Michael Colgan – Hormonal Health

Altering one hormone in isolation is useless. Hormones tend to work together to achieve something. For example, libido is not just controlled by testosterone – thyroid hormone and prolactin also play important roles.

Various medical drugs and HRT can destroy hormonal harmony and damage the hormonal cascade.

The hormonal cascade and replacements:Point on cascade Replacement ChemicalPineal Gland MelatoninHypothalamus Selegine, ALCARPituitary GHAdrenals DHEATestes Testosterone

Melatonin – levels drop with age (age 10 age 20 = 50% drop; age 20 30 = 33% drop). To inhibit aging of the whole system, replace melatonin levels to normal. Melatonin allows the whole hormonal cascade to fall into place. Melatonin also acts as a strong anti-oxidant, slows decline in GH output with age, and promotes restful sleep. Ideal does is between 0.5mg – 3mg (MP.com forum suggests 0.25-0.5mg) one-hour pre-bed.

Selegine – increases dopamine activity by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO). Useful dose seems to be 1 – 2mg – more is not better. Take 5 days per week, first thing.

ALCAR – protects the brain and acts as a strong anti-oxidant. Also supports the acetylcholine enzymes in the brain, increasing acetylcholine production. Also boosts dopamine. Useful dose seems to be around 1-2g taken upon rising.

DHEA – banned substance GH – banned substance. Testosterone – strongly affected by poor nutrition (especially zinc

deficiency), prescription drugs and lifestyle. Not a primary deficiency, in that it can quite often be reduced to poorer hormonal health upstream in the cascade. Testosterone supplementation is banned, so focus on dietary/lifestyle factors.

Hormonal nutrition – requires plentiful levels of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Recommends decent levels of fats. PS (100-200mg) can be used for brain health.