A small note on Progesterone : santedesfemmes.com/hormonothe…u-masculin.php
The hormonal balance in the masculine
Natural hormone therapy for men
Written by Micheline O’Shaughnessy
As is the case among women, the medical approach to hormone deficiencies is mostly to prescribe hormone therapy to address the weaknesses of a particular hormone (typically testosterone in men and estrogen women) without worrying about restoring the balance between the different steroid hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and DHEA. This type of intervention can help in some cases, but often this approach “piecemeal” is powerless to solve problems resulting from hormonal deficiencies obvious, such as erectile dysfunction or lack of libido in men, which are Yet the typical symptoms of testosterone deficiency. In an article published in the journal of the Life Extension Foundation1, Dr. Sergey A. Dzugan, president of the Scientific Committee of this organization, describes a case study is an excellent example of why the conventional medical treatment for testosterone deficiency in men does not always work.
A problem that leads to disastrous consequences for human health is the change in ratio between estrogen and testosterone in midlife. Thus men are left with estrogen dominance that will make the cells more “deaf” to the message of insulin, which will create a vicious circle because the insulin resistance will encourage the accumulation of abdominal fat which by the action of the enzyme aromatase is becoming a manufacture estrogen. The increase of estrogen in the blood will increase the level of SHBG (binding protein for steroid hormones, especially testosterone), which will dramatically reduce the amount of bioavailable or free testosterone in the blood. And all this will add a drop of testosterone due to slowing with age of adrenal DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone that is a precursor in the biosynthesis of androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) by the body.
A healthy level of testosterone is essential for healthy bones and maintain muscle mass in men. A recent study2 further confirms the importance of testosterone for cardiovascular health. Dr. Dzugan began by prescribing a testosterone supplement to the patient, but after increasing the dose two times without result, he found a “functional impairment” 3 and opted for a holistic approach to re-balance all steroid hormones, not just replace testosterone. It was among others block the action of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and aromatase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. These transformations are also two known risk factors for prostate cancer. Finally, it should increase the level of free testosterone by preventing it from binding to SHBG.[b]
This patient also had a high level of cholesterol, but rather than tackle this problem by prescribing statins, Dr. Dzugan decided to await the results of its holistic approach because high cholesterol is often a sign that the body is lack of hormones and the liver receives the message to produce more cholesterol, which is the raw material. Dr. Dzugan considered that the natural reduction of cholesterol levels in this patient is significant evidence of the success of the proposed therapy, based on a combination of herbal and hormone therapy, including the following major elements:[/b]
- The extract of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a plant which has been shown the ability to reduce the production of 5-alpha reductase.
- The nettle root, which also moderates the production of 5-alpha reductase and preventing the testosterone from binding to SHBG.
- The Pygeum africanum, a plant believed to be capable of reducing the proliferation of prostate cells.
- Zinc, an aromatase inhibitor very effectively.
- Progesterone, at a rate of 12mg per day to inhibit the production of 5-alpha reductase and the enzyme aromatase. This dose may be adjusted to a maintenance dose of 8 mg every other day.
- DHEA at a rate of 100mg per day until a blood test or saliva indicates an increase of this hormone. Thereafter, the dose should be reduced to 50mg per day.
Not only did this protocol in resolving the testosterone deficiency and erectile dysfunction in this patient but also helped to normalize their cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the reduction of 5-alpha reductase was the same time reduce their risk of prostate cancer because the DHT is a potent metabolite of testosterone that is involved in the development of this cancer.
Note that progesterone has played an important role in the success of this approach. Dr. Dzugan explains: "In this patient, blood tests showed that progesterone was at the lower limit of normal, so we decided to raise the level of this hormone to ensure effective control aromatase, thereby lowering estrogen. In men, progesterone is produced by the adrenal glands and testes. Men over age 40 should consider preventive therapy for replacement of this hormone progesterone, which also decreases with age, not only ensures the suppression of aromatase but also of 5-alpha reductase. With these properties, progesterone “releases testosterone, a hormone essential for maintaining the health of men at any age.”
Reference and recommended readings:
1 Life Extension Magazine, October 2005.
lef.org/magazine/mag2005/oct2005_ch_03.htm
2 santedesfemmes.com/actual…les-hommes.php
3 “functional impairment” means that the hormone is present but fails to bring his message to the cells.
From the book “Hormone therapy more effective and safe, it’s possible,” by Dr. George Gillson, MD This book includes an excellent chapter on health hormonal male. You can order it by clicking the “Shopping” category “Educational Materials” or call 1-800-486-0535.
