Get Back in Balance: Introduction to Hormones
A Patient’s Guide to Understanding Hormones
About Hormones
Hormones are one of the many ways our body’s cells “talk” with each other. Hormones are substances produced by specialized glands (like the ovaries, testes, and adrenals( and carry messages to distant parts of the body. You have hundreds of different hormones. Some important ones include estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, cortical, and melatonin.
Both men and women produce estrogens, progesterone, and androgens, but in differing amounts. Women produce more estrogens and progesterone, while men make more androgens. These hormones cause masculine and feminine characteristics as well as enable fertility. These hormones also have other important roles in human health.
“Neurotransmitter imbalances can lead to or exacerbate hormone imbalances.”
Hormones need to be balanced or various health concerns can arise. There are times during a person’s life when hormone levels normally shift and change; this includes puberty for both sexes, during menopause and pregnancy for women, and andropause for men. Many hormone levels also decline as we age. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can all play a role in hormone production and balance as well as determine how well our bodies adapt to naturally changing levels.
Sex Hormones
Estrogens (estradiol, estrone, estriol)
Estrogens help maintain healthy reproductive tissues, breasts, and skin.
In women, high estrogen levels can cause weight gain, breast tenderness,
heavy menstruation, and lead to increased risk of certain cancers. Low estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
In men, high estrogen, may contribute to prostate problems and reduce testosterone activity.
Androgens (testosterone, DHEA, DHT)
Androgens help with the regeneration of skin, bones, muscles, and other tissue.
Low DHEA levels can lead to fatigue, depressed mood, and reduced mental function.
Testosterone helps maintain lean muscle, sex drive, and cardiovascular health in
men and women.
Low levels of dihydrotestosterone have been linked to low libido.
Progesterone
Progesterone is involved in reproduction, nervous system health, and mood.
Optimal progesterone levels support and balance the effects of other sex hormones, especially estrogen.
Low progesterone levels have been linked to many of the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and irritability.
Other Hormones
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands.
Cortisol levels vary during the day and disruption in this rhythm can lead to sleep disturbances and fatigue.
Cortisol becomes elevated due to stressors, like illness and emotional stress.
High cortical can make infections such as colds or flu more likely.
Constant stress can lead to very low cortical levels.
Melatonin is produced in the brain.
Melatonin helps maintain a proper sleep-wake cycle.
Low levels are associated with sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and certain cancers.
High levels can contribute to reproductive problems in women.
Hormones and Neurotransmitters
Like hormones, neurotransmitters also act as messengers in the body. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells, called “neurons” They are present throughout the body and are required for proper brain and body functions, including hormone release. Since neurotransmitter imbalances can lead to or exacerbate hormone imbalances maintaining healthy neurotransmitter levels can help alleviate symptoms related to changing hormone levels.
Prescription Therapies
Many prescription drugs used to alter hormone levels either imitate hormones in the body (synthetic) or are identical to human hormones (bio-identical). These medications provide relief by elevating hormone activity through substitution or replacement. Some prescriptions do not address the hormone levels at all, but merely treat specific symptoms of hormone imbalances. Often these medications have limited effectiveness as they fail to address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Neurotransmitter Therapies
NeuroScience, Inc., a world leader in neurotransmitter research and therapy, has pioneered a simple urine test to measure neurotransmitter levels in the body. To more fully address the needs of individuals suspected of having hormonal imbalances, NeuroScience also offers saliva tests to measure hormone levels in your body. Both tests are available through Dr. Holec. If an imbalance in neurotransmitter or hormone levels is detected, the technical staff at NeuroScience works with Dr. Holec to develop a Targeted Amino Acid Therapy protocol to address the imbalance.
NeuroScience formulas are highly effective. They combine specific amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that adjust your body’s production of specific neurotransmitters.
While no program can guarantee success for everyone, therapy programs which address neurotransmitter imbalances have been highly successful in helping individuals suffering from hormone imbalances. NeuroScience programs can be used alone or in tandem with prescription medications, as directed by Dr. Holec.
Take the First Step Today
If you are struggling with physical and emotional issues and suspect hormone imbalances may be the cause, ask Dr. Holec to do a simple urine and saliva lab test to measure your neurotransmitter and hormone levels. If the levels are out of balance, ask about NeuroScience’s Targeted Amino Acid Therapy programs - an effective non-hormonal approach to addressing hormone imbalance.
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