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Syn-flex is a breakthrough product in the world of osteoarthritis, joint pain, and cartilage degeneration. While most glucosamine products available today are in capsule or pill form, the liquid glucosamine found in Syn-flex provides maximum absorption and is beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis and eases articular joint pain.
Syn-flex is also effective in easing arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs and cats
Steroid Hormone Overview
- Estrogens
- Progesterone
- Androgens
- Glucocorticoids
Estrogens (estradiol, estrone, estriol) are predominately female hormones, and in adults, they are important for maintaining the health of the reproductive tissues, breasts, skin and brain. Excessive estrogens can cause fluid retention, weight gain, migraines and overstimulation of the breasts, ovaries and uterus, leading to cancer. Insufficient estrogen levels can lead to hot flushes, vaginal dryness, rapid skin aging, urinary problems, excessive bone loss and possible acceleration of dementia. An excess of estrogen, relative to testosterone, is thought to play a role in the development of prostate problems in men. Most scientists now agree that by-products of estrogen metabolism are the cause of both breast and prostate cancers.
Progesterone can be thought of as a hormonal balancer, particularly of estrogens. It enhances the beneficial effect of estrogens while preventing the problems associated with estrogen excess. Progesterone also helps create a balance of all other steroids. It also has intrinsic calming and diuretic properties. It is important in women, but it's importance in men for the maintenance of prostate health is only now being appreciated.
Androgens (testosterone, DHEA, androstenedione) play an important role in tissue regeneration, especially the skin, bones, and muscles. The principal androgen in both men and women is DHEA. DHEA levels decline with age, and in some cases, supplementation with DHEA can restore energy, improve immune function, lift depression and improve mental function. Testosterone is involved in maintenance of lean body mass, bone density, skin elasticity, sex drive and cardiovascular health in both sexes. Men make more of this hormone, accounting for their greater bone and muscle mass. Androstenedione is a precursor for both estrogens and testosterone, especially in females. It can be produced in excess by the ovaries, especially during early menopause, and can cause some of the "androgenic" symptoms such as scalp hair loss and facial hair growth.
Glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, are produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressors such as emotional upheaval, exercise, surgery, illness or starvation. Cortisol plays an essential role in immune function, mobilizing the body's defenses against viral or bacterial infection, and fighting inflammation; however, chronic elevated cortisol levels suppress the action of the immune system and predispose to frequent infections. Cortisol levels are highest first thing in the morning, to combat the stress of overnight fasting and to animate the body for the day's activities.
The brain derives most of it's energy from glucose, so maintenance of adequate blood levels is a top priority. After a period of fasting, cortisol output increases, and this initiates catabolism, or the breakdown of protein into simple amino acids and their conversion into glucose to feed the brain.
Chronic, excessive stress (emotional or physical), protein deficiency, and lack of nutrients including Vitamins A,C and Pantothenic acid (B5) can cause the adrenal glands to become exhausted, so that they can no longer produce adequate cortisol. This leads to low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), excessive fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Tightly coordinated production of adrenal glucocorticoids is essential for optimal health. In normal individuals, the breakdown or catabolism of tissues by glucocorticoids is followed by the building up or anabolism of tissues by androgens. As we grow older, an excess of catabolic hormones over anabolic hormones develops, and this is in part responsible for the aging of all the body tissues, and the loss of our ability to repair damaged tissue. The same thing happens under chronic, excessive stress, and contributes to premature aging. Stress can literally burn our bodies out prematurely.
DHEA Found to Reduce PMS Symptoms in
Menopausal Women
January 20, 2004
In a year-long study, daily supplementation with DHEA was
found to increase estrogen levels by up to four times, they report in the December issue
of Fertility and Sterility (vol 80, issue 6, pp 1495-1501).
DHEA is produced naturally in the adrenal glands. The body then converts it into the
hormones estrogen and testosterone. However DHEA levels decrease with age so it has been
theorised that boosting levels of the chemical could protect against age-related
disorders, including cardiovascular disease.
For the study, by Dr Alessandro D. Genazzani from the University of Modena, Italy and colleagues, 20 menopausal women took a daily supplement of 25 milligrams DHEA over 12 months. They saw levels of both estrogen, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone increase by between three and four times and nearly two-fold increases in progesterone levels.
The women also reported improvements in hot flashes and no side effects, according to the researchers.
The findings suggest that DHEA could one day replace hormone replacement therapy, seeing rapidly declining use following research showing negative side effects. Supplements are set to benefit, with the NMAS this week releasing a statement that supports use of herbals such as soy isoflavones.
What
Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that
commonly occur inside the uterine walls. They are classified into three groups based on
where they grow:
Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, urinary problems such as frequent urination as a result from a fibroid pressing on the bladder, lower back pain, pain during sex, and reproductive problems. Please consult your gynecologist if experiencing any of these problems.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
While there are no known causes for uterine fibroids, there are a
number of theories and apparent risk factors. These include genetics, race, diet
(consumption of red meat and ham has been associated with the presence of fibroids),
obesity, and hormonal imbalance. However, because fibroids appear to be
estrogen-dependent, many natural health experts believe that controlling estrogen levels
can help women effectively deal with uterine fibroids.
A Natural Solution
Many women have successfully employed natural therapies to effectively deal with
the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Herbs such as Red Root, Black Cohosh, Chasteberry, Milk
Thistle and Yellow Dock have all been suggested. Other
supportive herbs are Ashwagandha, Dong Quai, Ginger, Astragalus, Licorice and Red
Raspberry.
Additional Considerations
In addition to supplementation, natural health experts recommend
some lifestyle and nutritional support therapies.
Do not neglect routine gynecological exams
Decrease or eliminate foods that raise estrogen levels (high fat, refined carbohydrates, etc.)
Increase consumption of soy foods, fiber, whole grains, vegetables, fruit and fish
Exercise regularly, as it eases tension that contributes to hormonal imbalances and improves overall circulation