Melatonin

Melatonin is secreted by the pea-sized pineal gland in the center of our brains to regulate our sleep patterns. Our bodies make it from the well known sleep inducing amino acid tryptophan.

As we age we seem to produce less melatonin and this has been suggested as one of the reasons why our aging population has difficult sleeping patterns.

The decline of melatonin centers around age 45. The decline is usually a steep one. By age 60, we produce half the melatonin we did during our twenties and by the late seventies nearly none.

What is so important about sleep?
You probably do not need a long litany of medical articles to know that it is probably a pretty good idea to get a good night’s sleep.

The researchers of sleep have broken sleep up into five different stages, Stages I and II are the “light” sleep phases, Stage III and IV are the deep sleep cycles. Dreaming occurs during Rapid Eye Movement sleep (REM). It is during level IV sleep that our body re-energizes and most importantly that the immune system is stimulated. In treating patients with chronic pain, one of the very first things we do is take a history from the patient of their sleep patterns. Melatonin helps restore good sleep architecture. Without deep Stage IV sleep, healing becomes more difficult, there is a decrease in hormones and neurotransmitters produced that can give us a great quality of life.

If regulating sleep was all that melatonin did, that would be important enough to include it in an age management program.

But research has also suggested that melatonin may contribute to the following:
– Enhances the immune system as an anti-oxidant
– Positive effect on the aging process
– Reduce blood pressure
– Improves bowel symptoms
– Decrease cholesterol
– Increase the natural killer cell activity of the immune system
– Helps reset the circadian rhythm in jet lag

Will melatonin make you live longer?
Much has been made of the possibility of melatonin being a life extender. This is based on animal studies in rats and mice that showed a 20% increase in life span. Speculation centers on melatonin’s anti-oxidant properties. No human longevity studies have been reported to date.

The negatives of melatonin
No serious side effects have been reported in the short-term, and long-term effects are unknown. Melatonin is a hormone, and as such, it should be taken under a physician’s guidance.

Other Side Effects
Headaches
Stomach upset
Insomnia
Restlessness
Depression
Strange dreams

Selected Research

Why am I so driven to work in the age management field?

Basically it was for my own personal, mental, and spiritual well being.

A few years back when I was in my early forties, I began to notice a significant decrease in my energy levels. In other words, I was dragging.

I also noticed that I was losing muscle mass, I was getting softer. I didn’t have the energy to “pump up,” anymore and I was not able to exercise at levels I was accustomed to. “Well, that’s it, I am getting old,” I thought.

I was at a medical convention and spoke to a colleague about “my condition,” and he suggested that I should get my hormone levels checked. When I got my test results back my testosterone levels were so low they didn’t make the charts; way below the normal of anyone I had ever seen before.

Suffice to say, my curiosity in hormone supplementation was sparked. Because my testosterone was so very low and testosterone is the well known builder of bone, I immediately got a Bone Densitometry Test to measure my bone density. I was stunned as the tech told me the news in disbelief. It was very low as well, putting me at a high risk for fracture. I was absolutely stunned, I had to stop a lot of sports I was doing, and loved. I realized that snow skiing, snow shoeing, water skiing, and surfing, some of my favorites, no longer existed for me. No more vacations in the snow or ice. No more high-speed water sports.

It was then that I started to study and research HGH (Human growth hormone), pregenenolone, DHEA, thyroid, Melatonin and the affects of diet on all of them and how the body works with this big maze of hormones to keep people feeling good, not only increasing quality of life but making them healthy on many levels. Initially, I used testosterone intermittently, because of the fear doctors projected based on the problems with body builders, and men with prostate cancer. As I researched more and more, I learned the healthy truth about hormones, and later began total Hormone Replacement Therapy.

As time passed, more and more patients arrived with similar issues that I had, and many with sexual dysfunction. Hormone supplementation was working miracles. I treated friends for free, and eventually learned the art of balancing female hormones. Many relationships were revitalized as the couples individually found their “mojo” again. Romance once again arose in couples that were ready to give it up, because they thought the chemistry was gone.

I have now been doing this work for years and continue to attend different seminars around the country to learn as much new research as possible. The field of age management medicine, as it is called by some is growing so quickly. Us baby boomers expect the best out of life, and demand the best quality of life, which is greatly enhanced by hormone supplementation. My goal in life is to remain young and loving, not only on the inside, but also physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My children are my finest teachers.

Why take progesterone?

As cited above, progesterone down-regulates estrogen. Other reasons are listed below:

Progesterone deficiency may possibly lead to:
1. Irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding
2. Osteoporosis
3. Heart disease
4. Decrease in libido

Progesterone supplementation has been used for:
1. PMS syndrome
2. Infertility
3. Supporting healthy pregnancy

Other potential benefits
1. Benefits against certain cancers
2. Prevents osteoporosis
3. Improves well-being, antidepressant
4. Helps restore sex drive
5. Helps convert fat to energy.

Warnings
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that there is no proof bio-identical hormones are any safer than the combination estrogen/progestin therapy.

Although there are no long-term studies on prolonged effects of progesterone, it appears that Progesterone therapy is a safe therapy, when indicated. Improper use of progesterone can lead to irregular menses and bleeding. This should be reported to your physician immediately.

SELECTED RESEARCH
Hot Flashes
Haimov-Kochman R, Hochner-Celnikier D.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2005 Oct;84(10):972-9.

Hot flashes revisited: pharmacological and herbal options for hot flashes management. What does the evidence tell us?

Background: Hot flashes are the most frequent symptoms of menopause and the most common reason for climacteric women seeking medical advice. Estrogen therapy is by far the most effective therapy. However, fears of side-effect of estrogen therapy urged many patients to seek alternative modalities for symptomatic relief.

Results and Conclusions: A critical review of the literature shows that progesterone may have an independent effect on relieving hot flashes.

SELECTED RESEARCH
Effects on Skin
Holzer G, Riegler E, Honigsmann H, Farokhnia S, Schmidt JB. Br J Dermatol. 2005 Sep;153(3):626-34

Effects and side-effects of 2% progesterone cream on the skin of peri-and postmenopausal women: results from a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study.

Background: For many years topical progesterone has been prescribed by gynecologists as an antiageing and skin-firming treatment, without any clinical scientific evidence of its effects, tolerability and safety when applied to skin.

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of 2% progesterone cream on function and texture of the skin in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Results: The study demonstrated a significant…increase of the elastic skin properties in the treatment group, as demonstrated by objective measurements of three skin elasticity parameters, whereas in the control group no such effect was observed. This effect in the treatment group was further paralleled by the results of the clinical monitoring, where the 2% progesterone cream yielded consistent superiority over vehicle in counteracting different signs of ageing in the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women.

Clinical monitoring showed a greater reduction in wrinkle…around the right eye, a greater decrease in nasolabial wrinkle depth…and a significantly higher…increase in skin firmness…in the treatment group. Epidermal hydration and skin surface lipids did not change significantly in either group during the study. Progesterone was well absorbed in the systemic circulation…No serious side-effects of the treatment were observed.

Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that topical 2% progesterone acts primarily in increasing elasticity and firmness in the skin of peri-and postmenopausal women. These effects in combination with good tolerability make progesterone a possible treatment agent for slowing down the ageing process of female skin after onset of the menopause.

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Pregnenolone Research

Sleep and Memory

George O, Vallee M, Le Moal M, Mayo W. Neurosteroids and cholinergic systems: implications for sleep and cognitive processes and potential role of age-related changes Neurosteroids and cholinergic systems: implications for sleep and cognitive processes and potential role of age-related changes. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Jan 17;:1-12

Rationale: The neurosteroids pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and allopregnanolone (3alpha,5alpha THPROG) have been implicated as powerful modulators of memory processes and sleep states in young and aged subjects with memory impairment. As these processes depend on the integrity of cholinergic systems, a specific effect of neurosteroids on these systems may account for their effects on sleep and memory.

Objective: To review the evidence for a specific and differential effect of neurosteroids on cholinergic systems.

Conclusions: The specific modulation of basal forebrain and brainstem cholinergic systems by neurosteroids may account for the effects of these compounds on sleep and memory processes. To improve our understanding of the role of neurosteroids in cholinergic systems during normal and pathological aging, we need to determine whether there is specific regionalization of neurosteroids, and we need to investigate the relationship between neurosteroid concentrations in cholinergic nuclei and age-related sleep and memory impairments.

Alzheimer’s
Neurosteroid quantification in human brain regions: comparison between Alzheimer’s and nondemented patients.

Weill-Engerer S, David JP, Sazdovitch V, Liere P, Eychenne B, Pianos A, Schumacher M, Delacourte A, Baulieu EE, Akwa Y.Neurosteroid quantification in human brain regions: comparison between Alzheimer’s and nondemented patients.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Nov;87(11):5138-43

Abstract: “…To investigate the physiopathological significance of neurosteroids in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we compared the concentrations of pregnenolone, pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS), dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), progesterone, and allopregnanolone…in individual brain regions of AD patients and aged nondemented controls, including hippocampus, amygdala, frontal cortex, striatum, hypothalamus, and cerebellum.

A general trend toward decreased levels of all steroids was observed in all AD patients’ brain regions compared with controls: PREGS and DHEAS were significantly lower in the striatum and cerebellum, and DHEAS was also significantly reduced in the hypothalamus. A significant negative correlation was found between the levels of cortical beta-amyloid peptides and those of PREGS in the striatum and cerebellum and between the levels of phosphorylated tau proteins and DHEAS in the hypothalamus. This study provides reference values for steroid concentrations determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in various regions of the aged human brain. High levels of key proteins implicated in the formation of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles were correlated with decreased brain levels of PREGS and DHEAS, suggesting a possible neuroprotective role of these neurosteroids in AD.”

Pregnenolone main page

DHEA Selected Research

Relationship between serum sex steroids and Aging Male Symptoms score and International Index of Erectile Function.
“CONCLUSIONS: Although aging male symptoms and the effects of hormonal changes on these symptoms have been controversial, DHEA-S and E(2) (Estradiol) might play some important roles in the symptoms of aging men.”

Basar MM, Aydin G, Mert HC, Keles I, Caglayan O, Orkun S, Batislam E. Relationship between serum sex steroids and Aging Male Symptoms score and International Index of Erectile Function. Urology. 2005 Sep;66(3):597-601.

Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in the aging male–what should the urologist know?
“CONCLUSION: Although long-term clinical trials (applying the standards of evidence-based methods) are not available at present, the consistency of the data and the extensive practical experience may justify the use of DHEA in aging men given the rules of classical endocrinology are thoroughly followed including diagnosis based on clinical picture and biochemical evidence, compliance to periodic evaluations, and individual dose adjustment to maintain serum concentrations in the physiological range of young males. Being one among other important hormonal factors, DHEA can delay and correct age-related disorders only to a certain degree

Saad F, Hoesl CE, Oettel M, Fauteck JD, Rommler A. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in the aging male–what should the urologist know? Eur Urol. 2005 Nov;48(5):724-33; discussion 733. Epub 2005 Jul 18.

Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age.
Morales AJ, Nolan JJ, Nelson JC, Yen SS. Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1994 Jun;78(6):1360-7.

Study: The researchers sought to test the effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DS) replacement on aging.

Noted the researchers: “…observations together with improvement of physical and psychological well-being in both genders and the absence of side-effects constitute the first demonstration of novel effects of DHEA replacement in age-advanced men and women.”

Activation of immune function by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in age-advanced men.
Khorram O, Vu L, Yen SS. J Gerontol A. Activation of immune function by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in age-advanced men. Biol Sci Med Sci 1997 Jan;52(1):M1-7

Study: the researchers sought to study DHEA’s effect on the human immune system.

The researchers stated: “Administration of oral DHEA at a daily dose of 50 mg to age-advanced men with low serum DHEA-S levels significantly activated immune function. While extended studies are required, our findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of DHEA in immunodeficient states.”

Coronary Disease
Dehydroepiandrosterone and coronary atherosclerosis
Herrington DM. Dehydroepiandrosterone and coronary atherosclerosis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1995 Dec 29;774:271-80.

Study: Researchers examined “Tissue culture, animal model, and epidemiologic studies.”

The researchers stated: (DHEA) may inhibit atherosclerosis through its potent antiproliferative effects. Data suggest that low plasma levels of DHEA may facilitate, and high levels may retard, the development of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary allograft vasculopathy.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits human platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo
Jesse RL, Loesser K, Eich DM, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits human platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1995 Dec 29;774:281-90.

Interperation: Researchers sought to measure the effects of DHEA’s cardioprotective actions.

The researchers noted: “Findings suggest that DHEA retards platelet aggregation in humans. Inhibition of platelet activity by DHEA may contribute to the putative antiatherogenic and cardioprotective effects of DHEA.”

Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia
Schmidt PJ, Danaceau MA, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia. Bloch M, Biol Psychiatry 1999 Jun 15;45(12):1533-41.

Study: The researchers noted a “significant response was seen after 3 weeks of treatment on 90 mg per day. The symptoms that improved most significantly were anhedonia, loss of energy, lack of motivation, emotional “numbness,” sadness, inability to cope, and worry. This pilot study suggests that dehydroepiandrosterone is an effective treatment for midlife-onset dysthymia.”

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases production and release of Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein.
Danenboerg HD, Haring R, Fisher A, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases production and release of Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein. Life Sci 1996;59(19):1651-7.

Study: The researchers noted: DHEA significantly declines with advanced age. “We propose that the age-associated decline in DHEA levels may be related to the pathological APP metabolism observed in Alzheimer’s disease.”

DHEA administration increases rapid eye movement sleep and EEG power in the sigma frequency range
Friess E, Trachsel L, Guldner J, et al. DHEA administration increases rapid eye movement sleep and EEG power in the sigma frequency range. Am J Physiol 1995 Jan;268(1 Pt 1):E107-13.

Study: “Investigated was the effects of a single oral dose of DHEA (500 mg) on sleep stages, sleep stage-specific electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra, and concurrent hormone secretion in 10 healthy young men. DHEA administration induced a significant increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, whereas all other sleep variables remained unchanged compared with the placebo condition. Because REM sleep has been implicated in memory storage, its augmentation in the present study suggests the potential clinical usefulness of DHEA in age-related dementia.”

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression
Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression. Biol Psychiatry 1997 Feb 1;41(3):311-8

Study: Researchers looked at “six middle-aged and elderly patients with major depression,” and increased their DHEA levels to those “observed in younger healthy individuals.”

The researchers said: “Depression ratings, as well as aspects of memory performance significantly improved. These preliminary data suggest DHEA may have antidepressant and pro-memory effects and should encourage double-blind trials in depressed patients.”

Inflammatory Disease
van Vollenhoven RF, Morabito LM, Engleman EG, et al. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus with dehydroepiandrosterone: 50 patients treated up to 12 months. J Rheumatol 1998 Feb;25(2):285-9

Study: Researchers study whether long-term therapy (up to 1 year) with DHEA is beneficial in patients with mild to moderate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The researchers stated: “DHEA was well tolerated and appeared clinically beneficial, with the benefits sustained for at least one year in those patients who maintained therapy.”

Menopausal
Genazzani AD, Stomati M, Strucchi C, et al. Oral dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation modulates spontaneous and growth hormone-releasing hormone-induced growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 secretion in early and late postmenopausal women. Fertil Steril 2001 Aug;76(2):241-8.

Study: The researchers sought to see if DHEA effected lean and obese post-menopausal women differently. The results suggested that lean and obese women benefitted equally.

The researchers noted: “This suggests that DHEA is more than a more than a simple “diet supplement” or “anti-aging product”; rather it should be considered an effective hormonal replacement treatment.”

Abdominal Fat
Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial.

Villareal DT, Holloszy JO. Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Nov 10;292(18):2243-8.

“CONCLUSION: DHEA replacement could play a role in prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal obesity.”

DHEA, Bone Mineral Density, Older Adults
Researchers writing in the medical journal The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, say that DHEA replacement therapy for one year improved hip Bone Mineral Density in older adults and spine Bone Mineral Density in older women.

DHEA What is It?
DHEA MAIN PAGE

What is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally produced steroid made by the adrenal glands. It is derived from cholesterol and when metabolized in the liver, a sulfate is added converting it into DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S).

DHEA is made in greater quantities than any other hormone in the body, it reaches its peak levels while we are in our early 20’s and then begins a dramatic drop to 20% of those levels by the time we reach age 70. It is this drastic drop in the body’s most prevalent hormone that led researchers to conjecture that DHEA may play a very large role in the disease and aging process.

Clinical Use

As part of our Age Management program, DHEA is given in its oral form, and in typical doses of 25-50 mg a day for men, and less for females depending on their baseline levels.

Typically DHEA supplementation is started after the age of 40 but earlier in cases of deficiency and apparent symptoms warranting testing (chronic fatigue, and immune system disorder among others). The goal of DHEA supplementation, like all hormone addition, is not to over supplement but to gently fine tune the body’s levels. Like all hormone supplementation, we check blood levels 12 weeks after initiation of therapy to insure proper dosing.

As part of an age management program our goals are to:
– Increase quality of life
– Increase vitality and energy
– Facilitate weight loss (if needed)
– Decrease Fat
– Increase memory function
– Increase sex drive and performance
– Enhance the immune system function
– Lower overall risk of disease such as heart disease and diabetes mellitis

It must be stressed that DHEA is not a self-administering supplement, and that blood tests and careful monitoring are needed to determine proper dosage.

DHEA Research
DHEA MAIN PAGE

DHEA

DHEA is a hormone that can be purchased over-the-counter or via the internet. Be aware that because of the power of DHEA, it, like any medication, should be prescribed only by a doctor versed in age management, and it should be purchased only from a source having a pharmaceutical grade product. Many “supplements” have little of the active ingredient needed to effect the health purposes you, as a patient, need. As such, there are many claims supporting its usage and some information on contraindications. This section will present both sides and discuss DHEA’s clinical use.

Potential Positive Effects of DHEA:
– Positive effect on mental well being
– Reduction of depression and Alzheimer’s disease
– Increased sex drive
– Increased blood vessel function
– Decreased risk of heart disease
– Increased bone density and decrease in fracture risk
– Increased immune system function
– Reduction of obesity
– Improved insulin sensitivity (lowers insulin levels and helps in weight loss)
– Decreased fatigue
– Increased metabolism
– Decreased plasma cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
– Lowering cholesterol
– Useful for reduction of Lupus related symptoms

Potential Negatives of low DHEA
– Low blood levels of DHEA in the body may contribute to premature aging.
– Low blood levels maybe found in people with osteoporosis.
– Low blood levels maybe found in people with chronic fatigue.
– Low blood levels of DHEA maybe found in people with multiple sclerosis.
– Low blood levels of DHEA maybe found in people with lupus.
– Low blood levels of DHEA maybe found in people with fibromyalgia.

The negatives of superphysiologic levels of DHEA
Unchecked supplementation of DHEA without laboratory and physician supervision can lead to the following in individuals:
– Overdosing of DHEA
– May increase the risk of liver cancer
– May increase the risk of ovarian cancer
– May increase the risk of prostate cancer
– May lower “good” cholesterol
– May cause oily skin and/or acne
– May cause unwanted body hair or other “masculinizing effects” in women.

DHEA, What is it?

Progesterone and Hormone Supplementation

Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced in the ovaries, and in smaller quantities, in the adrenal glands. During the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle, progesterone becomes the dominate female hormone as it prepares the body for pregnancy.

Progesterone is the counterbalance of estrogen and regulates the effects of estrogen in a woman’s body. Progesterone and estrogen are designed by nature to work together. This is why many physicians treating hormonal problems include it in their regiment guidelines. We do not prescribe estrogen without progesterone.

When it was found that Estrogen replacement alone, without concomitant progesterone supplementation, could increase a women’s chance of contracting uterine cancer, researchers and physicians thought to counteract this risk by prescribing progesterone in the form of a synthetic version called “progestin.”

Why? The issue of patentable versus non-patentable. Progestins can make a lot of money for the manufacturer, progesterone can not. It didn’t take long for the side-effects of progestins to become known: Weight gain and bloating, anxiety and high-blood pressure, PMS-like symptoms and more.

Is Progesterone safer?
Not all doctors and researchers agree that progesterone is any better or any safer than progestins.

Progesterone and hormone supplementation.
Progesterone is almost mandatory in many women, progestins are not.

In July 2002 when the Woman’s Health Initiative released their findings that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was dangerous, somehow, progesterone was singled out as being the cause of excessive breast cancer risks by the general media. This was not the case at all. A portion of the study cited above, was discontinued because of breast cancer risk in those women using a combination of synthetic hormones; that derived from horse urine mixed with progestins, not progesterone.

How different are progestins from progesterone?
In pregnancy, progesterone protects the human fetus and maintains a healthy pregnancy. Progestins cannot be taken during pregnancy because they can cause birth defects. Progestins are used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.

Do progestins and progesterone sound like the same hormone to you?
Further, the side effects of progestins can include breast tenderness, depression, edema and bloating. Progesterone does not seem to cause any of those side effects. In fact, it usually reduces such symptoms.

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Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol mainly by the adrenal glands and in small part by our nervous system.

What does it do?
There is speculation as to the main role of pregnenolone in the body. Most researchers are now in agreement that the primary role of pregnenolone is as the precursor (the building block) of our other hormones including the estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.

DHEA is considered the “daughter” hormone of pregnenolone. Indeed pregneolone is considered by some to be the “mother of all steroid hormones.”

It has been suggested by human and animal studies that pregnenolone may assist:
-Memory enhancement
-Feelings of well being
-Intelligence by increasing ability to acquire knowledge
-Reduction of physical and mental effects of stress
-Mood improvement
-Energy improvement
-Reduction of PMS and menopausal symptoms
-Better sleep and deeper sleep
-Reduction of wrinkles through skin hydration
-As an anti-inflammatory, and with benefits for rheumatoid arthritis

Pregnenolone supplementation
As do our other hormones, pregnenolone levels decline with age. In our seventies, many produce up to 60% less pregnenolone than we did in our thirties. Many physicians and scientists believe that replacement of pregnenolone to those levels of our thirties can help with the symptoms regularly attributed to aging.

Another aspect of pregnenolone that researchers find intriguing is that pregnenolone levels may regulate the levels of our other hormones. In other words, supplementation of pregnenolone may positively impact decreased levels of our other hormones and restore them to more optimal levels.

There is a negative. If increasing pregnenolone levels increases the body’s own ability to make hormones, such as DHEA, then concurrent supplementation can theoretically raise other hormone levels too high. This is yet another reason why self-administering any hormone is not advisable and should be done only after levels are drawn and analyzed by an age management specialist.

Pregnenolone Research

Intimacy, Urinary, and Depressive Problems In Women Who Have Partners With E.D.

Researchers writing in the medical journal World Journal of Urology say that FSD disorders, urinary symptoms and depressive symptoms are common in partners of men with ED.

From the study abstract
Shabsigh R, Anastasiades A, Cooper KL, Rutman MP. Female sexual dysfunction, voiding symptoms and depression: common findings in partners of men with erectile dysfunction. World J Urol. 2006 Nov 3

The researchers sought to “investigate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), urinary symptoms, and depressive symptoms in female partners of men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED).”

Through a survey 73 women with male patients presenting with ED were surveyed using a questionnaire at their counterpart’s visit. Fifty of the women filled out the questionnaire sufficiently to be studied.

Of the 50 women, the average age was 44.8 years and 38 of the women reported being sexually active

The women reported the following sexual dysfunctions:

• anxiety/inhibition (26%)
• hypoactive desire (20%)
• arousal/lubrication difficulty (30%)
• orgasmic difficulty (24%)
• dyspareunia* (18%)
• incontinence during intercourse (8%)
• sexual dissatisfaction (34%)



In other questions the women reported:
Forty-one women (82%) rated sexual activity as an important part of their lives.
Urinary symptoms of frequency and urgency were reported by 18/50 (36%).
Depressive symptoms were present in 22/50 (44%).

The researchers noted that: “FSD disorders, urinary symptoms and depressive symptoms are common in partners of men with erectile dysfunction.”

*Note added: Painful intercourse

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