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Anabolic Hormones: DHEA, Cortisol, and
Growth Hormone
The majority of both men and women feel an improved sense of well-being while
on the DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), including better
sleep, increased
energy, improved ability to handle stress, and a more relaxed feeling. The
most amazing finding was that some of their chronic joint pains and immobility
improved. DHEA also
helps
connective tissue deficiency by stimulating immune function.
DHEA reverses the negative effects that
cortisone and other glucocorticosteroids have on suppressing the immune system.
Testosterone Testosterone
has anabolic or tissue-building properties that are beneficial in wound
healing, and tremendous bone and connective tissue building ability.
It is important to realize that
the
primary event in the start of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the loss of
collagen. Since
testosterone builds bone collagen it most likely builds collagen in other
places like connective tissues. This is why growth hormone (IGF-1) and
testosterone are so important because they have the most stimulatory effects
on collagen and bone production. This is why osteoporosis is very rare in
males.
Women do secrete testosterone and other male hormones. The
problems occur when these anabolic hormone levels become too low and cause
connective tissue deficiency. For women this typically occurs after
menopause
when androgen production decreases by as much as fifty percent. It is for this
reason that women with connective tissue problems need to think about taking
natural testosterone or androgenic herbs.
Growth Hormone: Studies have shown that growth hormone has significant
effects on soft tissues by increasing muscle strength, muscle size, skin
thickness, and skin elasticity. It helps make wrinkles disappear and promotes
new hair growth (balding and wrinkles are obviously a result of decrease in
growth hormone as we age). Injections of growth hormone stimulate the
formation of collagen, increase the tensile strength of wounds, and make
wounds heal faster.
The wonderful thing about growth hormone is that it is
secreted primarily during stage three and stage four sleep, which are deep
sleep cycles. To encourage growth hormone production, all you have to do is
get deeper night’s sleep. (See
related article)
Prolotherapy in conjunction with treating systemic
connective deficiency syndromes as described above, can have dramatic results
even in severe cases. Many people have come to our office in Oak Park, IL
saying that they were told their cases were hopeless. Fortunately there is a
cure for
chronic pain, Prolotherapy.
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