How does pregnenolone affect migraine symptoms. What is the neurohormonal hypothesis of migraine. Can hormone restoration therapy alleviate migraines. What role do steroid hormones play in migraine pathophysiology. How effective is a multimodal treatment approach for migraines.

The Neurohormonal Hypothesis of Migraine: A Paradigm Shift

In 2002, researchers proposed a groundbreaking hypothesis suggesting that migraine is not merely a vascular or neurological disorder, but rather a consequence of disrupted neurohormonal and metabolic integrity. This novel perspective has opened up new avenues for migraine treatment and management.

The neurohormonal hypothesis posits that imbalances in steroid hormones, particularly pregnenolone, play a crucial role in migraine pathophysiology. Pregnenolone, often referred to as the “mother hormone,” is a precursor to many other important steroid hormones in the body.

Key Aspects of the Neurohormonal Hypothesis:

• Hormonal imbalances, especially low levels of pregnenolone, may trigger migraines
• Disrupted neurohormonal integrity affects pain perception and neurological function
• Metabolic disturbances contribute to migraine onset and severity
• A comprehensive approach addressing hormonal, neurological, and metabolic factors may be more effective than traditional treatments

Pregnenolone’s Role in Migraine Prevention and Treatment

Pregnenolone has emerged as a potential game-changer in migraine management. This neurosteroid hormone appears to play a crucial role in maintaining neurological health and pain regulation.

Are pregnenolone levels typically low in migraine sufferers. Research indicates that many individuals with chronic migraines have significantly lower levels of pregnenolone compared to those without migraines. This deficiency may contribute to the increased frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Potential Mechanisms of Pregnenolone in Migraine Relief:

1. Neuroprotection: Pregnenolone may help protect neurons from damage and oxidative stress
2. Pain modulation: It can influence pain perception pathways in the brain
3. Anti-inflammatory effects: Pregnenolone may help reduce neurogenic inflammation associated with migraines
4. Neurotransmitter balance: It may help regulate levels of important neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate
5. Stress reduction: Pregnenolone can help modulate the stress response, which is often a trigger for migraines

The Multimodal Treatment Approach: Beyond Pregnenolone

While pregnenolone plays a central role in the neurohormonal hypothesis of migraine, researchers have found that a comprehensive, multimodal approach yields the best results. This holistic strategy addresses various aspects of neurohormonal and metabolic health.

How does the multimodal treatment program work. The approach combines several therapeutic interventions to restore balance and optimize overall health:

• Hormonorestorative therapy (HT) with bio-identical hormones, including pregnenolone
• Balancing the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
• Optimizing calcium and magnesium levels
• “Resetting” the pineal gland to improve sleep-wake cycles
• Enhancing intestinal absorption and gut health
• Addressing parasitic infestations if present

Clinical Evidence: Promising Results for Migraine Sufferers

A clinical analysis of 30 patients aged 16-66 with migraine provided compelling evidence for the efficacy of the multimodal treatment approach. The study, conducted over an extended period, yielded remarkable results.

Key Findings from the Clinical Analysis:

• All patients responded positively to the treatment program
• Migraine symptoms disappeared in all participants after starting the regimen
• Significant deficiencies in steroid hormone production were observed prior to treatment, with progesterone and pregnenolone showing the most dramatic declines
• Concurrent symptoms such as fibromyalgia, insomnia, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, and fatigue also resolved
• Total cholesterol levels normalized in 91.7% of patients
• No adverse effects or complications were reported

These results suggest that addressing the underlying neurohormonal and metabolic imbalances can lead to significant improvements in migraine symptoms and overall health.

Hormone Restoration Therapy: A Closer Look

Hormone restoration therapy (HT) with bio-identical hormones forms a cornerstone of the multimodal treatment approach for migraines. This therapy aims to correct imbalances in key steroid hormones, including pregnenolone, DHEA, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.

Why is hormone balance crucial for migraine prevention. Hormones play a vital role in regulating numerous physiological processes, including pain perception, neurotransmitter function, and inflammation. Restoring hormonal balance can help alleviate migraine symptoms by:

• Reducing neurogenic inflammation
• Improving neurotransmitter signaling
• Enhancing neuroprotection
• Modulating pain pathways
• Stabilizing mood and reducing stress

Hormones Commonly Addressed in Migraine Treatment:

1. Pregnenolone: The “mother hormone” and precursor to other steroid hormones
2. DHEA: Important for cognitive function and stress resilience
3. Progesterone: Has calming effects on the nervous system and may reduce migraine frequency
4. Estrogen: Fluctuations in estrogen levels are often associated with migraines in women
5. Testosterone: May play a role in pain modulation and neurological health

The Gut-Brain Connection: Addressing Gastrointestinal Health in Migraine Management

Recent research has highlighted the importance of the gut-brain axis in migraine pathophysiology. The multimodal treatment approach recognizes this connection and incorporates strategies to improve gastrointestinal health as part of migraine management.

How does gut health influence migraine symptoms. The gut and brain communicate bidirectionally through various pathways, including the vagus nerve, immune system, and neuroendocrine signaling. Disruptions in gut health can contribute to migraine symptoms through:

• Increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
• Altered gut microbiome composition
• Inflammation and immune system activation
• Production of neurotransmitters and neuroactive compounds
• Absorption of nutrients essential for neurological health

Strategies for Improving Gut Health in Migraine Patients:

1. Restoring normal intestinal flora through probiotic supplementation
2. Identifying and eliminating food triggers or sensitivities
3. Improving intestinal absorption of nutrients
4. Addressing parasitic infestations if present
5. Supporting gut barrier integrity
6. Reducing gut inflammation through dietary and lifestyle modifications

Beyond Migraines: Additional Benefits of the Multimodal Approach

While the primary focus of the multimodal treatment program is migraine relief, patients often experience a wide range of additional health benefits. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple aspects of health, leading to improvements in various symptoms and conditions.

What other health issues can be improved with this approach. The clinical analysis revealed that patients experienced resolution of several concurrent symptoms, including:

• Fibromyalgia: Chronic widespread pain and tenderness
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Various digestive issues and discomfort
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy

These improvements suggest that the multimodal approach may have far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being, extending beyond migraine relief.

Potential Mechanisms for Broader Health Benefits:

1. Hormonal balance: Affects multiple body systems and functions
2. Improved sleep quality: Essential for overall health and recovery
3. Reduced inflammation: Implicated in various chronic health conditions
4. Enhanced gut health: Influences immune function and nutrient absorption
5. Stress reduction: Impacts numerous physiological processes

Implementing the Multimodal Approach: Considerations and Challenges

While the multimodal treatment approach shows great promise for migraine management, implementing this comprehensive strategy requires careful consideration and expertise. Healthcare providers and patients must work together to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each person.

What factors should be considered when implementing this approach. Several key considerations come into play:

• Thorough hormonal and metabolic assessment
• Individualized hormone restoration therapy
• Monitoring and adjusting treatment over time
• Addressing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management
• Potential interactions with other medications or treatments
• Patient education and engagement in the treatment process

Potential Challenges in Implementation:

1. Complexity of the approach requires specialized knowledge and expertise
2. Limited availability of comprehensive testing and bio-identical hormones in some areas
3. Insurance coverage may be limited for some aspects of the treatment
4. Patient compliance with multiple interventions can be challenging
5. Long-term safety and efficacy data are still being gathered

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of the multimodal approach make it an attractive option for many migraine sufferers who have not found relief through conventional treatments.

Future Directions: Advancing the Neurohormonal Hypothesis

The neurohormonal hypothesis of migraine and the associated multimodal treatment approach represent a significant paradigm shift in our understanding and management of this debilitating condition. As research in this area continues to evolve, several exciting avenues for future investigation and potential advancements emerge.

What areas of research hold promise for further improving migraine treatment. Some key directions for future study include:

• Large-scale clinical trials to further validate the multimodal approach
• Investigation of specific hormone combinations and dosing strategies
• Development of more targeted and personalized treatment protocols
• Exploration of the role of epigenetics in migraine susceptibility and treatment response
• Integration of neurohormonal approaches with emerging technologies such as neurostimulation
• Further elucidation of the gut-brain axis in migraine pathophysiology

Potential Advancements on the Horizon:

1. More precise hormone testing and monitoring methods
2. Development of novel neurosteroid compounds for migraine prevention
3. Improved understanding of the interplay between hormones and neurotransmitters in migraine
4. Integration of artificial intelligence to optimize treatment protocols
5. Enhanced strategies for modulating the gut microbiome to support neurological health

As research progresses, the neurohormonal approach to migraine management may continue to evolve, offering new hope and more effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide who suffer from this challenging condition.

Is migraine a consequence of a loss of neurohormonal and metabolic integrity? A new hypothesis

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. 2015;36(5):421-9.

Sergey A Dzugan 
¹
, Konstantine S Dzugan 
¹

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Dzugan Institute of Restorative Medicine, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA.

• PMID:

  26707041

Sergey A Dzugan et al.

Neuro Endocrinol Lett.

2015.

. 2015;36(5):421-9.

Authors

Sergey A Dzugan 
¹
, Konstantine S Dzugan 
¹

Affiliation

• ¹ Dzugan Institute of Restorative Medicine, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA.

• PMID:

  26707041

Abstract

Objective:

In 2002 we suggested a new hypothesis of migraine. This hypothesis implies that migraine is a consequence of a loss of neurohormonal and metabolic integrity. The goal of this clinical analysis is to present the evaluation of the effect of a multimodal treatment program in migraine management.

Material and methods:

We evaluated 30 patients ages 16-66 with migraine who were treated with a multimodal treatment program. All patients received a complex program which included: hormonorestorative therapy (HT) with bio-identical hormones; correction of balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems and simultaneously calcium/magnesium balance; “resetting” the pineal gland; improvement of intestinal absorption through restoration of normal intestinal flora, and a cleanse from parasitic infestation (if necessary). Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), progesterone, total estrogen, and total testosterone were determined,

Results:

All patients responded to this regimen. We do not have patients who still have migraine after they started to use this program. Laboratory finding prior to HT showed the significant deficiency in production of all basic steroid hormones (progesterone and pregnenolone production declined the most). Concurrent symptoms such as fibromyalgia, insomnia, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, and fatigue had disappeared. Total cholesterol completely normalized in 22 (91.7%) patients. No adverse effects or complications related to this program were registered.

Conclusions:

Our findings support the hypothesis that migraine is a consequence of a loss of neurohormonal and metabolic integrity, and that migraine can be managed by a multimodal approach.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Pregnenolone is a chemical that is found in our bodies. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it for medicine.

Pregnenolone is used for autism, back pain, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

In the body, pregnenolone is used to make steroid hormones. Pregnenolone affects many different chemicals in the brain and may play a role in certain psychiatric illnesses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

• Autism. Early research shows that taking pregnenolone for 10-12 weeks may improve some symptoms of autism.
• Back pain. Early research shows that taking pregnenolone for 4 weeks may improve low back pain by a very small amount in some people.
• Bipolar disorder. Early research shows that taking pregnenolone for 12 weeks may improve symptoms of depression in people with bipolar disorder.
• Schizophrenia. Taking pregnenolone as add-on therapy for 8 weeks might improve some negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as the inability to feel pleasure, lack of emotion, and limited speech. But not all research agrees. Taking pregnenolone as add-on therapy doesn’t seem to improve positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations or delusions.
• Depression.
• Endometriosis (abnormal thickening of the lining of uterus).
• Fatigue.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis).
• Seizures.
• Slowing or reversing aging.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pregnenolone for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pregnenolone is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken for up to 12 weeks. In some people, pregnenolone can cause skin rashes, acne, hair loss, diarrhea or constipation, problems sleeping, restlessness, agitation, sweating, or tremor. It may also cause irregular heartbeat, depressed mood, a change in appetite, or muscle pain.

There isn’t enough reliable information to know if pregnenolone is safe when used for longer than 12 weeks.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pregnenolone is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken for up to 12 weeks. In some people, pregnenolone can cause skin rashes, acne, hair loss, diarrhea or constipation, problems sleeping, restlessness, agitation, sweating, or tremor. It may also cause irregular heartbeat, depressed mood, a change in appetite, or muscle pain.

There isn’t enough reliable information to know if pregnenolone is safe when used for longer than 12 weeks. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if pregnenolone is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Pregnenolone is converted by the body to estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t take supplemental pregnenolone.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Pregnenolone is used in the body to make hormones including estrogen. Taking estrogen along with pregnenolone might cause too much estrogen to be in the body.

  Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.

• Pregnenolone is used in the body to make hormones. Progestins are hormones. Taking pregnalone along with hormones such as progestins might cause too much hormones in the body. This could increase the effects and side effects of progestins.
  
  
  Some progestin pills include norethindrone (Micronor, Camila), levonorgestrel (Plan B), and others.

• The body changes pregnenolone into testosterone. Taking pregnenolone along with testosterone might cause too much testosterone in the body. This might increase the chance of testosterone side effects.

• Pregnenolone may decrease the sedative effects of diazepam (Valium). It may also decrease the sedative effects of other benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and others.

• Pregnenolone is used in the body to make hormones including progesterone. Taking progesterone along with pregnenolone might cause too much progesterone to be in the body.
  
  
  Some progesterone drugs include Prometrium, Endometrin, and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of pregnenolone depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pregnenolone. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Biohormone – pregnenolone – no anxiety and depression!!! — Perfecto-Room Clinic in Kyiv

Decreased production of any hormone can lead to hormonal imbalances that can affect your daily functioning. The symptoms of low hormone levels or imbalanced hormone production can vary depending on the degree of imbalance and the hormone levels your body is used to.
In order to achieve balance and good health, it is important to take into account all possible factors that can cause poor health, both physical and psychological. One important steroid hormone to consider is pregnenolone, which, when properly balanced, can have a range of important benefits.
For example, symptoms of low pregnenolone include:
– Poor memory
– Decreased concentration and attention
– Fatigue
– Dry skin
– Joint and muscle pain
– Decreased sex drive
These symptoms are the same for both women and men men. Why? Much of this is due to how this particular hormone is produced, the role it plays in the body, and the start of a natural decline in the body’s production of this hormone.
Pregnenolone is the main steroid produced in your body from cholesterol and produced by the brain, gonads, and adrenal glands, and the main precursor to other steroid hormones, including allopregnanolone.
The ability of this hormone to convert to certain steroids is required to regulate various physiological responses such as stress, anxiety, memory, concentration, and reproductive health. This is important because the human body depends on the smooth functioning of hormones to maintain health and wellness. In the case of this hormone, secondary sex steroids such as progesterone depend on the synthesis of this hormone to produce other hormones that affect the regulation of sexual performance and reproductive health

There are many benefits to your body producing pregnenolone naturally, including for mood, brain function, memory, and sleep…
What are the main benefits of pregnenolone biopellets?
1. Cognitive and memory function
Taking pregnenolone can have a fantastic effect on your cognitive function as it helps increase the growth of neurons in the brain. By increasing the production of myelin, a fatty layer that insulates nerves and enhances their function, it leads to the formation of new synapses and acts as a neuroprotective agent. Studies have also shown that pregnenolone improves learning and memory.

2. Improves mood, depression and anxiety.
Low levels of pregnenolone and allopregnanolone have been shown to be associated with depression and anxiety, and therefore supplementation of their levels may have a significant mood-enhancing effect. Not only that, but it has also been shown to help control emotions, reduce negative emotional reactions, and improve function in social and emotional situations.

3 Improves sleep quality
Studies have shown that pregnenolone and its derivative allopregnanolone can promote deep sleep, making it ideal for patients suffering from sleep disturbances or insomnia.
Human studies have shown that pregnenolone supplementation increases the amount of time a person spends in deep sleep (non-REM sleep). This, in turn, can positively impact mood, anxiety, and even memory, helping to anchor the other benefits of pregnenolone.

4. Promotes weight loss.
Pregnenolone suppresses cortisol production, which is one of the reasons it is such an effective stress reliever. It helps to lose weight as cortisol increases stomach fat. Similarly, by lowering cortisol levels, pregnenolone naturally increases testosterone levels, which can increase metabolism and lead to weight loss.

In our clinic you have a unique opportunity to undergo examinations and balance your hormonal levels with the help of bioidentical hormonal pellets, and solve problems associated with a deterioration in the quality of life.

Free consultation by phone +38097-252-48-76 or email: [email protected]

Zoya Bakhtina about women’s health

07/09/2019

Zoya Bakhtina about women’s health

Anna Svetlova: “I want anything, except for the desire to go on a date…”

Anna Svetlova: The Internet is full of “experienced” moralizing about how important it is to preserve your femininity and sexuality. Instagram-princess demonstrates how important it is to take care of yourself and remain attractive at any age and at any time of the day or night. Beautiful mothers tell how to raise their child, remaining a superhostess in the kitchen and a queen in the arms of a beloved man … Having accepted my 40s, I increasingly listen to my desires: what I want, in what form, at what time, No? And here it is the first call: I want anything, except the desire to go on a date. How long ago did I stop flirting and accepting courtship? When did I manage to change my passionate nature? .. I raised the topic of “coldness in the heart” with my friends, friends, with those who are a little over 40, and those who are “a woman berry again”. And lo and behold, it turns out I’m not the only one who has lost her desire to love. Almost every girl (regardless of the stamp in the passport) is faced with a loss of interest in the intimate sphere. Children, household worries, stress at work, the next news release – all this can not only ruin your mood, but also deprive you of the desire to have sex. But is it only? I seriously thought about why at the peak of activity – at 35-40 years old – many women face such a delicate problem. By the type of my character, I cannot stay with my eyes wide shut for a long time, and therefore I have attracted one of the best specialists in women’s health to discuss this topic. I was lucky to get for an appointment with the endocrinologist Zoya Bakhtina. Unreasonable anxiety, apathy, tearfulness, irritability, loss of interest in the intimate sphere – these complaints began our acquaintance and joint work to improve the quality of my life.

Reference: Zoya Enverovna Bakhtina. Born in Kazakhstan. In 1998 she graduated from the Arkhangelsk State Medical Academy with an excellent diploma, completed residency in endocrinology and postgraduate studies. Here in Arkhangelsk she fell in love and stayed to live. She is raising two daughters with her husband. From 2005 to the present, he has been in charge of the Arkhangelsk City Endocrinological Center on the basis of the City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after E.E. Volosevich.

Zoya Bakhtina: The topic you have chosen is very relevant and interesting, and talking about it at a doctor’s appointment, no matter if it’s a gynecologist or an endocrinologist, is somehow not accepted – often women are embarrassed, or they don’t have time to do it time. Let’s try to open this topic. Today, in an era of increasing life expectancy and the associated later retirement, a modern woman after 40 needs to stay active. A woman at the peak of her career, loaded with family issues (children, grandchildren, aging and ill parents, a new family). Naturally, she does not want to lose her social status. It is psycho-emotional symptoms that prevent most women from living and working normally. Optimal health and well-being during this period are determined by the normal level of hormones , including sex hormones. Hormones are chemical substances, “intermediaries” between various organs and tissues of our body. Sex hormones are responsible not only for reproductive function, but also for everything that makes a woman a woman and a man a man.

Anna: Can we say that almost all women notice hormonal changes at the age of 40?

Zoya: Let’s see what happens at 35-45 years old. At this age, women usually feel healthy, but hormonal changes are already beginning to occur in the body, which later can lead to various diseases. 45-50 years old: “menopausal transition” when health problems appear. Hot flashes and sweating, even with a saved cycle, are a sign of approaching menopause. Also a sign of a decrease in the number of sex hormones can be delicate problems, including a decrease in sexual interest. More and more thoughts appear in my head: “Forget about sex, I don’t have enough energy anyway” or “I sleep 8-9hours, and when I wake up, I feel like I need another 2-3 hours of sleep. Sexologists believe that there should be at least five sexual fantasies a day (any pleasant thought about a partner). I want to cite Japanese women as an example: they can be called centenarians in the sexual sphere. The age of menopause in a Japanese woman is after 55 years, and sexual activity continues until the age of 70! This is partly due to the traditional use of vegetables and legumes containing phytoestrogens in the diet (take note).

Anna: Let’s be honest… It’s rare that people take these changes seriously. Especially if they can’t be avoided anyway.

Zoya: This is true, but we must be prepared for the fact that in the absence of treatment at the age of 50-60, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases develop, obesity, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, strokes, heart attacks, as well as unpleasant symptoms – forgetfulness, distraction, it is difficult to remember new information, osteoporosis, joint and muscle pain, dental problems, dry eye syndrome develop.

Anna: Well, yes, at the age of 40-50, women more often turn to a beautician or plastic surgeon to solve the problem of youth. And you tell me about vitamin D, vitamin E, sex hormones! . .

Zoya: Turning to a beautician (wrinkles, dry skin, excessive pigmentation), women and the specialists she turns to do not associate these symptoms with her hormonal background. And in vain! You are receiving therapy that often has little or no effect.

Anna: So we approach beauty through health?

Zoya: Yes. Hormone therapy is an opportunity to preserve the health and beauty of women after 45. It has now been established that the most effective way to solve the problems associated with an age-related decrease in the level of sex hormones and prevent late complications is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). But we must understand that the decision on sex hormone therapy is very individual and depends on the severity of menopausal symptoms, as well as on the presence of risk factors.

Anna: That terrible word “hormones”… But what about “mustache growth”, “overweight” and many other fears?

Zoya: These are outdated myths. Here’s the real story: Menopausal hormone therapy started before age 60 reduces overall mortality by 30-39%. Do not delay treatment. Therapy should be prescribed from the appearance of the first signs of a deficiency of sex hormones, in this case it allows not only to significantly delay the development of age-related diseases, but also to improve the quality of life, including the sexual sphere. Women receiving hormonal therapy maintain weight stability, while 60% of women without treatment report weight gain. Basically, there is a redistribution of adipose tissue due to an increase in fat deposits in the abdomen. Therefore, one of the fears that hormones, they say, will lead to weight gain, is a myth – rather, the opposite is true. With timely treatment, my patients showed weight loss after 6 months by 4 kg, after a year – by 6 kg.

Anna: Did I understand correctly that the level of sex hormones decreases with age and this affects the decrease in libido (sex drive)?

Zoya: That’s right. However, the age-related decline in sex hormone levels occurs somewhat earlier before the problem becomes apparent. The main hormone responsible for sexual desire is testosterone – both in men and women. Currently, it is not customary to divide sex hormones into male (androgens) and female (estrogens). Both are produced in both men and women. And they cause the same effects, but in women estrogens predominate, and the production occurs cyclically, in men – androgens.

Anna: Let’s be more specific: which hormones do we need to closely monitor and what are they responsible for?

Zoya: Estrogens – beauty hormones , moisturizing. Estrogen deficiency will be manifested by dry, dehydrated skin and mucous membranes, wrinkles, age spots, hot flashes, mood variability, headaches, muscle stiffness … Testosterone is a hormone of energy, ambition and sexual desire. T estosterone determines character, success, leadership qualities, positive thinking . It is responsible for muscle mass and strength, hematopoiesis, immunity, bone density. This is just in time for our topic of loss of desire: if sexual desire has decreased, “drive” has disappeared, self-confidence, excess weight does not lend itself to diets, the inside of the shoulders has become flabby, habitual physical activity seems too heavy – it means that testosterone levels have decreased. But there is another sex hormone – progesterone. It is a precursor of androgens and estrogens: in women it is produced cyclically, unlike men, and increases significantly during pregnancy.

Anna: We’ve sorted out the hormones. Let’s talk about other reasons for the decrease in sexual desire?

Zoya: This is, first of all, stress. We work hard, we sleep little, we are overloaded with information. And people, as you know, do not multiply in stress, and not only people. Next among the main causes is obesity, oxidative stress, which we experience when smoking, alcohol abuse, environmental pollution. New Hazards of the Present – xenoestrogens . These molecules are not biochemically estrogens, but act like estrogen. Natural estrogen binds to the receptor, sending the right signal to the cell. Xenoestrogen, by binding to the receptor, sends the wrong signal to the cell, causing harmful effects. Their sources include cheap plastics – this is the most famous source of compounds that mimic estrogen. Nearly all of our food comes in plastic, is processed by plastic equipment, and is often heated in plastic containers. Water, juices, coffee and even tea are often served in plastic bottles. Our toothbrushes are plastic. Non-organic food is a rich source of xenoestrogens, due to insecticides and herbicides – as food is produced by industrial methods, whether it is vegetable products or meat, fish, poultry. Many lotions, cosmetics, creams contain parabens, phthalates used to flavor scented lotions, shampoos, soaps: they are also xenoestrogens. They cannot be identified in blood. But we must know that they can cause not only a decrease in libido, but also terrible diseases such as infertility, obesity and oncology.

Anna: So, when the first signs of a decrease in libido appear, what should you pay attention to first of all?

Zoya: If you want to increase your sex drive, then you need to increase your energy levels. P least of all, it is necessary to eliminate hypoxia, deficiency of vitamin D and sex hormones (especially after 45 years). Change your diet to more sexually friendly foods like leafy greens, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. Foods such as spinach, turkey, whole rice, and fish can help you find your lost desire. I would like to quote journalist Vladimir Yakovlev: “How is life after 50 different from all previous life? It is believed that the main result of increasing life expectancy is that older people now live longer. But it’s not. The main, huge, strategic consequence of the leap in life expectancy that is changing before our eyes is not at all that old age now lasts longer, but that it begins much later. What do we know today about the 50+ period? It lasts almost 30 years – from 50 to about 75. The physical and intellectual capabilities of a person during this period, with the right approach, do not decrease and remain at least no worse, and in some cases even better than in youth. Potentially, this is the best, most qualitative period in human life, since it combines health, strength and life experience. According to all the statistics of recent years, the happiest time in life, its peak now comes at about 65 years. Those who are 55-65 years old today live this period for the first time in the history of mankind. Previously, it simply did not exist, because people grew old much earlier. In the next few decades, people aged 50-75 will become the largest age group on the planet … “

Anna Svetlova: Zoya Enverevna, what are your wishes to Big Girls?

Zoya Bakhtina: Yes, today you can hide your age. As usual, “after 50 years, my best friend is a beautician.” But remember: in order to preserve inner and outer beauty, health, intelligence, our desire and love, other strategies and specialist support are needed.