Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone secreted from the pineal gland located in the brain. Tryptophan, which is an amino acid, converts into serotonin. Serotonin then converts into melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with depression. In addition to improving sleep, melatonin is a strong antioxidant good for the immune system. As we age, melatonin, DHEA, and human growth hormone decline. The …

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone produced from cholesterol in the adrenal glands. The best way to think of this hormone is that it is the first off the conveyor belt. Without its presence our bodies cannot properly produce DHEA, progesterone, estrogens, testosterone, and hydrocortisone. Pregnenolone, which is also produced in the brain, also affects many neurotransmitters. Like all other hormones, …

Natural Estrogen

Such a controversial issue. I’ll do my best to try to explain why that is the case, and why most, but not all, doctors are defensive and against it. A woman produces 3 types of estrogen. 80% estriol, 10% estrone, 10% estradiol. When a woman begins menopause, wouldn’t it be common sense to make sure these three estrogens continue to …

Natural Progesterone

Wow!!  Where do I begin to talk about this amazing hormone. For those of us whom have been pregnant, we remember that deep, wonderful sleep the first trimester. Woman produce this hormone in both the ovaries and small amounts in the adrenals.  Besides being necessary for the survival of the fetus, it can serve on many other levels. It can …

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Without sufficient levels of this hormone, the body’s ability to handle stressful situations. Including fighting infections and illness. If you are constantly getting sick one cold after another with longer than normal recovery times, with constant exhaustion, you may be low in hydrocortisone. The body produces about 40 mg a day …

DHEA

DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone, is hormone produced in the adrenal glands. When the body is low in DHEA, your ability to fight infection decreases. Autoimmune disorders, asthma, high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, allergies, depression,  Alzheimer’s and yes – even cancer. DHEA is converted in the body to other hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.  Supplementation can help with muscle …

Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are in the back, located on top of the kidneys. These glands are responsible for so many hormones in both men and woman. “Flight or fight” hormones that assist us in stressful situations such as epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. And then there are the steroid hormones that all have many a job including assisting the body in fighting …