Hormone Supplements

Declining hormone levels associated with menopause, andropause, and aging can be corrected in different ways.  There are instances where the body needs an adequate amount of supplement to produce a hormone that is deficient.  The following is a list of the most important supplements related to naturally stimulating hormone production as well as maintaining equilibrium to the body. They are all available in our clinic and require physician supervision to use appropriately and safely.

L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid (protein building block) that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine, another amino acid. Tyrosine is converted in the body into dopamine and norepinephrine. Tyrosine is important to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters, including L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Supplementation can improve alertness, mental arousal, and focus. L-Tyrosine is natural in most dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and other protein-containing foods.  Most people receive sufficient amounts from their diet, so consult with a physician prior to supplementation. It has weight loss suppressant qualities, but there can be medical benefits for certain kidney diseases, depression, and PKU.

L-Glutamine:  L-Glutamine is an amino acid that can stimulate human growth hormone production, help in the anti-aging process, increase brain function, and stabilize blood sugars, indirectly improving your overall nutritional status. It aids brain function because it is a neurotransmitter, which means that it acts as a chemical messenger that the brain could not function without. Glutamine is highly concentrated in the brain, 10-15x more so than in the blood. It serves as important cerebral fuel, even in the absence of the other major brain energy source, glucose. These are the reasons why it improves focus, concentration, memory, intellectual performance, alertness, attentiveness, and mood. Glutamine stabilizes blood sugars by suppressing insulin, which stops further decline of sugar levels. It also stimulates glycogen (a stored form of sugar/glucose) to be released and help increase blood sugar to normal levels. It is also critical for gastrointestinal function because it is the main source of energy for cells lining the intestinal tract. Supplementation increases their growth and absorptive capacity, making it critical for the maintenance of proper gut metabolism and structure. Glutamine has also been shown to be the most abundant amino acid in skeletal muscles, a critical regulator of nitrogen balance, and important to wound healing. Supplementation has been proven safe, failing to show toxicity even in high doses. The only contraindications to Glutamine are individuals suffering from liver or kidney failures or disorders.

Pregnenolene: Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone in your body that is involved in the steroidogenesis of progesterone, mineral and glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens.  The hormone is often referred to as the ‘mother steroid compound’ because it is the basic raw material for all steroid hormones in the body. Pregnenolone is made from cholesterol in the cells of both the adrenal gland and the central nervous system. Using it as a supplement can have a number of positive effects: reducing allergic reactions, buffering the effects of stress, and lessening arthritis inflammation. Because pregnenolone has antagonistic effects on what are known as GABA receptors in the central nervous system, supplementation may cause problems in people with a history of seizures.

Adrenal Cortex: The adrenal cortex helps to maintain salt and water balance in the body. It is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, the regulation of blood sugar, and production of a sex hormone similar to that secreted by the testes. Adrenal supplements support adrenal gland function and help counteract symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue.  They usually increase energy and stamina for conditions like CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).  By nourishing and stimulating the adrenal glands, it also assists in cortisol creation and metabolism of sugar and protein. Adrenal supplements should be avoided in immunocompromised patients. Other contraindications for this product include pregnancy, breastfeeding, or women planning to become pregnant.