A Closer Look at Specific Hormone Supplemental Therapies

Although there are various hormone supplements on the market today whose benefits have yet to be scientifically proven, there are numerous supplements that have been proven to be genuinely effective. Hormone replacement therapies are being used by doctors around the world to improve the lives of their patients.

Estrogen

Estrogen replacement therapy has become the widely accepted combatant against female hormone decline due to menopause. Estrogen has been proven to relieve many of the symptoms of menopause, including osteoporosis and hot flashes. It can also decrease the risk of heart disease, enhance libido, and may lessen the risks of coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. Estrogen hormone supplement is the only dependable therapy to maintain systems dependant on ovarian hormone secretion. Unfortunately, it is speculated that estrogen replacement therapy may increase the risk for breast cancer, worsen existing gallbladder or liver problems, and may cause blood clots.

Progestin

Progestin is a steroid hormone that is frequently administered to women in menopause. Low progesterone levels can cause water retention and bloating, accounting for progesterone weight gain. Progestin is commonly combined with estrogen hormone supplements to protect women's uteruses from pre-cancer changes. A three year study performed by Howard L. Judd, M.D. and associates profoundly demonstrated that women who took both estrogen and progestin were significantly more protected against pre-cancerous changes than women who took estrogen alone. Furthermore, in the women who only took estrogen and developed these changes, progestin treatments, taken afterwards, reversed the changes.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone that controls the body's natural biorhythms, along with the sleep cycle. Insomnia is the primary result of low melatonin levels. Some researchers believe that melatonin hormone supplement can be a non-narcotic means to attaining some much deserved sleep. To work effectively, melatonin should be taken at the correct time in your daily cycle. The normally recommended dosage is between 0.1 to 0.5 mgs and it should be taken approximately 30 minutes before going to bed. If melatonin is taken inappropriately, it could cause further interference with sleep. A physician should be consulted before beginning melatonin hormone supplement due to hazardous interactions with steroids, high blood pressure, and diseases affecting the immune system.

DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a very important hormone because it a precursor the body uses to make other necessary hormones like testosterone, estrogen, estradiol, estrone, and androgen. Clinical studies show that DHEA hormone supplement can elevate IGF (insulin growth factor). IGF deficiencies can contribute to the loss of lean muscle mass and excess fat accumulation. Studies show that DHEA may also help protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Side effects from DHEA replacement therapy can include nausea, abdominal pain, acne, nasal congestion, fatigue, headache, or irregular/rapid heart rate.