Integrative Management of Endocrine Dysfunction
by Joseph Collins, RN, ND

Phytocrine Formulas
It’s Not Just the Levels, It’s the Listening

Estro-Mend™
When addressing non-optimal endocrine function it is important to understand that what appears to be an inconsistency between hormone levels, and the symptoms that a patient experiences is actually a sign that the cells of the body “do not listen” to the hormones as well as they should. The most well-known of this clinical situation involving hormone resistance/antagonism is insulin resistance, a widely recognized condition in which hormone levels and cellular response to those levels are not congruent. The restoration of peak hormone function requires both the support of tissues that make hormones, and the support of cellular response in every tissue that responds to hormones. Functional endocrinology always requires a more detailed analysis of the physiological response to hormones, or how well cells “listen” to each hormone. Cellular response is as important as the function of hormone production. This function-response connection guides all other concepts associated with successful restoration of peak hormone function.

Lifestyle Management is Critical for Restoration of Optimal Hormone Function

Since lifestyle stress has a great impact on the endocrine system, appropriate diet, exercise, rest, sleep, recreation, social interactions, hydration, and detoxification are important issues to address when first endeavoring to restore optimal hormone function. Properly managing hormone health always requires addressing lifestyle first. Even bioidentical HRT cannot make up for unhealthy diet and lifestyle.


Vitamins & Minerals are Foundation Cofactors for All Hormone Production

Vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and other trace nutrients are critical cofactors for the production and metabolism of all hormones. An effective dosage of these hormone supporting nutrients should be taken on a daily bases as foundation nutrients. Keeping hormone supporting nutrients separate from the actual herbal formulation allows clinicians to adjust the dosage of phytotherapeutic agents without the risks of toxicity that would result if a specific mineral were placed within a hormone specific formulation. By not adding zinc and copper to herbal formulations, clinicians can adjust the dosage without concerns about zinc becoming antagonists to steroidogenic pathway enzymes. The Ultra Preventive® X formulation is a nutraceutical that has the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and other nutrients to support optimal endocrine health, without danger of toxic build-up or other side effects It also provides significant antioxidant support, which is required by adrenal, gonadal and thyroid tissue.


Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is the Fatty Acid that Improves Hormone Signaling

DHA improves cell membrane health by changing the lipid structure of the membrane in such a way as to actually improve the ability of the cell to receive hormone signals. It also affects the movement of molecules in the cell, affecting organelles within the cell such as the mitochondria, the principal energy source of the cell. Increasing DHA in the mitochondria through nutraceutical support improves the ability of mitochondria to create cellular energy, and to carry out the message that it received from the hormone. The high DHA:EPA ratio in Opti DHA is critical for cell membrane health


Adrenal Function Must Always be Considered When Addressing Any Hormone Imbalance

The Dynamic Interactivity of the Endocrine System is so profound that it is virtually impossible to address imbalances in estrogens, progestogens, androgens, insulin or thyroid hormones unless adrenal gland function is also addressed. Such phrases; “adrenal-gonadal” and “adrenal-thyroid” reinforce the fluidity of endocrine interdependence. The phytotherapeutic formulations for specific hormone functions each interact with the adrenal glands in a manner distinctive to that particular hormone. While Progesto-Mend™ uses herbs to enhance adrenal production of progesterone, Testo-Gain™ and Estro-Mend™ support hormone function by improving the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The corticosteroid-inhibiting effect of gymnema contributes to the function of Glucobrium. The adaptogenic constituents of Thyro-Mend™ and Testo-Quench™ modulate adrenal function to restore optimal function of targeted hormones.

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary (HP) Axes Must All Be Considered when Addressing Hormone Imbalance

The hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary thyroid (HPT) axis are the three primary axes that regulate the Dynamic Interactivity of the Endocrine System. These axes have feedback loops that ensure optimal hormone levels that are maintained under various conditions. The hypothalamic-pituitary glands also affect a number of other endocrine tissues. Supporting optimal health of the HP axes with targeted phytotherapeutic is an important component of Estro-Mend™, Progesto-Mend™, Testo-Gain™, Testo-Quench™ and Thyro-Mend™.

Synergy & Compatibility of Formulations is Required to Restore Dynamic Interactivity of the Endocrine System

When choosing the appropriate nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic formulations, the Phytocrine Formulations are both synergistic for the function of the specific hormone that is targeted, and synergistic with other formulations that may be indicated for other hormonal needs. As such, a formulation that could be used for symptoms associated with weak thyroid function must also be compatible with formulations that may be used for weak progesterone function, or weak testosterone function, or excessive testosterone function. In addition, formulations designed to support normal function of a specific hormone must address all of the needs of that hormone. Formulations that may be used for weak testosterone function must enhance the function of every tissue that responds to estrogen. In addition to relieving fatigue and decreased libido, that formulation must also support healthy function of bone, heart, brain, skin and other testosterone sensitive tissues.

Use “Precursors” & Metabolites Before any form of HRT – Which is the Last Course of Action

Before hormone replacement therapy is chosen whether it is traditional (HRT) or bioidentical (BHRT), weaker hormones such as DHEA, pregnenolone or the metabolite and 7-keto-DHEA should be considered. There will be situations where restoration of optimal hormone function cannot be achieved with lifestyle, nutraceutical and phytoceutical interventions alone. In those cases, the use of DHEA 5 MG, Pregnenolone 25 Mg Tab, and 7-KETO can support the hormone producing pathways through supplementation instead of replacement. Since DHEA, pregnenolone and 7-keto-DHEA have physiological actions of their own, and provide benefits independent of BHRT, they increase the efficacy of BHRT if needed, and will allow clinicians to prescribe much lower dosages with increased success.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Teresa Rispoli has her Ph.D. in Nutrition, is a licensed Acupuncturist and clinical researcher. She has been in practice for well over 25 years. It is through her clinical practice that she has gained insights into chronic health conditions. If you are suffering from unexplained symptoms that come and go you owe it to yourself to find out why. Find out today call for a Nutritional Consultation with Dr. Rispoli.

Your happiness is a reflection of your health call today For an appointment, contact her office at (800) 956-7083 or (818) 707-3125.

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