HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH)

HGH is produced by the pituitary gland and converted by the liver into a protein called somatomedin-C or IGF-1 (insulin growth factor). It is IGF-1 that is partially responsible for the growth hormone functions in the body. HGH contributes to ongoing tissue repair, cell rejuvenation, bone strength, brain function, enzyme production and the integrity of hair, nails and skin. The signs of growth hormone deficiency are significantly correlated to the signs of aging, body composition shifts from lean muscle mass and high energy levels to increased fat/body weight and low energy levels, decreased bone mineralization (bone growth slows), fat/body weight and low energy levels, vitality ebbs, and cardiovascular disease and mortality increase. Concurrent with psychological effects, decreased HGH also has psychosocial effects that include impaired physical performance, poor sleep, and decreased social interaction.

TESTOSTERONE

Produced by the adrenal glands, testes and ovaries. It is a hormone vital to both sexes. It contributes to muscle mass, strength and endurance, decreased fat, increased exercise tolerance, enhancement of wellbeing, and sex drive. In males, testosterone protects against cardiovascular disease, hypertension and arthritis. It leads to improved lean muscle mass, increased bone density, decreases in cholesterol, improved skin tone, improved healing capacity after injuries, and increased libido and sexual performance. It prolongs the quality of life by decreasing age-related diseases, as does estrogen in women. Testosterone is also extremely important in females, making supplementation an ideal option for both men and women.

DHEA

Also called dehydroepiandosterone. This is perhaps the most common hormone in the body and is also a precursor hormone (a substance from which other important hormones are produced). It is often called the “Mother Hormone”. DHEA is secreted by the adrenal glands as well as by the skin and brain. It is an essential component in many of the body’s physiological and metabolic functions including: building the immune system by reversing the effects of stress, regulating hormone balance and helping maintain general levels of well-being. It improves the mood. DHEA promotes an anabolic or protein building state which increases lipolysis or the breakdown of fat. Studies link DHEA to reduced cardiovascular risk and restored sexual vitality.

PREGNENOLONE

This is another precursor hormone. Pregnenolone is made in the brain. It functions as a memory enhancer and plays a role in cellular repair, particularly in the brain and nerve tissue. It protects against neuronal injury and facilitates cerebral functions.

MELATONIN

This hormone is produced by the pineal gland (near the brain). It is a neurotransmitter hormone that regulates circadian rhythms or your patterns of sleep. Research has shown that the cells of the body rejuvenate and repair during the deeper stages of sleep. Deeper stages of stage IV sleep help produce natural “CD4” killer cells, which are important for strong immune function. Deep sleep also helps energize the body and improve your mood. Melatonin has powerful antioxidant effects, which also helps disease prevention. Melatonin deficiency is linked to poor sleep, jet lag, irritability, hypersensitivity and premature aging. Studies also link it to inhibiting breast cancer proliferation.

THYROID HORMONE

This hormone is produced by the thyroid gland. This metabolic hormone regulates temperature, metabolism and cerebral function. It contributes to energy levels and the body's ability to maintain a constant temperature. It increases fat breakdown thereby reducing cholesterol levels and body weight. Thyroid hormone is probably the safest and most beneficial cholesterol reducing agent, yet it is infrequently used for this. It is also vital in the prevention of cognitive impairment.

ESTROGEN

Primarily a female hormone, it is secreted by the ovaries. But, men’s testes and the adrenal glands also produce a small quantity. In women, estrogen protects against heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, memory disorders, vaginal atrophy and urinary incontinence. It also prevents symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and temperature deregulation. It improves balance by improving the visual somatosensory system within the central nervous system. Estrogen deficiency also results in sagging breast skin, increased facial wrinkling, fatigue, depression, mood swings and decreased libido. Estrogen is instrumental in orchestrating the menstrual cycle and works in harmony with progesterone, both of which are essential for normal, healthy female function. Often equine (horse) based “estrogen” taken from pregnant mare’s urine is used to replace human estrogen. These equine-based products actually contain estrones, not human estrogens, and equine products have been linked to incidences of cancer.

PROGESTERONE

This is also considered primarily a female hormone. The root components of the word (“pro” means “for” and “gesterone” means “gestation") clearly point out the importance of this hormone. It is produced in four areas of the body: the ovaries, the corpus luteum (the ruptured follicle), the adrenal glands, and in pregnant women, the placenta. Progesterone is often used to treat PMS. It protects against uterine and breast cancers, osteoporosis, fibrocystic disease and ovarian cysts. Often synthetic progestin is used to replace natural progesterone and it is accompanied by significant side effects.

NATURAL versus SYNTHETIC HORMONES

The sad truth is that only synthetic hormones can be patented. As a result, drug manufacturers have created synthetic hormones that attempt to mimic natural hormone function, yet they are structurally different enough from natural hormones to be patentable. Such synthetic hormones often produce desirable effects, but more often than not, also produce undesirable or negative side effects such as bloating, headaches, fatigue, weight gain and possibly cancer. Natural hormones, by contrast, are either those substances that have existed in our bodies since conception, or are substances that are structurally identical to those our bodies naturally create. Clearly, natural hormones possess the identical structure and function as substances created in our body and produce all the desirable effects without the undesirable or negative side effects associated with synthetic hormones. We prescribe only natural hormones because of our commitment to your total wellbeing.

SUMMARY

Hormones are not drugs. They are natural substances that are vital to your health. As you age, your hormone production progressively decreases which leads to, and accelerates the aging process and the onset of age-related diseases. BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy restores your body to its youthful levels of hormones and doctor prescribed doses of natural hormones never exceed what your body has already been accustomed to in its younger years. Dr. Dalton is specially trained in the Medical Specialty of Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine and will create a program tailored to your unique physical requirements. After you receive a complete physical examination and laboratory evaluation, Dr. Dalton will prescribe hormones to restore your youthful levels. Additionally, Dr. Dalton will make recommendations as to proper diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation as important components of your Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy program.

PROTECT AND PRESERVE YOUR FUTURE NOW!

Unchecked physical deterioration is not an absolute requirement of growing older. Now you can add years to your life as well as untold quality through Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy. How sad it is that so many will pay more per year on owning and operating a car than they will on their own present and future health!

Make an appointment TODAY for Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy and capture the health, vigor and vitality that you, and those who love you, deserve!