thestresscure.com |
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DHEA, Thyroid, Estrogen, Progesterone & TestosteroneDHEA is linked to many biological functions in the female. Low levels of DHEA influences other hormones and increasing DHEA can have a very positive body-wide effect. When Estrogen and Progesterone levels are decreased or fluctuate several behavioral effects can occur. Irritability, anger, frustration, tearfulness, depression and a wide range of emotions can be associated with female stress syndrome. Many times women will agree that they know they are being very "witchy" but they can't seem to stop acting that way when they are in the heat of battle. Women do not really enjoy being angry, or short tempered and are confused why so many little things "set them off." Testosterone, while being the "male" hormone, is the key "hormone of desire" for many women. Many female patients suffer from a lack of libido and have a difficult time achieving sexual satisfaction when stress levels are consistently high. They "give in" to their spouses requests out of guilt or "courtesy" and many have a "take it or leave it" attitude. Our patients also respond that they wish their desires could return to "normal." So many physicians avoid this discussion altogether. A healthy intimate relationship can be vital to a long lasting and secure marriage. Female stress syndrome can biologically throw cold water on this aspect of the relationship. Unfortunately, most women do not know the profound effect that stress induced low libido has on their relationship. It seems to still be a taboo subject and not well understood by many physicians. It is essential that physicians begin to understand and help educate patients about this biological relationship of stress to sexual desire and function. Too many women suffer frustration and guilt unnecessarily by glossing over this topic. Testosterone is also responsible for proper glucose regulation, muscle and bone development. DHEA acts as a precursor, or a building block, for making testosterone levels return to a normal and healthy level. Thyroid hormone can also be disrupted by too much stress over a long time period. The brain signals the thyroid gland to secrete its hormone in the "inactive" form called T-4. The T-4 hormone is then "activated" or converted to T-3. Several biological mechanisms must be in place for this to occur. When everything is working correctly our temperature remains close to the normal of 98.6 degrees. When stress related disruptions occur in this process, a decrease in the effectiveness of thyroid hormone begins. This decreased thyroid functioning is frequently missed by physicians because the traditional tests appear normal. Many women have questioned if their fatigue and weight problems may be related to thyroid and are usually always told their "thyroid tests are normal." It is probable that the thyroid, or lack of its effectiveness, is in fact partially responsible for excessive weight in women and in men. Many of our patients immediately begin to lose weight when these hormonal relationships are corrected. Progesterone and the other DHEA derived female hormones will begin to return to normal levels as DHEA stores are replenished. Improved hormone levels go along way to reverse the ongoing emotional and physical trauma caused by excessive stress. The body will correct itself when given half a chance and the proper nourishment it needs.
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