Transcript Hormones Antiaging_GGordon_hsusa

Hormones
and Anti-aging
with Dr. Garry F. Gordon MD,DO,MD(H)
Gordon Research Institute
REMEDIES; Growth Hormone:
The Secret of Youth or a Cautionary Tale?
By BONNIE DESIMONE
Published: April 11, 2006
SIXTEEN years ago, a small-scale study of human growth hormone (HGH) therapy
among older men opened a large debate in the medical community over whether it could
stave off physical decline.
Demands for prescriptions have increased, as has online demand for both legitimate
and fraudulent forms of the product, known as HGH -- eventually growing into an
estimated $1 billion global market.
The catalyst for the HGH debate was a study published in The New England Journal of
Medicine in 1990. A dozen healthy men, ages 61 to 81, were given HGH injections for six
months. Among the results: lean body mass increased and body fat decreased; and
blood sugar and blood pressure increased.
Because evidence shows potentially harmful side-effects, most mainstream
doctors caution against using HGH, except in strictly delineated cases.
Other doctors say it is an effective anti-aging weapon.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803E4D91E30F932A25757C0A9609C8B63
Still No Deal on Testing for H.G.H.
By JULIET MACUR
Published: August 24, 2011
Negotiations between the N.F.L. and its players
union over testing for human growth hormone
continued to stall Wednesday, with the union
upset that it did not receive the scientific documents
it requested from the World Anti-Doping Agency
regarding the test for H.G.H.
George Atallah, a union spokesman, said the antidoping agency refused
to hand over documents detailing the validity and reliability of the H.G.H.
test, which WADA uses and which has caught eight athletes since it was
put in place in 2004.
Growth hormone, banned by WADA, is said to increase lean muscle mass
and boost recovery. It is illegal to possess in the United States without a
prescription.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/25/sports/football/nfl-and-union-remain-stalled-over-hgh-testing.html
Original Article
Effects of Human Growth Hormone
in Men over 60 Years Old
Daniel Rudman, M.D., Axel G. Feller, M.D., Hoskote S. Nagraj, M.D., Gregory A. Gergans, M.D.,
Pardee Y. Lalitha, M.D., Allen F. Goldberg, D.D.S., Robert A. Schlenker, Ph.D., Lester Cohn, M.D.,
Inge W. Rudman, B.S., and Dale E. Mattson, Ph.D.
N Engl J Med 1990; 323:1-6July 5, 1990
The declining activity of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis
with advancing age may contribute to the decrease in lean body mass and the
increase in mass of adipose tissue that occur with aging.
To test this hypothesis, we studied 21 healthy men from 61 to 81 years old who had
plasma IGF-I concentrations of less than 350 U per liter during a six-month base-line
period and a six-month treatment period that followed.
Plasma IGF-I levels were measured monthly. The administration of human growth
hormone for six months in group 1 was accompanied by an 8.8 percent increase in
lean body mass, a 14.4 percent decrease in adipose-tissue mass, and a 1.6 percent
increase in average lumbar vertebral bone density (P<0.05 in each instance). Skin
thickness increased 7.1 percent (P = 0.07).
Conclusions: Diminished secretion of growth hormone is responsible in part for the
decrease of lean body mass, the expansion of adipose-tissue mass, and the thinning
of the skin that occur in old age. (N Engl J Med 1990; 323:1–6.)
What is HGH?
HGH is Human growth hormone, and it is produced
and released by the pituitary gland at the base of
the brain. It is one of several endocrine hormones
such as estrogen, testosterone, melatonin and DHEA
that decline in production as we age.
The hormone stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor, or
IGF-1. That substance, in turn, spurs normal growth in bones and tissues.
HGH has long been prescribed for children whose growth is affected by kidney
disease or other conditions. The hormone has also been used to treat musclewasting diseases caused by AIDS.
Growth hormone was harvested from cadavers until the mid-1980's, when
researchers began to synthesize it using recombinant DNA technology. Although
the process was expensive, it opened up more commercial and black-market
opportunities.
HGH costs $10,000 to $30,000 a year for the prescription injections.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803E4D91E30F932A25757C0A9609C8B63
HGH – Human Growth Hormone Dynamics
Our hormone system is best understood if you think of it as a cascade with the
brain at the top followed by the pituitary gland, then target organs, e.g. ovaries,
thyroid, testicles; and finally physical and mental functions e.g., skin thickness,
menstrual periods, sex function, aggression, hair growth, etc. Simply put, HGH
keeps humans young – it is the master hormone.
There are five basic pituitary hormones:
• Growth Hormone (GH)
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
• Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Follicle stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
The pituitary hormones are released into the
general circulation and have effects on specific
target organs, which then release hormones of
their own. Thus, the pituitary hormones act like
traffic controllers, they survey the scene,
determine what is needed, and tell the organs
when to release their hormones.
Levels of HGH Decline with Age
For most people the pituitary gland produces
sufficient HGH to retain a youthful appearance
until age 35 or so. Then somewhere between
40 and 50, the body’s ability to produce and
release HGH declines, and the signs of aging
become more apparent.
Signs of aging and hormone decline
• Thinning skin and increased wrinkling
• Weakening heart and circulation
• Decreased energy and stamina
• Hair loss and discoloration
• Excess body fat
• Increased anxiety and stress
• Lack of sex drive and desire
• Diminished bone density
• Decreased kidney function
• Reduction in the rejuvenation process
• Higher LDL Cholesterol levels
• General fatigue
Benefits of HGH replacement therapy
 Enhanced sexual performance
 Improved exercise capacity
 Improved quality of deep sleep
 Boost in energy levels
 Increased lean body mass
 Strengthened immune system
 Sharper memory and concentration
 Stronger bones
 Reduction in Chronic Fatigue
 Reduction in body fat
 Normalizing of blood pressure
 Increased HDL (good cholesterol)
 Decreased LDL (bad cholesterol)
 Enhanced feeling of well being
 Tighter, more hydrated and smoother skin
 Many other anti-aging and performance
enhancing benefits
Volume 23 | Issue 12 | Page 34
By Christian Weyer
Hormones in Concert
Multiple hormones act in concert to regulate blood sugar and food intake. The
idea has already led to a new diabetes therapy; will it also yield new strategies
for obesity?
Most hormones have multiple actions that are well coordinated, and naturally
integrated with other hormonal systems. It is, in many respects, the
equivalent of individual musicians playing together in a philharmonic
orchestra producing the most melodic, beautiful symphonies. Some
hormones, such as insulin, thyroid hormone, or cortisol, are “major players,”
and their deficiency or excess can result in life-threatening metabolic
derangements. Others, such as calcitonin, pancreatic polypeptide, or amylin
can be viewed as complementary signals that enhance, or “fine-tune,” a
tightly regulated metabolic process. In many cases, the central nervous
system (CNS) orchestrates and balances these hormonal interactions, serving
as the role of conductor.
Estrogen Advice: Guidelines for Using Estrogen Safely
By John R. Lee, M.D.
Here's a story that I hear every day: Joan, a premenopausal woman in her mid-40s goes to
her doctor complaining of hot flashes, poor sleep, and lack of energy. She is still having
regular periods. Her doctor tests her estradiol, FSH, LH, and progesterone levels, and finds
them all to be normal except for very low progesterone. He then prescribes estradiol
supplementation! Within three months Joan gains 25 pounds, is sleeping even less, feels
irritable and anxious, and has headaches.
Another estrogen supplementation scenario that I hear every day is the woman who is
prescribed estrogen alone (without progesterone) and within a year has a pap smear that
shows cervical dysplasia, soon followed by a hysterectomy. I consider this medical
malpractice, but it happens to hundreds of women every day.
The two most important basic guidelines in estrogen supplementation are:
1. Only women who are clearly deficient in estrogen should take it.
2. Estrogen should always be taken with progesterone regardless of your age
or whether you have a uterus.
Conventional medicine also fails to discriminate between different estrogens whether
natural or synthetic, phytoestrogens, horse estrogen or human. They fail to consider
the interaction between estrogen and diet, or estrogen and progesterone, let alone its
interrelationship to testosterone, other androgens, thyroid, or corticosteroids.
By PATRICIA COHEN
Published: February 19, 2008
Midlife Suicide Rises, Puzzling Researchers
A new five-year analysis of the nation’s death rates recently released by the federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the suicide rate among 45-to-54year-olds increased nearly 20 percent from 1999 to 2004, the latest year studied, far
outpacing changes in nearly every other age group. (All figures are adjusted for
population.)
For women 45 to 54, the rate leapt 31 percent. “That is certainly a break from trends of
the past,” said Ann Haas, the research director of the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention.
By contrast, the suicide rate for 15-to-19-year-olds increased less than 2 percent during
that five-year period — and decreased among people 65 and older.
The question is why. What happened in 1999 that caused the suicide rate to suddenly
rise primarily for those in midlife? For health experts, it is like discovering the
wreckage of a plane crash without finding the black box that recorded flight data just
before the aircraft went down.
Looking at the puzzling 28.8 percent rise in the suicide rate among women
ages 50 to 54, Andrew C. Leon, a professor of biostatistics in psychiatry at
Cornell, suggested that a drop in the use of hormone replacement therapy
after 2002 might be implicated. It may be that without the therapy, more
women fell into depression, Dr. Leon said, but he cautioned this was just
speculation.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120579429300643355.html
Doctors Use Estrogen to Treat Memory Loss
in Older Women
Doctors who specialize in menopause say such cognitive problems are just
as common as hot flashes and often more worrisome. "Women have been
telling me this for 25 years," says Elizabeth Lee Vliet, a women's health
physician with offices in Tucson, Ariz., and Dallas, Tex., who notes that her
patients often speak of feeling "fuzzy-headed." She takes detailed blood
tests and typically prescribes 17-beta estradiol, an FDA-approved estrogen
replacement. "They come back a couple weeks later and say 'It was like
someone turned a lightbulb on my brain! I can think again!' "
The phenomenon isn't surprising considering that there are estrogen
receptors throughout the brain, particularly in the areas that govern
learning, memory and mood. Estrogen also stimulates the growth of
dendritic spines that enable nerve cells to communicate, and increases the
level of neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers In addition,
estrogen helps regulate glucose, inflammation and antioxidants in the brain.
Neuroimaging studies have shown that when estrogen declines, there is
markedly less cerebral blood flow and activity.
Estrogen Therapy Gives Aging Brain Cells
A Boost
28 Jun 2007
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/75168.php
Cyclical, long-term estrogen injections protected brain cells from age-related
deterioration, according to a new study conducted at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
The study suggests that age is a factor in estrogen treatment and sheds light on the
intricate relationship between mind, age, and hormones. In a multi-center study
comparing older rhesus monkeys with younger female monkeys, researchers found
that estrogen significantly improved cognitive function in older animals but not in
young monkeys.
Working with colleagues from the University of Toronto and the University of CaliforniaDavis, Drs. Morrison, Rapp, and Hao compared the outcomes of four groups of female
monkeys that were ovarectomized, which induced menopause: old monkeys that
received estrogen, old monkeys that did not receive estrogen, young monkeys that
received estrogen, and young monkeys that did not receive estrogen. The treated
animals received pure estradiol injections every 21 days while being tested on a series
of cognitive tasks over the course of more than two years.
Cognitive performance tests showed the older treated animals performed almost as
well as the younger animals, whereas older untreated animals displayed dramatic
cognitive decline. Surprisingly, the younger animals performed equally well with or
without estrogen treatments.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586876?src=mp&spon=2&uac=81207PR
From International Journal of Impotence Research
Are Declining Testosterone Levels A Major Risk Factor
for Ill-Health in Aging Men? B. B. Yeap - 04/08/2009
As men grow older, testosterone levels fall, with a steeper decline in unbound
or free testosterone compared with total testosterone concentrations. Lower
testosterone levels have been associated with poorer cognitive function, and
with impaired general and sexual health in aging men. Recently, lower
testosterone levels have been linked with metabolic syndrome and type II
diabetes, both conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, and shown
to predict higher overall and cardiovascular-related mortality in middle-aged
and older men.
However, reverse causation has to be considered, as systemic illness may
result in reduced testosterone levels. Thus, the strength of these associations
and the likely direction of causation need to be carefully considered.
Furthermore, these conditions may overlap, for example aging, lower
testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease are
interrelated.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586876?src=mp&spon=2&uac=81207PR
Testosterone Levels Decline as Men Grow Older
In men, circulating levels of testosterone increase at the time of puberty and peak in
early adulthood. This is followed by a steady decline in testosterone levels with
increasing age. In cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of men aged 30 or 40 years
and above, total, bioavailable and free testosterone concentrations fall with increasing
age with a steeper decline in bioavailable and free compared with total testosterone
concentrations.
In older men above the age of 65 or 70 years, the changes in total testosterone are
overshadowed by more significant declines in free testosterone levels. The observation
that in a cross-sectional analysis of 3638 men aged 70 years and above total testosterone
levels were stable whereas free testosterone levels declined with increasing age[14] is
supported by a study describing comparable total testosterone levels in groups of men
aged 18.9 vs 75.4 years.
Testosterone and Cognitive Function in Older Men
Cognitive decline is a characteristic of advancing age and several studies have reported
associations between lower testosterone levels and poorer performance in tests of
cognitive function in men.
…evidence from observational studies is not uniform, lower free testosterone, or a
lower ratio of total testosterone to SHBG, appears to be associated with poorer
outcomes on measures of cognitive function particularly in older men.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586876?src=mp&spon=2&uac=81207PR
Can the Age-related Decline in Testosterone Levels Be Prevented?
Testosterone therapy is now available in a range of formulations and treatment can be
individualized to achieve physiological testosterone levels. Topical testosterone
formulations such as a patch or gel require daily applications, whereas testosterone
supplementation using long-acting parenteral formulations provides stable circulating
levels but require deep intramuscular injections or subcutaneous pellet implants.
There are recognized risk factors for lower testosterone levels in aging men, which
provide a starting point for designing putative lifestyle-based interventions. Higher BMI
and waist circumference are associated with lower total, bioavailable or free testosterone
and SHBG. The association between higher BMI and lower total testosterone appears
more consistent than between BMI and free testosterone.
Smoking, lower alcohol intake and physical activity or vigorous exercise are factors
associated with higher total testosterone and SHBG levels. However, other studies have
not confirmed these associations. It is important to note the severe damaging effects of
smoking on cardiovascular and respiratory health far outweigh any possible benefit it
may confer on testosterone levels. Therefore, one approach to preventing the age-related
decline in testosterone levels in men would be weight reduction or avoidance of
overweight, also limiting alcohol consumption and encouraging physical activity.
Prevalence of
Androgen Deficiency in
Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Tobias S. Köhler, Johnny Kim, Kendall Feia, Josh Bodie, Nick Johnson,
Antoine Makhlouf, Manoj Monga
Volume 71, Issue 4, Pages 693-697
(April 2008)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and androgen deficiency in aging men are two separate clinical
entities that often overlap. Controversy exists regarding the most appropriate total
testosterone level that defines androgen deficiency in aging men, and its prevalence in men
with ED is still uncertain. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of low and low-normal
testosterone levels in men presenting for an initial ED evaluation.
The prevalence of androgen deficiency was 7%, 23%, 33%, and 47% for testosterone levels of
less than 200, less than 300, less than 346, and less than 400 ng/dL, respectively. An abrupt
increase in hypogonadism prevalence occurred in men aged 45 to 50, beyond which a plateau
of prevalence was maintained until older than 80 years of age. Age, the presence of
uncontrolled diabetes, high total cholesterol, and anemia all correlated with significantly
decreased testosterone levels in men with ED. The prostate-specific antigen level and
creatinine did not affect the testosterone levels.
Androgen deficiency was quite common in men presenting with ED and correlated
significantly with age, uncontrolled diabetes, hypercholesteremia, and anemia. Although
additional prospective studies evaluating the effect of testosterone supplementation in this
population are needed, clinicians, including urologists, should be keenly aware of the large
overlap of patients with ED who might also have the entity, androgen deficiency in the aging
male.
http://www.goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295%2807%2902456-9/abstract
REMEDIES; Growth Hormone:
The Secret of Youth or a Cautionary Tale?
By BONNIE DESIMONE
Published: April 11, 2006
SIXTEEN years ago, a small-scale study of human growth hormone therapy among older men
opened a large debate in the medical community over whether it could stave off physical
decline.
Since then, the arguments on both sides have become only more passionate. Demands for
prescriptions have increased, as has online demand for both legitimate and fraudulent forms
of the product, known as HGH -- eventually growing into an estimated $1 billion global market.
Because evidence shows potentially harmful side-effects, most mainstream doctors caution
against using HGH, except in strictly delineated cases. Other doctors say it is an effective antiaging weapon. Human growth hormone is produced and released by the pituitary gland at the
base of the brain. The hormone stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor, or
IGF-1. That substance, in turn, spurs normal growth in bones and tissues.
''This is an experiment going on with unsuspecting people who are living on the hope that this
will somehow help them retain their youth and vigor,'' said Dr. Robert N. Butler, a professor of
geriatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
The catalyst for the HGH debate was a study published in The New England Journal of
Medicine in 1990. A dozen healthy men, ages 61 to 81, were given HGH injections for six
months. Among the results: lean body mass increased and body fat decreased; and blood
sugar and blood pressure increased. An accompanying editorial called the study ''an
important beginning,'' but raised ethical questions and said more research was needed.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803E4D91E30F932A25757C0A9609C8B63
Your Bio-Identical Hormone
Reference Bible
forward by Suzanne Somers
“Reading Stay Young and Sexy with
Bio-Identical Replacement: The Science
Explained is like taking a college course with
the premier professors of our time. That
would be Drs. Jonathan V. Wright and Lane
Lenard. The confusion surrounding
menopausal hormone replacement needs to
be unraveled, and this book does just that.
Replacing lost hormones due to aging or
stress is the backbone of anti-aging medicine.
Mainstream medicine tends to frown upon
anti-aging as though it were a phenomenon
that didn’t exist, but it is quite clear that
human beings are living longer today than
ever before. Unfortunately, that longer life
may have very little quality left.”
http://stayyoungandsexy.com/
J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol. Vol. 65, No. 1±6, pp. 143±150, 1998
# 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
PII: S0960-0760(98)00027-2
An Updated Review of Environmental Estrogen and Androgen
Mimics and Antagonists
Carlos Sonnenschein* and Ana M. Soto
For the last 40 y, substantial evidence has surfaced on the hormone-like effects of
environmental chemicals such as pesticides and industrial chemicals in wildlife and
humans. The endocrine and reproductive effects of these chemicals are believed to
be due to their ability to: (1) mimic the effect of endogenous hormones, (2) antagonize
the effect of endogenous hormones, (3) disrupt the synthesis and metabolism of
endogenous hormones, and (4) disrupt the synthesis and metabolism of hormone
receptors.
Estrogen mimics are just a class of endocrine disruptors. Recent studies identifed
antiandrogenic activity in environmental chemicals such as vinclozolin, a fungicide,
and DDE, and insecticide. Moreover, a single chemical may produce neurotoxic,
estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects. It has been hypothesized that endocrine
disruptors may play a role in the decrease in the quantity and quality of human semen
during the last 50 y, as well as in the increased incidence of testicular cancer and
cryptorchidism in males and breast cancer incidence in both females and males in the
industrialized world.
http://bio.ijs.si/~upetrovic/png/Zaklj_predavanje_okolje_08/Endocrine_disruptors_J_Steroid_Biochem_Mol_Biol_6
5_143.pdf
The Management of Estrogens, Estrogen Receptors,
Estrogen Metabolism, and Cellular Immunity in the
Treatment of Cancers.
By Walter H. Wainright, President, Haelan Research Foundation
as printed in Townsend Letter – August/September 2010
The reoccurrence of ER-positive breast cancer, at 8 years’ survival time,
was reduced with the combined treatment of soy and Tamoxifen.26,27 The
death rate was reduced with the combined treatment.27 Both Tamoxifen
and aromatase inhibitors work by reducing the estrogen levels entering
the ER-a sites.
Soymilk consumption for two weeks lowers estradiol levels 27% in
Japanese women, and they have lower circulating levels of estrogens
because of their dietary soy, which is fermented.
Unfermented soy products have undesireable characteristics.
26. Kuiper GG, Carlsson F, Grandien K, et al. Comparison of the ligand binding specificity and
transcript tissue distribution of estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Endocrinology. 1997;
138:863-870
27. Barkhem T, Carlsson B, Nilsson Y, Enmark E, Gustafsson J, Nilsson S. Differential response
of estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta to parial estrogen agonists/antagonists.
Mol Pharmacol. 1998;54:105-112.
Review
Estrogen receptor transcription and transactivation: Estrogen
receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta - regulation by selective
estrogen receptor modulators and importance in breast cancer
Benita S Katzenellenbogen and John A Katzenellenbogen
University of Illinois and College of Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA
Breast Cancer Res 2000, 2:335-344doi:10.1186/bcr78
"there has been great excitement generated by the findings that Tamoxifen, as well as
the related SERM raloxifene, are effective in preventing breast cancer in women at
high risk for the disease. Despite these exciting new findings, it was also noted in the
National Cancer Institute-sponsored Prevention Trial that Tamoxifen was not a perfect
SERM because there was increased incidence of endometrial cancer and venous
thromboembolism. These findings highlight the importance of developing more
optimal SERMs, particularly if these agents are to be used for breast cancer
prevention and menopausal hormone replacement, where large numbers of healthy
women would receive treatment for an extended period of time. An ideal SERM for
these applications would be one that has no stimulatory action in the breast and
uterus, and one that would block estrogen action at these sites, yet would act as an
estrogen agonist in bone, liver, and the cardiovascular and central nervous systems."
SERM = Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (preferably the ERβ beta receptor)
http://breast-cancer-research.com/content/2/5/335/abstract
The Complex Relationship between
the two Estrogen Receptors α and β
MYTH: “Women who
take Tamoxifen should
not take soy products
because soy
phytoestrogens occupy
the same receptor sites
as Tamoxifen”.
Soy phytoestrogens are
not estrogens, nor do
they act like estrogens.
There is not one study
showing that
phytoestrogens act like
estrogens.
All estrogens go to
the ER-a sites and are
absorbed in the liver
(95%-98%) which only
has ER-a activity.
There is no ER-b in
the liver.
Interview with Dr. Jonathan Wright by Suzanne Somers
Chapter 14 from Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who are Curing Cancer and How to
Prevent Getting It in the First Place. ©2009
SS: Has anyone ever gotten cancer from using bioidenticals?
JW: I can’t say there is research on this; in fact, there’s virtually
none. But I can tell you that I started prescribing bioidentical
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D.
hormones in the early 1980’s. Until now, 2009, I have talked to
exactly one woman who came back and said “I started taking
bioidenticals and I ended up with cancer,” but I think she had
some other problems behind it. Her cancer was diagnosed almost exactly three
months after she started taking bioidenticals. But because the size of her cancer
there is no way it could have grown that fast in that amount of time.
SS: What is the relationship of progesterone to cancer?
JW: Progesterone is generally considered to be anticarcinogenic. It does reduce a
woman’s risk of cancer if one is taking bioidentical estrogen. Testosterone (in womansize quantities) reduces a woman’s risk too, as does melatonin. But progesterone is
the major protector in this group.
SS: What do you mean the “major protector”?
JW: If a woman is using bioidentical hormones, she should be using a pattern that
includes estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and likely testosterone and a little
bit of thyroid. Men using bioidentical testosterone should likely be using DHEA,
melatonin and a little bit of thyroid too.
13th International Symposium on Functional Medicine
Managing Biotransformation: The Metabolic, Genomic, and
Detoxification Balance Points.
Xenoestrogens, Biotarnsformation, and Differntial
Risks for Breast Cancer
Eleanor Rogan, PhD.
CANCER INITIATION
Until the last decade, epidemiological evidence of an association between sex steroid hormones and
breast cancer risk, based on a retrospective study design such as case-control studies, was
generally inconsistent. In spite of the lack of evidence, prospective cohort studies conducted in the
last 10 years consistently observed that elevated levels of serum estrogens and androgens preceded
the occurrence of breast cancer. In a pooled analysis of epidemiological studies of endogenous
hormones and breast cancer in different populations, both estrogens and androgens were strongly
associated with an increase in breast cancer risk, with evidence of a dose-response relationship.
An etiological link has also been specifically demonstrated between sex steroids and breast cancer
development in premenopausalwomen. Thus, exposure to estrogens is a recognized risk factor for
breast cancer.
To understand how estrogens can induce breast cancer, we need to begin by considering natural
estrogens and xenoestrogens. The natural, endogenous estrogens are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2),
and estriol. Contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy formulations include E1, E2, the
synthetic ethynylestradiol, and the estrogens obtained from mares, equilin and equilenin. Many of
these regimens also include progestins, almost always a synthetic progestin in the United States,
rather than the natural progesterone itself.
http://www.alternative-therapies.com/at/web_pdfs/ifm_proceedings_low.pdf
Xenoestrogens, Biotarnsformation, and Differntial Risks for Breast Cancer (cont.)
Eleanor Rogan, PhD. - http://www.alternative-therapies.com/at/web_pdfs/ifm_proceedings_low.pdf
EXOGENOUS ESTROGENS
We are exposed to exogenous estrogens from many sources, including food and
drink. The estrogens in hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement
therapy formulations include both natural estrogens,such as E2, synthetic
estrogens, such as ethynyl estradiol, and estrogens that humans do not synthesize, such as the
equine estrogens equilin and equilenin. Typically, most of us think of the hormone replacement
formulations as consisting primarily of the equine estrogens, but they actually include a significant
component of E1 and/or E2. Equilin and equilenin are metabolized to 4-hydroxyequilenin (Fig. 17),
which forms adducts with DNA. It is these adducts that we would expect to generate cancer-initiating
mutations.
Breast and prostate cancer are initiated by reaction of catechol estrogen-3,4quinones with DNA to form depurinating adducts that generate the mutations
leading to cancer. These events have been demonstrated with the natural
estrogens and may also occur with xenoestrogens. Some of the estrogenDNA adducts, estrogen-GSH conjugates, and estrogen metabolites may serve
as biomarkers for risk of developing breast, prostate, and other cancers. We
think they would be detected long before tumors appear. We think breast and
prostate cancer can be prevented by using natural dietary supplements to
decrease the opportunities for catechol estrogen-3,4-quinones to react with
DNA.
INTERNATIONAL MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
HRT in the early menopause:
scientific evidence and common perceptions
Summary of the First IMS Global Summit on menopause-related issues
March 29–30, 2008
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the first-line and most effective
treatment for menopausal symptoms. But, despite massive, good-quality clinical
outcome data on efficacy and safety when HRT is begun for symptoms in the early
postmenopause, many physicians and lay people believe that hormones are risky and
undesired even in the most appropriate case scenarios.
Many misconceptions and misperceptions play roles in this complicated situation:
some are purely scientific, others are cultural or social. The importance of the media
and internet as effective, but unmonitored, means for dissemination of information,
interpretation and recommendations cannot be ignored. Actual scientific facts and
data have become trivialized in the mass media, often receiving less editorial scrutiny
than normal journalism.
Furthermore, many HRT prescribers and users do not attempt to broaden their
knowledge on menopause and its treatment beyond capturing headlines or short
commentaries, often produced by unqualified or prejudiced sources or
unprofessional people. As a result, a gap has formed between the actual clinical
evidence and the way it is perceived by all concerned.
http://www.imsociety.org/pdf_files/comments_and_press_statements/ims_press_statement_13_05_08.pdf?SES
SID=krplkcvf8f2u5ov4079v6l6k86
INTERNATIONAL MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
HRT in the early menopause: scientific evidence and common perceptions (cont.)
Summary of the First IMS Global Summit on menopause-related issues March 29–30, 2008
Breast
Perceptions
• All types of HRT cause an increased risk of breast cancer within a short duration of use.
• HRT causes an increase in mortality from breast cancer.
• The reported decline in breast cancer rates in the US following the publication of the WHI
proves that HRT causes cancer.
• HRT causes an increase in mammographic breast density.
• Increase in mammographic breast density is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
The evidence
• There is a wide variation across the world in the incidence of breast cancer and its risk factors.
• There are multiple risk factors for breast cancer, including life-style factors especially alcohol
intake, obesity and lack of exercise. These need to be included during counselling to put the
magnitude of risk of HRT into an appropriate perspective.
• After 5 years’ use of combined estrogen and progestogen, there is a small increase in risk of
breast cancer in North American women of about eight extra cases per 10,000 women per year.
However, no significant increase was seen in women without prior use of HRT in the WHI study.
• Estrogen-only use does not cause an increase in breast cancer for up to 7 years. In
observational studies, a small increase in the risk with estrogen-alone therapy appears with
long-term use.
• Women using combined HRT before a diagnosis of breast cancer have a reduced mortality.
http://www.imsociety.org/pdf_files/comments_and_press_statements/ims_press_statement_13_05_08.pdf?SES
SID=krplkcvf8f2u5ov4079v6l6k86
INTERNATIONAL MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
HRT in the early menopause: scientific evidence and common perceptions (cont.)
Summary of the First IMS Global Summit on menopause-related issues March 29–30, 2008
Bone
Perceptions
• HRT should not be used for bone protection because of its unfavorable safety profile.
• HRT is not as effective in reducing fracture risk as other products, e.g. bisphosphonates.
• Official recommendations by health authorities (EMEA, FDA) limit the use of HRT to a secondline alternative. HRT could only be considered when other medications failed, were contraindicated or not tolerated or in symptomatic women.
The evidence
• Overall, HRT is effective in the prevention of all osteoporosis-related fractures, even in patients
at low risk of fracture.
• Although no head-to-head studies have compared HRT to bisphosphonates in terms of fracture
reduction, there is no evidence to suggest that bisphosphonates or any other antiresorptive
therapy are superior to HRT.
• It is therefore suggested that, in 50–59-year-old postmenopausal women, HRT is a cost-effective
first-line treatment in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.
• Even lower than standard-dose preparations maintain a positive influence on bone indices such
as bone mineral density.
• HRT has a positive effect on osteoarthritis and the integrity of intervertebral disks.
http://www.imsociety.org/pdf_files/comments_and_press_statements/ims_press_statement_13_05_08.pdf?SES
SID=krplkcvf8f2u5ov4079v6l6k86
Estrogen receptor beta (ER ) agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN):
biological activities of R- and S-enantiomers on behavior and
hormonal response to stress
Michael J. Weiser, T. John Wu, and Robert J. Handa*
Endocrinology, doi:10.1210/en.2008-1355
December 12, 2008
Estrogens have been shown to have positive and negative effects on anxiety and depressive-like
behaviors, perhaps explained by the existence of two distinct estrogen receptor (ER) systems, ERα
alpha ERβ beta. The ERβ agonist, diarylpropionitrile (DPN) has been shown to have anxiolytic
properties in rats. DPN exists as a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, R-DPN and S-DPN. In this
study, we compared R-DPN and S-DPN for their in vitro binding affinity, ability to activate
transcription in vitro at an estrogen response element (ERE), and in vivo endocrine and behavioral
responses. In vitro binding studies utilizing recombinant rat ERβ revealed that S-DPN has a
several fold greater relative binding affinity (RBA) for ERβ than does R-DPN. Furthermore, cotransfection of N-38 immortalized hypothalamic cells with an ERE-luc reporter and ERβ revealed
that S-DPN is a potent activator of transcription in vitro, whereas R-DPN is not. Subsequently, we
examined anxiety-like behaviors using the open field (OF) test and elevated plus maze (EPM), or
depressive-like behaviors, using the forced swim test (FST). Ovariectomized young adult female
Sprague-Dawley rats treated with racemic DPN, S-DPN, and the ERβ agonist, WAY-200070 (Wyeth,
Princeton, NJ), showed significantly decreased anxiety-like behaviors in both the OF and EPM and
significantly less depressive-like behaviors in the FST compared to vehicle, R-DPN or PPT (ERα
agonist) treated animals. In concordance with the RBA and transcriptional potency, these results
demonstrate that the S-enantiomer is the biologically active form of DPN. These studies also
indicate that estrogen's positive effects on mood, including its anxiolytic and anti-depressive
actions, are due to its actions at ERβ.
Efficacy Comparison of Pueraria mirifica (PM) against
Conjugated Equine Estrogen (CEE) with/without
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) in
the Treatment of Climacteric Symptoms in
Perimenopausal Women: Phase III Study
Verapol Chandeying MD*, Malinee Sangthawan MD**
J Med Assoc Thai 2007; 90 (9): 1720-6
Full text. e-Journal: http://www.medassocthai.org/journal
Perimenopausal women attending the Menopausal clinic of Hat Yai Regional
Hospital were voluntarily recruited. The vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes
and night sweats, as well as other unpleasant symptoms, urogenital and
psychological symptoms, were also assessed. Patients were voluntarily enrolled
and randomly received daily 50 mg raw material of PM, Group A, or daily 0.625 mg
of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) with/without 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone
acetate (MPA), Group B, depend on nonhysterectomized/
hysterectomized condition.
Conclusion: PM, containing phytoestrogens, has estrogenic effect as similar
as CEE, and can alleviate the climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal
women. PM demonstrates great promise in the treatment of climacteric
symptoms. However, optimal doses should be clinically assessed to meet
appropriate individual responses.
Pueraria mirifica
The “Miracle” Herb From Thailand
Pueraria mirifica is an indigenous herb of
Thailand, known in Thai as "Kwao Kreu"
or "Kwao Kreu Kao" (White Kwao Kreu).
It belongs to the Family Leguminosae,
subfamily Papilionoideae, or the soy,
bean & pea subfamily.
The plants are commonly found in
abundance in the forests of the north,
west and northeast regions of Thailand
at an altitude of 300-800 meters above
sea level.
Active principles in this plant are
found in the tuberous root, which
looks like a chain of round-shaped
bulbs of various sizes connected to
the next one via small root
throughout the entire length of the
root. The shape and size of the
tuberous root are diverse
depending on the environment in
which it exists.
Pueraria mirifica (PM)
Also known as Thai kudzu, PM has been shown
to be very effective at relieving menopausal
symptoms, including vaginal dryness, hot
flashes, insomnia, and irritability. Thirteen
different species are native to Thailand, but only
one has been used for seven millennia by both
men and women for its hormone-like effects.
The standardized for of PM contains a potent
plant sterol known as miroesterol, which is
particularly effective for relieving menopause
symptoms safely and effectively.
Miroesterol has estrogen like effects
on bone and vaginal tissue, while also
protecting the breasts and endometrium
from the adverse effects of excess
estrogen.
In one study, that compared PM to conjugated
equine estrogens (Premarin), PM had an
estrogenic effect that was similar to Premarin
but without the side effects. Research has
further shown that PM can halt the growth of
breast cancer cells in vitro.
Pueraria mirifica Promotes fibroblasts
in Normal Breast Cells and Inhibits
Estrogen-Dependent Breast Cancer Cells
Sayan Sawatsri 1,Bundit Juntayanee1,Suwicha Jitpatima2, Prasert Boonnao1,
Chuchat Kampoo N Ayuttaya3, Surapote Wongyai4and Neil Sidell5
A series of studies involving breast cell lines and the activity of Pueraria mirifica in
vitro have been performed by the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta,
Georgia, USA, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Phramongkutklao
College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand. These studies have shown that Pueraria
mirifica root extract has potent anti-estrogenic properties against aggressive cell
cancer lines in vitro, especially the proliferative estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)
breast cancer lines (T47-D, MCF-7, and ZR-75-1) obtained from the MD Anderson
Cancer Institute (Texas) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the U.S. National
Institutes of Health (NIH).
According to the study conducted at the School of Medicine, Saint Mariane
University, Tokyo, Japan by Kuramoshi, T. and Smitasiri, Y. about the preliminary
study of Pueraria mirifica in Japanese females, 50 healthy menstruating volunteer
females, ages 20 to 49, were given between 100 to 600 mg orally of Pueraria mirifica
root powder daily as capsules for 7 days, two weeks after menstruation. No reports
of abnormally heavy, severe, or missed menstruation were recorded.
Preliminary study of Pueraria mirifica in Japanese.
Prof. Kuramoshi*
Assoc. Prof. Yuthana Smitasiri**
* School of Medicine, Saint Mariane University, Tokyo, Japan
** School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Material: Pueraria mirifica powder from Kanjanaburi Province, Thailand
Volunteer: Female 50 cases (Age varied during 20-49 years)
Dosage used: 100-600 mg PM powder / day
Taking Time: Any time
Period of Taking: 2 weeks after menstruation finished for 7 days
Menstrual cycle: 28-31 days
Normal Value of result: Normal value for female
Data collection: middle of February - 1st week of August 1999
Study Results: Effects of PM taken orally
on female hormones
Hormones examination
(normal values)
Pre – taking
Post – taking
Estrogen in serum
follicular phase (20 – 40 pg./ml.)
ovulation phase (150 – 400 pg./ml)
luteal phase (100 – 300 pg./ml)
18 – 34
urine estrogen
E1(3.0 – 17.6 g / 24 hr.)
E2(0.7 – 9.0 g / 24 hr.)
E3(3.0 – 26.8 g / 24 hr.)
3.6 – 16.3
0.6 – 8.1
3.2 – 27.1
2.9 – 15.5
0.8 – 7.6
3.5 – 24.9
<2
<2
urine pregnanediol (< 2 mg / 24 hr)
267 – 313
129 – 231
Pueraria mirifica (Puresterol) does NOT increase urine
estrogen levels, thus avoids any estrogen related risks.
How to Turn on Telomerase
Activity and Find the
Fountain of Youth.
By Jeffrey Dach, MD
By now, it is should be obvious to you that activating telomerase, protects the telomeres
from shortening and will slow or reverse the process of aging. On the contrary, knocking
out or inhibiting telomerase activity results in shortened telomeres with acceleration of
the aging process.
What Activates Telomerase ?
Among other things, the bioidentical hormones, 17 beta estradiol (estrogen) and
testosterone activate telomerase. The major mechanism for control and activation of
telomorase is the hTERT promoter gene which stands for the human telomerase reverse
transcriptase (hTERT) gene. When the hTERT gene is sequenced, and the code
reviewed, it turns out there are two estrogen receptor elements in this gene. This
explains why 17-beta estradiol activates telomerase.
The Harvard study used Tamoxifen on genetically modified telomeres. In the real
world, tamoxifen is an estrogen blocker that occupies the cell receptors and turn OFF
telomerase. Androgens were also found to turn on the hTERT gene and activate
telomerase, and as expected, androgen blocker drugs inhibit telomerase.
Bioidentical Hormones are the more logical choice…
http://www.wellsphere.com/genetics-article/bioidentical-hormones-reverse-aging-new-harvard-study-by-jeffrey-dach-md/1295172
Environmental Toxins and Women’s Health
Lyn Hanshew, MD
6/11/09
The exponential increase of diseases and symptoms is directly related to
the increase in environmental toxins. Over 100,000 toxic chemicals have
been released into our environment since World War II 1. A new study by
the Environmental Working Group completed in May of 2009 2 found up to
48 toxic chemicals commonly used in everyday consumer products in blood
and urine samples of five prominent women environmental activists who live across the U.S. "In
everyone we found fire retardants, Teflon chemicals, fragrances, bisphenol A or BPA, and
perchlorate" stated Sonya Lunder, MPH. These chemicals have been linked to birth
defects, hormonal dysregulation and increased cancer rates. Anila Jacob, MD, MPH
notes that health trends in the U.S. suggest that the chemical load plays a role, citing growing
rates of autism spectrum disorder, diabetes, and certain cancers. “We are walking, talking toxic
waste sites,” Nancy Evans from the Breast Cancer Fund stated in 2001 1. Her comments were
regarding the CDC report published in 2001 documented the widespread pesticide
contamination, high levels of Mercury and phthalates across the U.S.
“I feel stupid, fat and tired” is a common lament of American women. Obesity
rates have skyrocketed in the past 20 years with the CDC reporting in June 2009, with
1/6th of Americans overweight and an estimated 39.8 million people affected. Fifty
percent of women in the U.S. age 20 to 74 are overweight or obese (The National
Women’s Health Information Center). The incidence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is
1/544 Americans and an estimated 500,000 are affected. Thorough evaluation of
these people will invariably reveal heavy metal toxicity and correlated neurological,
immune and endocrine dysfunction.
Journal of Advancement in Medicine
Volume 11, Number 1, Spring 1998
Mercury Poisoning and Its Potential Impact on Hormone
Regulation and Aging: Preliminary Clinical Observations Using
a New Therapeutic Approach
James P. Frackelton, MD, FACAM, and R. Lyle Christensen, PhD
Mercury and other heavy metal poisoning, represent a problem that is more
common than most physicians recognize. Such poisoning can also have far
reaching import in the diagnosis and understanding of the patient's
hormone status, especially in the aging individual.
The diagnosis and treatment of mercury poisoning is a major key to the
reversal of hormonal dysregulation, often seen in patients of any age.
This paper reviews the important clinical connection between hormone
dysregulation and mercury toxicity and offers suggestions for diagnosis
and treatment.
Correcting Hormone Imbalance with Detoxification
Lyn Hanshew, MD
6/11/09
Environmental toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and volatile
organic compounds are more pervasive than ever. From contaminated air and
food, to pharmaceutical byproducts in water supplies, as our toxic exposure
increases, so does our bio-accumulation of these same toxins. The body has
limited ability to metabolize, mobilize and excrete these poisons. Stored toxins
negatively impact the neurological, immune and endocrine systems and as significant damage is
done, we develop symptoms and disease related to these impaired systems.
Let’s examine symptoms related to a toxically impaired endocrine system. Hormones are
messenger molecules that interact with receptors on the cell membranes to instruct the cell as to
what to do. Common symptoms/diseases of deficient endocrine function include: Obesity,
Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyper or Hypo glandular function, Infertility, Fatigue, Chronic
Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Sexual dysfunction, Decreased libido, Impaired memory, Mood disorder,
Sleep disturbance, Decreased cognitive function, Decreased cardiac function, Decrease muscle
mass, Decreased bone mass, Osteopenia, Constipation, Cold hands/cold feet, and more. In
conventional allopathic medicine, a patient is told that the “symptom” she is experiencing (such
as one listed previously) is the “problem”, and “Oh, have I got a pharmaceutical drug for you!”
Pharmaceutical drugs do not correct the problem of poisoned endocrine pathways.
Specifically related to hormone production and regulation, Mercury and
other toxins prevent the conversion of Free T4 (inactive) to Free T3 (active).
The enzyme required for this conversion is the 5’-deiodinase enzyme. This
enzyme is inactivated by Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead.
Why do we need Iodine?
Iodine is an essential element in every cell in the body. Our glandular tissues,
including the ovaries, uterus, prostate, and the breasts, need adequate amounts of
iodine to optimally function.
White blood cells cannot effectively guard against infection without adequate
amounts of iodine.
Iodine enables the function of our thyroid gland, “the master gland of metabolism.
It is necessary for the synthesis of thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Iodine
deficiency leaves the thyroid gland unable to produce these hormones. When
levels of thyroid hormones fall, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is produced
by the hypothalamus. TRH then prompts the pituitary gland to make thyrotropin or
thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland’s
production of T4 and T3.
Too little iodine can enlarge the thyroid gland producing
what is known as a “goiter”.
Iodine deficiency can also impair fetal brain development
and can result in “cretanism”.
Where do we get Iodine?
The iodine content of most foods depends on the iodine content of the soil.
Seafood is rich in iodine because marine animals can concentrate the iodine from
seawater. Certain types of seaweed (e.g., wakame) are also very rich in iodine.
Processed foods may contain slightly higher levels of iodine due to the addition
of iodized salt or food additives, such as calcium iodate and potassium iodate.
Dairy products are relatively good sources of iodine because iodine is commonly
added to animal feed in the U.S. In the U.K. and northern Europe (however, iodine
levels in dairy products tend to be lower in summer when cattle are allowed to
graze in pastures with low soil iodine content).
The table at left lists the iodine
content of some iodine-rich foods
in micrograms (mcg).
We get much of our iodine from
iodized salt, at least in the U.S. and
Canada.
Because the iodine content of
foods can vary considerably,
these values should be considered
approximate.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/iodine/
Why are we deficient?
Deficient Soils. Glacial action and natural weathering can leach iodine
from the soil leaving it deficient. Plants and animals raised in areas with
iodine-deficient soil will be poor sources of iodine in the human diet and
the animals themselves will be less healthy and productive.
Goitrogenic Foods. Certain raw foods interfere with Iodine utilization,
such as bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, garden
kress, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, rutabagas, turnips.
However, cooking does appear to help minimize or inactivate the
goitrogenic compounds found in these foods, since they are heat sensitive.
Soy products (soybeans, soybean oil, soy milk, soy lecithin, tempeh,
tofu, anything made with soy…) also inhibits Iodine utilization and should
be avoided by individuals with low-thyroid functioning.
Environmental Toxins – acting as endocrine disruptors and competing
with iodine on cell receptors.
Iodine Increases Toxic Mineral
Elimination
Iodine (12.5 to 50 mg daily) increases urinary
excretion of lead and mercury as early as 24
hours post iodine intake.
Mixing lead acetate (clear and soluble) and
Potassium Iodide (Clear and soluble) forms lead
acetate (yellow and insoluble)
In intestinal tract, when lead from liver binds to
iodine, it forms lead iodide, which prevents its
reabsorption after elimination by the liver
Abraham, G.E. The Orig. Int. 12(2):57-66, 2005
November 7, 2010
ACAM Michael B Schachter MD, CNS
48
New Uses of Iodine as a Chaotropic
Element to Remove Toxic Metals
Chaotropic element = increases the solubility of
proteins in water and this may be one of the
mechanisms involved in the elimination of lead
and other heavy metals.
Iodine doesn’t bind to the metal; rather it
changes the structure of water, making the
metals more soluble in water. Increases the
wetness of water.
Hatefi Br Y and Hanstein W.G. Solubilization of Particulate Proteins
and Nonelectrolytes by Chaotropic Agents, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci.
USA, 62:1129-1136, 1969. Cited in Guy Abraham Lecture at Iodine
Conference-2007
November 7, 2010
ACAM Michael B Schachter MD, CNS
49
What are the symptoms of iodine deficiency?
All of the symptoms of iodine deficiency are related to its effect on the
thyroid:
Goiter - Without adequate iodine, the thyroid progressively enlarges
(develops a goiter) as it tries to keep up with demand for thyroid
hormone production. Within a goiter, nodules can develop. Patients
with a large goiter may experience symptoms of choking, especially
when lying down, and difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Pregnancy-related problems - Iodine deficiency is especially important
in women who are pregnant or nursing their infants. Severe iodine
deficiency in the mother has been associated with miscarriages,
stillbirth, preterm delivery, and congenital abnormalities in their
babies. Children of mothers with severe iodine deficiency during
pregnancy can have mental retardation and problems with growth,
hearing, and speech. In the most severe form, an underactive thyroid
can result in cretinism (a syndrome characterized by permanent brain
damage, mental retardation, deaf mutism, spasticity, and short
stature), though this is not seen in the United States.
Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy, which may be present in
some women in the United States, may be associated with low
intelligence in children.
Hypothyroidism – As the body’s iodine levels fall,
hypothyroidism may develop, since iodine is essential for making
thyroid hormone.
Common symptoms of problem with thyroid due to low thyroid or
hypothyroidism are:
• Fatigue and weakness
• Low basal temperature (cold intolerance)
• Dry and coarse skin
• Hair loss
• Cold hands and feet
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Depression
• Poor memory, forgetfulness, dementia
• Nervousness and tremors
• Immune system problems
• Heavy menstrual periods
Possible Clinical Indications for
Therapeutic Iodine Use
Cancer-especially breast, prostate, uterine
Thyroid conditions
Cardiovascular conditions
Allergies
GI conditions
Cystic breasts, diabetes, infertility and other
endocrine imbalances
Infectious diseases (All)
Neurological & psychiatric conditions
November 7, 2010
ACAM Michael B Schachter MD, CNS
52
Iodine Induces Apoptosis in Human Breast
Cancer Cells
• Molecular iodine (I2) is known to inhibit the induction and
promotion of N-methyl-n- nitrosourea-induced mammary
carcinogenesis and to regress 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)
anthracene-induced breast tumors (rats)
• Iodine induced apoptosis in all of the following cell lines,
except MDA-MB-231: Cytotoxicity of iodine on cultured
human breast cancer cell lines, namely MCF-7, MDAMB-231, MDA-MB-453, ZR-75-1, and T-47D.
Schrivastava A, Tiwari, M, et al. Molecular Iodine Induces Caspaseindependent Apoptosis in Human Breast Carcinoma Cells Involving
the Mitochondria-mediated pathway.The Journal of Biological
Chemistry, 281, 19762-19771, 2006.
November 7, 2010
ACAM Michael B Schachter MD, CNS
53
Iodine’s Role in Preventing & Treating
CV Disease
1958: Finland had the highest rate of CAD
mortality in Europe
More prevalent in Eastern Finland compared to
Western Finland—Why?
Researchers checked 47 variables & found
greatest statistical difference between East &
West was iodine intake
Risk of death from CAD was 353% higher in
individuals with goiter & people with goiter died
at a younger age
November 7, 2010
ACAM Michael B Schachter MD, CNS
54
Dr. David Brownstein, author of the book “Iodine, Why
You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It”, states that
“Approximately 1.5 billion people, about one-third
of the earth’s population, live in an area of iodine
deficiency as defined by the World Health
Organization”.
Even though iodine is added to the salt supply,
which can help prevent conditions such as goiter,
it [iodized salt] is inadequate to prevent an iodine
deficiency.
David Brownstein, M.D. is a Board-Certified family physician and
is one of the foremost practitioners of holistic medicine. He is the
Medical Director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in West
Bloomfield, MI. Dr. Brownstein has lectured internationally to
physicians and others about his success in using natural hormones
and nutritional therapies in his practice.
https://www.drbrownstein.com/homePage.php
What Is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a natural superior antioxidant compound
found in an abundance in red grapes (mainly the skins),
grape seed extract, red wine, Japanese Knotweed, peanuts
and some berries. A new study has also discovered that
significant levels of resveratrol can also be found in cocoa
powder and dark chocolate.
Reported Resveratrol Health Benefits Include:
• Anti-aging and Anti-oxidant
• Increased levels of energy and better muscle health
• Better heart health and cholesterol
• Improved brain and kidney health Improved prostate health and a more regular
urine flow
• Improved breast health in women
• Improved cell protection by inhibiting production of several human cancer cell lines
• Resveratrol may reduce liver disease
http://www.resveratrolhealthbenefits.net/
Beneficial Hormonal Herbs
whole plant extracts of tribulus terrestris, schizandra, licorice and moomiyo, studies
show hormonal effects on anabolic (skeletal muscle growth) effects of IGF-1 (insulin
like growth factor -1) and reduction of body fat (catabolic effects).
Tribulus terrestris is a herb that has been used in the traditional medicine of
China and India for centuries. Research performed in Bulgaria and Russia
indicates that tribulus increases levels of the hormones testosterone (by
increasing luteinizing hormone), DHEA, and estrogen.
The hardy schizandra plant, also called the magnolia vine, is an ancient and
traditional Chinese remedy, used to help alleviate a wide range of illnesses
and conditions, and is believed to work by activating enzymes to produce
glutathione.
Moomiyo, or “mumie” is a bio-stimulator, serves to elevate the immune system
and neuro-hormonal regulation, controls oxidation-reduction processes, and
has a positive influence on mineral metabolism. has been used by the elite
Russian military and sports establishment for nearly four decades for
increasing strength and muscle mass as well as for its recuperative powers.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) Powder
Maca's reputation as a powerful enhancer of
strength and stamina and as a libido-fertility herb
goes back more than 500 years, and today it is
gaining worldwide attention for its effectiveness.
Maca is a radish-like root that grows in
the mountains of Peru. Peruvian Maca
Root naturally contains significant
amounts of amino acids, carbohydrates,
vitamins, and minerals.
Maca is both a hormone balancer and an adaptogen. It helps stimulate
the pituitary gland, acting as a kind of tonic for the hormone system.
When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system
becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone
output of the other three glands.
Menopause. 2008 Nov-Dec;15(6):1157-62.
Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca)
on psychological symptoms and measures of
sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women
Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Ashton JF, Cox MB, Stojanovska L.
School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Victoria University, St. Albans, Victoria,Australia.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the estrogenic and androgenic activity of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) and its
effect on the hormonal profile and symptoms in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Fourteen
postmenopausal women completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
They received 3.5 g/day of powered Maca for 6 weeks and matching placebo for 6 weeks, in either
order, over a total of 12 weeks. At baseline and weeks 6 and 12 blood samples were collected for
the measurement of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormonebinding globulin, and the women completed the Greene Climacteric Scale to assess the severity of
menopausal symptoms. In addition, aqueous and methanolic Maca extracts were tested for
androgenic and estrogenic activity using a yeast-based hormone-dependent reporter assay.
RESULTS: No differences were seen in serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle-stimulating
hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin between baseline, Maca
treatment, and placebo (P > 0.05). The Greene Climacteric Scale revealed a significant reduction in
scores in the areas of psychological symptoms, including the subscales for anxiety and depression
and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption compared with both baseline and placebo (P <
0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings show that Lepidium meyenii (Maca) (3.5 g/d) reduces
psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers measures of sexual
dysfunction in postmenopausal women independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18784609
Ensure Safe, Effective Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement:
Select the Right Hormone Test for Your Patient.
By Lara Pizzorno, MDiv, MA, LMT.
Managing Editor, Longevity Medicine Review
Treating the sequelae of the age-and
stress related decline in adult hormones
with bio-identical hormone replacement
(BHRT) can restore more youthful
hormone levels and significantly alleviate
symptoms associated with “normal”
aging, optimizing health, happiness and
quality of life. Successful and safe BHRT,
however, necessitates laboratory testing
to assess the patient’s curent hormonal
status, monitor treatment, and ensure that
hormones are being metabolized in ways
that reduce risks for cancer,
cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis,
other age-related diseases and declines in
cognitive and sexual function.
Hormones can be assayed using saliva, blood (serum), and urine. Each testing method
has advantages and disadvantages. Which of the three hormone test methods, or
which combination of tests, you will wish to utilize will depend upon what information
you need in a given clinical situation. www.lmreview.com
Genetic testing for
70+ specific markers
* Phase I and Phase II Detox (Anti-aging) * Oxidative Stress * Bone Health
* Lipid Profiling * Diabetes * Inflammation * Nutria-gen * Lactose Intolerance
* Weight & Exercise Management
THANK YOU
Garry F. Gordon MD, DO, MD(H)
GORDON RESEARCH INSTITUTE
600 N. Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541
PH 928-472-4263 Fax 1-928-474-3819
[email protected]
www.gordonresearch.com