Your endocrine system releases hormones that travel throughout your body and regulate many physical and mental processes. Several different factors contribute to hormonal deficiencies; disease and aging, for example, lower hormone levels. This decline can have adverse effects on your health. Supplements can correct these problems, but you should speak with a doctor before starting a hormone replacement program.
Testosterone Deficiency
Testosterone plays an important role in physical functioning and sexual performance. Levels of testosterone progressively decline after age 40, according to a June 2010 article in "Therapeutic Advances in Urology." Leaving these deficiencies unchecked places men at risk for a wide array of health problems. An investigation published in the August 2011 edition of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" looked at the relationship between testosterone levels and several variables. Men with the lowest testosterone showed the greatest amount of physical decline, erectile dysfunction and diabetic symptoms. Over-the-counter supplements containing the hormone DHEA can rectify testosterone deficiency, according to an October 2003 report in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition."
Estrogen Deficiency
Estrogen causes the development of female characteristics such as larger breasts and wider hips. Production of this hormone decreases following menopause. This decline causes physiological and psychological changes such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal discomfort. Low levels of estrogen underlie these changes, according to a February 2011 report in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention." Estrogen supplements can help women cope with menopausal symptoms. Transdermal patches deliver small amounts of estrogen without causing side effects, according to a January 2010 review in the "Journal of Women's Health."
Progesterone Deficiency
Progesterone plays a protective role during pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle of nonpregnant women. Aging decreases progesterone. Such a decline puts younger women at risk for irregular cycles. It also puts older women at risk for endometrial cancer, according to an April 2009 review in "Maturitas." Hormone supplements can increase progesterone and decrease these risks. A study presented in the April 2008 edition of "Maturitas" tested the effect of an over-the-counter supplement. Taking DHEA daily for a year significantly enhanced progesterone levels in older women.
Melatonin Deficiency
Melatonin provides your body an internal timekeeper. It conveys data from the environment -- especially the light-dark cycle -- to each cell. An experiment described in the April 2011 issue of the "Journal of Biological Rhythms" showed that melatonin levels decrease with age. A degradation in biological rhythms and sleep quality appeared as well. Small amounts of sleep deprivation can cause a significant increase in car accidents, according to a January 2011 report in "Occupational Medicine." Readily available melatonin supplements can help improve biorhythms and sleep in older adults. A 2006 report in "Chronobiology International" showed that giving elders a single dose of melatonin stabilized their biological rhythms by improving their sleep quality.
References
- "Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Pituitary Transcription Factors in the Aetiology of Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency; Roland Pfaffle and Juergen Klammt; February 2011
- "Therapeutic Advances in Urology"; Hypogonadism, ADAM, and Hormone Replacement; Michael R. Pinsky and Wayne J. G. Hellstrom; June 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Reference Ranges for Testosterone in Men Generated Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry ...; Shalender Bhasin, et al.; August 2011
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Ingestion of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Androstenedione has Minimal Effect on Immune Function in Middle-Aged Men; Marian L. Kohut, et al.; October 2003
- "Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics"; Female Reproductive System and Bone; B.L. Clarke and S. Khosla; November 2010
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; Relationship Between Menopausal Symptoms and Risk of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer; Yunda Huang, et al.; February 2011
