Hormones
Estrogen
Estrogen is a group of similar hormones with several different functions. The three estrogens produced by a woman's body are estrone (10%), estradiol (10%) and estrio (80%). Women produce these hormones in very specific quantities. To keep the body in proper balance, these hormones must be replaced in the same amounts. Estradiol and estrone are more potent hormones, while estriol is a weaker estrogen that may actually have protective qualities. There is research evidence that estriol may protect against breast cancer, prevent vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and infection, and reduce the risk of blood clots. Estradiol (E2) is metabolized into estrone (E1) and estriol (E3) by enzymes (known as 2 hydroxylase, 4 hydroxylase and 16 a hydroxylase) present in many differerent tissues including the liver. The 16a hydroxylated compounds are further metabolized to estriol (the end product of estradiol and estrone). The 2 hydroxyestrones are protective (or good estrogens) and their levels are decreased by obesity, tagamet, and corn oil diet. Their levels are increased by high protein, low fat diets, exercise, and a supplement known as indole 3 carbinol. They provide a strong anti-oxidant function. The 4 hydroxyestrone is thought of as a bad estrogen and may induce the production of free radicals. The 16a hydroxylestrone is the immediate precursor of estriol in a non-pregnant female. Bradlow et al and others have shown that a high ratio of 2:16 hydroxyestrone is beneficial in preventing breast cancer. These ratios may be manipulated by ingesting diets high in cruciferous vegetables and soy, diets low in animal fat, and taking isoflavones and Phytoestrogens.
Progesterone
Natural progesterone is chemically different than synthetic progestin. Natural progesterone does not produce the deleterious effects on cholesterol found with the use of synthetic preparations. Natural progesterone promotes new bone formation, may help protect against breast cancer, increases metabolism, and decreases breast cyst and uterine fibroid formation.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone most women think is only for men, however, both sexes must have a normal level of this hormone to feel and function well. Testosterone levels decline for men and women throughout their lives. Testosterone has several functions including maintaining sex drive and an adequate energy level, increasing bone and muscle strength, decreasing weight gain, and improving self esteem.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a group of similar hormones with several different functions. The three estrogens produced by a woman's body are estrone (10%), estradiol (10%) and estrio (80%). Women produce these hormones in very specific quantities. To keep the body in proper balance, these hormones must be replaced in the same amounts. Estradiol and estrone are more potent hormones, while estriol is a weaker estrogen that may actually have protective qualities. There is research evidence that estriol may protect against breast cancer, prevent vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and infection, and reduce the risk of blood clots. Estradiol (E2) is metabolized into estrone (E1) and estriol (E3) by enzymes (known as 2 hydroxylase, 4 hydroxylase and 16 a hydroxylase) present in many differerent tissues including the liver. The 16a hydroxylated compounds are further metabolized to estriol (the end product of estradiol and estrone). The 2 hydroxyestrones are protective (or good estrogens) and their levels are decreased by obesity, tagamet, and corn oil diet. Their levels are increased by high protein, low fat diets, exercise, and a supplement known as indole 3 carbinol. They provide a strong anti-oxidant function. The 4 hydroxyestrone is thought of as a bad estrogen and may induce the production of free radicals. The 16a hydroxylestrone is the immediate precursor of estriol in a non-pregnant female. Bradlow et al and others have shown that a high ratio of 2:16 hydroxyestrone is beneficial in preventing breast cancer. These ratios may be manipulated by ingesting diets high in cruciferous vegetables and soy, diets low in animal fat, and taking isoflavones and Phytoestrogens.
Progesterone
Natural progesterone is chemically different than synthetic progestin. Natural progesterone does not produce the deleterious effects on cholesterol found with the use of synthetic preparations. Natural progesterone promotes new bone formation, may help protect against breast cancer, increases metabolism, and decreases breast cyst and uterine fibroid formation.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone most women think is only for men, however, both sexes must have a normal level of this hormone to feel and function well. Testosterone levels decline for men and women throughout their lives. Testosterone has several functions including maintaining sex drive and an adequate energy level, increasing bone and muscle strength, decreasing weight gain, and improving self esteem.
Links:
Women's Health Initiative
Journal of the American Medical Association
New England Journal of Medicine
Customized Programs and Services:
Women's Health Initiative
Journal of the American Medical Association
New England Journal of Medicine
Customized Programs and Services: