Estrogens HH
Also known as: Oestrogens

Description

Estrogens are a group of Female Sexual Steroid Hormones produced in the Ovaries and (to a lesser extent in males) the Testes. Estrogens are also produced within the Brain by Astrocytes.

Biological Function of Estrogens

Cardiovascular System

Estrogens raise HDL Cholesterol levels and lower LDL Cholesterol levels.
Estrogens improve Blood Circulation to the Brain (and thereby alleviate Cerebral Insufficiency). research

Musculoskeletal System

Estrogens inhibit the production of excessive quantities of Osteoclasts (by inhibiting the production of Interleukin 6).
Supplemental Estrogens (administered during the five years immediately following Menopause) inhibits the rate of Bone loss that occurs during Osteoporosis (by inhibiting the production of Interleukin 6 which in turn inhibits the production of Osteoclasts). Estrogens do NOT influence Bone building (which is mediated by Osteoblasts, upon which Estrogens do not exert any effects): research

- Supplemental Estrogens only retard the Bone loss associated with Osteoporosis during the five years following Menopause.
After that period Osteoclast-mediated Bone loss proceeds at the same rate as in those women who are not undergoing Estrogen replacement therapy.

Nervous System

Estrogens (preferably natural Estrogens identical in chemical structure to those produced endogenously) help to prevent Alzheimer's Disease in post-menopausal women and improve the Mental Function of persons afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease. Estrogens prevent Alzheimer's Disease via numerous mechanisms. research

- Estrogens improve Blood Circulation to the Frontal Lobe of the Brain.
- Estrogens normalize Brain Wave generation.
- Estrogens stimulate the production of and increase the Brain's sensitivity to the effects of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
- Estradiol (one of the Estrogens) inhibits the ability of Amyloid-Beta Protein to destroy Neurons.
- Estrogens facilitate the growth of Dendrites. research

Estrogens are speculated to inhibit the deposition of Ceroid in the Brain.
Estrogens improves Blood Circulation to the Frontal Lobe and Precentral Gyrus areas of the Brain.
Estrogens improve Memory (studies have demonstrated the ability of Estrogen Replacement Therapy to improve Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory in women). research

Sexual System

The Endometrium develops under the influence of Estrogens (in conjunction with Progesterone):

- During the first stages of the Menstrual Cycle, immediately after Menstruation, the Endometrium is at its thinnest. Estrogens cause the Endometrium to change and develop.

Estrogens help to prepare the female body for Pregnancy.
Estrogens are responsible for the growth and development of the Uterus at puberty. research
Vaginitis can occur as a result of insufficient production of Estrogens.

 

Novel Experimental Uses of Estrogens

Aging Process

Estrogens (specifically topically applied 0.01% Estradiol or 0.3% Estriol; oral Estrogens replacment therapy may also be effective) retard and reverse some aspects of the Aging Process in the Skin. research

Hair/Skin

Estrogens (applied topically to the Scalp) retard further Hair Loss in persons afflicted with Male Pattern Baldness: research

- Caution: topical application of Estrogens causes Scalp fragility and tenderness in some persons.

Estrogens (specifically topically applied 0.01% Estradiol or 0.3% Estriol; oral Estrogens replacment therapy may also be effective) retard and reverse some aspects of the Aging Process in the Skin: research

- Topical Estrogens increase the moisture content of the Skin. research
- Topical Estrogens markedly improve the elasticity and firmness of the Skin.
- Topical Estrogens decrease the size of Pores (as measured scientifically Skin profilometry) by between 61% and 100% and are therefore useful for people with Enlarged Pores. research
- Estrogens (orally and probably topically) improve the function of the Extracellular Matrix of the Skin. research

- Topical Estrogens decrease Wrinkles (as measured scientifically by the depth of Wrinkles using Skin profilometry) by between 61% and 100%. research
- Topical Estrogens increase the quantity of Type III Collagen in the Skin and increase the quantity of Collagen fibers in the Skin. research

 

These Substances (undesirably) Increase Male Estrogens Levels

Alcohols

Alcohol (ethanol) increases male Estrogens levels by impairing the Liver's ability to convert Estradiol and Estrone to Estriol.

 

Other Factors that Increase Male Estrogens Levels

Aging Process

Estrogens (primarily Estradiol and Estrone) levels in males generally increase in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. research

These Substances Minimize the Toxic Effects of Estrogens

Hormones

Melatonin helps to prevent the growth of those forms of Cancer that are caused by excessive exposure to Estrogens.
Supplementary natural Progesterone (usually administered topically as a cream) counteracts Estrogens-dominance. research

 

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Tamoxifen is used to prevent Breast Cancer by blocking the receptor sites for Estrogens within the body:

- Caution: Tamoxifen increases the risk of Liver Cancer.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are so chemically similar to Estrogens that they bind to the Estrogen Receptors on the Cells within the body:

- However Phytoestrogens do not initiate the same biological effects that true Estrogens exert.
- As a result, Phytoestrogens can paradoxically act as Antiestrogens, effectively diluting the impact of the body's own production of Estrogens (due to Phytoestrogens occupying the same Receptor sites that would otherwise be occupied by Estrogens).
- Consequently Phytoestrogens can protect the body from the toxic effects of excessive Estrogens.

Polyphenols

Daidzein competes with Estrogens for occupancy of Estrogen Receptors. research
Genistein competes with Estrogens for occupancy of Estrogen Receptors. research

These Substances Lower Estrogens Levels

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Aromatase Inhibitors lower Estrogens (Estradiol and Estrone) levels (by inhibiting the Aromatase enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Testosterone to Estradiol and the conversion of Androstenedione to Estrone): research

- Note that lower Estrogens levels are only desirable when existing Estrogens levels are excessive.
- Aminoglutethimdie lowers Estrogens levels by inhibiting the Aromatase enzyme (
but its usefulness is tainted by the fact that it inhibits other enzymes that catalyze the production of other Steroid Hormones).

 

These Foods/Herbs Counteract the Potentially Toxic Effects of Estrogens

Grains

Wheat Bran (10 - 20 grams per day) lowers female Estrogens levels. research

 

Herbs

Chaste Berry lowers elevated Estrogens levels. research
Rosemary counteracts the negative effects of Estrogens (Estradiol and Estrone), including the ability of these Estrogens to initiate some types of Cancer. These effects occur from Rosemary stimulating the microsomal metabolism and glucuronidation of Estrogens in the Liver. research

 

Estrogens Enhance the Function of these Substances

Enzymes

Estrogens increase the activity of Choline Acetylase in various regions of the Brain.

Growth Factors

Estrogens increase the Brain's sensitivity to the effects of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).

Minerals

Estrogens enhance the retention of Calcium in the Bones.

Proteins

Estrogens increase the production of Cortisol Binding Globulin (CBG) by the Liver.

 

Smart Drugs

Estrogens increase the effectiveness of Pyrrolidone Derivative Nootropics:

- Aniracetam
- Oxiracetam
- Piracetam
- Pramiracetam

Estrogens Interfere with these Substances

Hormones

Estrogens inhibit the body's production of Parathormone.

Vitamins

Estrogens are an enemy of Biotin.
Estrogens deplete the body's Choline levels.
Estrogens deplete the body's Folic Acid levels.
Estrogens deplete the body's Inositol levels.
Estrogens are an enemy of PABA.

Estrogens are an enemy of Vitamin B6.
Estrogens increase the body's requirement for Vitamin E.

 

These Factors Interfere with the Body's Production of Estrogens

Metabolism

Endurance Exercise reduces womens' levels of Estrogens. research

Sexual System

Female Menopause causes a decline in female production of Estrogens (and it is for this reason that post-menopausal women are often administered exogenous Synthetic Estrogens (this practice known as Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)):

- Synthetic Estrogens differ in their chemical structure to that of the body's natural Estrogens and can produce toxic side-effects that exceed those of natural, endogenous Estrogens. For this reason post-menopausal women are advised to consider the use of natural Estrogens in ERT (natural are more difficult to procure than Synthetic Estrogens ).
- The ideal proportions of Estrogens (preferably natural Estrogens ) for post-
menopausal females in Estrogen Replacement Therapy is:

- 80% Estriol
- 10% Estradiol
- 10% Estrone

 

These Substances Interfere with Estrogens

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Antiestrogens (e.g. Danazol, Tamoxifen) compete with Estrogens for occupancy of Estrogen Receptors.

 

Other Factors that Interfere with Estrogens

Surgery

When a woman has had an Hysterectomy that removes her Ovaries, production of Estrogens by (the now non-existent) Ovaries will inevitably cease (although small quantities of Estrogens will continue to be manufactured by the Adrenal Glands). Adrenal Gland production of Estrogens will not be sufficient to prevent Estrogens deficiency in many Hysterectomy patients.

 

Toxic Effects of Excessive Estrogens

The toxic effects of Estrogens only occur when the sum of Estradiol + Estrone exceeds 50% of the body's total Estrogens . (i.e. when the proportion of Estriol is less than 50%).

 

Immune System

Excessive Estrogens production increases the risk of some forms of Cancer:

- Estrogens potently stimulate Cell Growth in certain tissues. The more cells divide, the greater the risk that a genetic mishap will occur that could lead to the uncontrolled proliferation of Cells characterized by Cancer, especially:
- Breast Cancer (specifically 2-Hydroxyestrone form of Estrone)
It is noteworthy that of the three types of Estrogens, Estradiol is 1,000 times more potent in terms of its ability to stimulate Breast tissue growth compared to Estriol.

- Pharmaceutical supplementation of Estrogens to postmenopausal females is a major cause of Endometrial Cancer (due to their Estrone and/or Estradiol component).
- Excessive endogenous production of Estrogens in women is implicated in Ovary Cancer.
- Excessive endogenous production of Estrogens in men is implicated in Prostate Cancer. research
- The specific Cell growth that Estrogens are known to stimulate is Trophoblasts which are strongly implicated in Cancer when they are produced in situations other than Pregnancy.

Excessive use of exogenous, supplemental Estrogens by postmenopausal women increases their risk of developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

 

Metabolism

Estrogens inhibit the mobilization of Adipose Tissue from Cellulite for redistribution to other areas of the body (possibly accounting for the greater incidence of Cellulite in females than in males).

 

Nervous System

Excessive Estrogens levels can cause Depression (due to them blocking the Serotonin manufacturing properties of Vitamin B6).
Excessive Estrogens levels or a high Estrogens:Progesterone ratio (Estrogens Dominance
) may be a cause of Multiple Sclerosis. research

 

Sexual System

Elevated Estrogens levels or Estrogens activity is suspected of causing Endometriosis. research
Elevated Estrogens (Estradiol + Estrone) levels in the Prostate is an underlying cause of Enlarged Prostate. research
Excessive production of Estrogens is implicated in the PMS-A (Anxiety) form of Pre-
Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Estrogens Dominance (i.e. an excess of Estrogens relative to Progesterone) is a common cause of Uterine Fibroids. research

 

Controversial Aspects of Estrogen

Sexual System

It is widely believed that women require additional Estrogens (Estrogen Replacement Therapy) during and after Female Menopause:

- During and following Menopause, a significant number of females do NOT require Estrogen Replacement Therapy - the female body still produces a small quantity of Estrogens (from Androstenedione within Adipose Tissue) - Estrogen production merely declines in tandem with the female body's reduced requirement for Estrogens that were formerly necessary to prepare her Endometrium for Pregnancy.
- Notwithstanding the information in the previous paragraph, it is noteworthy that Estrogen Replacement Therapy has been found to protect against the development of Alzheimer's Disease in post-menopausal females.

 

Commercial Availability of Supplemental Estrogens

The use of synthetic, pharmaceutical Estrogens by postmenopausal females is known as Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT).

 

Oral Products

Most forms of supplemental Estrogens are in the form of Synthetic Estrogens and Synthetic Estrogens are also a component of the Contraceptive Pill.
Some international mail order pharmacies supply mixed (NATURAL) Estrogens (Tri-
Estrogen) comprising 80% Estriol + 10% Estradiol + 10% Estrone in 1.25 mg and 2.5 mg capsules.