Health & Fitness

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is made by the bodys pineal gland. The pineal gland is actually inactive during daylight hours, yet at night it actively makes melatonin which is then released into the bloodstream. Consequently, as melatonin levels begin to rise, you begin to feel sleepier.

Melatonin is the only hormone that is available without prescription in the United States. As a result it is very likely that you have seen it in health food/vitamin stores or in advertisements in health magazines or online. The reason it is available over the counter is that it is found naturally in some foods, which allows it to be sold as a supplement or vitamin.

This is a double-edged sword–since anyone can actually buy or sell melatonin, there is a synthetic version being made that is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This can be quite dangerous since doses may not be accurate (meaning the dosage of melatonin in a pill may not be the amount listed on the package). In fact, the majority of commercial products offered cause melatonin levels to rise much higher than they would naturally. This can cause some serious side effects to a person who is only looking for greater energy levels.

Melatonin Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects are depression and fatigue. In studies done on animals, melatonin has been found to increase blood pressure and even affect fertility. These effects in people would pose a medical risk for those with heart-related issues, kidney disease and for the fertility of women who are of child-bearing age.

There are literally hundreds of supplements on the market today that are designed for muscle building. It can be overwhelming to determine which ones will work for you as well as the ones that are safe to use. Although you dont necessarily need supplements to gain muscle, there are some that have been proven to work. Some patients even use hormones such as DHEA, testosterone or human growth hormone (HGH) to build muscle–DHEA is available over the counter. However, it is always in your best interest to get a prescription for any hormone therapy involving testosterone or HGH.

The most common supplements used for muscle building are: 1) protein, 2) creatine, 3) glutamine, 4) multi-vitamins, 5) HMB, 6) prohormones, 7) flavones, and ZMA. With all of these to choose from, it is no wonder that people get confused. The safest supplements are protein, creatine and multi-vitamins since protein and vitamins are found naturally in foods and creatine is created in the body naturally as well. Protein is made of amino acids which are the building blocks of muscle, thus making protein an essential element necessary to gain muscle mass. Creatine works because it enables you to increase the weight you can lift, the repetitions you can do, and gives you an overall sense of being more powerful. Vitamins are necessary since a deficiency in even one can cause a person to lose energy and muscle. They are a critical component of any weight lifting regimen.

HRT and Muscle Building
Aside from taking supplements, many men and women turn to HRT in order to gain muscle mass and lose fat. Technically, HRT should be limited to folks who are experiencing problems due to decreased levels of hormones in their body, not for dietary or bodybuilding purposes. Since most physicians will not prescribe HRT to a patient simply to gain muscle, many people are turning to alternative sources for their hormones and other illegal substances.

Male bodybuilders today are especially guilty of this; sadly, in order to succeed at this profession the use of hormone replacement or steroids is almost a necessity. They are now available from so many sources that it is very easy for a person to obtain them. Yet these folks must remember that HRT also has some potentially serious side effects with its use. For example, testosterone–although it does help muscles grow–has some side effects that are not so pretty. In women it can cause facial hair growth and the enlargement of the clitoris, and in men it can aid in hair loss, growth of the prostate and an increase in aggressive behavior. All too often bodybuilders will make these health sacrifices in the name of building muscle.

There are many natural alternatives to HRT–from Chinese herbs and acupuncture to counseling or psychotherapy. Many doctors may hold off on prescribing HRT until a patient tries one of the natural hormone replacement therapy methods. Many times these therapies work just as well and do not provide any health-related side effects whatsoever. However, prescriptions may always be obtained for medical HGH.

Acupuncture Versus HRT
Chinese medicines and acupuncture can provide you with effective results for treating the symptoms of menopause. Most practitioners will use acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicines or a combination of the two. These herbal medicines contain plant sources of estrogen, called phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are considered weak when compared to drugs used for HRT and therefore have fewer side effects.

Acupuncture is a method that entails the insertion of very thin needles into specific areas of the body. It has been known to improve circulation and relieve muscular tension, migraines and stress. Beyond the physical benefits, acupuncturists believe that this therapy actually helps balance the bodys life energy, or chi, to promote health and well-being.

They also believe that negative symptoms or diseases crop up when this energy flow is stopped or blocked. The acupuncturist uses the needles to correct this imbalance so that the body may heal. Modern medical exploration has recognized the benefits of acupuncture in treating symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, insomnia or excessive bleeding.

Natural HRT is the use of hormones that are identical in make-up to those that are present in the body normally. It is also used to refer to treatments that provide similar benefits to HRT but do not use any hormones at all–instead, these therapies deal directly with specific symptoms by using alternative methods. The use of a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and psychotherapist often alleviates any symptoms a person may be feeling. Exercise is also a potent alternative to medical HRT.

Chiropractic adjustments are beneficial in treating aches, fatigue and headaches. These symptoms usually begin to occur with the onset of menopause. Menopause symptoms such as a lack of sleep or hot flashes can result in tension of the shoulders and neck. By treating these symptoms with the proper chiropractic adjustments, they can be relieved and further degeneration can be prevented.

A womans body goes through tremendous physical changes during menopause, many times resulting in feelings of depression or anxiety. It can be a vicious cycle, too–the more a woman feels undesirable or lacks a sex drive, the more depressed she can become. By discussing these feelings with a licensed psychotherapist or womens group, these feelings can be validated and dealt with without any medication. Although the physical and emotional changes of menopause are unavoidable, there are ways of dealing with them. Stress exercises that are done on a regular basis, such as deep breathing, can help bring on a feeling of tranquility and peace. Along with meditating exercises, menopausal women can benefit greatly from physical activity. This activity can range from weight lifting or running to gardening or walking. A regular routine of physical activity has been proven to relieve and stop hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and reduce the risk of heart attack, depression and cancer.

What Method to Choose?
The treatment that you select is based on your individual needs as well as your likes and dislikes. There are many doctors who would request that you try alternative methods first before taking HRT. You may find that natural HRT addresses all of your symptoms and concerns. If not, you can always consult with your doctor to reevaluate your condition and then begin a more traditional HRT routine.

If you are interested in finding reputable organizations for HRT, you need look no further than the Internet. There are a few sites that list online hormone testosterone replacement therapy centers all across the United States. The listings are free to view and offer a great deal of detailed information.

Why Search Online for Hormone Testosterone Replacement Therapy Centers?
You may not be in your 40s or 50s, but if you are still experiencing some uncomfortable symptoms associated with aging, you may want to investigate HRT. Before you talk with your own doctor you may decide that you want to educate yourself as to the benefits and risks associated with testosterone HRT. You may even decide that you would rather seek a specialist in this field than begin this type of therapy with your regular physician.

Think of it this way–online testosterone HRT centers are essentially national providers of medical services, focusing on treatments exclusive to age management and preventive medicine. There typically have a team of consultants, board certified physicians, diagnostic laboratories and pharmacies licensed in the United States, who can offer you the ability to relieve your symptoms and improve your life. By choosing a center such as this, you do not run the risk of obtaining testosterone HRT from illegal sources or from sellers who do not take into consideration your health (both past and present).

Visiting an online testosterone HRT center will give you the chance to read through all the available information collected on HRT on one site, so you dont need to research for hours on end. All of the information you need will literally be right there–all in one place. You can learn more about HRT, whether or not it would benefit you and have the chance to ask questions of the consultants and physicians to further educate yourself before making such an important decision.