Cenegenics Complete Guide to Healthy Aging - (Page 33) Both sexes have and require levels of androgens/androgen precursors (testosterone, androstenedione and DHEA) and estrogen. However, the main androgen of the testes (testosterone) is also found in a female’s body . . . just as estrogen is found in a male’s. Men seldom need estrogen supplementation because they make a significant amount on their own. A 0-year-old male actually has more estrogen than a 0-yearold menopausal female. Women frequently experience the effects of diminished testosterone even before perimenopause and, certainly, after undergoing a surgical menopause. Testosterone, estrogen and progesterone are essential for normal reproductive function. Each plays a vital role in secondary sexual characteristics and overall health. They are fat-soluble steroids, derived from cholesterol molecules converted to pregnenolone—a precursor to all gonadal steroid hormones. These sex steroids enter target cells via plasma membranes, then alter cell activity by binding to a receptor protein, creating a complex structure and permeating the cell nucleus to bind to DNA. Some steroidal hormones repress protein synthesis, while others stimulate it. Cascading hormones. Interestingly, all these hormones can convert into other hormones, depending on the body’s need. It’s nature’s way of maintaining hormonal balance. For instance, progesterone can cascade into estrogen, testosterone, DHEA or cortisol. DHEA could cascade into testosterone or estrogen. If your body has too much of one hormone, that sex steroid can transform into another. THE HUMAN HORMONE SYSTEM A Cascade of Events • At the top of this cascade is your brain, followed by the pituitary gland and target organs (i.e., ovaries, thyroid, testicles). Physical and mental functions follow (e.g., skin thickness, menstrual periods, sex characteristics, aggression, hair distribution, etc.). • Hormone release originates in the hypothalamus, part of the brain. It starts a cascade, secreting “releasing hormones,” which activate the pituitary “master gland.” The pituitary, at the brain’s base, communicates directly with the hypothalamus via special nerves and blood vessels. • Releasing hormones stimulate formation and release of pituitary hormones into the circulatory system. Pituitary hormones exert their effects on many parts of the body, such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, testicles, ovaries and breasts. • Pituitary hormones have effects on specific targets, which release hormones of their own. They act as traffic controllers, determining what is needed and telling the organs in the body when to release other hormones. The converse is also true. If a woman is either menopausal or has had a hysterectomy, she needs more estrogen since her ovaries aren’t producing required levels. Her body attempts to compensate by converting stored testosterone or DHEA from fat cells into estrone, which is one of three major types of human estrogen. Testosterone isn’t just a sex hormone. Testosterone is essential for sexual function, but has many other uses as well. iii. th s B Cen With receptor sites in the brain, heart and throughout the entire body, this steroidal hormone plays a pivotal role for men and women in maintaining lean body mass, skin elasticity, libido and a healthy immune system. It ensures proper heart function, regulates mood and aids brain function (cognition), controls blood sugars, regulates healthy cholesterol levels, controls blood pressure, prevents heart attacks and even reduces risk of prostate cancer. e CienCe ehind egeniCs WWW.CENEGENICS.COM 33 III. the science Behind Cenegenics http://WWW.CENEGENICS.COM
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