Hormones
- Estrogens
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA
- Pregnenolone
- Thyroid
- Hydrocortisone
Estrogens
- Estrogen refers to a group of similar hormones produced in the body.
- The main three are estrone, estradiol, and estriol.
- Estradiol is produced mainly by the ovaries and, of the three; it is most stimulating to the breast tissue.
- Estrone is most prevalent after menopause, and is produced by conversion of adrenal DHEA in fat cells. It is also formed from the conversion from estradiol.
- Estriol is produced in large quantities in pregnancy and is also the main circulating estrogen in young women according to research by Dr. Jonathan Wright.
- Estriol is made from estrone and estradiol and is less stimulating.
- Estrogens are helpful in relieving hot flashes as well as helping the urinary tract, breasts, skin, blood vessels, and keeping the uterus toned and flexible.
- Estrogens may slow the development of osteoporosis by slowing down the rate of bone loss.
Progesterone
- Progesterone is primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary just prior to and after ovulation.
- It is also produced in large quantities by the placenta during pregnancy, while produced all the time by the adrenal glands.
- Progesterone may enhance estrogen activity while also moderating symptoms of estrogen excess such as water retention, fat accumulation, uterine bleeding, and mood swings.
- Progesterone helps promote thyroid activity, and may also stimulate cells (osteoblasts) necessary for bone building.
Testosterone
- Testosterone in men is mainly produced by the testicles, and in smaller quantities by the adrenal glands.
- In women, testosterone is produced in both the ovaries and the adrenal glands.
- In both men and women, testosterone may be helpful for increasing sex drive, energy, and muscle strength.
DHEA
- DHEA is made by the adrenal glands. Once DHEA enters the cells, it may be converted to testosterone, and estrogens.
- DHEA enhances the immune system to help protect against infection, injury, and illness.
- DHEA may also be helpful in enhancing energy and muscle strength.
- DHEA may be beneficial in treating autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s, lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pregnenolone
- Pregnenolone is produced in the adrenal glands.
- It is also produced in the brain, liver, ovaries, testicles, and myelin sheath.
- Other hormones such as DHEA, cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogens are made from pregnenolone.
- Pregnenolone may enhance mood, energy, and memory
- Pregnenolone may be helpful for individuals dealing with autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, and depression.
Thyroid
- Thyroid refers to a group of hormones produced in the body.
- The two main thyroid hormones are thyroxine or T4, and triiodothyronine or T3.
- T4 is produced by the thyroid gland. It is the inactive thyroid hormone in the body.
- T3 is produced by the thyroid gland and in the brain and liver via the conversion of T4. It is the active thyroid hormone in the body.
- Thyroid hormones are involved in regulating the body’s metabolism, increasing energy, and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone is produced by the adrenal glands.
- Hydrocortisone helps boost the immune system to assist in recovery from infections, illness, or stress.
- Hydrocortisone may be beneficial in treating autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s, multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis
Contact our Compounding Specialists for more information on how we can help you!