Hormones - Not Just for Reproducing

There are many forms of hormones doing their jobs throughout the brain and body. Most people think of hormones as only reproductive. However, there are far more that are functional in other ways. These various hormones may influence each other and/or feed into the cycles and functions of each other. The hypothalymus, pineal and pituitary are the main glands in the brain that control and regulate the "endocrine (hormone producing) organs and glands of the body. Emotional discomfort, poor nutrient supply, sleep/stress patterns can all contribute to a steady decline in health for these "masters" of the endocrine system.

The heart, thymus (also the master gland of the immune system) thyroid, adrenals, stomach, pancreas and liver, as well as the reproductive organs, are all hormone producing organs and glands. Our energy needs are influenced by this system and these organs and glands are very inter-dependant. When one weakens another "picks up the slack" which may create a "domino effect" of weakening one after another. Very often, as a person feels the slide from youthful health to low, straining for energy, lack of health. This can be the result of a process of decline that is occurring internally in the endocrine system.

Hormone Replacement vs Hormone Assistance

In recent years, reproductive hormone replacement has become popular. Note the word "replacement" because when a hormone is introduced from the outside, it signals the brain that no naturally occurring hormone is needed. The organ responsible for production of that hormone slowly atrophies as it's "services are not required". If this goes on long enough (which depends on the degree of fatigue in that organ) it may not ever regain it's ability to produce hormone.

There are some situations (such as severe trauma to the organ) where there is no naturally occurring capacity to produce. In this case, hormone replacement is necessary and appropriate.

However, in the vast majority of instances, there is simply "sluggish" production. This may not be diagnosed at an early stage, when boosting the capacity is relatively easy. Most cases get fairly advanced - with the person experiencing strong symptoms - before anything is considered awry. Even at that stage, a good approach is the combination of:

• plant-derived assistance,
• "glandulars" (animal derived)
• appropriate nutrients

This combination can bolster the organs and signal the brain to re-empower the organs and glands that have been fatigued to "get back to work". When the basic nutrient needs are replenished in the body, the organs and glands will do their jobs well into old age.

Nature's Balancing Act - The "Reuptake" System

Another aspect of hormones is a wonderful natural occurrence called a "re-uptake" system. This is a safeguard system that allows for a substance to be introduced into the body, get utilized, and any excess be recycled for later use or if not needed, to be "dumped" from the body.

Unfortunately, any entity that is recognized as "foreign" or not naturally occurring from within the body or naturally compatible from the environment, cannot partake of the re-uptake "protection from excess" and just gets "stuck" wherever it lands up in the body. Where it does end up, in the case of hormones, will be in tissue that is rich in hormone receptors. The "foreign" hormone or any residue from it, will compete with any natural-source hormone (which should be produced in the body) for cell receptor sites. There they will get "stuck" without a re-uptake system to regulate them. Thus, the high incidence of toxicities and abnormal growths in areas of the body that have to do with reproduction, from the use of synthetic (foreign) hormones.

Of course one may ask, "Why are there hormone-related abnormalities where synthetic substances have not been used?". The same wonderful re-uptake system can get "out of whack" if the natural regulation is without appropriate nutrient support to function as it should. This is where early detection and use of natural supplementation can afford a dramatic turn-around and complications can be reversed.

Hormone Precursors: Good or Bad?

Pre-cursors to hormones such as HGH, DHEA or Pregnenalone are often advocated to boost energy and hopefully, levels of deficient hormones. Again, even though from natural sources, this is "replacement". The goal should be to determine the necessary elements to rejuvenate the responsible organs and glands. If pre-cursors are used, hopefully it is with an eye on temporary support while the real causative factors are replenished.

Refueling the Cells for Health

Generally, it should be recognized that the body has an amazing ability to respond and heal itself. All it requires is the proper "fuel" being able to get into and nourish the cell. At the core of every "failing to function" is improper or insufficient fuel.