Boost your hormones to live long and healthy
The more you worry the more you throw off the delicate balance of hormones required for health.
- Andrew J. Bernstein.
Our entire personality, our energy level, and how we cope is hormonal.
- Sandra Tsing Loh.
To control your hormones is to control your life.
-Barry Sears.
Hormones are very powerful things. We are helpless in their wake.
-Meg Cabot.
Mrs Avantika, 45 years female noticed that her weight was increasing slowly for last 4-6 months without any significant change in lifestyle and diet. She also felt that she was becoming irritable and tired with irregular sleep and irregular menstruation. She will skip menstruation one month and then next month it will be normal. Sexual drive was low as desire was sometimes high and sometimes low. Sexual intercourse was not same as earlier as it was becoming painful and uncomfortable. She was also facing hot flushes and night sweats and mood swings. She was anxious and worried. She felt that there was no joy left in life. She started avoiding going out of house and meeting family and friends. She was changed. She was even scared that what was happing to her. She was referred by her doctor to internal medicine specialist and he did few tests and found that she was entering in the life phase of menopause which causes hormonal imbalances. She was having menopause and her symptoms were due to hormonal imbalance of menopause. She was told to accept it and live normally as every female passes through this phase. It took sometime but she accepted the truth of life and welcomed the menopause. Now she is a cheerful and happy lady.
Hypothalamus – Pituitary gland complex
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are closely linked anatomically and functionally. The hypothalamus is a small structure situated below the main brain, it extends downwards into the pituitary stem. Pituitary gland has two lobes, anterior and posterior. It consists of nerve-cell grouped into nuclei, with nerve-fibres running to it from other parts of the brain and nerve-fibres running from it down the stalk of the pituitary gland into the posterior lobe of the gland.
Anterior lobe of pituitary gland produces growth hormone (GH), thyrotrophic stimulating hormone (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce gonadotrophic hormones (gonadotrophins) which act on the sex glands. In men, produce androgens. In women, produce female hormones. Two hormones are produce in the hypothalamus and pass down the nerve-fibres to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. These are Antidiuretic hormone which stimulates the distal tubules of the kidney to reabsorb water from the fluid. Oxytocin which stimulates contraction of the uterus and contraction of the muscles of the ducts of the breast, causing the milk to be squeezed from the deep to the superficial ducts.
As the age advances level of HGH (Human growth hormone) in body decreases due to senile functional decline of pitulary glands. Which leads to loss of muscle mass, gain of fat, wrinkles in skin, capacity of heart diminishes, insulin resistance and diabetes appear, all these accelerate aging.
HGH is responsible for age reversing benefits of estrogen, testosterone and DHEA. Age related diminision of HGH level can be restored by replacement given therapy and natural methods, like calorie restriction, good sound sleep, reduction of stress and a balanced diet.
Thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is situated in the neck. The thyroid gland secretes (a) thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine and (b) thyrocalcitonin as hormones. Their production is stimulated by the thyrotrophic stimulating hormone (TSH) of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland whenever, the blood-thyroxine level falls. Thyrocalcitonin is a hormone secreted by certain cells called C cells. It’s production is probably stimulated by a rise in the amount of calcium in the plasma.
As we age our thyroid become lethargic and start producing low amount of T4 & T3 resulting in hypothyroidism and aging. So avoid age related hypothyroidism by hormone replacement therapy and natural methods like adequate amount of protein, avoid iodized tables salt, vitamin A, B, & C and regular exercise.
Parathyroid glands
The four little parathyroid glands lie behind thyroid gland or are embedded in its capsule, as an upper pair and a lower pair. Parathyroid hormone raises the amount of calcium in the blood-plasma.
Adrenal glands
The adrenal (suprarenal) glands lie at the back of the abdomen and immediately above the kidneys. Adrenal glands mainly secret steroids, male hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Adrenal glands release stress hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol in response to sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for “fight or flight response”. Adrenal glands also maintain body energy so in old age when function of adrenal glands diminishes then fatigue, muscular weakness and joint pain result and immune system also weakens and leads to fast aging. If adrenal gland produces too low amount of hormones a life threating situation arises.
Cortisol also controls sugar level so if it’s production is low in old age then it can’t help and if sugar level goes down it will affect brain as it doesn’t contain glucose store so brain fog, nervousness, weakness and headache may result.
Testis
In a addition to producing spermatozoa the testis produces androgens, the male sex hormones. Testosterone is the most important of the androgens. Testosterone causes development of secondary male sexual characteristics and builds up proteins from amino-acids.
Ovary
In addition its function as the producer of ova, the ovary produces endocrine hormones from the cells of the ovarian follicles and its successor the corpus luteum.
Oestrogens are hormones produced in the ripening ovarian follicles and the corpus luteum. They are responsible for the development of the female secondary sexual characteristics and for producing cyclical changes in the endometrium of the uterus, in the cervix of the uterus and in the vagina.
Progesterone is a hormone secreted by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is an ovarian follicle after the ovum has been discharged from it; and if a woman becomes pregnant it increase in size up to the 3rd month of pregnancy after which its functions are taken over by the placenta. The secretion of progesterone from it is greatest therefore during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Progesterone causes secretory changes to occur in the endometrium of the uterus and causes the development of secretory tissues in the breast during pregnancy. The menstrual cycle is regulated by the cyclical production of oestrogens and progesterone.
Pancreas
Insulin is the hormone produced in the beta cells. Its production by the beta cells is stimulated by a rise in blood-sugar, as occurs after a meal containing carbohydrates. It circulates in the blood and is eventually destroyed by the kidneys and liver. Its functions is to stimulate the transfer of glucose across cell-walls and so promotes the utilization of glucose by the cells and prevent the blood-sugar from rising above normal limits.
Kidneys
•Rennin is enzyme produced by certain cells in the walls of the arterioles through which the blood passes to the glomeruli. It is secreted in response to a reduction of blood-flow and of the pressure necessary to produce adequate perfusion of blood in the glomeruli.
•Erythropoietin is secreted by the kidneys in response to a reduction of the normal oxygen tensions. It stimulates the formation of red blood cells in the bone-marrow and increases the number available for the transport of oxygen.
Alimentary tract
•Gastrin is a hormone produced by certain cells in the mucous membrane of the stomach. Its functions are the stimulation of acid secretion by the stomach and maintenance of the tone and competence of the oesophageal sphincter.
•Secretin.
•Pancreozymin.
•Cholecystok- inin.
Thymus gland
Though the thymus gland shrinks even before adulthood but even in adulthood it activates lymphocytes. In old age it’s function diminishes a lot. Immune function is weakened if the thymus gland is removed or impaired and individual becomes susceptible to cancer and autoimmune disease.
Pineal gland
The pineal gland is a tiny pink oval structure lying in vicinity of midbrain. It produces melatonin, which appears to have a delaying action on the onset of puberty.
Melatonin improves immune function if administered in night. It helps the metabolism of Zinc which is important for immune function. 1
It’s secretion increases up to the age of 35 – 40 and then reduces. It is an important longevity hormone 2 as seen that aging humans are melatonin deficient. It reduces neural damage of brain in Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonin disease in old age 3 Researchers have found that regular intake of melatonin increase production of NK cells 4 and the amount of melatonin produces during sleep destroys skin cancer cells. 5
Low level melatonon in old age is associated with weak immune system, increased incidence of breast cancer, obesity and heart disease. It has many antiageing effects also.6 Alcohol and coffee (calfeine) may impair melatonin production.7 Deficiency of Vit B1, B6, B12. It may reduce melatonin production. 8 NSAIDS – pain killer drugs such as indomethacin & ibuprofen reduce melatonin production in night. 9
Melatonin – It can be enhanced by 2 ways, supplement and natural methods like fresh fruits & vegetables, avoid excess alcohol, smoking & caffeine, calorie restrict, avoid stress and sleep deprivation, sleep in dark room and avoid NSAIDS & Beta blockers they interfere with manufacturing of melatonin. Do regular yoga and meditation.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
It increases immune function by increasing T cells and N.K. cells by 67% in males. It inhibits autoimmune disorders.10 It causes increased testosterone production. DHEA starts around 7 years of age then its level increases up to 25 years and then declines gradually and around 80 years it remains only 10% of its peak value. It increases cellular energy production and muscle growth and strength and also promotes fat burning. It leads to sexual11 maturation. It is a natural substance that why in 1994 FDI USA categorized it as supplement and so it does not require a doctor’s prescription. DHEA high levels are associated with high risk of breast cancer and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome. Low doses of DHEA can help to deal with menopausal symptoms. DHEA level can be improved by, calorie restriction, stopping smoking and reducing stress.
Low level of DHEA in old age causes diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. It’s level decreases with advancing age, after 80 years it’s only remain about 5% of its peak. When we age then DHEA can be fast reduced by stress, caffeine, smoking and alcohol but calorie restriction and vitamin c boost its production.
Coenzyme Q 10
It is a natural substance required for energy production. It is an antioxidant and boosts immune system. It improves the blood level of T cells. Co Q10 is used in various diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, breast cancer, brain dysfunction and diabetes. It is also found in many foods, such as rice and wheat. COQ10 has practically no side effects.
Boost your endocrine systems
Humans can live maximum 120 years but they can’t reach 120 with a weak immune and endocrine system. For a disease healthy long life you need a strong endocrine system which keeps your body unaffected from attack of invaders, an organism or a toxin. Ageing process can be slowed down with an alert and healthy endocrine system. As we age the imbalances in various hormone level appears and it can be balanced with healthy endocrinal system.
Liver and GIT are important organs. Liver converts some hormones to more active hormones as T4 into T3 and GIT helps in excretion of excess of hormone. So a healthy liver and healthy GIT in old age will keep endocrines in balance. A vegetarian high fiber diet will keep both the liver and GIT in good health. Fresh fruits, vegetables and low fat diet will keep liver and GIT good health. Excess sugar, alcohol & smoking damage both liver and GIT leading to aging.
The endocrine glands are glands that secret chemical substances called hormones directly into the blood stream. Some organs have a dual function: they produce hormones from one lot of cells and other substances from another (e.g. the pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, two hormones, and also pancreatic juice). These endocrine glands produce their hormones to keep body functioning well, and the thymus may produce a hormone, but it has not been identified. Hypothalamus – pituitary glands complex, ovaries, thyroid gland, placenta, parathyroid,testes, adrenal, glands, kidneys, pineal glands, pancreas, stomach, small intestine and their hormones give us long and healthy life so take care of them
Estrogen, progesterone, melatonin, and testosterone decline with age. After 30, secretion of DHEA, which slows cancer and boosts immunity, declines, after 70 production of the stress hormone cortisol soars, decreasing immunity and impairing tissue healing. Secretion of growth hormone declines at 50, causing muscles to shrink and fat levels to increase.
What age, the metabolic rate and thyroid hormone function may diminish, decreasing overall energy level. “Worsening sugar tolerance can lead to all of the health problems with diabetes,” says Dr. Haas. 12 Endocrinologist “Body fat percentage usually increase with age, even with the same dietary intake”. Men may find that their sex drive has been dampened because levels of sex hormone have declined. Women may suffer from osteoporosis due to lack of progesterone and estrogen. Both sexes may develop arthritis, cancer, heart disease, or stroke. In short, our ability to function optimally in the world deteriorates and our minds and bodies slow, like a clock slowly winding down to silence.
According to Dr Bland,13 pioneer in nutrigenomics – (The Science of how gens are influenced by nutrition). As we age insulin function goes down. Elevated insulin site of a cascade of disturbance at the cellular level and increases the rate of biological aging. Insulin is a hormone with global actions and can cause high blood pressure, blood fat abnormalities, ‘abnormal immune system function’ and accelerated biological againg.
Mrs Kavita, 35 years, was gradually developing lethargy laziness and loss of energy. She felt very weak and was lying on the bed all time. She was depressed and was feeling uncomfortable. She started taking antidepressant medicine with doctor’s consultation. She continue in same condition for few more months. She then went to see a senior internal medicine specialist. He did hormonal profile and found that her thyroid and adrenal glands were functioning sluggishly. She was the given appropriate hormonal therapy. After 10 weeks her condition become normal and her energy level also became as earlier.
How you can normalize hormones without drugs.
1.Deep abdominal breathing – pranayam.
2.Sun salutation – surya namaskar.
3.Meditation.
4.Reduce- your sugar intake.
5.Sleep well.
6.Plant based natural diet. Mediterranean diet reduces estrogen level and cancer risk as high estrogen level increases the risk of breast cancer. Taking estrogen & progesterone increases the risk of cancer, National Cancer Institute indicates that. Being exposed for a long period and /or to high levels of these hormones has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
7.Visualization is a variety of mind body therapy which leads to health by inducing physical and mental relaxation. One can concentrate and improve visualization process to give maximum health benefits, Dr. Andrew Weil14 treats his patients with guided imagery for better clinical results. Martin E. P. Seligman15, Professor of psychology, University of Pennsylvania mentioned in his book “Learned Optimism” that optimists do better than pessimists in almost every aspect of life, including how well their immune system function. Optimism can be learned. Images can influence behaviors and thus can cure that’s why Visualization is nowadays used by psychotherapist to treat their patients.
8.Pass time with family and friends. A study of 80 years has indicated that the single most longevity factor is this.
9.Happiness – A Neuro surgeon feels that life can be worth during old age, and that longevity should be persuaded in association with the attainment of quality of life.
Female Hormones and aging
Estrogen levels reduce after menopause and as estrogen slows down bone loss so after menopause osteoporosis develops, heart attack risk increases.
Estrogen imbalance can develop with age, estrogen dominance (excessive estrogen) can accelerate aging and can lead to aging diseases such as blood thrombosis and embolism leading to stroke and heart attack, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), oedema and migraine. Hormonal imbalances in an aging female commonly caused in following ways.
Estrogen dominance (excess of estrogen)
1.Commercially produced meat & poultry which are hormone induced.
2.Birth control pills containing high amount of estrogen
3.Environmental toxins as in pesticides, have estrogen like action called – xenoestrogens.
4.Liver disease leads to prevent estrogen metabolism.
5.Avoid there factors to keep your estrogen level normal and live long.
Male hormones in aging
Testosterone is the male hormone and called antiageing hormone as it helps in protein synthesis, builds up body tissues, regulates metabolism and stimulates RBC production. When we age the testosterone production and the level in body decreases almost 1% every years after the age 25 to 30 years and by 80 years it is very low and person feels lethargic, loss of strength and loss of muscles with increase of fat. The sexdrive diminishes.
Testosterone diminishes with age but following factors add to it’s reduction.
1.Diet – Western diet of high fat and low fibers may have deteriorating effects in production of testosterone. Zinc, copper and selenium so their deficiency may lead to less of productions of male hormone.
2.Environmental estrogen – Found in pesticides required for production of testosterone and other industrial chemicals diminish the production of testosterone.
3.Smoking – Nicotine of cigarette smoke helps in reducing the production of testosterone.
4.Excessive alcohol – Excessive alcohol intake increases the estrogen level of blood and reduces testosterone in body.
Bottom line
Take care of your hormones by taking a balanced diet, doing regular physical exercise and meditating daily.
References
1.Bell RA etal, Alteration of Immune Defence Mechanism in the Elderly: Role of Nutrition, Infection, 14:5, 1995. 415-424.
2.Ierpaoli W, Melatonin Extends Rats Lives, Brain/Mind/Bulletin, 13:9, 1988, 1.8.
3.Reiter RJ ETAL, Melatonin in Relation to Cellular Antioxidative Defuse Mechanisms, Hormonal and Metabolic Research, 29, 1997, 363-372.
4.Reiter RJ etal, The Role of Melatonin in Patho-physiology of Oxygen Radical Damage, Advance in Pineal Research, vol 8, 1994, 278.
5.Movvey KM etal, Activation of Human Monocytis by the Pineal Hormone Melatonin, Journal of Immunology, 153, 194, 2671-2680.
6.Klatz R, Grow Young with Human Growth Hormone, Harper Colleen, 1997, 9.
7.Wright KP etal, Caffeine and Light Effects on Night time Melatonin and Temperature levels in sleep – Deprived Humans, Brain Research, 747, 1997, 78-84.
8.Kanofs JD, Magnesium Deficiency in Chronic Schizophrenia International Journal of Neuroscience, 61, 1991, 87-90.
9.Surrall etal, Effects of ibuprofen and indomethacin on Human Plasma Melatonin, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 39:10 1987, 840-843.
10.Suzuki Tetal, DHEA enhances 12-12 Production and cytoxic effector function of Human T cells. Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology, 61, 1991, 202-211.
11.life extension, collection edition, 1996, 46.
12.C. La, Akbarpour, F, Dicarlo R, Coolberg B. Why We Age, Longevity. 2001; 1: 34.
13.Jeffery S. Bland. Improving Genetic Expression in the Prevention of the Diseases of Aging, 79-80.
14.Weil A; Healthy aging, A lifelong guide to your well being, Anchor Books, 2005, P 264-265.
15.Martin E. P. Seligman : Learned optimism (New York : Aefred A Knopf, 1971).
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