Low Thyroid and Menopause
Hypothyroidism is the term used to describe a condition in which the body is not producing sufficient thyroid hormone. The diagnosis consists of measuring the amount of the hormone found circulating in the blood. Too little of it, and the patient is diagnosed with the condition of hypothyroidism. There is also the problem of the thyroid over producing thyroid hormone, but in this article we will speak to the issue of the decrease of thyroid hormone production. Treatment of low thyroid can be successfully achieved through the use of bioidentical hormones as well as supplementation with natural thyroid or or synthetic thyroid hormone known as Synthroid or Eltroxin.
The thyroid hormone is a key factor in regulating body metabolism and temperature. A deficiency in thyroid hormone production can affect the body in multiple ways. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, hair loss or coarse hair, dry skin, constipation, a decrease in libido, depression, difficulty with cold temperature regulation, fatigue and sleep difficulties.
As we know, menopause is a time of many changes within a woman’s body. It is a normal process that every woman goes through and it marks the end of fertility and the production of eggs. During the menopause process, the woman’s menstruation cycle stops as it starts to grow older because the body starts producing less estrogen as well as other hormones. Estrogen is the term given to a collective group of similar hormones (estriol, estradiol and estrone) that work primarily in the regulation of important body functions such as growth and development, sexual characteristics, metabolic and sexual activity, reproduction, response to food and even change in moods. Often, the symptoms of menopause can be mistaken for those of hypothyroidism, so it is imperative that a proper diagnosis be made in order to treat the symptoms appropriately. Both hormones should be included in a hormone test.
There is a link between menopause and low thyroid function which causes many menopausal women to also suffer from hypothyroidism. Estrogen and progesterone are also responsible for aiding the role of the thyroid hormones in the body, so when estrogen and progesterone levels naturally drop during menopause, the thyroid function can slow down. The good news is that once these hormonal imbalances develop and are properly identified, treatment is fairly simple with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and for the thyroid, either natural thyroid or synthetic thyroid. Today, there are various options for managing low thyroid function, from medication to natural alternatives and bio-identical hormones.
You may want to talk to your physician about implementing a more natural approach before you embark on the medication route. Some alternatives to traditional medications include diet and lifestyle modification and nutritional supplementation. Also be sure to get enough exercise and eat such food items as almonds, avocados, bananas, diary products, pumpkin sees, fish and sea vegetables such as seaweed and kelp for iodine sources in your diet. Given the interconnection between hormones and all other aspects of our lives, the body can be treated as an interconnected entity where some changes can affect the entire balance within the entire body.
Many of the changes a woman can implement in order to obtain a better hormonal balance in life are quite simple. Even managing stress can be important, because constant stress is known to have extremely negative effects on the endocrine system, which regulates hormonal production through its glands. Constant, chronic stress will produce high cortisol and effect the entire system. Other natural approaches often used are improving menopause nutrition through better diet and daily supplementation with a variety of herbs, multivitamins, and minerals like iodine, selenium and zinc. Bio-identical hormones are a replacement therapy option that uses hormones made from natural sources that are processed to create (bio) identical hormones made by the human body.
Getting a diagnosis of hypothyroidism during menopause can be a cause for alarm for women, but it should not. Hormonal imbalances are often a natural part of aging and can be managed fairly easily. There are many other natural supplements available that can help besides chemical solutions, so women are advised to consult with their physicians and seek an approach they feel most comfortable with. The ultimate goal is the feeling of wellness that results from proper hormonal balance and correcting any hormonal deficiencies as we age.
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Should Human Growth Hormone (HGH) be a part of BHRT?
Should human growth hormone (HGH) be a part of a bio-identical hormone replacement therapy? This is a question that is debated frequently by the experts in integrative medicine today. There is much controversy surrounding the subject of human growth hormone (also known as HGH or GH). The source of the controversy comes from the fact that athletes have been known to abuse this hormone. It is also feared that it may cause cancer. However, many cutting edge endocrinologists are now testing for GH levels in patients who come into their office with symptoms of menopause and andropause. Symptoms of low human growth hormone include: lowered brain function, slow healing of injuries and wounds (slow cellular reproduction), difficulty losing weight, low energy levels. Human growth hormone is often the missing component in a natural hormone replacement therapy regimen.
One of the greatest fears about HGH is that people think that it causes cancer. However, this is not a justified fear because it is actually a metabolic hormone. Over 30 studies have shown that HGH does not cause either new cancer or stimulate recurrent cancer. Ideal levels of growth hormone builds protein and burn fat. During the early 20s, the levels of growth hormone begin to naturally decrease, but once a person hits their mid 40s, human growth hormone levels abruptly decline. This sharp decline in GH levels is known as somatopause. Somatopause is the period of time before pre-menopause, menopause and andropause. The benefits which come from accurate levels of growth hormone in the system include a reduction in body fat, improved elasticity of the skin, improved mood, stronger muscles, increased energy and an increase in overall lean body mass.
HGH should never be taken as part of an athletic performance program. It should only be prescribed if hormone tests have shown that human growth hormone levels are low in the body. Hormone test results will indicate to the physician whether or not HGH needs to be replaced as a part of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
There supplements one can take to promote human growth hormone. Some supplements have been identified which help boost HGH in the body. These HGH supplements should be taken accompanied by a healthy lifestyle consisting of nutritious food and a regular exercise program and adequate sleep. If your doctor will not prescribe HGH for you, these supplements help increase GH levels over a period of time. Supplements which increase acetylcholine will stimulate human growth levels. The following is a list of certain amino acids which will also boost GH levels: These amino acids are:
- I-Glutamine: 2,00 mg per day
- I-Arginine: 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day
- I-Ornithine: 2,000 to 6,000 mg per day
- I-Tyrosine: 1,000 mg per day
- I-Glycine: 1,000 mg per day
- 1-Lysine: 1,200 mg per day
Vitamin B3, vitamin b6, vitamin C, calcium, potassium and zinc should be also be taken with the above amino acid supplements for the most effectiveness. Your lifestyle should also include regular exercise, quality sleep, stress reduction and eating the correct amounts of protein in your diet. You can buy GH supplements separately but manufacturers have now made these separate supplements available in one formula. For example, one such supplement is the SL Series® HGH Max with added Amino Acids made by Sendel Labs. Amazon sells it for only $45 for 60 capsules, a one month supply (two capsules per day). The SL Series® HGH Max ingredient list includes: Arginine (L-Arginine hcl), Ornithine (L-Ornithine hcl), Lysine (L-Lysine hcl), Glutamine (L-Glutamine hcl), Colostrum (Bovine), Ornithine Alphaketoglutarate, Glycerine (L-Glycerine hcl). Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Di-calcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid. Right now, if you purchase two or more products by Sendel Labs, you can save $5.00 with free shipping.
Currently, the problem for people with low levels of growth hormone is that it is very difficult to obtain human growth hormone even as a part of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy program. Growth hormone injections or homeopathic drops are also very expensive. This is an unfortunate situation for people who need to supplement growth hormone because it improves brain function, heart functioning, wound repair, metabolism of fats and it reverses atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries.
Doctors usually prescribe HGH once a week injected or as part of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy beginning with 0.2 mg per day. One of the chief reasons that GH should only be taken under medical supervision is that taking too much GH can cause unwanted symptoms such as insulin resistance, painful joints, and edema. Medical supervision of the use of HGH is required and this is the reason why it should only be used with a doctor’s advice and prescription.
As a part of natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, a doctor will start with the basic hormones – natural estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA program. The assessment of what hormones to replace comes after a hormone blood or saliva test demonstrates which hormones need to be replaced. A hormone test should also include a thyroid and adrenal function evaluation. Not everyone needs human growth hormone replacement. If the levels are low, but GH is too expensive, the natural supplement for improving GH can be taken. Over a period of approximately six months, improvements in the levels of GH can be seen.
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