Hormone Supplements

Declining hormone levels associated with menopause, andropause, and aging can be corrected in different ways.  Sometimes, the body needs a supplement to produce a hormone which is deficient. The following are the most important supplements related to natural hormone production stimulation and maintenance of homeostasis. 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) which the body synthesizes from phenylalanine, another amino acid. The body converts it into dopamine and norepinephrine. Tyrosine is important to the structure of almost all bodily proteins. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters, including levodopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Supplementation can improve alertness, mental arousal, and focus. L-tyrosine naturally occurs in most dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and other protein-containing foods.  Most people receive sufficient amounts dietarily, 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 phenylketonuria (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 overall nutritional status. It is a neurotransmitter, which means that it acts as an indispensable chemical messenger for the brain, and it is highly concentrated in the brain – ten to fifteen times more so than in the blood. It serves as important cerebral fuel, even in the absence of the brain’s other major energy source, glucose. For these reasons, 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 hepatic and/or renal disorders.

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone which naturally occurs in the body. It is involved in the steroidogenesis of progesterone, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. It is often referred to as the “mother steroid compound”: it is the 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 arthritic inflammation., for example Because pregnenolone antagonizes 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 those with conditions such as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). By nourishing and stimulating the adrenal glands, adrenal supplements also assist in cortisol creation and metabolism of sugar and protein. Adrenal supplements should be avoided in immunocompromised patients. Other contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and women planning to become pregnant.