Hormone Testing and Supplements

Dr. Natasha Turner, bestselling author of The Hormone Diet, The Supercharged Hormone Diet and her latest release, The Carb Sensitivity Program shares with us her recommendations for testing five of the most common hormonal imbalances that disrupt our health and her treatment suggestions for each below:

Insulin Resistance or Excess Insulin
Testing Option:
Test and result indicating presence of insulin resistance

Fasting glucose and insulin - Abnormally elevated fasting glucose and/or insulin. In general, both should be in the bottom third of the reference range.
2-hour pp glucose and insulin - Abnormally elevated fasting glucose and/or insulin. Again, both should be in the bottom third of the reference range.
Fasting cholesterol panel (total, HDL, LDL) - Elevated total and LDL; low HDL Fasting triglycerides – often elevated

Supplement options:

Metabolic Repair Pack – Insulin Balancing Formula: This is Dr. Turner’s most powerful formula for boosting your metabolism and restoring insulin sensitivity. Just 1 pack taken 1 – 2 times a day with meals will allow you to obtain therapeutic dosages of several key ingredients, which she has specially selected to improve your metabolism, insulin balance and fat loss. For targeted nutritional support of glucose metabolism, it contains a complementary blend of thiamin, biotin, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetyl¬ L-cysteine, and standardized extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaf. For fat burning and glycemic control, it contains a clinical dose of EGCG from Green Tea extract and Coenzyme Q10. And for overall insulin sensitivity, it includes a full mineral complex with buffered vitamin C. Use for up to three months in conjunction with The Carb Sensitivity Program.

Glyci-Med Forte (Clear Medicine)—Insulin-balancing Formula:
Glyci-Med Forte is Dr. Turner’s formulation of a rich source of antioxidants and monounsaturated oils, including olive and avocado oil, to assist with fat loss. Recent studies have shown olive oil to improve insulin balance, shrink the size of fat cells, reduce the harmful effects of a high carbohydrate intake and increase weight loss, especially when consumed at breakfast. Take two pills every morning at breakfast.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): CLA is naturally present in dairy products and beef. It has anticancer and antidiabetic properties and may be useful in reducing arterial disease, as well as osteoporosis. CLA also shows anti-inflammatory benefits and seems to reduce fat storage in the fat cells while also increasing fat-burning activity in the skeletal muscle. The minimum dosage is 1,500 mg twice daily with food for at least 3 months. CLA is one of my favourite choices for the treatment of insulin resistance and inflammation. It’s also my top choice for preserving precious muscle during weight loss.

Cinnamon: Besides adding a nice flavour to cooking and baking, cinnamon has wonderful insulin-balancing effects. A study published in Diabetes Care (December 2003) showed that cinnamon may cause muscle and liver cells to respond more readily to insulin. Add 1 to 2 g to your food or drinks each day.

Toxic Estrogen
Test and result indicating presence of an etrogen imbalance

Estradiol (blood or saliva) – Elevated or high range
Estrone (blood or saliva) – Elevated or high range
Estriol (saliva) - Possibly low or normal
Progesterone (blood or saliva) - Often low

Clear Detox – Hormonal Health: A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives showed that even tiny concentrations of estrogen-upsetting chemicals in our environment are capable of causing endocrine disruption within just thirty seconds of exposure! This is Dr. Turners own creation to assist with liver detoxification and the removal of excess hormonal waste, particularly toxic estrogen, which can lead to weight gain or prevent weight loss. Clear Detox – hormonal health is also very helpful for PMS, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, acne, fat gain around the hips and thighs (pre-menopausal women) and abdominal fat (men and post-menopausal women). Consume one packet in the morning with breakfast or on an empty stomach.

Fiber (Clear Fiber) and Probiotic Supplement (Probiomax): Supplements to support healthy digestive function are essential for the proper elimination of estrogen from the body. While fiber is known to bind estrogen and increase its removal from the body, the probiotics help to break down estrogen metabolites in the gut. Take one to two servings of Clear Fiber per day in smoothies, cereal, yogurt or oatmeal and take one capsule of the Probiomax on rising, without food.

Magnesium: Magnesium is helpful for detoxing excess estrogen and alleviating PMS. Ovarian hormones influence magnesium levels, triggering decreases at certain times during the menstrual cycle as well as altering the calcium to magnesium ratio. These cyclical changes can produce many of the well-known symptoms of PMS in women who are deficient in magnesium and/or calcium. For best results, take 200 to 600 mg a day throughout the month.

Foods and specific habits that decrease harmful estrogen:
Consume weak phytoestrogenic foods such as pomegranate, flaxseed, pears, apples, berries, organic non-GMO fermented soy, wheat germ, oats and barley.
Eat yogurt (or take a probiotic) and consume high-fibre foods to aid the breakdown and elimination of estrogen.
Choose organic dairy and meat products to reduce your exposure to hormone additives.

Low-thyroid
Test and result indicating presence of hypothyroidism

TSH – often elevated – more than 3 is not optimal
Free T4 – low
Free T3 – low
Thyroid antibodies – could be positive

Clear Metabolism—Thyroid-support Formula: Clear Metabolism, formulated by Dr. Natasha Turner, is a unique and extremely effective hormone-free formula that contains key nutrients for supporting and regulating thyroid function. Key ingredients such as L-tyrosine and Ashwaganda, and minerals such as zinc, iodine, and selenium are essential for healthy thyroid function as they are required for the intracellular conversion of T4 to T3 and optimal thyroid support. Take 2 to 3 capsules daily on rising, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha: This supplement may increase both thyroxine (T4) and its more potent counterpart, T3. Both ashwagandha and gugulipids appear to boost thyroid function without influencing the release of the pituitary hormone TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), indicating that these herbs work directly on the thyroid gland and other body tissues. Good news, since thyroid problems most often occur within the thyroid gland itself or in the conversion of T4 into T3 in tissues outside the thyroid gland. Take
750 to 1,000 mg twice a day. Ashwagandha is my favourite choice for supporting the thyroid when stress is also a concern.

L-Tyrosine: The amino acid tyrosine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone in the body. Recommended dose is 1,000 mg on rising, before breakfast. Do not take this supplement if you have high blood pressure.

Foods and specific habits that increase thyroid hormone:

Exercise—but do not over-exercise!
Get plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation decreases thyroidhormone and your metabolic rate.
Eat regularly and avoid excessive caloric restriction.
Consume foods that contain the nutrients necessary for the production of thyroid hormone:
Tyrosine—almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.
Iodine—fish (cod, sea bass and haddock), shellfish and sea vegetables such as seaweed and kelp. Kelp is the richest source of iodine.
Selenium—brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, whole grains (barley, whole wheat, oats and brown rice), seeds, nuts (especially Brazil nuts), shellfish and some vegetables (garlic, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes and radishes).

High Cortisol
Test and result indicating presence of excess cortisol

Fasting cortisol – often elevated or in the high range. After a long period of excess stress this may also be low
DHEA – low
Fasting glucose – often in the mid-high range
Cortisol (4-Point Saliva test) – often reversed cortisol patterns, low in the morning, high at night

Relora or Clear Balance: This supplement is a mixture of the herbal extracts Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense. It is medically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It significantly reduces cortisol and raises DHEA, sometimes within as little as 2 weeks of use. Relora can be used to prevent health conditions associated with stress, including poor immunity, high blood pressure, insomnia or sleep disruption, loss of vitality and weight gain, especially in relation to metabolic syndrome. Take 2 capsules, 250 mg each, at bedtime and one upon rising for at least a month. Relora is best taken away from food. I find the most effective formulas include a mixture of B vitamins and folic acid.

Holy basil: Holy basil has been found to reduce cortisol and help the body adapt to stress. It also improves blood sugar balance and the activity of insulin in the body. Holy basil is my favourite choice for reducing cortisol when insulin resistance or hypoglycemia symptoms are also present. Take 2 gel caps a day for at least a month.

Hydrolyzed milk protein: No matter whether the stress you are under is physical, emotional, psychological or environmental, milk protein hydrolysate is documented to prevent the associated rise in cortisol by calming the stress response pathway. Dosage is 75 to 300 mg a day. I love this supplement, and patients consistently report that it simply “takes the edge off.”

Phosphatidylserine (PS): This supplement is ideal for alleviating night-time worrying. It curbs the inappropriate release of stress hormones and protects the brain from the negative effects of cortisol, such as memory loss and poor concentration. PS may also reduce the negative effects of cortisol on muscle tissues during exercise. Take 100 to 200 mg before bed.

Rhodiola: This herbal supplement can enhance learning capacity and memory and may also be useful for treating fatigue, stress and depression. Research suggests rhodiola may enhance mood regulation and fight depression by stimulating the activity of serotonin and dopamine. Take 200 to 400 mg a
day in the morning, away from food, for at least 6 weeks. Rhodiola is my favourite choice for reducing cortisol, increasing serotonin and dopamine and eliminating stress and anxiety, depression, cravings, fatigue and poor concentration, and even symptoms of ADHD.

Foods and specific habits that lower cortisol, boost mood:

Meditation
Exercise
Sex
Sleep
Stress management techniques

Low Serotonin
Test and result indicating presence of low serotonin

Neurotransmitter saliva test – serotonin may be low or there will be an imbalance between the neurotransmitters tested.

Clear Mood—Serotonin-support Formula: This effective formula contains all of the ingredients to increase your serotonin for better mood, appetite, sleep, digestion, memory and pain
relief. I have included vitamin B6, 5-HTP and folic acid. Take 2 to 4 capsules before bed, and/or 1 or 2 capsules in the morning. If the capsules make you feel nauseated when taken on an empty stomach in the morning, try it with your protein smoothie or at bedtime instead.

St. John’s Wort: This herb has been proven effective for easing mild to moderate depression. It appears to work as a natural SSRI by preventing the breakdown of serotonin in the brain. It takes
at least 4 to 6 weeks to reach full effectiveness. Recommended dosage is 900 mg a day, away from food.

Inositol: Naturally present in many foods, inositol improves the activity of serotonin in the brain. As a supplement, it is an excellent choice for alleviating anxiety and depression and supporting nervous system health. I use it in powdered form and add it to my daily smoothie. Take 4 to 12 g a day. When mixed with magnesium, inositol is very effective for calming the nervous system.

Foods and specific habits that increase serotonin:

The best food sources of serotonin-boosting tryptophan are brown rice, cottage cheese, meat, peanuts and sesame seeds. Tryptophan is the amino acid used as a building block of serotonin.
Carbohydrates (in moderation)
Chia seed contain tryptophan – add to your smoothies, salads, meals – it is tasteless, gluten free and a good source of fiber.
Meditating or focusing your mind on one thing. Avoid multi tasking!
Sun exposure (in moderation).
Staying warm.
Exercise.
Massage.