What moves you? A new love, a child's laughter, a creative impulse or completing a marathon? Humans are both motive driven and emotive beings. The word ‘hormone’, comes from the Greek horme which means to 'to move, to set in motion or an impulse’.
Deemed by Hippocrates to symbolise vitality, hormones have multiple functions, acting as ‘messengers’ in the body, communicating between organs and tissues, regulating homeostasis, reproduction, circadian rhythm, our immune system and mood.
Communication is essential to life and within the body; there is a ‘conversation’ which should not be ‘interrupted’. The extent, to which it flows freely, is the extent to which we can interact healthily with our world.
In a holographic manner, our external world mirrors the internal one.
Imagine, how much more engaged in our life we could be, if we understood how to optimise hormones?
Just like us, a flower is blooming or wilting, surviving or thriving. If we are not moving forward, are we not just standing still, or worse, lagging behind?
Optimal longevity or ‘pro-living’ is enhanced when hormones are strong. It is about being fully alive and staying relevant at whichever age.
Natural or Bioidentical (BHRT) vs. Synthetic Hormones
Natural hormones are physiologically similar to those found in the human body vs. synthetic hormones, which are chemically altered. Hormones fit onto their receptors just like a ‘lock and key’, meaning that any slight alteration of their chemical structure, creates a foreign ‘monster hormone’, not recognisable by the body and changing cell function, interfering with vital functions like the secretion, transportation, synthesis or worse, elimination of natural hormones.
This justifies the concern about the safety of synthetic hormones. Unfortunately, an information war launched by the drug industry on natural hormones has resulted in mass public confusion, even among physicians.
Endocrine disrupters – life Interrupted
Every day, everywhere, there are little invisible invaders around us. These come in the form of more than 80,000 toxic chemicals dumped into the environment called Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) – like various pesticides, plastics, fuel and fire retardants, including PCBs, BPA (contained in sales receipts), phthalates and DDT and residue in food.
These are both fat soluble and non-biodegradable, interrupting the flow of hormones in the body.
They are xenoestrogens or synthetic oestrogens. They are 10 to 100 times more powerful than natural oestrogens – resulting in excessive oestrogen unbalanced by progesterone, known
as Oestrogen Dominance. This causes certain autoimmune illnesses, fatigue, endometrial cancer and in men, low sperm count, decreased sperm quality, infertility, prostate enlargement as well as cancer.
A recent study has shown there is a clear causation between EDCs and serious health problems, like IQ loss, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, adult and childhood obesity, diabetes, male infertility and mortality.
The cost from the resulting loss of function in the EU was anywhere from €109 to €157 billion.
Dr. Thierry Hertoghe
We all know hormones are key to attraction, arousal and intimate relationships. Dr. Thierry Hertoghe, international expert on natural hormones and reversing ageing explains that “It is
not by accident that men are irresistibly attracted to women and seduced by their beauty and charm. This femininity whether physical or psychological, comes from the principle feminine
hormone – oestrogen. These not only make women attractive, but also provide them with
the energy, cheerfulness, excitement, tenderness as well as a mixture of emotions, which make men fall madly in love with them.”
Female hormones and the menstrual cycle
Dr. Thierry elaborates, “The most powerful female hormones are oestrogens.” There are three forms: esterone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). Estradiol (E2) is the most powerful of the three, being 3-10 times more powerful than esterone (1).
Estriol is as powerful as estradiol for vaginal and bladder dryness and to reduce hot flushes, but a lot less effective to protect one’s bones, heart and mental function dependent on oestrogen.
Progesterone (P4) levels are generally found at a higher level in the body. This “protects against the harmful effects of oestrogen and is useful for women to get and to stay pregnant. It is secreted in large quantities in the second half of the cycle.”
DHEA – the wellbeing hormone
As a strong believer in DHEA, Dr. Hertoghe explains that “It is critical to protect against the effects of ageing and the key to vitality.” He elucidates that “DHEA peaks at the age of 18 in men and 22 in women. By the time someone reaches 80 years old, DHEA levels are only at 10 or 20 percent.”
DHEA is converted into estradiol and is therefore an effective immunostimulator. Replenishment can also result in the loss of 1kg fat mass and gaining of 1kg of muscle mass. It is also used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction though the effects can take time to appear. Studies have shown that it takes four to six months of taking DHEA at 50 mg to improve erections. In women,
the dose should not exceed five mg per day. To increase DHEA one can also eat proteins, avoid whole wheat like bran and supplement with Vitamin E.
Pregnenolone – the ‘mother’ hormone
Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid which allows the adrenal and sex hormones to be formed from cholesterol. It can improve memory in just 8-12 hours after ingestion, however with short lived effects, lasting up to 12 hours. It stimulates the brain, as that is where it is found in the highest concentration, with 20 to 40 times more presence than in the blood. Therefore it protects against Alzheimer's disease, trauma and neurological illness, working as an ‘excitatory’ neurotransmitter and even works against arthritis.
“It is not by accident that men are irresistibly attracted to women and seduced by their beauty and charm. This femininity whether physical or psychological, comes from the principle feminine hormone – oestrogen. These not only make women attractive, but also provide them with the energy, cheerfulness, excitement, tenderness as well as a mixture of emotions, which make men fall madly in love with them.”
Thyroid hormones – metabolism regulator
Almost half the population has thyroid problems causing a challenge with energy, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and osteoporosis. Thyroid hormones protect against heart disease from deficiencies. They also control cholesterol levels, meaning hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) may be a primary contributor to atherosclerosis.
Testing age
Dr. Thierry explains that “From the age of 30 onwards when hormones start declining, it is recommended to counter the effects of ageing by replenishing them, since subtle symptoms already appear like – dry eyes, diminishing breasts, fatigue, as early as 20 years before menopause which typically occur at 50.”
In addition, once women are in their 40s, there are only approximately 10 to 20 ovarian cells remaining, hich are capable of producing female hormones, so women between their 30s and 50s, might find themselves to be ‘bigger’ with both health problems and diminishing physical appearance.
Moreover, the cells left are least reactive to the ovulation stimulation and of lesser quality therefore making it important to seek early treatment. This is especially when certain factors accelerate aging like intensive exercise.
Protective effects of hormones against disease
There are multiple benefits of natural hormone treatments.
OXYTOCIN – Also known as the love hormone is critical for relationships and bonding. Dr. Hertoghe comments “Recent studies have also shown that it thickens vaginal mucus, allowing for lubrication and thus more comfortable intimate relationships. It also promotes the secretion of substances which prevent infection.”
Hormones Reference & Optimal Ranges
OESTROGENS – These primary female hormones free women of continuous fatigue, a lack of enthusiasm and a deteriorating memory. They can even eliminate severe depressive episodes, especially those present in the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle.
PROGESTERONE – Another primary female hormone that helps prevent over excitability, PMS symptoms and weight gain. It is also useful to prevent breast enlargement, cysts and cancer.
TESTOSTERONE – Is critical for protecting the heart, brain and of course, enhancing libido. It can also increase intellectual function and spatial memory. Deficiency in testosterone has a significant impact on memory in men. Low testosterone occurs with Alzheimer disease.
IGF-1 – As a big proponent of IGF-1 therapy, Dr. Hertoghe explains that “It strongly protects against uterine and stomach cancer and high levels of testosterone.”
MELATONIN – Is better known to promote sleep, but he says “In animals, melatonin also promotes longevity, protecting against cancer and other illnesses.”
DHEA – Effective in treating low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Dr. Hertoghe’s Natural Hormone Treatment
Surprising Facts
✓ Early treatment with oestrogen can prevent dementia and the risk of Alzheimer’s in those women treated after menopause, by up to eight times.
✓ Women have about 10 percent less hormones after each pregnancy and contrary to popular opinion, it is the main reason for the sudden transformation not the commonly thought factors. e.g. A woman who has been pregnant four times, has about 40% less hormones than before her first pregnancy.
✓ Combined treatment with oestrogen and progesterone, protects against cardiovascular illness and osteoporosis. Especially useful for women who have had their breasts removed for the treatment of cancer as it decreases chances of relapse by 30 percent and increases life expectancy by 20 to 80 percent.
✓ DHEA is only found in evolved primates like chimpanzees and humans and only became abundant in recent history. The concentration of DHEA in the blood is 500 times higher than testosterone levels in most men and 10, 000 times higher than testosterone levels in women.
Preferred Administration Method for Natural Hormones
In Perimenopausal women, Dr. Hertoghe explains that “The best time to test is one day before the menstrual cycle since hormones are at their peak. If an average cycle is 28 days, the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd or 23rd are also convenient. Remember that the first day of the cycle is the first day of menstruation for women. In menopausal women, blood can be drawn on any day but preferably in the mornings since hormones are consumed throughout the day.”
Dr. Hertoghe Optimises Other Important Factors
✓ Nutrition: Eating enough is crucial to making enough hormones, as is eating a Paleolithic diet, which increases male hormones and is rich in proteins and saturated fats. Also, decreasing the consumption of sweets and food rich in fibre, especially whole cereal like bran, oatmeal biscuits and rice; but also decreasing caffeine.
✓ Not too much exercise. Intense exercise can consume large quantities of female hormones.
✓ Stress, but not distress Prolonged and intense stress causes up to 50 to 80 percent reduction of female hormones. Sometimes disrupting the menstrual cycle.
✓ Supplementation Vitamin A, E, B6, as well as Zinc and Boron are also quite important.
Regarding application and dosage, he says “Estradiol gel is to be placed on the arms and the upper shoulder, on a wide surface massaging 10 times from top to bottom.”
Moreover, he is often asked why progesterone is given in a dose of 100 mg to 200 mg when the peak production IS about 20 mg. He answers “Only 10 to 20 percent is absorbed into the blood. The rest is not absorbed and not broken down by the liver.”
Is Treatment With Natural Hormones A Cure-All?
Dr. Hertoghe concludes, “Hormones can help one become three-ten years younger, but not more. They can slow down ageing, by about 20 percent through the use of sex hormones, thyroid hormones and melatonin. It is unfortunate that even most endocrinologists with a conventional medicine background; do not know enough about hormone treatment.”
Additional References
To learn more, read Dr. Hertoghe’s
books:
✓ The Hormone Solution—Stay Younger Longer
✓ DHEA–The Wellbeing Hormone
✓ Hormone Handbook
Dr. Graham Simpson
After treating numerous patients with natural hormone therapy, Dr. Graham Simpson shares his experiences and knowledge, the context in which natural hormone treatments were developed and more information about this situation in the UAE.
Early Developments of Natural Hormones (BHRT)
Dr. Simpson recounts “The early use of natural hormones, date back to the 1900, when French physiologist Charles-Edouard Brown-Séquard, who was looking for ways to prolong his youth in his 70s. He took baboon testicles, ground them up into a liquid form and injected them into himself, to increase his virility and testosterone. Séquard published extraordinary results like increased energy, return of mental faculty, increased endurance. The medical community laughed at his results and thus, studies regarding the use of testicle extracts, disappeared for 40 years.”
Natural Vs. Synthetic Hormones Controversy
He clarifies the controversy around hormone use explaining that “What really upset hormone use overall, was the misinterpreted Women's Health Initiative study done in 2002. Most people took Hormone Replacement Therapy (the synthetic kind) without problems, however this study showed the increased propensity for breast cancer and heart disease, so over the years, women became weary of all kinds of hormones.” The main culprit was actually Progestins, (a fake kind of progesterone), not oestrogen.
“The second hormone to decline for women is testosterone, though they only have 10 percent of the testosterone levels of men, this affects their libido, impacting intimacy."
Hormones and Intimacy
He says “Optimal and sufficient levels of hormones are essential for good sexual relationships. As an example, one of my clients who is about 40 years old had a body fat level of 40 percent, so she was quite big and too embarrassed to engage in sexual activity. Her husband was 44, had a big belly, and obviously low testosterone levels. They hadn’t been intimate for about four years. For women, natural hormone replacement helps them feel feminine and more comfortable in intimate relationships. In short, it is key for relationships, helping couples stay intimate for longer periods of time.”
Importance of Testosterone
“The second hormone to decline for women is testosterone, though they only have 10 percent of the testosterone levels of men, this affects their libido, impacting intimacy. For example, I had a client with perfect eating habits, on a pure paleo diet, who would train for hours in the gym and was considered an athlete. When tested, his testosterone was 200 which is minimal and his body fat was 21 percent – within the normal, but not reflecting his perfect lifestyle. Once on testosterone, his body fat dropped by half, from 21 percent to 10 percent and he felt great on all levels, mentally, physically, emotionally and sexually. After treating thousands of patients, with men, I see that psychologically by the age of 40, they have a bleak view on life, seeing the world as dark. They lose their joi de vivre and their sex life is waning, therefore it is really important for men to be aware of this issue, so that they can improve their life in the long run.”
Hormone Deficiency, Inflammation and Illness
Dr. Simpson explains "The health of the body is dependent on the lining of the arteries, the endothelium. Hormones act to turn on or off certain elements on the endothelium, like inflammatory cytokines, since they act as messengers in the body, therefore, playing a big role.
Testosterone for example, takes sugar out of the cells and diverts it for the muscles to use, so insulin doesn't spike, causing inflammation."
So it is quite important to have optimal testosterone levels to prevent or treat inflammation illnesses, like diabetes for example.
Preferred Methods of Administration
There are many ways to administer hormones Dr. Simpson explains “For testosterone, I prefer to use injections or a cream.
We can also use Clomid and HCG which is good for younger men, as they stimulate the testes to produce more testosterone and sperm, which is much more physiologically similar to the way testosterone is produced in the body, because external testosterone in this case can interrupt the natural production of the hormone within the body. In contrast for older men, where we use testosterone externally, as their testes cannot be stimulated. You can’t flog a dead horse, as they say. Replenishing testosterone is critical to maintaining men’s health and to treat diabetes.”
Using natural hormones differs for menstruating women vs. those who are menopausal. For those still menstruating, oestrogen is given from Day 1 – Day 25 of the menstrual cycle and Progesterone from day 14-28. For menopausal women, all the hormones need to be given at all times. He adds that “Testosterone can be given every day for women or men. It is also important to look at other hormones like DHEA and pregnenolone as they work together.”
Natural Hormone Safety Awareness
“There is a lot of misinformation that any hormone therapy can cause cancer, which is simply untrue. People need to look at the facts. The safety of testosterone was investigated in a study last year and published in the International Journal of Endocrinology. It looked at 83,000 men and found that, if done properly, natural testosterone is extremely safe and also effective, for the reduction of heart attacks, among other things. That is why awareness is important not only for patients but also physicians. Sadly, even urologists are not aware of the ways to utilise testosterone to optimise a man’s health. About 20 percent of people have no awareness about this subject, 50-60 percent has
some idea and 20 percent are quite savvy about this subject.”
Additional Factors to Consider
Nutrition and diet is also essential. Certain trace minerals, like copper, selenium and iodine, are needed to make thyroid hormone and support healthy function. Eighty percent of people cannot readily convert T4 to T3. Exercise is also important, triggering the production of all hormones.
Sufficient sleep is also important, since losing sleep triggers cortisol, a stress hormone and even one night of missed sleep causes insulin resistance. Essentially, all lifestyle factors are important, even the thoughts that pass your mind make a difference.
Further References
✓ Abraham Morgantaler, head of Urology at Harvard Medical School’s book’s Testosterone for Life is a very credible reference.
✓ Suzan Sommers books including Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones which includes interviews with 16 practitioners of bioidentical hormone therapy and The Sexy Years: Discover the Hormone Connection: The Secret to Fabulous
Sex, Great Health, and Vitality, for Women and Men are also quite good.
✓ Christiane Northrups’ book The Wisdom of Menopause (Revised Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change.