simple injection of vasoactive
drugs (Papaverine or Prostaglandin‑E)
to determine whether the arterial system is intact. The drug produces an
immediate erection in healthy men regardless of the mental factor. The penis
either gets hard or it does not. If it does not, then you need to clean the
arteries. Change to a cholesterol free vegetarian diet, take soluble fibers, reduce
alcohol, stop smoking, especially before sex, increase free testosterone to reduce atherosclerosis and see a doctor for treatment.
2.
The test for
neurological problems is performed by inserting a gloved finger one-inch
into the man's anus to feel the sphincter muscle and with the other hand gently
squeezing the tip of the penis. If the nerves to the penis are working
properly, squeezing the tip of the penis will cause the anal sphincter to
contract firmly against the finger.
3.
Hormonal
disorders are the third common cause of erection failure. Diabetes, overactive or under‑active
thyroid and low HGH levels can cause erection failure. Lack of testosterone can also cause erection failure. Saliva or
blood can test these hormone disorders. Restoring hormone levels to normal
levels can solve these erection problems.
L-Arginine the amino acid at 3 to 6 grams a
day can restore part of the nitric oxide cycle necessary for achieving
erection, according to Julian Whitaker MD.
Be sure to take L-Lysine with L-Arginine if
you tend to develop fever blisters or herpes because this balance is necessary
to have proper immune system function.
The herbs Avena Sativa (Green Oats), Nettles, and Saw Palmetto
can restore free testosterone to the youthful range for men and women. To enhance testosterone Tribulus terrestris fruit
extract at 1,000 to 2,000 mg dosage helps LH factor to increase
testosterone. Avena
Sativa, which is sprouted green oats, and the herb nettles removes sex hormone
binding globulin and releases free testosterone. One
gram per day of the B‑Vitamin niacin also reportedly helps lower
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and releases the free testosterone. The herb- Epimedium Sagittatum, sometimes referred to as
“Horny Goat” is an ancient Chinese remedy for restoring sexual performance,
sexual appetite for enhanced male and female sexuality, according to
Sexologist, Patti Britton. Some have
referred to this herb as the herbal Viagra, because it enhances erection in men
and stimulates sexual function in women.
When Epimedium Sagittatum
is used in combination with Avena Sativa and Tribulus terrestris fruit it has been shown to help men and women enhance their love
lives and relationships. Give these herbs about two to four weeks to build up
and restore your testosterone and you will feel the difference!
Avena Sativa is an extract of sprouted green oats
(oatmeal seeds sprouted). It is
available in capsule form and in sublingual liquid form. The saying “sow your oats” was first
mentioned in biblical times and its powerful sexual enhancing and anti aging
powers. Avena
Sativa was first rediscovered in
Surprisingly it takes very small amounts
of testosterone to physically maintain an erection and enjoy
sex. The problem is that a man low in testosterone may simply not care
enough to pursue it. Once testosterone levels are replenished a
man will find that he has recaptured a healthy interest in sex. Men have gone
from zero libidos to a vigorous sex life within ten days.
The saying, "if you don't use it you
lose it" applies with testosterone. Frequency of sex increases testosterone in
both male and females after sex.
Salivary testosterone concentrations were
measured in a study of four couples on a total of eleven evenings before and
after sexual intercourse and eleven evenings when there was no intercourse. Testosterone increased in men and women when there was
intercourse and decreased when there was none. Your relationship plays a
meaningful role in immunity, health and longevity. This may account way married men, with active
sex lives, had higher testosterone levels and live longer than single men.
In most people, the natural herbs and vitamins restore youthful testosterone levels.
My free testosterone increased dramatically within four weeks using
herbs including Avena Sativa, Saw Palmetto, nettles
and ionic minerals with zinc. When I
tested my Free Testosterone level at age 41, it went from severely deficient
with a level under 1.3 ng/dl to over 22 to 28 ng/dl which is ideal for a young 20 year old man, based on
blood tests. Prior to taken Avena Sativa, nettles,
saw Palmetto, and zinc I had almost a complete loss of interest in sex, even
though I could achieve erection and perform intercourse. After only 4 weeks I experienced a healthy
increase in libido, strength and muscle density while taking the herbs! I continue to take my herbs, natural hormones
and minerals improving every year as I am aging healthy.
If you have low testosterone levels, have your doctor check your FSH and
LH. If both are low you might need to be
given a hormone called HCG chorionic gonadotrophin which stimulates an increase in FSH and LH to
cause the testicles to manufacture testosterone which can solve the problem
within a month. Your testicles might even enlarge to overcome the condition of Hypogonadism.
In older men and women past 40 with low free
and total testosterone levels, along with the herbs use replacement therapy with a prescription
from your doctor. Injections of
testosterone are the worst form of replacement because it can go too high and
then drop too low. It is best to take
testosterone as a cream, gel or patch.
The compound pharmacist can provide
natural testosterone of 10 mg and up to 100 mg per gram for men and 1 or 2%
per gram or 3 to 6 milligrams per gram of testosterone for women in a gel or transdermal cream form. The first month prescription might be at the
higher dosage to overcome any severe deficiency state and then the second or
third month after strength, muscular mass gain, sex drive, energy and mental focus return it would best to
reduce the dosage to the lower end. Over
time it is best to monitor the men or women with monthly saliva and blood tests
for testosterone (free unbound and total) to be sure you are in the ideal
range. Too much testosterone from
injections can be a problem for men as well as women because the excess can
aromatize or convert over into estrogen and too much DHT (dehydrotestosterone). The excess estrogen can cause a loss of sex
drive, performance and fatty weight gain.
Too much in women could cause masculinization effects. This is why testosterone is a
prescription controlled substance because it should be monitored closely if it
is needed. Rub the cream after showering
into the scrotum of men (the skin of the scrotum is thin allowing 10 times the
absorption rate) or inside the inner thighs, small amounts added to the
external genitalia area (2 or 3 times a week) or the tummy area for women. The neck and the bend of the inside arm
opposite the elbow gives increases in absoption. This can improve the quality of life within a
few weeks when applied to various parts of the body five times a week for
adults.
Many women
say that by taking herbs like avena sativa, epimedium sagittatum and
testosterone cream they feel more womanly than ever
before. Over 86% of women past the age
of 45 report a decline in libido and sexual activity according the American Journal of Medicine 1995;
98(1A). Many women report a decline is
sexual interest as early as the late thirties, corresponding to their drop in
testosterone levels. Women are packed
with testosterone receptors in the nipples, vagina and clitoris. If she has adequate levels of testosterone
her sexual feeling will be intensified toward her mate. If low, she may feel complete sexual
deadness.
Women over the age of 60 given 1 mg
testosterone in cream applied to the skin daily for 30 days
reached the increased their free testosterone to upper levels for young 23 year
old ovulating women. They experienced a dramatic improvement in libido-
intensity of sexual drive, intensity of orgasm, sexual arousal, satisfaction,
pleasure, frequency of fantasies during a two-year study in postmenopausal
women when compared to placebo. Women
given a 50 mg testosterone pellet implanted in the abdomen restored libido in
10 to 14 days and lasting for 3 to 6 months without virilizing
side effects. This study sited reasons
for decline in testosterone including aging of the adrenal gland and reduced
ovarian secretion of testosterone production after age 30, the use of the oral
contraceptive pill or estrogen replacement suppressing LH-hormone that
increases binding globulin interfering with free testosterone. And ovaries surgically removed,
chemotherapy, or radiation. The best response was in women over the age of 30
with deficient levels - Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism June 1999: 84: p. 1886.
Dr. Eugene Shippen
helped a lady named Janice who had survived uterine cancer following hysterectomy, radiation, bladder
leakage, and thinning vaginal lining causing painful intercourse. In just a few weeks following the use of pure
testosterone cream combined with a natural form of estrogen
applied to the vagina, vulvar area she had greater
energy throughout the day. She felt stronger, and she began to feel
sexual desire again. It became possible
to have intercourse with her husband without pain, because her vagina became
pink, moist, strong and plumb as when she was
young.
Supplemental herbs with Saw Palmetto using 160 mg morning and night will
benefit those with enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness because it inhibits
the effects of 5-alpha reductase to
protect the prostate and reduce the loss of hair. Saw Palmetto helps keep DHT
(dihydrotestosterone) in a free state, non-binding, not to
high or to low. Saw Palmetto prevents the
conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This helps to avoid the any negative affects
of acne, balding, virilizing effects or prostate
enlargement. However the use of Saw
Palmetto may slow muscle gains if you’re weight training, and worsen sexual
performance because it reduces the production of testosterone. However, use Saw palmetto for enlarged
prostate that is pressing on the nerves and blood vessels that feed the penis
reducing erectile function. Relieving the condition may help men attain an erection.
Eugene Shippen
MD is convinced that men with prostate problems actually need
testosterone replacement with saw Palmetto. He has seen a number of men
who have improved and reduced symptoms associated with enlarged prostate once
their testosterone levels normalize upwards.
He gave the example of a sixty-six year old man named Sam following
bypass surgery for clogged arteries. He had a decline in sex function, waning
energy, and persistent urinary
problems (getting up in the middle of the night to urinate constantly) and came
to him for help. Dr. Shippen
put Sam on Saw Palmetto, which helped decrease the frequency and increased the
flow. However, the biggest improvement
occurred after Sam started taking testosterone daily prescribed by Dr. Shippen and after only a few weeks, Sam was urinating less
often with better muscle control. Sam’s
sex life got much better, sometimes making love twice in one day. He felt stronger, more stamina, golf game
improved, and has more get up and go.
Unfortunately, most men have a drop in Free testosterone, as it becomes bound and
unusable as we age, by Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SBBG). To make matters worse, testosterone begins to
aromatise or convert over into estrogen, causing a
further decline. The good news is we can
correct these hormone imbalances.
The combination of bound and free testosterone is total
testosterone. Doctors
mistakenly usually only check total testosterone.
However, it is the free testosterone that is the only biologically active
part from a health muscle density versus fat ratio and sexual point of view.
The free testosterone is very active when it is weakly bound to albumin protein.
Free testosterone bound to Globulin protein is tightly bound and
rendered inactive. Even if an adult has
total testosterone levels above normal, but has below‑normal
free testosterone, your sex drive will probably be sluggish and
nonexistent and your body fat will increase.
Think of free testosterone as the only active part with high impact on
your health. Testosterone significantly increases following resistance
exercise workouts.
The resting testosterone (hours after exercise) was found to decrease
when excess protein was added in the diet. As protein increased, resting testosterone
levels decreased. Low fat intake under 10%, decreased testosterone. It is important to use weight training and
the recommended herbs and supplements instead of trying to increase
testosterone by adding fat; otherwise you may increase estrogen levels. The
following herbs, water rich diet with weight training will maintain proper
levels of testosterone and to suppress estrogen as you age.
Anti-Estrogen steps to reduce the bad kind of estrogen
Many men
and women have a major imbalance
cause be an excess amount of estrogen present
in their blood stream and fatty tissues.
Too much estrogen in your blood and tissues cause you to gain fat, loss
muscle, and reduce sexual performance or enjoyment. Women have too much of the wrong kind of
estrogen because of artificial synthetic hormone replacement and a high fat
diet. Men have three times more estrogen in the brain than women. However, most older men suffer decreasing testosterone and have far too much estrogen by ratio,
decreasing or nullifying the benefits of testosterone! Alcohol makes matters worse by inhibiting
your body’s ability to clear estrogen from the blood stream and also decreasing
zinc. Grapefruit may also inhibit your
liver’s ability to breakdown estrogen.
However, broccoli and cauliflower stimulate the burning off
of extra estrogen. Soy products allow the liver to excrete more excess estrogen. Isoflavones found in soy products like genistein, and diadzein block the receptor sites where estrogen binds to cells, which helps prevent
estrogen from accumulating in your
body. Red grape skin extract,
Resveratrol
improves the liver P450 system to effectively remove excess estrogen. Vegetables like bell peppers and fruit
rich in vitamin C complex reduce the aromatase enzyme
responsible for converting too much estrogen from testosterone.
A product called Di-Indolin
providing diindolylmethane,
that is believed to be the most active cruciferous substance (broccoli,
cauliflower, kale) for promoting beneficial estrogen metabolism, helps increase
the ratio by 75% of the “good” 2 hydroxy estrogen’s
which have an affinity to bind blood proteins (SHBG), leaving greater levels of
free testosterone. Diindolylmethane
also dramatically decreases the “bad” estrogen 16-hydroxyestrone by 50%. This product is best for athletes and
bodybuilders or men taking testosterone replacement whom are interested in
getting the best possible results to manage estrogen, to have a lean hard
strong body.
Chrysin taken 4 times a day (a
supplement from the passion flower
derived from vegetables rich in
bioflavonoid) and Querctin taken morning and night
absorb the enzyme that produces more estrogen.
The mineral zinc inhibits the aromatase enzyme that
converts testosterone into excess estrogen. Many men can
restore normal balance of testosterone to estrogen with zinc gluconate at 50 mg twice daily until you feel improvements
in libido and nighttime erections, then reduce to using 50 mg of zinc once a
day. Nearly 15 mg of zinc is lost with each ejaculation during sex. We must take a highly absorbable form of zinc
to replace this loss (depending on how sexually active). Zinc
also increases total testosterone production.
To balance zinc add Manganese Gluconate of 50 mg a day and
eat more tropical fruits rich in manganese like mangos and pineapples.
Fat cells are loaded with aromatase storing large quantities of estrogen. The higher your percentage body fat, the more
estrogen you can produce and the fatter you will be unless you control your
diet and use supplements to lower estrogen production. You will reduce body fat with our water rich
diet of ten or more servings of vegetables, salads, soups, and fruit a day. Add
the suggested supplements from the weight loss section of this book like chitosan, pyruvate and slim trim
herbs to increase metabolism and reduce
appetite. As you reduce the pounds of
fat your estrogen conversion will be reduced and symptoms of male menopause and
female disorders associated with estrogen dominance will vanish! It will actually become easier for you to
lose weight with proper hormone balance, correct eating, supplementation and
exercise. You must reduce the use of
“dry” carbohydrates, grains, wheat and processed carbohydrates because they
tend to bind testosterone. Whereas the good water rich carbohydrates of
vegetables and fruit create the proper balance of estrogen and
testosterone.
Fish is high in L-Dopa
and helps release dopamine and enhance testosterone levels.
However, eat only small amounts of fish so you don’t clog up your
arteries in the male organ with cholesterol leading to impotency (read our
section on cholesterol in fish and chicken).
Androstenedione supplements gained national
attention when it was reported that “home run king” Mark McGwire
hit a record 70 home runs in a single season for 1998 with 68 home runs in
1999, while taking this amazing supplement to increase testosterone. Androstenedione
can boost strength, muscular size, and endurance. Oral use of
50 to 100 mg.-raised testosterone levels over 200%. This was over twice as effective as DHEA in raising testosterone. Androstenedione
should only be taking before athletic events, or before sex and not more than
three times a week. If overused, the
excess production of testosterone can convert into too much estrogen and reverse your benefits. If you use androstenedione
daily be sure to use follow the anti-estrogen steps listed above to prevent
estrogen buildup. Androstenediol
is the more potent form of prohormone when compared
to Androsenedione.
Combined they are effective if used two or three times a week.
Have your level checked by both a simple saliva test (see below) and a blood test since you may pick up a
deficiency or excesses on one method of testing better than the other.
For blood
tests we use quality national labs that specialize in hormone testing. You will need a doctor’s orders for the blood
test (check our web site www.aginghealthy.net for listing of doctors). If you
use your own doctor have him or her check our web site
to order the right tests. If you don’t
have a doctor familiar with comprehensive hormone testing contact one of our
doctors listed on our web site to request the complete tests. The lab will send
you a kit with tubes and instructions to go to your local hospital or blood
draw station. Send the sample to the lab
and the payment for the tests to the doctor ordering the tests. The male
panel and female panel current
fee is listed on our web site. The doctor also charges a fee to order the test
and review the results of between $75 and $150. This fee is to be paid at time
of test. Our male panel was designed to
be very complete (see lab section at end of this chapter).
Saliva
tests for free testosterone, DHEA,
melatonin, estrogen,
progesterone and cortisol can be provided by going to our web site www.aginghealthy.net or www.growyoungandslim.com
where we list doctors and lab services. Tell them Health Wellness studios
referred you. They will charge your
credit card (or you can send in a check) a fee of about $145 to $345 to have
your key hormone levels checked by saliva.
They will send you a test kit with
collecting tubes for saliva that you send back to the lab listed in the
instructions. Our web site
www.aginghealthy.net can also refer you to those doctors who can order the test
and review them. Saliva tests are easy to collect and mail to the laboratory
without involving clinic staff, no biohazard, no mess, and no blood, very
convenient and economical. If your
having trouble getting the tests done contact us by sending a stamped return
envelope for information to Health Wellness Studios 25422 Trabuco Road, Suite
105 # 141 Lake Forest, CA 92630.
Saliva tests are accurate with over a 90%
correlation to blood tests results. Saliva tests can measure the effects of
supplements on certain hormones better than blood, because spinning blood
separates out cells that may have 75% of the hormones. Your supplements for testosterone or DHEA may be working, and blood tests are not the
only way to pick up the improvements.
Saliva tests pick up the full tissue levels for hormones. We can measure
other important hormones in saliva or urine including melatonin, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol.
Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and melatonin are cyclic, going up and down throughout the
day, night and month. Saliva tests for free testosterone can be performed with three samples taken
morning, afternoon and late night. A man's testosterone level
is highest in the morning. The levels
change every 15 minutes. Testosterone can vary by 100 ng (serum) or more
with variations from day to day by as much as 50%. By taking a series of
samples we can accurately track the average range and a doctor can determine if
you need replacement therapy.
Be sure you check with your doctor and
your labs regarding ideal levels because different labs use different reference
ranges. Just compare your goal to the
youthful levels for people age 20 to 30.
DHEA sulfate is very stable with very little change
in levels from day to day. A single saliva test for DHEA can tell us
if your levels are below ideal. We need to take supplements of DHEA
along with other natural hormones and herbs to prevent the decline associated with aging.
The addition of DHEA can convert into the necessary testosterone for women, as the body needs, yet men do not
get much conversion of DHEA to testosterone. In fact, men tend to get too much
estrogen from DHEA if they use too much (over 50 mg of DHEA per day). The herbs like Avena Sativa may
completely restore the free and total testosterone
to normal levels in most of the cases.
However, if it doesn't normalize your testosterone
levels then see your doctor for a prescription of natural, micronized testosterone gel to solve the
problem. Contact us if you can’t find a
doctor to help you.
Women during menopause who have tried hormone replacement with
estrogen and progesterone are starting to be given a small amount of testosterone which replenishes energy, libido and feeling good again.
Also, women need testosterone to be healthy and
maintain strong bones and proper balance.
Progesterone
By the age of 35, most women have 50% less
of this critical hormone progesterone. It continues to
decrease with age until you are totally deficient. The supplement of natural progesterone in
the cream (Endau from wild yam), has been manufactured to be identical to the female
molecule. It is a
better choice real progesterone in place of synthetic progesterone
like Progestins or Provera.
Many women feel remarkably better using the natural cream or transdermal form of natural progesterone.
Natural progesterone and testosterone increases bone density preventing osteoporosis. Estrogen can only slow bone loss.
REDUCE MENOPAUSE and PMS SYMPTOMS
Women are using powerful synthetic hormone
replacement therapy pills prescribed by doctors and P.M.S. clinics with little
regard to the potential long-term serious side effects. These synthetic hormone pills increase the
risk of cancer and blood clotting and under
prescription. Fortunately, there is an
alternative, safe course to follow using diet and exercise. Natural Progesterone with testosterone gel prevents osteoporosis, not estrogen. Evidence showing the slowing of bone loss has
been documented. Pharmaceutical UPS
grade natural Progesterone cream is non-prescription because it’s safe and
proven to prevent bone loss and strengthen the bone.
High protein diet, lack of sufficient exercise, and
deficient hormones cause osteoporosis.
If you start a daily walking program today, with weight training two
times a week, you can immediately replace lost bone material. The high water, fiber rich diet centers meals on vegetables, soups,
salads, rice and fruit, instead of around proteins like meat, fish, chicken, milk and
cheese. As you follow this lower protein
diet your bones will begin to reabsorb lost bone material. You will receive adequate protein from the
nutrient rich live foods.
Before and after x-rays of people with
osteoporosis has demonstrated a strengthening of bones by reducing dietary
protein and exercising daily. Urine tests measuring calcium retention have
shown immediate improvements of positive calcium balance (more calcium has been
absorbed than lost). People on a high
protein diet who do not exercise lose more calcium out of the urine than they
take in from their diet. Hormone pills
by themselves are not the answer - diet and exercise are
the key to building bones with age.
Progesterone cream rubbed on your
skin is absorbed 40 to 70 times more efficiently as compared to a pill. You
need only a small quantity of cream
rubbed into your fatty areas providing 10 mg to 20 mg. To equal this amount,
you would have to take 200 to 400 mg as an oral pill, because the pill goes to
the liver and is broken down into artificial metabolites. If you take a pill
for progesterone (progesterone is fat-soluble) most
of it is wasted, because the serum in the blood is water-soluble. You only get
from the pill 5% of the 200 mg or 10 mg.
The progesterone in the cream is absorbed from the skin, directly into
the red blood cells and then it reaches the tissues of the body. Red Blood cells have a fatty membrane that
allows transport of the progesterone where the body needs it.
A saliva
test is the best way to measure progesterone levels. Saliva is fat-soluble and can
transport in the fatty membranes of saliva tissue. Blood serum is water-soluble and it will not
show the increased levels from cream. Some doctors were led to believe the
creams were less effective than pills based on blood tests. French doctors in
1997 measured breast tissue for progesterone levels and found it increased over
100 times using cream for progesterone. This proved excellent absorption using
cream, even though blood levels showed no increase. This is because the transport
of progesterone occurred by way of the red cells, not the watery blood serum
plasma (clear golden fluid). Only 1 to 9
percent of the progesterone bound in proteins is usable coming from pills via the
ovaries. Doctors had made the wrong
conclusion about cream delivery. They
don’t even know to check the progesterone level with saliva. Saliva carries the biologically active form
of progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, melatonin and estrogen.
Estrogen
For years we have been aware that women have the
need for replacement of estrogen and progesterone. Unfortunately, hormone replacement got a bad reputation because of
side effects caused by using synthetic
hormones like Provera, and Premarin
to replace estrogen. Synthetic estrogen known as Premarin
can cause irritability, fluid retention, and breast tenderness. Pharmaceutical companies developed and
patented a replacement using molecules that were not identical to the female
estrogen molecules. They could not
patent natural triple or bi estrogen, so they produced and marketed synthetic
altered molecules called “conjugated
estrogens” derived from horse urine!
Nearly half of all women using synthetic estrogen stopped because of the
concern of side effects reported.
Fat in the diet will cause hormonal
imbalances because an overproduction of estrogen. These drastic hormonal imbalances can be
corrected by following our low-fat diet, losing weight and by daily, long
distance walking exercises. Synthetic
estrogen hormones tend to cause weight gain by increasing fat production and
increasing fluid retention. This
estrogen dominance without enough progesterone to create balance leaves excess
estrogen binding to the receptor sites in the breast and uterine tissues,
causing heavy or irregular periods, sore, tender breasts, water retention and
even bouts with depression. Also birth
control pills worsen the situation by creating even more estrogen buildup which
can stimulate and increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
The Grow Young and Slim Diet will help by
reducing the harmful type of estrogen buildup, reduce
fluid retention and reducing body fat from the hips, thighs and stomach. You will look and feel great each additional
month that you switch to soy-based phytoestrogens,
progesterone and natural estrogen
replacements. Hot flashes can be
reduced by exercise, which stimulates the
ability to perspire and cools the body.
The low-fat diet along with increased water intake also
may reduce symptoms and discomfort as your circulation improves. Consistent, vigorous exercise increases the
circulation of both estrogen and adrenaline, toning the skin and muscles
You gain all the
benefits using natural Triple estrogen
or Bi estrogen such as Estriol at 80 to 90% ratio to Estradiol and with or without Estrone at 3 to 10%, according
to Dr. Jonathan Wright MD. You can
expect reduced hot flashes, night sweats, better memory, alertness, and reduced
aging of the skin. Doctors are now starting to realize that it is really much better to
prescribe natural Bi estrogen, to mimic the body’s needs.
European studies prove the safety and benefits without side effects. Thierry Hertoughe
MD, from
Also, by using natural
plant based estrogen with progesterone supplements, and
vaginal cream you can avoid the usual side effects of synthetic hormones. Dr. John Lee says “Never take estrogen of any
kind unopposed to progesterone.” Always include the use of natural
progesterone, soy-based plant estrogens, DHEA and testosterone to avoid any cancer risk or side effects. The
Grow Young and Slim low-fat diet and exercise plan will also decrease and prevent fibroid
tumors, uterine cysts, endometrial thickening and "heavy" periods.
Typically the amount of progesterone cream can be reduced and periods are lighter,
with little or no bleeding after menopause.
Natural Progesterone will play a big role in restoring the
imbalance caused by unopposed estrogen according to Dr. John Lee.
There are creams and herbs that support estrogen
requirements, which you can obtain directly from distributors. The best creams
have herbs that include: genistein and Daidzein a soy plant estrogen in capsules, other herbs that
help balance the female hormone are Quercetin,
Turmeric, Black Cohosh,
Herbs, spices and foods (over 150 herbs) for menopause were tested for effectiveness and reported
results Pro Soc Exp Biol
Med 217, 1998. Soy, licorice, red clover, thyme, turmeric, hops, and
verbena helped modify estrogen activity the most. Oregano, verbena, turmeric, thyme, red clover
and damiana balanced progesterone activity.
Black cohosh provided more
relief from anxiety, depression, vaginal atrophy, hot flashes, headaches,
dizziness, ringing in the ears, perspiration, palpitations, and sleep
disturbances as compared to prescription drugs like valium and conjugated
synthetic estrogen. Planta Medica 57, 1991, Med Welt 36, 1985, Theripeuticon
Chaste berry after 3 months daily capsule (20 mg)
reduced prolactin release and estrogen production increased. This is of benefit to
menopausal women. (Arzneimittelforschung
43, 1993).
Kava worked better than tranquilizers in one week to reduce
depression and improve feelings of well-being.
It produces a feeling of happiness, more fluent lively speech, and sound
sensitivity (Pharmacopsychiatry 30, 1997).
Gingko Biloba – helps poor
circulation to the brain, hands, legs, and feet (Lancet 340, 1992). It
improves memory and slows dementia within 12 weeks or less (JAMA 278, 1997).
We have several women come to one of our
referral medical clinics that have stopped taking those synthetic hormone pills
and switched to natural hormones and herbs while enjoying the benefits of the Grow Young
Diet and Exercise Plan.
These women report less fatigue, increased energy and control of mood swings. Many women have been able to avoid
hysterectomy surgery as the pain caused by fibroid tumors and uterine cysts
disappeared. Natural hormones may also
reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and colon cancer.
Estrogen
is considered a new weapon against Alzheimer’s,
according the journal Science,
More and more doctors are starting to
ignore advertisements to use synthetic hormones by pharmaceutical companies and
they are allowing their patients the safer alternative of hormones derived from
plants, wild yams or soy products.
Duane Townsend, MD, director of
gynecologic endoscopy and oncology at
In addition to consuming more soy based
foods, Dr. Townsend has his patients take isoflavone
supplements of genistein at 35 mg and increasing to
75 mg daily taken just prior to bed and first thing in the morning. Take Daidzein at 3
to 5 mg daily with the genistein. They are best absorbed when taken at least
one or two hours after or before a meal.
Dr. Townsend says “I have found that genistein
and Daidzein can work just as well as the Premarins and Estraces in terms
of relieving the symptoms of PMS. I also
use it in place of HRT (synthetic estrogens) whenever a patient is
willing. Evidence shows soy supplements
are more readily assimilated than synthetic estrogens or progesterones.
In an Italian study, researchers gave 104
women 75 mg of isoflavones from isolated soy protein daily.
The women had a 45% reduction in hot flashes. Bowman Gray School of Medicine in North
Carolina gave 51 post menopausal women soy supplements with a marked decrease
in menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes, vaginal
irritation dry skin and improvements in blood pressure and blood lipids.
Women who switch from Synthetic hormones
to soy based phyto-estrogens experience less mood
changes of depression and irritability just before the menstrual cycles
(Premenstrual syndrome) and after menopause. In addition to the soy estrogen supplements
and food, have your doctor switch you over to natural triple estrogen or bi estrogen, pregnenolone
and progesterone. This will closely match your body’s normal
needs.
To improve skin stop smoking, use
cleansers on the face and skin free of toxins and chemicals (see our web site www.aginghealthy.net
for recommended products), exercise and follow a water
rich hydrating diet filled with vegetables, fruit.
To adjust for the decrease of hormone
production after menopause, which can lead to vaginal dryness, use
vegetable or fruit oils such as coconut, apricot kernel, safflower, baby oil or
Vitamin E oil can solve the thinning of vaginal wall tissue. DON'T EAT THE OIL -Have your spouse apply it
to the length of your vagina. K-Y Jelly
can be used, but it may dry too quickly.
Avoid oils containing alcohol, Vaseline or petroleum jelly since they
can cause infection or irritation.
Urinary incontinence can occur from a weak
PC (pubococcygeus) muscle. The "love muscle" is exercised by
sexual intercourse or by squeezing the vagina as though trying to stop the flow
of urine. It requires daily use - at
least 200 contractions per day. Do 20
squeezes 10 times a day (at home, office, watching TV, etc.) Squeeze and relax the muscle as rapidly as
you can and end with a long, sustained contraction. According to Dr. Kegel,
these exercises have replaced the need for surgery in most women. It also helps to increase the intensity of
orgasm. Men can also exercise their PC muscle and improve the pleasure and
sensitivity of their orgasm.
DHEA pronounced (De‑hydro‑epi‑an‑DROS‑ter‑own) is a critical hormone, which controls several
other important hormones, including serotonin, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. DHEA is a hormone that can be transformed
into almost any other hormone, as the body needs it. DHEA
is concentrated in the brain six times more than in any other tissue or
organ. Humans produce the largest amount
of DHEA as compared to other primates or other
animals. Every tissue of the human body
has enzymes necessary for the metabolism of DHEA. DHEA is produced in the adrenals, ovaries,
testicles and brain.
Dr. Cranton
MD has been carefully monitoring patients on small amounts of DHEA for over five years. He gave the example of a
forty one-year-old man who had low levels for his age. After a few months on DHEA,
his blood levels of DHEA were restored to youthful
levels. He noticed his energy level was markedly higher. His skin was
thicker and moister, and he was sleeping six and half-hours a night instead of
eight and waking rested. He felt six or seven years younger, his sex drive
increased significantly, and he said, "When you're on DHEA, it feels as if every cell in your body is just
humming."
A female patient with Asthma experienced
astonishing results, she said, "Within an hour after taking my first
capsule of DHEA, I suddenly found I could breathe again. That
month my period, which had been irregular, went back to normal…‑I
was on my old regular twenty‑seven day cycle‑and my headaches disappeared.
My depression lifted within the first few days.
Two months after I started DHEA I
joined a dance class. It had always been
a childhood dream to dance. I feel like
a teenager, as if I were renewing myself."
Large amounts of additional water intake can help transport hormones
like DHEA more effectively and can help further reduce symptoms of Asthma,
headaches and depression.
This tremendous amount of DHEA present during youth has intrigued longevity
researchers. DHEA drops to near zero in all people at death.
Will we prolong life an additional ten or twenty years if we take supplements of DHEA to maintain youthful levels? Studies show that an increase in blood levels
of DHEA sulfate is associated with a 36% less mortality
rate from any cause.
Dr. Yen reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1994 giving
men and women age 40 to 70 years old, DHEA (50 mg taken orally) at bedtime for 6 months.
In two weeks the blood levels of DHEA were restored
to youthful levels (double blind, placebo crossover study). There was a
remarkable increase in perceived physical and psychological well being in 67%
of the men and 84% of the women. The participants said they slept better, had
more energy, and handled stress better, with
no side effects. DHEA helps maintain the immune system, providing a protein sparing effect while improving levels.
They discovered that supplementing
DHEA after only six months helped prevent aging
with a 10% increase in Insulin like Growth Factor (IGF‑1)
levels and a 19% decline in Binding Protein (IGFBP‑1)
creating a 50% ratio improvement.
Benefits of DHEA, according to over 2,500
published papers, are DHEA decreases abnormal platelet
aggregation and LDL (“bad”)
cholesterol levels. This reduces the risk of heart attacks
and stroke. DHEA enhances the immune system and the thymus gland, reduces the rate
of infection, Epstein Bar, Lupus, herpes and cancer. DHEA reduces
the stress hormone cortisol and helps offset caffeine and
the catabolic effects of exercise. DHEA increases serotonin
naturally, which decreases food consumption and helps speed weight loss, according to The Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1995.
DHEA declines
from heavy alcohol drinking, birth control pills, stress, hypothyroidism, and
lack of exercise and obesity. More is not
necessarily better in the case of hormone replacement. High dosages of DHEA
(1,600 mg a day) can cause acne, unwanted hair growth, irritability, headaches,
and rapid heart beat. If you are having any side effects, reduce the dosage
gradually down to lower intakes. Have your DHEA levels checked by saliva tests
to monitor your progress and maintain ideal levels.
DHEA is available as liquid sublingual under the tongue or transdermal
cream applied to the skin, or capsules and tablets. Precursors of DHEA from wild yam do not
convert very well into DHEA,
so I prefer to use the actual DHEA
pharmaceutical grade. I don’t believe
you should take high dosages of this powerful hormone, because in proper
amounts you can gradually restore your levels to an ideal range. Capsules and tablets are to be taken in
amounts less than 25 mg per day so it doesn’t convert into undesirable by
products of estrogen. When you use
creams or spray the dosage is much less. DHEA spray requires only 1.2 to 2 mg a
day. You only need between 2 to 15 mg in
cream because our skin allows for direct absorption to our tissues and cells. Stay with these low dosages and allow your
body time to adjust and build up gradually to avoid possible side effects of
excess use of DHEA. We advice against high
dosages beyond 50 mg to avoid any overproduction of estrogen which could lead
to future problems. Be sure that if you’re a man taking DHEA in capsule
form above 50 mg, you have your estrogen levels monitored on a regular
basis. Men given 100 mg of DHEA in
capsule form experienced an undesirable increase in Estrogen. (E1-Estrone increased over 226%
above baseline from 100 pmol/L
to over 300 pmol/L and E2-Estradiol increased 137%
from 40 pmol/L to 60 or 70 pmol/L). Men had almost no change in Free and total
testosterone. Both men and women showed an increase in androstenedione.
Surprisingly,
there was no increase of estrogen in the women using DHEA at 50 or 100 mg, however women did have an increase in testosterone androgens. The
researchers cautioned to not use more than 50 mg in capsule form, however, DHEA
in cream form at 20% used in a daily dose of 10 ml was the best, because it
safely increased DHEA without affecting estrogen in men or testosterone in
women- JCEM 1999:84, 6, 2170-6.
DHEA taken in lower, proper dosages as listed on the label in tablet
form, in cream form or sublingual helps to burn excess calories instead of
storing glycogen. Obese people tend to
have higher insulin levels. DHEA helps to lower insulin levels by pushing
glucose into your cells to be burned. DHEA helps reduce appetite by creating a
feeling of "fullness".
Dr. Bill Timmins
suggests you also monitor cortisol levels morning
Too low of cortisol
levels alert you that you are at risk for adrenal failure, fatigue and aging
faster than normal. Using licorice
extract sublingual, 10 drops under the tongue at the times of the day or
evening where you measure low can restore low cortisol
levels. Licorice extract will increase
the ACTH levels that will bring cortisol back up to a
normal range. While the proper amount of
sleep helps reduce stress and reduce elevated cortisol
levels, adequate sleep helps bring depressed cortisol
levels back into a healthier range. Here
again, it is best to get to bed no later than
I monitor all my hormones on a regular
basis, both by saliva and blood to keep in optimum range, and adjust my dosages
of each hormone. I was surprised to find
how low my cortisol level and melatonin was, and that after using supplements my
testosterone was much higher than it needed to be. Even though my DHEA level was low, I learned
from Dr. Timmins work that I needed to bring my cortisol up by using licorice root. This would bring my DHEA level back up to a
better range. It was not enough to just
take DHEA. I also found out what effect
DHEA had on my testosterone and my estradiol levels
when I tested DHEA in spray form, cream form compared to
tablet. My free testosterone measured by
saliva increased too high from 49 pg. to 100 pg. after taking 2 mg DHEA three
times a day for only six days. So I
learned I could reduce my dosage of DHEA down to one time a day in spray form
and reduce or stop my use of testosterone cream and switch to only the herbs.
The doctor working with the lab called me about the results because he
was surprised by how high my testosterone was.
This is a good reason to have your levels checked and monitored to
maintain ideal levels, not excessive or allowing deficient hormone levels.
DHEA has many of the benefits of estrogen, with little or
no side effects. It helps women with vaginal atrophy to stimulate the cellular
growth of the vaginal wall, increased vaginal secretion, thus restoring the
vagina to its youthful condition. Studies on female cancer patients that had ovaries removed reported
little or no change in sex drive. The ovaries produce estrogen and testosterone. However, after removal of the Adrenal glands, the site of DHEA production, four out of five women
experienced a total loss of sexual desire and responsiveness. A combination of DHEA,
Free Testosterone
and growth hormone are the most important hormones for sexual
interest and desire in women.
DHEA produces the pheromones that emit our scent through the skin. Pheromones act on
our brain to receive the scent of the opposite
sex. It may influence our choice of
mate, if we become pregnant, and the bonding with our babies. The fetus produces two hundred to eight
hundred times higher amounts of DHEA than the levels of progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen.
Thyroid
Thyroid is another anti aging hormone to monitor. If
your thyroid level is low try taking supplements of glandulars, desiccated thyroid, (1/4 – grain per serving)
or Armour. This is a natural form providing T3 and T4 that is more like that which the
thyroid gland produces. People will feel better on it. Dr. Neil Rouzier encourages his patients to use compound Armour morning and night.
Armour from a compound pharmacist can be more
effective at 1 to 2 grams. Regular Armour may require a higher dosage to correct
people with very low thyroid levels.
Also be sure to use kelp for the iodine necessary for thyroid
metabolism.
For years doctors have known that if a
person has a low thyroid that he should have that thyroid level
replaced. I don’t think that there is a
doctor in the country that would argue this and yet for various reasons some
doctors are reluctant to understand the great advantage to replacing natural
human growth hormone, DHEA, melatonin, and other associated
hormones that are so critical. We have
learned that progesterone improves thyroid activity.
When my partner Shawna
started taking a natural thyroid replacement (thyroplex suggested by Jonathan Wright MD from Kent
Washington, and herbs-Black Walnut, Norwegian Kelp). I remember
very distinctly that in a matter of a few days some of the changes that I noted
were a change in her body temperature.
Her hands always seemed to be cold even in rather warm weather and she
became a rather hot bodied person. She
formerly was very embarrassed to shake anyone’s hand because her hands were
always so cold. On particularly cold days
she would become almost immobilized. The natural thyroid replacement worked
very well for her. She has also noted
that if she runs out of her supply her levels start to
decline again. Our web site www.aginghealthy.net lists the best
thyroid stimulating herbs that you can purchase direct.
Thyroid & Thyroid Stimulating Hormone TSH
benefits include:
q
Improved sex drive, energy, less fatigue, and stronger
q
Less colds, viruses, respiratory ailments, better breathing
q
Warm hands & feet, stronger heart pump
action
q
Less muscle cramps, reduced low back pain, stiff
joints, arthritis
q
Prevent bruising, less dry skin &
leathery skin; avoid brittle nails, hair loss.
q
Ideal thyroid levels help mental acuity, improve memory,
less emotional crying, upset
q
Reduce Atherosclerosis, less headaches
Melatonin
A startling experiment on anti‑aging
demonstrated the power of melatonin, the
actual hormone that controls the aging clock. The scientists transplanted the
pineal gland from old mice into the young mice. They took the pineal gland from
the young mice and transplanted it into the old mice. Melatonin
is released in smaller quantities from the pineal gland as we age. The
transformation was incredible! The older mice looked younger, with rejuvenated
bodies. They were more active with a 30% extension in life span. The young mice
with the old pineal gland aged rapidly and died 30% sooner than normal. The
aging clock had finally unlocked the mysterious mechanism that determines not
only how we age but also why we age based on a study of multiple hormones.
The pineal gland in humans also sends out
a message through melatonin to preserve the organs and the
body in a healthy state however, the majority of melatonin is produced in the
human gut. Some people produce unusually large amounts of melatonin during
sleep and others produce small amount of melatonin during sleep. The most amount of melatonin is produced
during sleeping hours of
Because of artificial light and because of
the aging process, we must replace the dwindling melatonin to continue to preserve
youth. It's best to take very small
amounts of melatonin of one-tenth to one half mg (up to five mg) a
night sublingual,
dissolved under the tongue before you go to sleep. Increase gradually, so that
you awaken in the morning alert and rested. If you awaken groggy, reduce the
dosage back down by one half-milligram increment. Melatonin acts like a natural sleeping pill, enhancing
REM dream sleep. Melatonin reduces jet lag, and resets
the biological clock. In a marriage, day people and night people can learn to
match their schedule using melatonin.
The person that tends to stay up late can take Melatonin at the time their spouse wants to go to sleep.
Melatonin has other benefits, according to the
Some people get worried that if they take
hormone replacements that it will shut down their own body systems production.
However, by augmenting and replacing that level that has declined due to aging, we are restoring it to a more youthful level. At
youthful levels, we gain the benefit from natural and ideal levels of hormone
replacement. If people stop taking the
therapy after three months, they don’t immediately revert back to a lower level
compared to levels prior to therapy. The
benefits they gained from the biochemical hormones remain for several weeks or
months. However, without the supplements you will begin to notice the
differences. Our brain and neural
systems contain enzymes and steroid precursors such as cholesterol to convert
into a variety of over 150 steroid and neurosteroid
hormones. Scientists are still discovering new biochemical hormones that are
created from the eight critical hormones.
William Regelson MD, age 71, has been taking DHEA everyday and one‑tenth of
a milligram of melatonin every night for eleven years.
"I feel the difference. We need to
treat aging as a disease, not just an irreversible condition." Dr. Regelson is a researcher at the
Medical College of Virginia in
Dr. Cranton
MD told the story of a man age 72 years old who felt as if his life was winding
down. He had no energy, reduced muscle tone, and he was falling asleep while driving. After
eight months of hormone replacement he no longer needs as much sleep and he
does not fall asleep while driving. The muscles in his legs and arms are strong
and hardening. Now he runs up the steps in his house "as if I were twenty
years younger. I thought my life was
almost over, but now I’m planning to go to one hundred.”
Now that you have learned about the latest
research on anti‑aging and hormone replacement let's not forget the
important principals of healthy eating. People who want to look and feel great
will do the following. I encourage the use of whole food concentrates, antioxidant's
vitamin A, E, C, B
complex and whole food origins for minerals. Eat as much raw food as possible
in the form of vegetables, fruit, sprouted seeds, sprouted beans and sprouted
grains. I use a Vita‑mix whole food machine or a simple blender to blend
whole vegetables and fruit, retaining the fiber and all the vitamins, minerals and organic
pure water. Use gluten and soy replacements for meat and rice milk for dairy
product substitutes. Frequently nibble small meals, whenever you feel empty or
hungry.
Exercise and activity has also been
proven to reverse and slow aging. By following the Grow Young hormone
replacement program you will have more energy to be able to workout with
weights and do aerobics at least three times a week. Be physical and active.
Enjoy holding, hugs, kisses and intimacy. Physical activity and intimacy will
also increase your natural hormone production.
What can you expect from the Grow Young
Again program? After only nine days most people will notice an improvement in
energy levels, mental abilities, sleep
habits, and sexual energy. After 90 days
the fat on your body will begin to melt
away using only natural approaches to enhance your body's proper metabolic
levels. Your new Fountain of Youth habits will allow you to look and feel years
younger. Your family and friends will
notice the transformation and ask you what you have done. Dr. Eugene Shippen
believes we should test younger people at age 25 or 30 to get a baseline for future
reference to compare declining levels.
As people then age replacement of natural hormones can then be done to
increase levels to what was correct forthat
person. Unfortunately, most doctors are
not doing these baseline tests, so this section can give you some
guidelines. However, many anti-aging
doctors still suggest the improvement or reduction in symptoms is far more
important than the final levels or lab values.
Grow Young Hormone Testing
Male
Panel
Our suggested male panel was designed to be very
complete including tests for Chemistry and lipid panel, CBC, Estradiol, Estrone, Free Testosterone, total testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, PSA-Prostate specific
antigen, Somatomedin C (IGF-1), DHEA-S, Pregnenolone, progesterone, Thyroid Free T3, TSH, Free T4.
Female Panel
Our suggested female panel includes, Estradiol Progesterone, total testosterone and free, DHEA-S, Somatomedin C (IGF-1), Pregnenolone, Chemistry and lipid panel, CBC, Free T3, TSH, Free
T4. Other key hormones not tested here are melatonin and cortisol
since their variations are better measured by saliva.
Additional tests depending on your budget (check doctor and lab fees)
1. Sex Hormone Binding Globlin (SHBG). 2.
The above panel includes one type of Estrogen (Estradiol)
however you can test for all three estrogens E1- Estrone,
E2-Estradiol, E3-Estriol.
3. Insulin fasting in am and
postparandiol after eating 4. Growth
Hormone after 5 days spray.
URINE testing for hormones detects variations of 8
hormones, however, saliva tests will pick up the day and
night variations, is simplier to test, and doesn’t
alter your hormones by the fear of a needle. Saliva is becoming more accepted
as an excellent way to monitor your hormone levels. Ask an anti
aging doctor about your personal test needs.
Ideal vs. deficient blood / saliva hormone levels
All tests performed Fasting in the morning, water only.
1. Somatomedin
C (IGF-1) Ideal levels 250
to 450 ng/ml
Somatomedin C is the test to measure growth
hormone. Be sure to consistently use oral Growth hormone complex and factors
several times a day and evening to preserve health and quality of life. Youngsters less than 5 years are under 220 ng, age
2. Human Growth Hormone
after 5 days oral use
of product*
Supplement
levels under .5 ng/ml
**After
challenge product use 2 ng/ml to 12
ng/ml
**A
challenge test normal design is after ingestion of product or food being tested.
3. Pregnenolone ideal
levels 50 to 200 ng/dl
Adult male and female levels
Standard
20-150 ng/dl
4. Free Testosterone
Ideal
levels 100 to 500 ng/dl or
19 to 40 pg/ml
Standard
levels:
Men average
range 84 to 402 ng/dl or
8 to 55 pg/ml
Deficient for Men is 1 to 9 pg/ml, need
supplement herbs
Women standard
range .9 to 3.9
ng/ml
Deficient for Women is .3 to 2.7 pg/ml need
supplement herbs
5. Total Testosterone
Ideal
levels 500 to 1200 ng/dl for Men, Ideal levels 80 to 120 ng/dl for Women
Men
age Range ng/dl Women ng/dl
20-49
286-1511
63-120 Ovulating
>50 212-742 49-113 Postmenopausal
Supplement
levels (Avena Sativa herbs used morning and evening)
if under 400 ng/dl in Men. If under 250 ng/dl have your doctor prescribe natural testosterone cream used one or two hours before
bedtime. Women levels under
30 ng/dl need herbs.
Ideal
blood levels for total testosterone for men
is 500 to 1200 Ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter).
Men with low levels of less than 400 Ng/dl bearing watching and under 250 Ng/dl
need treatment. If you restore these low
testosterone
levels to what they should be you may feel like you were 25 years old
again! By the age of 30 free testosterone levels start to drop gradually with
age. Free testosterone blood levels for men
should be 19 to 40 pg./ml. Men
with low free testosterone levels of 1 to 9 pg./ml could
benefit from supplement therapy. The ratio of testosterone to estrogen has been
found to be very important. The Estrone levels for men should be between 10 to 30
pg/ml ideally and never above 65 pg/ml.
Salivary testosterone levels normal for men are 200 to 400 pmol/L
or 30 to 120 pg/ml. Men with saliva
levels less than 120 pmol/L or under 30 pg/ml can benefit from testosterone enhancing
supplements.
Expected range for women salivary testosterone is 80 to 155 pmol/L. Levels less than 80 will certainly need herbs and supplements to release testosterone. Blood
tests for free testosterone .9 to
3.9 ng/ml during
ovulation, age 20 to 29
is normal, and normal for female total testosterone levels is 30 to 100 Ng/dl.
This is the time when women are most fertile.
Past the age of 50, postmenopausal women have their lowest blood levels
of free
testosterone at .3 to 2.7 pg./ml. Past the age of 40, menopausal women's total
testosterone levels can drop to zero to 64 Ng/dI. If a
women’s level drops lower than 30 Ng/dl she will not have an
satisfactory sex drive, reduced energy, lose of muscle tone and she
will benefit from herbs and testosterone replacement to restore a range of 30
to 60 Ng/dl.
For women it is best to
stay in the youthful range between .9 and 3.9 ng/ml
blood free testosterone and 30 to 100 Ng/dl total testosterone, and 80
to 155 pmol/L saliva or 5 to 18 pg/ml; not too low or
too high. Excessive levels of testosterone in women can occur
from ovarian or adrenal disorders or excessive dosages of supplements leading
to acne, increased body hair growth, deepening of the voice or balding. By proper monitoring of tests and symptoms
women don’t have to worry about getting too much. The real problem is not enough testosterone
as she ages.
6. Sex Hormone Binding Globlin (SHBG)
This binding protein increases as we age, binding testosterone and estrogen causing premature aging. Certain herbs and vegetables prevent binding. Dr. Eugene Shippen
has found that a male could have a high testosterone of 600 yet if the SHBG is
too high your body won’t have enough free testosterone. Herbs, HCG and testosteron
can help reduce SHBG and restore free testosterone levels.
Male age
age 20 to
40 13 to 71 nmol/L
age 40 to
79 18 to 125 nmol/L
Female age
Age 50 to
79 8 to 114 nmol/L
7. Dihydrotestosterone
(DHT)
Standard
ranges
Male age
25 to
90 40 to 1,000 pg/ml
Female age
25 to
90 5 tp
178 pg/ml
High
levels in females can be a
sign of using too much DHEA converting to androstenedione
and then to DHT.
Excessive
levels in males (over
1,000) usually come from using too much testosterone. Reduce the dosage and frequency, and depend
more on herbs.
DHT at high levels may cause acne or hair loss in some people. DHT is a libido enhancer. Dr. Neal Rouzier has suggested it is best not to use proscar to reduce DHT because you will lose libido.
8. PSA-Prostate specific antigen Male test for healthy prostate free of tumors less than 4 ng/ml, the higher levels more
risk. We are finding estrogen levels in
men low may be more important than restricting testosterone to prevent prostate
problems. Hormone replacement of
testosterone initially may increase PSA yet it will reduce or level off over
time. Dr. Shippen
has found men montored by a digital rectal exam and
biopsy (in men with cancer), that most men will do
fine with testosterone cream provided they are monitored.
9. DHEA-S
Ideal
serum levels for men 450 to
600 mg/dl and women 300 to
400 mg/dl. Ideal levels for DHEA (free unbound) is 700
to 1200 ng/dl for men and 450 to 800 ng/dl women. DHEA is highest in the morning
lowest in the evening.
Standard
serum levels
Men age Range (ug/dl) Women age Range (ug/dl)
15-39 150-550 15-29 100-500
40-49 100-400 30-39 60-350
50-59 60-300 40-49 40-250
>60 30-200 >50 20-150
Deficient
levels under 250, Male or Female need Supplement DHEA, cream or low dosage
liquid or capsules. The goal is to bring DHEA
sulfate and Free DHEA
combined, to youthful levels of a person aged 20 to 25.
Saliva ideal
levels for DHEA in men 10.9 to 16/9 Nmol/L or 200 to 300 pg/ml.
Ideal for
women 7.2 to 8.5 Nmol/L or 125 to 170
pg/ml
10. Thyroid Panel
Free T3 range 2.3 to 4.2 pg/ml or 25 to 37 UT
T3 gives or
tells all the cells of the body how fast to function. The gives off body heat,
and when the body’s enzymes get cold (low temperature) that’s when all the
individual’s symptoms appear.
Stress (physical, emotional, mental) the body slows down the metabolism
by decreasing the amount of raw material T4 that is converted to the active thyroid hormone T3. This is done to conserve energy and is normal, but when the stress is over,
the metabolism is supposed to speed back up to normal. An enzyme called Reverse T3 starts to
build up in some people and levels start to drop more and the person feels
worse. By taking natural T3 glandular thryoid (Armour compound is best) the
levels can be restored. TSH Female and Male range .35 to 5.50 uiu/ml. Free T4 Range 4.5 to 12 RIA