Estrone

I believe the signs of premature aging in women's health starts with sexual decline. A loss of sexual desire or arousal is a significant biomarker that must be treated to improve the quality of life. Feelings of love also contribute to the stimulation of hormones and neurotransmitters that contribute to longevity. A four step treatment plan can restore longevity, love, intimacy and the quality of life. Women's health can be enhanced by using the power of: 1) medicine, herbs, and natural hormones; 2) mind to focus on intimacy and move away from negative thoughts; 3) fitness to feel sexy; 4) and diet to improve looks and appearance.

First I will explain the necessity to balance hormones. Think of the balance of hormones as an orchestra with all instruments in harmony. Incredible energy usually is maintained by the perfect rhythms increasing and decreasing anabolic and catabolic hormones throughout the day and into the night. Certainly diet, exercise and the power of the mind plays a role in one's energy level.

However, what if you have been on a fairly good diet and fitness plan for years, yet you are experiencing a decline in energy and fatigue and you just turned 30 or age 40 or 50. We don't know when the signs of hormone imbalance will appear, yet when it occurs it is as if the basic demands and expectations of your day to day life become overwhelming. Extreme fatigue can quite often be from a chronic deficiency of certain hormones.

One form of imbalance is the creation of excess estrogen metabolites resulting from the use of synthetic hormones, estrogen, DHEA, progesterone, or birth control pills. Women who use these are at greater risk of disease and weight gain because they have undesirable forms of estrogen. Leon Bradlow, PhD, renowned breast and uterine cancer investigator, made the discovery that women could benefit by enhancing the production of a good type of estrogen called 2-hydroxy estrone and reducing the 16-alpha hydroxyl estrone.

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The Signs of Estrogen Dominance in Women

* PMS, breast swelling, fibrocystic breast tissue, ovarian fibroids

* Breast cancer, uterine cancer

* Craving sweets, weight gain, acne

* Water retention

* Swollen belly, limbs

* Heavy, irregular menses, abdominal pain

* Sleep disturbances, insomnia

With a combination of a low-fat diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, exercise and herbal extracts, we can expect dramatic results in the reduction of estrogen dominance in only a few months. Sheree T.P., age 47, suffered from weight gain, allergies, fatigue, and hormone imbalance. She writes, "I have been on natural hormones, Armour, Estroblock, adrenal support. I switched from juicing to blended drinks. Now I wake up with energy, fresh and stay up late filled with energy. I am improving every day, my skin, eyes, hair looks healthier. I lost weight, and my hunger and cravings are gone."

Importance of Estrogen Balance can be seen by the health of breast tissue upon physical examination:

Healthy breast tissue is firm and perfectly shaped when estrogen is at the proper balance. If estrogen production is excessive, then the appearance of swollen breasts, generally sensitive to the touch. Other signs of excessive estrogen production include the development of uterine fibroids and overall increase in body fat:

* The treatment should include using herb extracts to clear excess estrogen and convert to a good estrogen ratio. This is done by diluting "concentrated" estrogens--E1, E2, and E3. We can measure the progress by testing the urine 2-hydroxy-estrogen/16-alpha-hydroxy-estrone ratio.

* Additional treatment to restore balance may include the use of natural testosterone in transdermal cream with DIM, Chrysin, Avena Sativa, or Androstendiol as the prohormone. Be sure to test for a deficiency of progesterone and restore progesterone with oral and or vaginal capsules, or a transdermal cream.

Extract herbs to clear bad estrogens and restore good estrogen balance include DIM, Calcium D-Glucarate, D-Glucuronolactone, and indole-3-Carbinol.

* DIM (Diindolyl-methane) has proven beneficial to restore good estrogens after just one month of use. It clears undesirable estrogens and toxins. It comes from cruciferous vegetables and it is nearly 10 times more effective than Indole-3-Carbinol. Just two capsules would provide the equivalent of two pounds of raw broccoli a day.

* D-Glucuronolactone and Calcium D-Glucarate (US patent) are extracted from oranges, spinach, carrots, and apples. These extracts clear harmful bacteria and toxins (drugs, poisons, cosmetics) in the colon and improve energy flow and a sense of feeling good.

The importance of achieving a correct estrogen balance: It is just as harmful to have insufficient amounts of estrogen. Women have the primary estrogens of estriol, estradiol and estrone. In addition there are over 40 different estrogen metabolites that influence the quality of health. Just as damaging to one's longevity with too much estrogen is having too little. Estrogen maintains tissue health, and it must come from the ovaries and cell production, or as it declines with age it can be supplied by bio-identical forms of estrogen.

Signs of Estrogen Insufficiency:

* Hot flashes & night sweats

* Lethargy, fatigue, memory loss

* Loss of libido, vaginal dryness

* Tension, irritability, anxiety

* Headaches, joint pains, stiffness

* Weight gain, thin hair, skin aging

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The treatment of choice is transdermal estrogen enhancing herbs, estradiol, and or estriol as prescribed. Be sure this is in combination with progesterone.

One of the most common reasons that people want to replace natural hormones is they may have read a book by Suzanne Somers, The Sexy Years and they found out that the reason the interest in sex and the quality of life had declined was because of a gradual decline in hormones over the years. And like movie stars who were willing to see an antiaging doctor and learn about bio-identical hormones, they just wanted more out of life during the golden years.

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A surprise for many women is that it is the replacement of testosterone, not estrogen, that helps restore interest in sex, strength, energy and a firm body.

Androgen, not Estrogen Enhances Female Sex Desire, Arousal, Fantasy

Androgens include testosterone, androstendiol, DHEA, DHT and are normally thought of wrongly as only male hormones. Women must replace these key hormones along with estrogen and progesterone, if they are to regain the sexy youthful years. Women (4 years after hysterectomy) who received both sex steroids (estrogen, androgen-testosterone) reported higher rates of sexual desire, sexual arousal, and numbers of fantasies, than those who were either given estrogen alone or who were untreated. The best changes for sexual desire, arousal and number of fantasies were noticed as plasma blood levels improved for testosterone and associated androgens. Rates of coitus and orgasm were also higher in the Estrogen-Androgen group during the first two post-injection weeks coincident with their higher testosterone levels. These findings imply that androgen may be critical for the maintenance of optimal levels of sexual function. (Gelfand M., Sexual function in oophorectomized women, Psychosomatic Medicine. 49(4). 1987. 397-409)

Women who use testosterone replacement are more likely to be sexually satisfied. Doctors can order a compounding pharmacy dosage of testosterone that varies from 1% (1 mg/gram), 5% is 5mg/gram to 10% which provides 10 mg/gram. In one study it took only 30 days with 1 mg Testosterone transdermal, for a woman at age 60 to increase free testosterone to that of a 23 year-old ovulating female. A 50 mg Testosterone Pellet implant into the abdomen, restores libido within only 10 days and remains 3 to 6 months, without virilizing effects. The woman given dosages of testosterone reported "Dramatic improvement in the intensity of orgasm, sex drive, frequency fantasies, sexual satisfaction." (JCEM June 1999, Placebo controlled)

I would suggest treatment with bio-identical hormones that include herb extracts with the added DIM, especially if a woman is on the birth control pill. And because synthetic estrogen from the birth control pill or by doctors prescribing synthetic estrogens is known to suppress LH, and increase SHBG, the balance must be restored. Also if an operation where the ovaries have been removed, or aging adrenals, or complications from chemotherapy can cause a need for testosterone or androgen replacement. (JCEM June 1999:84.1886)

It has been proven the androgens become more effective when combined with a PDE5 inhibitor that clears competitive enzymes that slow sexual response in women. Some medicines and herbs used by men to restore sexual function may also help most women. Sildenafil citrate with estrogen and or testosterone, for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) has proven to enhance the sexual experience.

Two-hundred two postmenopausal women, in 12 week, double-blind placebo study using sildenafil citrate 50 mg, adjusted to 25 to 100 mg, reported significantly greater improvement in increased genital sensation during intercourse or stimulation, and increased satisfaction with intercourse and/or foreplay. The only women who didn't respond to the Viagra were those with preexisting hypoactive sexual desire. Women can benefit from Viagra only if their hormones are restored to youthful levels with testosterone. (Toler, Steven M. Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate ... female, Journal of Urology. 170(6 Part 1). December 2003. 2333-2338)

Sildenafil citrate effective for women with sexual dysfunction--21 adult female patients with major depression were given ten 50 mg samples of Viagra and instructed to take one tablet sixty to ninety minutes prior to initiating sexual activity. After 90 days, they demonstrated statistically, improvement of both sexual dysfunction and depressive symptoms. Many reported sexual functioning in terms of arousal and intensity of orgasm as far greater than they had experienced at any prior time in their lives. None of the subjects wished to discontinue the treatment due to adverse effects (nasal congestion, facial flush).

Other critical hormones that decline with aging and can cause sexual decline include the thyroid. Symptoms can include:

* Diminished ability to be aroused

* Less pleasurable sensations to genitals

* Less interest in sex, decline in libido

* Coarse, dry hair or skin, bluish skin, cold hands and feet

The treatment of choice is whole thyroid complex or T3 time release. You must understand the importance of using a complete treatment for thyroid as many doctors only use T4 thyroxine. This includes T1, T2: L-Tyrosine, iodine and triiodothyronine T3 with T4 in the correct balance. Be sure to measure improvements in symptoms and changes in body temperature as dosages are adjusted.

Quality sleep helps us restore the balance of biochemistry and natural hormones. Deep sleep allows the body to relax and restore declining hormones. This is why after a deep sleep we have the highest levels of testosterone and GH in the early morning. Often this is the best time to make love at the peak of your natural hormones. Be sure the room you sleep in is very dark, free of light and night lights. As we age, our natural production of melatonin and growth hormone declines. The addition of low dose melatonin (.2 to 3 mg/day) taken sublingually can assist sleep. Also the use of growth hormone stimulated orally by GHRH and or injection of HGH can improve sleep and recovery. It is also important to get sufficient bright daylight to stimulate the production of the stress protecting hormone called cortisol. This balance of higher cortisol during the day with low cortisol at night and higher melatonin during the night with low melatonin during the day is a critical factor to longevity and wellness.

There are other natural hormones and chemicals that enhance sex and longevity. Phenyl ethylamine (PEA) is an extract from algae. It is the "Love at first site" hormone that releases when you see someone you're attracted to. PEA can be used as a mood enhancer in transdermal creams or taken orally. Specific amino acids that include phenylalanine can also restore PEA. PEA increases immediately following intense exercise accounting for the high or feeling good sensation from exercise. Increased PEA levels can be measured in the urine. PEA improves mental stimulation and concentration. This can help those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). If levels of PEA become too high, one can feel nervousness, agitation or anxiety. Therefore it is best to take green tea extracts (caffeine free) which contain a natural component called theanine. Theanine allows one to maintain higher PEA levels while preventing over-stimulation of the neural system. Dopamine increases receptivity to pleasure and can be enhanced by herbal extracts of Mucuna pruriens. Red velvet bean has Mucuna pruriens which releases dopamine to help us feel good.

Other neurotransmitter and hormonal influences on sex and longevity include:

* Vasopressin is the bonding hormone available as a prescription nasal spray.

* Serotonin at high levels reduces interest in sex and inhibits orgasm. Certain medications for depression tend to artificially increase serotonin and blunt interest in sex.

* Lowering serotonin through the use of diet pills can increase sexual aberrations. 5HTP can help restore balance and improve serotonin levels. Also Dimethylglycine (DMG) can influence the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

* Oxytocin is a hormone that increases from bodily touch, and it is released in large quantities after sexual orgasm. This is a bonding hormone that helps maintain relationships with our significant other and with children. It is also increased during breast feeding.

Herbs to Enhance Sex

* Epimedium Sagittatum--Horny Goat weed is used as an oral supplement from concentrated extracts. Epimedium can also be drunk as a hot tea by steeping the leaves in hot water, and covering the bowl to retain the essential oils and essence that will improve libido.

* MACA is a famous herb from the Peruvian mountains that helps regulate estrogen and enhance libido.

* Beta-sitosterol is used for better DHT to reduce body hair growth or acne. Also it has been shown to fill receptor sites for cholesterol and reduce levels.

* Avena Sativa--milky green oats clears binding proteins (SHBG), releases "free testosterone." This will increase sexual desire as illustrated by China carp pond fish given green oats, mated, and multiplied. Herbal scientists in China and Hungary found the same results of increased libido in humans, with the corresponding increased free testosterone and sex desire. The only reported side effects were people felt irritable if they had no sexual outlet.

* Tribulus Terrestris fruit increases LH which enhances testosterone production.

Power of Nitrogen Plant Extraction

* NO-Nitric Oxide in its purest form, nitrogen, can be extracted from Kudzu plants. It fuels most bodily chemical reactions including the production of cyclic GMP, to stimulate better clitoral erections and more blood flow to the female organs, enhancing sexual response.

* Nitrogen in combination with special herbs is the recent scientific development in potent sexual enhancement and longevity. An extraction process has been discovered to intensify all the best qualities of the herbs and amino acids. This is the first nitrogen all-plant-derived product. Nitrogen is water soluble and so it safely clears within 6 hours. This product gives the natural energy of nitrogen combined with several well-known stimulating herbs. Women may enjoy increased energy, libido, arousal, more frequent, longer lasting love sessions and better workouts at the gym. Many have said this replaced coffee, with a pure clean energy and clarity of mind. The effect occurs within 20 minutes and lasts for up to 6 hours.

DMG (Dimethylglycine) is a natural phytochemical extract from plants that improve liver function and sex. A women's sexual energy can be improved by adding DMG-Dimethylglycine. DMG stimulates over 41 biochemical reactions in the body. Including balancing neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin and epinephrine), melatonin enhances sleep and waking patterns and can improve sexual energy and sensations. DMG also improves the immune system, liver function, energy, improved joint health, and mental function.

Chemicals to Avoid: Although a drink of two of alcohol may reduce inhibitions, it reduces pleasure, increases undesirable forms of estrogen and is a depressant. Smoking has nicotine that enhances the erectile process however, over time, the carbon monoxide reduces oxygen to the sexual organs. Smoking eventually accelerates atherosclerosis, cutting circulation supplying the genitals and blunting sexual performance.

Fitness is Necessary to Restore Health and Exercise is Good for Sex

In a survey of 8,000 women:

* 89% say exercise boosted their sexual self-confidence

* 40% say they become aroused more easily

* 33% of women say they had sex more often

The Practical Encyclopedia of Sex and Health

Include at least 15 minutes of weight training with continuous movement and repetitions to get the best results. If done properly as explained in my book, #1 Way to Fitness, you can combine cardiovascular training with strength training.

The value of love, romance and friendship can improve the quality of life. Ask yourself or your patients the following questions:

* Do I spend quality time with my mate, family and friends?

* Did I allow private time for romance with my mate today?

* Did I hold and caress?

* Have I told my mate I loved them today and taken time to listen to their needs?

* And will I speak in a pleasant voice today to family and friends even if my day is stressful?

* In what ways can I show and express my love and appreciation for friends?

Lack of Awareness of a Woman's Pleasure

Most women and men are unaware of the extent of a woman's orgasmic capacity, so most women stop after only one orgasm, which may be why so many women intuitively sense their lack of satiation. This is an even more important reason why men should take the time to satisfy their partner thoroughly. When you do this, your love life will improve dramatically.

The brain is the largest sexual organ. Be patient with your lover. At these times your communication doesn't have to be verbal, it can be the touch of your fingers. Enjoy the moment, put on some sensual music, light candles and be sure not to pressure each other to reach orgasm within a certain amount of time. Don't use sex as a weapon by withholding sex. Say "yes" to sex, build trust, offer an alternative time if you're too busy. Use effective communication, trust, and passion to improve your relationship. There are three primary communication personality types that play a role in our sexual communication. People generally have a preference for one form over the others:

* Verbal auditory people say "I love you" in a loving way. For these people it is important to reinforce love by verbally reassuring and saying how much they care.

* Visually-oriented people see gifts as an expression of love. The "gift" need not be something purchased, it may be a flower, a photo, or a shell. They appreciate the care their mate takes with grooming and will often be turned off by poor grooming habits, or a mate who thinks they don't need to care for their appearance "now that they are married." Some visual people see leaving laundry on the floor as a sort of insult to the bedroom and its romantic potential. Visual people will use words like "show me you love me."

* Kinesthetic-touch oriented people need to caress, want to be held tightly, and they enjoy and feel fulfilled when they cuddle in bed. They will say things like I "feel" that you need to understand me better. To improve romance, add touch, communicate, be patient, and be a considerate lover.

The Psychology of Sex

The psychology of sex is not to be overlooked since the power of the mind does influence several biochemical pathways in men and women. Timeline therapy which is a form of biofeedback with guided imagery has proven to free one of excessive feelings of guilt and or trauma from past experiences. This freeing effect allows for future positive encounters and a greater degree of satisfaction.

To improve your quality of life and possibly your longevity, apply the four step principles of the power of medicine, herbs, hormones, fitness, diet and the mind.

Correspondence:

[c] Nicholas Delgado, PhD

Ultimate Medical Research

2973 Harbor Blvd. #430

Costa Mesa, California 92630 USA

714-442-0743

Fax 714-389-3449

agedoc2004@yahoo.com

www.ultimatemedicalresearch.com

by Nick Delgado PhD, CHT, Director of Ultimate Medical Research

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Townsend Letter Group
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