Anabolic Hormones: DHEA, Cortisol, and Growth Hormone

The majority of both men and women feel an improved sense of well-being while on the DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), including better sleep, increased energy, improved ability to handle stress, and a more relaxed feeling. The most amazing finding was that some of their chronic joint pains and immobility improved. DHEA also helps connective tissue deficiency by stimulating immune system function. DHEA reverses the negative effects that cortisone and other glucocorticosteroids have on suppressing the immune system.

Testosterone
Testosterone has anabolic or tissue-building properties that are beneficial in wound healing, and tremendous bone and connective tissue building ability.
 

It is important to realize that the primary event in the start of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the loss of collagen. Since testosterone builds bone collagen it most likely builds collagen in other places like connective tissues. This is why growth hormone (IGF-1) and testosterone are so important because they have the most stimulatory effects on collagen and bone production. This is why osteoporosis is very rare in males.

Women do secrete testosterone and other male hormones. The problems occur when these anabolic hormone levels become too low and cause connective tissue deficiency. For women this typically occurs after menopause when androgen production decreases by as much as fifty percent. It is for this reason that women with connective tissue problems need to think about taking natural testosterone or androgenic herbs.

Growth Hormone:
Studies have shown that growth hormone has significant effects on soft tissues by increasing muscle strength, muscle size, skin thickness, and skin elasticity. It helps make wrinkles disappear and promotes new hair growth (balding and wrinkles are obviously a result of decrease in growth hormone as we age). Injections of growth hormone stimulate the formation of collagen, increase the tensile strength of wounds, and make wounds heal faster.

The wonderful thing about growth hormone is that it is secreted primarily during stage three and stage four sleep, which are deep sleep cycles. To encourage growth hormone production, all you have to do is get deeper night’s sleep. (See related article)

Prolotherapy in conjunction with treating systemic connective deficiency syndromes as described above, can have dramatic results even in severe cases. Many people have come to our office in Oak Park, IL saying that they were told their cases were hopeless. Fortunately there is a cure for chronic pain, Prolotherapy.