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Recommendation Number 5:
Hormone Balance
DHEA supplements (for men and women), Super MiraForte with Maximum Strength Chrysin (for men), Natural Estrogen with Pomegranate Extract (for women)

DOSAGE: The exact dosage to be taken should be determined by blood testing and the advice of a physician.

Restore Youthful Hormone Balance with DHEA Supplements

Taking vitamins will not make you feel better if you suffer from a hormone imbalance. Youthful hormone balance is critical to maintaining health in all women and men over age 35.

Aging men and women are invariably DHEA deficient.244-248 Many men over age 40 often have too much estrogen and too little free testosterone.249-251 Aging women need to balance their progesterone and estrogen levels.

The proper blood tests can provide the data needed to design an individualized hormone modulation program. Life Extension offers low cost blood test panels designed to help provide the information needed to safely achieve youthful hormone balance. The good news is that as more Americans have their blood tested to assess their hormone status, the prices of these blood tests has dropped so they are affordable to just about everyone. To order a comprehensive Male or Female Blood Test Panel, call 1-800-226-2370.

Once your blood test results are in, you can take them to your doctor, or talk to a Life Extension Health advisor about the different options available to you. Health advisors are available by phoning 1-800-226-2370 or by email advisory@lef.org.

DHEA: The Most Popular of all Hormone Supplements

The Life Extension Foundation introduced the anti-aging benefits of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to its members in 1981. This hormone did not become credible to the medical establishment until 1996, when the New York Academy of Sciences published a textbook entitled DHEA and Aging that provided scientific validation for many of DHEA’s effects. The public learned about DHEA later that same year, when its benefits were touted in the media and in several best-selling books.

DHEA is the body’s most abundant circulating hormone. Unfortunately, research has shown that DHEA production peaks by age 25 and drops dramatically each year thereafter. By age 70 most people’s DHEA levels have declined by over 80%, leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect quality of life.252 These kinds of imbalances occur for other critical hormones in our aging bodies such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Thousands of studies have been published showing how DHEA may help to retard the effects of aging and promote longevity. Considering DHEA’s potential benefits, many researchers advocate taking DHEA supplements to regain youthful circulating concentrations of this critical hormone.252 To achieve the DHEA levels of a 25-year-old, men normally take 50 mg a day, while women usually need only 15-25 mg a day.

In addition to DHEA itself, favorable research demonstrates improved immune function286 and a safe increase fat-burning enzymes in the liver287,288 in response to supplementation with a DHEA metabolite called 7-Keto® DHEA. Studies show that people who consumed 200 mg of 7-Keto® DHEA in conjunction with a diet and exercise program lost more weight than those who took a placebo.

All of Life Extension’s DHEA supplements are manufactured under GMP (good manufacturing practice) conditions and micronized for maximum absorption and utilization.

Note: Those with hormone related cancers such as prostate cancer or breast cancer should not use DHEA supplements. Studies suggest that 7-Keto® does not convert to testosterone or estradiol, as can DHEA. However, no research to date has evaluated the effect of 7-Keto® on hormone dependent conditions such as prostate cancer. Before initiating DHEA, please refer to the DHEA Precautions for Men and DHEA Precautions for Women in the DHEA section of our website, or continue reading below.

Hormones: A Natural Approach for Men

Sexual stimulation begins in the brain when testosterone binds to cell-receptor sites to ignite a cascade of pleasure-inducing biochemical events. Testosterone promotes sexual desire and then facilitates performance, sensation and the ultimate degree of fulfillment. Men with low testosterone routinely suffer from a decreased sex drive and impotence. Low testosterone has been linked to a host of age-related problems.

One reason aging males become testosterone deficient is the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. A natural method of boosting free testosterone levels is to block the aromatase enzyme that causes this conversion. A flavonoid called chrysin is a natural aromatase-inhibitor. In a study on 22 male subjects, 750 mg of chrysin and 10 mg of Bioperine® (a pepper extract that increases absorption of chrysin) was given twice daily for 30 days. When compared with baseline, the results showed 73% of the subjects demonstrated an increase in free testosterone of 40%!253

Another reason why aging men are testosterone deficient is a blood component called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) which binds to free testosterone, rendering it biologically inactive. Research has found that urtica dioica has a greater affinity for SHBG than testosterone.254 As a result, SHBG more readily binds to the constituents of the urtica dioica, successfully counteracting its effect, thus increasing the level of free testosterone.

A formula called Super MiraForte contains high concentrations of chrysin, Bioperine®, urtica dioica, and muira puama. This formula is designed to help reestablish more youthful testosterone levels. A bottle containing 120 capsules retails for $56.00. If a Life Extension member buys four bottles, the price is reduced to $38.00 per bottle. The suggested dose is two capsules, twice per day.

Caution: Men with prostate cancer should not take this product, nor should women.

Hormones: A Natural Approach for Women

As women age, their natural production of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, declines. These hormonal deficits give rise to a host of unpleasant menopausal issues and accelerate various aging processes.

Estrogen does more than mitigate the unwanted effects of menopause. Researchers have found that estrogen confers a variety of benefits—helping to maintain firm skin and muscle tone, supporting healthy neurological, immune, and sexual function, and producing greater feelings of well being.*

For years, menopausal women relied on estrogen drugs to maintain youthful levels of this hormone. Yet concern about the potentially life-threatening side effects of hormone drugs has caused many women to deprive themselves of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. One alternative to hormone drugs is phytoestrogens—natural estrogenic extracts from plant sources.255-273

Natural Estrogen with Pomegranate Extract is a dietary supplement containing standardized plant extracts that may help relieve menopausal symptoms and produce hormone-modulating effects that are beneficial for most women over 40. Natural Estrogen with Pomegranate Extract contains health-promoting phytoestrogens from soy, as well as the following complementary plant extracts:

Broccoli extract to help modulate estrogens in the body289,290
HMRlignan™ to protect against some of estrogen’s unwanted effects291
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) confers powerful antioxidant and hormone modulating effects292
Licorice to facilitate estrogen synthesis274-276*
Black cohosh to mimic the safe estrogen “estriol”277*
Dong quai to modulate estrogen balance and progesterone synthesis278*
Vitex agnus-castus to establish hormone balance and suppress excess prolactin279-285*

Suggested dose is one caplet, two times per day, which provides:

SoySelect® soybean (Glycine max) 70:1 Extract [standardized to 13% isoflavones (52 mg), 18% Group-B Saponins (72 mg)]	400 mg
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea l.) Extract (plant) [standardized to 4% glucosinolates (12 mg)]	300 mg
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Extract	200 mg
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) Extract	40 mg
HMRlignan™ Norway spruce (Picea abies) lignan extract	30 mg
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) Extract	25 mg
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract	25 mg
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) Extract	20 mg

A bottle of 60 caplets of Natural Estrogen with Pomegranate Extract (a one month supply) retails for $38; if a Life Extension member orders four bottles, the price is reduced to only $24.75 per bottle.

Caution: Those with an estrogen-dependent cancer should consult with their physician before using any type of estrogen supplement. Aging women should also consider ProFem Cream, which contains natural progesterone, along with melatonin supplementation each night. Consult your physician before using ProFem Cream if you have been diagnosed with a hormonal cancer, such as breast or prostate cancer. This product contains Progesterone, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. Consult with your physician before using this product.

Comprehensive Hormone Replacement Options

Men should refer to the following pages in the Health Concerns section of our website:

Women should refer to the following pages in the Health Concerns section of our website:

Based on the results of blood tests, some people will need natural hormones. Foundation members can discuss their hormone status with one of our staff physicians at no charge. To inquire about ordering blood tests, call 1-800-208-3444.

More Info on Hormone Balance (DHEA)

Top Ten Nutritional Supplements

1: Multivitamins and Minerals
(Life Extension Mix™)

2: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

3: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

4: Mitochondrial Function (MEO)

5: Hormone Balance (DHEA)

6: Brain Cell Function (Cognitex)

7: Bone Health (for women and men)

7a: Prostate Health (for men only)

8: Neural and Hepatic Health (SAMe)

9: Cardiovascular Health (Aspirin)

10: Vitamin K, Gamma Tocopherol (Super Booster Softgels)

References

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246. Gonzales GF, Gonez C, Villena A. Adrenopause or decline of serum adrenal androgens with age in women living at sea level or at high altitude. J Endocrinol. 2002 Apr;173(1):95-101.

247. Johnson CE, Berman JR. The role of androgens in hormone replacement therapy. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2005 Sep;6(11):1815-31

248. Berr C, Lafont S, Debuire B, et al. Relationships of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the elderly with functional, psychological, and mental status, and short-term mortality: a French community-based study. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996 Nov 12;93(23):13410-5.

249. Kley HK, Nieschlag E, Wiegelmann W, et al. Sexual hormones in ageing males. Aktuelle Gerontol 1976 Feb;6(2):61-7 (in German).

250. Drafta D, Schindler AE, Stroe E, et al. Age-related changes of plasma steroids in normal adult males. J Steroid Biochem 1982 Dec;17(6):683-7

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252. Leowattana W. DHEAS as a new diagnostic tool. Clin Chim Acta. 2004 Mar;341(1-2):1-15.

253. Kellis JT Jr, Vickery LE. Inhibition of human estrogen synthetase (aromatase) by flavones. Science 1984 Sep 7;225(4666):1032-4.

254. Schottner M, Gansser D, Spiteller G. Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Planta Med 1997 Dec;63(6):529-32.

255. Dalais FS, Ebeling PR, Kotsopoulos D, et al. The effects of soy protein containing isoflavones on lipids and indices of bone resorption in post-menopausal women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2003 Jun;58(6):704–9.

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260. Kim MK, Chung BC, Yu VY, et al. Relationships of urinary phytoestrogen excretion to BMD in postmenopausal women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2002 Mar;56(3):321–8.

261. Chiechi LM, Secreto G, D’Amore M, et al. Efficacy of a soy rich diet in preventing postmenopausal osteoorosis: the men’s randomized trial. Maturitas. 2002 Aug 30;42(4):295–300.

262. Alekel DL, Germain AS, Peterson CT, et al. Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate attenuates bone loss in the lumbar spine of perimenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Sep;72(3):844–52.

263. Potter S, Baum J, Teng H, et al. Soy protein and isoflavones: their effects on blood lipids and bone density in postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998 Dec;68(6 Suppl):1375S-9.

264. Crouse III JR, Morgan T, Terry JG, et al. A randomized trial comparing the effect of casein with that of soy protein containing varying amounts of isoflavones on plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins. Arch Intern Med. 1999 Sep 27;159(7):2070–6.

265. Merz-Demlow BE, Duncan AM, Wangen KE, et al. Soy isoflavones improve plasma lipids in normocholesterolemic, premenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6):1462–9.

266. Wangen KE, Duncan AM, Xu X, et al. Soy isoflavones improve plasma lipids in normocholesterolemic and mildly hyper-cholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Feb;73(2):225–31.

267. Teede HJ, Dalais FS, Kotsopoulos D, et al. Dietary soy has both beneficial and potentially adverse cardiovascular effects: a placebo controlled study in men and post-menopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Jul;86(7):3053–60.

268. Jayagopal V, Albertazzi P, Kilpatrick ES, et al. Beneficial effects of soy phytoestrogen intake in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2002 Oct;25(10):1709–1714.

269. Lemay A, Dodin S, Kadri N, et al. Flaxseed dietary supplement versus hormone replacement therapy in hypercholesterolemic menopausal women. Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Sep;100(3):495–504.

270. Sanders TAB, Dean TS, Grainger D, et al. Moderate intakes of intact soy protein rich in isoflavones compared with ethanolextracted soy protein increase HDL but do not influence transforming growth factor beta(1) concentrations and hemostatic risk factors for coronary heart disease in healthy subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Aug;76(2):373–7.

271. De Kleijn MJJ, Van der Schouw YT, Wilson PWF, et al. Dietary intake of phytoestrogens is associated with a favorable metabolic cardiovascular risk profile in postmenopausal US women: the Framingham Study. J Nutr. 2002 Feb;132(2):276–82.

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274. Oerter Klein K, Janfaza M, Wong JA, et al. Estrogen bioactivity in fo-ti and other herbs used for their estrogen-like effects as determined by a recombinant cell bioassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Sep;88(9):4077-9. Comment in: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Sep;88(9):4075-6.

275. Tamir S, Eizenberg M, Somjen D, et al. Estrogen-like activity of glabrene and other constituents isolated from licorice root. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2001 Sep;78(3):291-8.

276. Tamir S, Eizenberg M, Somjen D, et al. Estrogenic and antiproliferative properties of glabridin from licorice in human breast cancer cells. Cancer Res. 2000 Oct 15;60(20):5704-9.

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279. Atmaca M, Kumru S, Tezcan E. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2003 Apr;18(3):191-5.

280. Halaska M, Beles P, Gorkow C, et al. Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with a solution containing a Vitex agnus castus extract: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Breast. 1999 Aug;8(4):175-81.

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283. Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, et al. Chast tree (Vitex agnus-castus) – pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine. 2003 May;10(4):348-57.

284. Gorkow C, Wuttke W, Marz RW. Effectiveness of Vitex agnus-castus preparations. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):364-72 (in German).

285. Sliutz G, Speiser P, Schultz AM, et al. Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells. Horm Metab Res. 1993 May;25(5):253-5.

286. Zenk JL, Kuskowski MA. The use of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone for augmenting immune response in the elderly. Presented at meeting of FASEB, April 17, 2004.

287. Bobyleva V, Bellei M, Kneer N, et al. The effects of the ergosteroid 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone on mitochondrial membrane potential: possible relationship to thermogenesis. Arch Biochem Biophys. 1997 May 1;341(1):122-8.

288. Lardy H, Partridge B, Kneer N, et al. Ergosteroids: induction of thermogenic enzymes in liver of rats treated with steroids derived from dehydroepiandrosterone. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1995 Jul 3;92(14):6617-9.

289. Wu GX, Lin YX, et al. [An experimental study(II) on the inhibition of prostatic hyperplasia by extract of seeds of Brassica alba] Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Jul;28(7):643-6.

290. Horn TL, Reichert MA, et al. Modulations of P450 mRNA in liver and mammary gland and P450 activities and metabolism of estrogen in liver by treatment of rats with indole-3-carbinol. Biochem Pharmacol. 2002 Aug 1;64(3):393-404.

291. Kangas L, Saarinen N, et al. Antioxidant and antitumor effects of hydroxymatairesinol (HM-3000, HMR), a lignan isolated from the knots of spruce. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2002 Aug;11 Suppl 2:S48-S57.

292. Seeram NP, Adams LS, et al. In vitro antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities of punicalagin, ellagic acid and a total pomegranate tannin extract are enhanced in combination with other polyphenols as found in pomegranate juice. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Jun;16(6):360-7.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.