Some of the Hormones that are evaluated and Supplemented by Griffin Medical Group's Anti-Aging and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Griffin Medical Group - Center for Anti-Aging and Aesthetics only uses Bio-Identical Hormones.

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Hormone Function -- a Brief Description

Cortisol – (stress hormone)

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What is it?
Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands (located on top of the kidneys) The adrenal glands release cortisol in response to a stressful situation. The cortisol gives energy and helps the body respond to the stress efficiently. It is an essential hormone for life but too much or chronically elevated cortisol levels eventually degrade the immune system. Cortisol is available synthetically and sometimes goes by the names of cortisone, prednisone, hydrocortisone, or dexasmethasone.

Uses for cortisol
Cortisol suppresses inflammation, helps the body manage stress, and supports the immune system. Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, cortisol helps to minimize negative and allergic reactions, such as swelling and inflammation, to alcohol, drugs, foods, environmental allergens, cancer, infection, and autoimmune disorders. This hormone affects the utilization of carbohydrates and fats and helps with the conversion of fats and proteins into energy. It also assists with blood sugar regulation and proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal function. Cortisone is used to treat a variety of conditions in which the body’s defense system breaks down and causes tissue damage. These include inflammatory diseases like asthma, ulcerative colitis, lupus and some types of arthritis. It is also used to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients and for certain cancers related to the immune system like leukemia and lymphoma. It is the main treatment for Addison’s disease-a disorder in which the adrenal glands don’t produce steroids. It can also be used to to treat adrenal fatigue. This is a a condition when the adrenal glands get 'burnt out' and function below the necessary level. Adrenal fatigue is most commonly due to chronic stress.

What is the source?
It is produced naturally in the adrenal glands or synthesized

Recommendations
5 mg to 10 mg twice daily with a usual dose of 7.5 mg twice daily to support immune function

Side effects
Side effects are rarely seen when taking low doses of cortisol (such as the doses used at Griffin Medical). However, side effects can occur when taking high doses for long periods of time. These can include fluid retention, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, thin skin, increased risk of Infection, weight gain, mood swings, cataracts, acne, elevated blood sugar, and glaucoma

- By Dr. Judi Goldstone

DHEA

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Energizes
Enhances libido
Restores memory
Rejuvenates the immune system
Tames stress
Fights cancer
Prevents heart disease
Reduces body & fat
Therapy for menopause
Helps erase fine wrinkles
Helps dry eye
New hope for lupus suffers
Heals burns
Increases testosterone levels

Estrogen

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Relieves menopausal symptoms
Protects against heart disease
Restores sexual function
Sharpens thinking
Enhances mood
May prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Prevents osteoporosis
Reduces risk of colon cancer
Prevents tooth loss
Improves skin quality

Glucagon

Reverses the action of insulin

The Gonadotropins

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is a gonadotropin produced by the pituitary and is released under the control of the hypothalamus. FSH is also required for the testicular growth and spermatogenesis. In the female, FSH stimulates follicular (ovum/egg) growth of the ovary and prepares ovarian follicles for action by luteinizing hormone (LH), and enhances the LH-induced ovarian release of estrogen. After menopause, decreased ovarian estradiol secretion results in increased FSH and LH levels. Primary testicular failure also results in increased FSH and LH levels.
In the male, FSH secretion is regulated by inhibin, a peptide hormone produced by Sertoli cells from the testes, and also by circulating testosterone feedback inhibition on the pituitary and the hypothalamus.

LH (luteinizing hormone) is another gonadotropin produced by the pituitary, and is also released under the control of the hypothalamus. Production is regulated by hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and feedback by gonadal steroid hormones, as is FSH. In the female, luteinizing hormone hormone stimulates ovarian steroid hormone production (estrogen and progesterone).
luteinizing hormone concentrations are low during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, rise to a midcycle peak to cause ovulation, and following ovulation, fall to levels lower than during the follicular phase. After menopause, luteinizing hormone concentrations rise to levels as high or higher than those found in the midcycle peak; similar high levels are seen in castrated men.

In the male, luteinizing hormone stimulates androgen production by the testicular Leydig cells. The testes require the androgen, testosterone, to maintain the process of spermatogenesis, and the accessory organs are dependent on androgen for proper secretory function. The production of luteinizing hormone hormone is regulated by feedback inhibition of circulating testosterone on the pituitary and hypothalamus.

Human Growth Hormone

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Builds muscle

Enhances immune function
Strengthens the heart
Helps control stress-induced damage
Aids kidney function
Enhances orgasmic intensity
Lowers blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Long-term use reduces insulin requirements in diabetics
Stimulates nerve cell growth and repair in brain, spinal cord, & peripheral nerves
Stimulates joint repair from damaged cartilage, tendons
Decreases body fat (particularly abdominal organs)
Increases extracellular fluid
Speeds healing from burns, surgery, fractures
Restores bone loss of osteoporosis
Reverses congestive heart failure
Restores youthful drive & energy
Restores pulmonary function in chronic lung disease
Improves mood & sleep patterns
Thickens skin, restores tone & elasticity
Promotes hair & nail growth
Reduces susceptibility to illness
Protects against early cancer cell formation
Stimulates growth & repair of all organs of the body

Amylin -- Insulin’s Partner Hormone

A pancreatic beta-cell hormone that is co-located and co-secreted with insulin.
In people without diabetes, amylin is believed to suppress glucagon secretion during the postprandial period through a central effect mediated by an efferent pathway of the vagus nerve.
It also is believed to modulate nutrient delivery from the stomach to the small intestine through a similar pathway.
The result is tight regulation of circulating glucose in the postprandial state.

Resistin

A hormone produced by adipose tissue (fat cells), has recently been described by Lazar and co-workers.
Derives its name from its effects on insulin action. In some animal models, resistin has been shown to increase insulin resistance in peripheral target tissues, although the mechanism of action is not known.

Adiponectin

Produced by adipose tissue, is a beneficial hormone with regard to lipotoxicity.
Enhances FFA uptake (free fatty acids) and oxidation, resulting in less triglyceride being stored in the muscle. It also reduces free fatty acid uptake and triglyceride storage in the liver.
Reduces circulating lipids and enhances insulin sensitivity and, therefore, is considered to be antiatherogenic. Not surprisingly, a recent study found that obese patients, with and without type 2 diabetes, had low serum levels of adiponectin.

Leptin

Also produced by adipose tissue, has direct effects on fat cells in addition to its effect on appetite.
It increases glycerol release and FFA oxidation and reduces lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis.
Insulin

Transports glucose into the cells

Melantonin

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Extends life
Maintains youthful health vigor
Enhances sexual vitality
Strengthens immune system
Is a potent antioxidant
Protects against stress
Protects against cancer
Prevents heart disease
Restores normal sleep patterns
Cures jet lag

Pregnenolone

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Potent memory enhancer
Improves concentration
Fights mental fatigue
Relieves arthritis
Progesterone

Protects against cancer
Natural tranquilizer
Promotes feeling of well-being
Enhances action of estrogen
Relieves menopausal symptoms
May stimulate new bone formation
Potential treatment for nerve disease

Somatomedin-C

Cellular growth factor released in response to growth hormone stimulation.

Somatostatin

Inhibits the release of growth hormone

Testosterone

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Enhances sex drive
Builds muscle
Elevates mood
Prevents osteoporosis
Improves memory
Lower cholesterol
Protects against heart disease
Reduces urinary obstruction from the prostate gland
Decreases fasting blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides
Decreases diastolic blood pressure
Decreases visceral adipose tissue (organ fat)

Thymus Extracts

Regulate, empower, and fine tunes the entire immune system

Thyroid Hormone

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Provides energy and "fuel" for all body functions
Enhances immunity
Maintains body temperature
Helps reduce body fat
Prevents hair loss in old age
Lowers cholesterol in all ages
Stimulates mental function
Aids digestion and elimination