BALANCING FEMALE HORMONES
Functional medicine, the clinical model for balancing female hormones, requires attention to and normalization of control systems.
The brain and spinal cord are referred to as the central nervous system. The remainder of the nervous system is the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The portion of the PNS under volitional control is the somatic division, while the rest of the PNS is referred to as the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Both the ANS and the endocrine system are essentially under automatic control. An underlying assumption has been that functional nervous system normalization is achieved by affecting a balance in the interaction between these two subdivisions.
Neuroendocrine System
The adrenal glands produce the complimentary steroid hormones Cortisol and DHEA. Cortisol and DHEA are involved directly or indirectly in virtually every aspect of cellular function.
DHEA is the major precursor of the sex hormones, testosterone, and the estrogens. The adrenals also produce the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are involved the "fight or flight" response, and aldosterone, which regulates systemic water balance through the kidneys. Due to the global actions of its products, proper adrenal control is vital to homeostasis.
Ovarian Control
The ovaries balance the functions of four major hormones: Progesterone, the Estrogens, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Leuteinizing Hormone (LH).
The first two hormones have especially far reaching effects, even without pregnancy, and even after menopause. Progesterone, among other things, serves to increase bone production, reduce the risk of some cancers, and normalize blood clotting and blood sugars. The Estrogens serve to slow the rate of bone loss, improve immunity, increase levels of high-density lipoprotein, and lower levels of low-density lipoprotein.
Day One is first day of menstruation. DHEA can be converted into estrogen. BioHealth Diagnostics provides DHEA in drop form for easy titration.
On day 16 Progesterone is used in decreasing doses until day 28. Nothing is taken again until the cycle is repeated the first day of the following cycle.
DHEA can be purchased through BioHealth Diagnostics at the follwing link provided:
When prompted to enter the doctor's name or code while creating an account you may enter Dr. Larry Masula or the code number 70.