Steroid Hormones Part 1: Introduction,
Cholesterol, Pregnenolone, and DHEA
We now turn our attention to the steroid hormones, and
particularly the sex hormones (a subset of the steroids). These hormones are made in a variety of
organs and their production is linked with sex and life cycle. We will briefly discuss Pregnenolone, DHEA, and
Cortisol, while our main emphasis will be on Estrogen, Progesterone, and
Testosterone (the sex hormones). We will
learn how these hormones are impacted through both the male and female life
cycle. And we will better understand the involvement of the ovaries, testicles,
and adrenal glands in producing these hormones.
These hormones will work together and in opposition. One hormone may turn something “on” while
another may turn that same function “off.” Some hormones may have what appear
to us as similar functions, yet at the end of the day there is some interaction
or synergistic effect that we experience, but not completely understand. (Perhaps this is where we get into trouble -
when we think we know a little bit more about what is going on than we really
do!)
The steroid hormones have a variety of roles. While we will get into more specific details later,
at a high level this includes stress handling (which includes physical, mental,
emotional, and spiritual stress); reproduction (both cellular and sexual); the
production of energy; body repair and regeneration; healthy brain function
(including mood, cognition, and memory); regulating blood sugar levels (which
relates to energy production); supporting the immune system; and managing
inflammation.
When discussing the steroid hormones we must return to this
very important chart and remember it all starts with cholesterol. Yes, the substance that so many supposed
experts are telling us is deadly. We do
not have the time or space to have that discussion here, so you will have to
take my word for it – we need cholesterol!
As illustrated above the key steroid hormones include:
Pregnenolone, DHEA, Progesterone, Aldosterone, Androstenedione, Cortisol,
Estrone, and Estradiol.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is made from cholesterol mainly in the
adrenal glands, but also in the liver, skin, brain, testicles, ovaries, and
retina of the eyes. It is the precursor hormone for the
entire steroid family. Pregnenolone has
many functions of its own, but for our present discussion we need to be aware
that it is converted to DHEA or progesterone for downstream functionality.
Since we will be focusing mostly on the downstream sex hormones we will limit
our discussion of pregnenolone.
How does the body decide between DHEA and
progesterone? This is the native
intelligence of the body and the entire endocrine system at work. The glands
and the brain are communicating and setting priorities. However, the key factor
to remember is that blood sugar and stress handling get top
prioritization. If the body is under
stress this favors conversion to progesterone which will be converted to
cortisol.
What is the implication of this? It is common for a test result to show low
DHEA. One accepted approach is to then
supplement with DHEA. Guess what happens
often times on the next test? Yes – the
person is still low on DHEA. This is
likely because the person is not suffering from a DHEA shortage! They are more likely under constant stress
and the body is prioritizing cortisol.
DHEA
DHEA is made primarily in adrenal glands. Its main functions are to support blood sugar
regulation; reduce fat; increase muscle mass; stimulate the immune system;
enhance bone deposition and remodeling; reduce breast proliferation; improve
libido; and decrease PMS. You will soon
see that it is not alone in any of these functions.
Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and
Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create
individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Mequon, WI. To
learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call
(262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.
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