Dhea, Pregnenolone And Testosterone

The adrenal glands are located just above each kidney and produce various hormones that play an essential role in many bodily processes. These hormones include cortisol, which helps the body alleviate stress, and adrenaline,...

What are the Adrenal Glands responsible for?

The adrenal glands also produce aldosterone, which helps with electrolyte balance, DHEA, pregnenolone, and testosterone. These hormones regulate normal functions such as energy production, metabolism, immunity, libido, and fertility. They can also help protect the body from age-related decline.

What is DHEA

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands as well as other sources in the body. It is essential for many functions and plays a crucial role in our immunity; it has anti-inflammatory benefits by inhibiting the production of IL-6, it is protective of the heart by reducing blood pressure and protects against ischemic heart disease, and it is neuroprotective within the brain. It has also been found essential for maintaining good mental and physical health and assisting the body to alleviate stress.

DHEA and your immune system

DHEA plays an essential role in the immune system, the body's natural defense against disease. Research suggests that DHEA may help to strengthen the immune system by boosting levels of white blood cells and antibodies. It may also stimulate T-lymphocytes, which are essential for defending against infections and cancer. Additionally, DHEA has been associated with improved lymphocyte function, which is necessary for proper immune functioning.

How DHEA affects inflammation

In addition to its immunological benefits, DHEA also helps to regulate inflammation. It can lower the activity of pro-inflammatory substances produced by the body during stress or illness. Studies have found that higher levels of DHEA are associated with lower levels of IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine.

Cytokines affect the growth of all blood cells and other cells that help the body's immune and inflammation responses. Support the body's immune and inflammation responses to anti-inflammatory markers. They also help to boost anti-cancer activity by sending signals that can help make abnormal cells die and normal cells live longer.

Studies suggest that DHEA helps support a healthy immune system by boosting white blood cells and antibodies; stimulating T-lymphocytes; regulating inflammation; and reducing oxidative stress. Doing so can help protect the body against age-related decline and keep your immune system functioning optimally, so you remain healthy.

Symptoms of depleted DHEA

Low libido
Poor memory or concentration
Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
Loss of muscle mass, strength, and tone
Weight gain
Weak immune system
Low energy levels
Low bone density
Irregular menstrual cycles in women

What is Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is often referred to as the "mother" of all other hormones because it is the basis for all steroid hormones, such as DHEA, progesterone, and testosterone. It plays a vital role in many bodily processes, including cognitive ability, metabolism, and stress response. Furthermore, pregnenolone has been historically used as an anti-aging supplement by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and helping to enhance cognitive function.

Pregnenolone and cognitive function

Pregnenolone is the most prolific hormone in the brain and is crucial for focus, memory, and brain health. According to anti-aging expert Dr. Hertoghe, "Pregnenolone's concentration in the brain is seventy-five times higher than in the blood." Suppose you have a difficult time focusing and find your memory is declining. In that case, you need to test your pregnenolone levels as soon as possible, as it could be one, if not the primary, fueling reason for your cognitive issues.

potential serious adverse health effects

Memory issues
Inability to focus
Easily stressed
Depression
Chronic fatigue
Poor endurance
Joint pain

What is Testosterone

A male sex hormone produced primarily by the testicles. It is vital in regulating muscle mass, bone mass, fat distribution, and sexual and reproductive functions. It is also responsible for developing male secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair growth, a deeper voice, and greater muscle mass. Low testosterone levels can lead to decreased sex drive, depression, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Testosterone levels naturally decline within men as part of the aging process; however, lifestyle factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can contribute to a decrease in testosterone production. Supplementation or hormone therapy may help support or restore testosterone levels.

Symptoms of depleted levels

Low libido
Decreased sex drive
Depression
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Hair loss
Muscle weakness and reduced muscle mass
Loss of bone density
Irritability/mood swings

DHEA Pregnenolone

According to hormone optimization expert Dr. Mark Gordon, if you're on testosterone replacement therapy, you need to replace DHEA and Pregnenolone, as testosterone replacement can down-regulate the production of the precursors.

Why cholesterol is important

Cholesterol is the building block of all sex hormones, including pregnenolone, so ensuring adequate fat intake is essential. Saturated fats such as coconut oil and cacao convert into cholesterol, fueling the sex hormone chain. The following vitamins and minerals are also crucial for optimal hormone production:

· Vitamin A

· Vitamin C

· Zinc

· B Vitamins

· Selenium

· Copper

· Boron

· Magnesium

· Vitamin D

Nutritious food should prioritize vitamins and minerals, and supplements should be used when needed to address any deficiency—a few Brazil nuts per day supply ample amounts of selenium. Hempseeds are rich in magnesium and zinc. Raisins, lentils, and chocolate have pretty high levels of copper.

D3 and K2-7

Most will find they need to take Vitamin D3 supplementation to get levels into an optimal range. For example, if your levels are deficient, you may need 10,000iu daily for a couple of months. Always check your blood level before taking it to determine the correct dose. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2-7 work synergistically together, so choose a high-quality brand that contains both. Vitamin K-2 works by keeping calcium within our bones and out of the blood, which could accumulate within arterial walls leading to calcified plaque.

Grass Fed Dairy Products

Sources of K-2 and D3 include:

Natural sources of Vitamin K-2 and D3 include grass-fed dairy products, cheese, butter, and egg yolks. Leafy green vegetables like collards, kale, and spinach are also high in vitamins; however, the body may only absorb some of these foods if they're cooked or eaten with fat. Other significant sources of Vitamin K-2 include goose liver, duck liver, chicken liver, beef liver, and hard cheeses such as Gouda cheese.

Cold Water Oily Fish (Salmon)

Make sure to get enough cold-water fish.

Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in Vitamin D3. Sardines and anchovies are good sources too. Cod liver oil is a traditional source used for generations due to its concentration of vitamins A & D and omega three fatty acids. Other good sources include beef or lamb liver and mushrooms exposed to sunlight or UV light (for vitamin D).

Vegan Diet Options

Vegan diet options

Vegans may opt for plant-based sources like fortified plant milk, fortified orange juice with added vitamin D3, or nutritional yeast flakes for some vegan-friendly Vitamin B12 options paired with vitamin D3 supplementation to ensure adequate intake of these essential micronutrients. Nutritional yeast is also high in selenium which helps to activate enzymes involved in the conversion process of Testosterone into Estrogen. Hence, it’s beneficial not only for maintaining adequate levels but also for regulating hormones too.

Herbs for a Healthy Diet

How herbs can help

Lastly, supplementing with herbs can be beneficial too! Herbs like Ashwagandha have been used traditionally to help balance hormones naturally. Taking these herbs and proper nutrition will improve hormone production within the body while helping reduce stress-related symptoms associated with depleted hormone levels.

SpectraCell has excellent testing options to measure vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids so you have a baseline and can determine what you need to address https://www.spectracell.com.

If your gut health is poor, you will not have optimal levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc., and your hormone production will also be lacking. Make sure to eat meals slowly, avoid inflammatory foods, and take probiotics and glutamine to support gut health. Excess inflammation also destroys gut health and ramps up the stress hormone cortisol.

Herbal supplements and minerals such as ginger root extract, turmeric extract, grape seed extract, and zinc citrate help to reduce inflammation and restore gut health. These highly potent anti-inflammatory agents support the body's natural healing processes.

Ginger Root

Ginger root has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine and modern science. It works by blocking the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body, thus reducing swelling and pain. Turmeric extract is thought to have similar effects on inflammation due to its high levels of curcuminoids – active compounds found in turmeric which have powerful antioxidant properties.

The grape seed extract is also widely used for its antioxidant benefits; specifically, it can help protect the gut from oxidative damage caused by free radicals or toxins. Zinc citrate is included in Restorezyme because it boosts immunity, regulates digestion, and promotes healthy skin cells.

After addressing vitamins, minerals, gut health, inflammation, and sleep quality, you determine you're still depleted in pregnenolone; supplementation makes sense. How much you should take is to be determined by your lab work results and physician recommendation. Could you make sure you work with a physician that understands hormones?

Deficiencies can lead to serious adverse health effects.

Deficiencies in hormones such as DHEA, pregnenolone, and testosterone can have various adverse effects on health. Although these hormones are involved in multiple metabolic processes, their primary function is to regulate metabolic processes that affect the body’s energy production and storage. As such, any deficiency in these hormones can lead to many health issues, such as fatigue, depression, infertility, and even decreased libido.

For more information, check out:

*Dr. Mark Gordon's Traumatic Brain Injury: A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

For more information on pregnenolone and hormones, check out Dr. Thierry Hertoghe's excellent book, The Hormone Solution: Stay younger longer with natural hormone and nutrition therapies.

Conclusion

Overall, restoring balance in our hormones cannot be understated. Whether through lifestyle modifications or supplementation with DHEA, pregnenolone, and testosterone, taking steps to maintain optimal hormone levels can lead to improved health and well-being. We must pay attention to signs of hormonal imbalance so that we may take action before any serious adverse effects occur.

Titan Wellness Center

We provide comprehensive solutions for people with hormone imbalances. We offer various services to help individuals restore balance and improve overall health. These include nutritional counseling, lifestyle modifications, and supplementation with DHEA, pregnenolone, or testosterone. The center also offers specialized diagnostic tests such as blood work to measure hormone levels in the body and identify any deficiencies or excesses. Through these services, the Titan Wellness Center can provide personalized care tailored to each individual's needs to achieve optimal health outcomes. Contact us today for more information.

Q: What are the blood test ranges for Pregnenolone?

A: The blood test ranges for pregnenolone are as follows: Men 38 to 350ng/dl, median 194 ng/dl; Females 250 to 500ng/dl, median level 205ng/dl. Working with a physician who understands hormones is essential when determining the supplementation needed.

Q: Can a dietary supplement be used to raise DHEA levels?

Yes, taking DHEA can be used to raise DHEA levels. However, it should always be done under medical supervision as too much DHEA could lead to adverse side effects. Dietary supplements such as zinc citrate and turmeric extract may help support the healthy production of hormones like DHEA naturally or in combination with pharmaceuticals depending on blood tests and recommendations from a healthcare provider.

Q: Can hormone imbalance lead to high blood pressure?

Yes, hormone imbalance can lead to high blood pressure. Hormonal imbalances such as deficiencies in hormones like pregnenolone or testosterone can directly affect the body's cardiovascular system, causing high blood pressure. Supplementation and lifestyle changes may be necessary to restore balance.

Q: Do DHEA, Pregnenolone, and Testosterone deficiencies have similar symptoms?

DHEA, Pregnenolone, and Testosterone deficiencies can have similar symptoms, such as fatigue, decreased libido, depression, anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, and weight gain.