Guest guest Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 Endocrine Function and Magnesium Menopause and Premenstrual Syndrome _http://www.thenhf.com/articles_315.htm_ (http://www.thenhf.com/articles_315.htm) by Mark Sircus Ac., OMD International Medical Veritas Association _www.MagnesiumForLife.com_ (http://www.magnesiumforlife.com/) Every day the same type of conversation takes place between women going through menopause and their doctors. Afterwards doctors usually write out prescriptions for estrogen pills or patches, saying they will replace the hormones that a woman’s body ought to be making. The doctor promises these medicines will cure her hot flashes, slow her bone loss, and reduce her risk of a heart attack. Unfortunately we find out: The risk of having a blood clot was close to 30 percent more for a woman on estrogen vs. not on estrogen.[4] Dr. J. David Curb Estrogen therapy appears to increase the risk of blood clots in the veins of postmenopausal women who have had their uterus removed. These latest results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) were unexpected, even to the study's lead author. " It surprised us all how few benefits have come out of this and how many negatives, " said Dr. J. David Curb, a professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Hawaii. The study appeared in the April 10, 2006 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. These same women ask if the pills cause cancer. The doctor acknowledges that there is an increased risk of uterine and breast cancer, but argues that the benefits to the heart and bones are worth taking the chance. Of course there is concern about other risks from these medications like strokes and water retention, among others. Like animals lured into a snare by a trail of crumbs, women have been cajoled with scientific studies, media advertising, patient hand books and drug samples to accept Hormone Replacement Therapy as a magic potion. Sherill Sellman Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) does not do justice to the finely tuned hormone system[5] that operates throughout a woman's life. In reality, hormone levels may begin to change in the 30s, as a woman enters a period called perimenopause. In the decades leading up to menopause, small hormonal imbalances can exist, so by the time menopause sets in, a woman may have already experienced close to 20 years of hormonal imbalance. Hormone replacement actually can cause the body to slow down the production of its own natural hormones, including melatonin, DHEA, progesterone and human growth hormone. HRT does not treat the cause of any problem, it only addresses--and perpetuates--the symptoms. Adding hormones artificially is a form of medical roulette because you never really know how the finely balanced hormonal system will respond. My MD put me on hormone therapy, a combination of estrogen and progesterone and the effects on me were profound. Within the first month .my feet and legs swelled up all the way to my knees. I could not get shoes on, (but the hot flashes were gone) and when I stopped the hormones, it took almost a full month for the swelling to dissipate and my feet and legs to get back to normal. I experienced breakthrough bleeding, which was told to me might occur, but everyday? Claudia French RN, LPHA In addition to the risk of disease, the side effects associated with HRT include mood changes, nausea, breakthrough vaginal bleeding and bloating, breast tenderness, concerns about breast[6],[7] and ovarian cancer[8], gall bladder disease, and thromboembolic events. Strong Medline warnings for estrogen now state: “Estrogen increases the risk that you will develop endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus [womb]). The longer you take estrogen, the greater the risk that you will develop endometrial cancer. If you have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus), you might have been given another medication called a progestin to take with estrogen. This may decrease your risk of developing endometrial cancer, but may increase your risk of developing certain other health problems, including breast cancer.â€[9] Concerns about safety and effectiveness are causing a retreat from the blanket use of HRT. An estimated 30 to 45 percent of women who receive prescriptions for HRT will not have their prescriptions filled or will discontinue therapy within 12 months of initiation.[10] Crucial link between Cholesterol, Magnesium and Hormones. It is impossible to consider estrogen and progesterone in isolation from other hormones and from precursors like cholesterol and magnesium. All steroid hormones are created from cholesterol in a hormonal cascade. Cholesterol, that most maligned compound, is actually crucial for health and is the mother of hormones from the adrenal cortex, including cortisone, hydrocortisone, aldosterone, and DHEA. One of the most basic hormones and the first in the cascade is pregnenolone, which is converted into other hormones, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone, testosterone, and the various forms of estrogen. These hormones are interrelated, each performing a unique biological function. DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and ovaries and converted to testosterone and estrogen. After being secreted by the adrenal glands, it circulates in the bloodstream as DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) and is converted as needed into other hormones. Estrogens are also steroids. Cholesterol cannot be synthesized without magnesium and cholesterol is a vital component of hormones. Aldosterone is one such hormone, and helps to control the balance of magnesium and other minerals in the body. Interestingly aldosterone needs magnesium to be produced and it also regulates magnesium's balance.[11] Women who suffer from premature menopause, or an early failure of the ovaries report that magnesium often helps fight the crashing fatigue that often comes at the beginning of premature or early menopause by boosting energy levels.[12] The role that magnesium plays in the transmission of hormones (such as insulin, thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, etc.), neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, catecholamines, serotonin, GABA, etc.), and mineral electrolytes is a strong one. Research concludes that it is magnesium status that controls cell membrane potential and through this means controls uptake and release of many hormones, nutrients and neurotransmitters. “Magnesium,†says Dr. Lewis B. Barnett, “is needed by the pituitary gland. The pituitary, someArial called the miracle gland, takes instructions from the hypothalamus in the brain to which it is connected by a thin stalk, then transmits them through the body in the form of chemical messengers known as hormones. These hormones not only exert a direct influence of their own, but also trigger the production of other vital hormones elsewhere in the body. When the pituitary is not getting the magnesium it needs, it fails in its function of exercising a sort of thermostatic control over the adrenals which are thus allowed to overproduce adrenaline.†During perimenopause[13], there are wide fluctuations in the hormones estrogen, testosterone, FSH, LH, and progesterone and it is these widely fluctuating hormone levels that can cause many problems, the least of which is hot flashes. Estrogens are primarily responsible for the conversion of girls into sexually-mature women in the development of breasts, the further development of the uterus and vagina, broadening of the pelvis, growth of pubic and axillary hair and play a role in the increase in adipose (fat) tissue. They also participate in the monthly preparation of the body for a possible pregnancy and participate in pregnancy if it occurs. Estrogen is not one hormone, but many, and our bodies continue to make estrogens all of our lives. The adrenals, the fat tissues, and perhaps the uterus make estrogens. Menopause is brought on by the natural decrease in the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen causes a higher absorption and use of magnesium and zinc. Estrogen is normally associated with pregnancy. During pregnancy the body needs more minerals and estrogen takes care of the higher absorption. The estrogen enables a female to get just enough magnesium out of a low-magnesium diet. When the estrogen levels drop, the magnesium absorption drops and hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) is the result. This can then cause a severe depression or diabetes or hypoglycemia or many other problems as both estrogen and magnesium levels drop through the years.[14] The use of contraceptives, and estrogen replacement therapies cause magnesium deficiencies.[15] When you realize that more than three hundred types of tissues throughout the body have receptors for estrogen--which is to say that they're affected in some way by the hormone--it's not surprising that its decrease would cause physical changes. Estrogen affects the genital organs (vagina, vulva, and uterus), the urinary organs (bladder and urethra), breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, bones, heart and blood vessels, pelvic muscles, and the brain. It's the loss of estrogen to these organs that causes the ultimate changes of menopause, including dry skin and hair, incontinence and susceptibility to urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness, and, most important, the diseases osteoporosis and heart disease. These diseases are at the center of the controversy concerning menopause: Because estrogen plays a role in preventing these diseases, should you replace the estrogen lost at the time of menopause with a synthetic version? Estrogens also have non-reproductive effects. They antagonize the effects of the, parathyroid hormone, minimizing the loss of calcium from bones, and they promote blood clotting.[16] There are several forms of estrogen but the one most important for reproduction is estradiol, a substance secreted by the ovary. In addition to being responsible for the development of sexual characteristics in women, estrogen governs the monthly thickening of the endometrium and the quantity and quality of cervical and vaginal mucus so important to the successful passage of the sperm. Magnesium is super critical to endrocrine function. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a master hormone from the hypothalamus in the brain. It sparks the release of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, which in turn prompt production of estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries. Magnesium is involved in melatonin production and the circadian clocks in the human body. In particular, a deficiency of magnesium can impair the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus.[17] And balanced magnesium status is required to obtain efficiency of suprachiasmatic nuclei and the pineal gland.[18] Examinations of the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) and of the endocrine system points to the involvement of the limbic–hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenocortical axis because magnesium affects all elements of this system. Magnesium has the property to reduce the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and to affect adrenocortical sensitivity to ACTH. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is based on the incorrect assumption that your body becomes incapable of producing appropriate amounts of hormones simply because we reach a certain age. Your body does alter its hormone production as you pass through the stages of our life, but hormone problems are a function of how healthy you are, not how old you are. Theresa Dale, ND In today’s age, with a staggering 68% of Americans not consuming the recommended daily intake of magnesium and more than 19% of Americans not consuming even half of the government’s recommended daily intake of magnesium, we can easily see that magnesium impacts these life changes, the accompanying discomforts and can often reduce the problems and long term risks that occur. Prior to menopause, estrogen plays a protective role in relation to heart disease, but as estrogen production diminishes, the risk of heart disease increases. Ten years after menopause, a woman has nearly the same risk as a man of dying of heart disease.[19] Renowned magnesium researcher, Dr. Mildred Seelig points out that although there is no uniform agreement that estrogens lower serum magnesium levels, most of the evidence points in that direction. It is also possible that the paradoxical effects of estrogen on diseases of the cardiovascular system relate partially to its effects on magnesium distribution. It has been shown that serum magnesium falls with the cyclic increase in estrogen secretion. Since rats given estrogen showed decreased serum magnesium levels, without increased urinary magnesium output, and since the bone-magnesium increased, Goldsmith and Baumberger (1967) proposed that a shift of magnesium to the tissues was responsible for the estrogen-induced fall in serum magnesium. The role that magnesium plays in the transmission of hormones (such as insulin, thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, etc.), neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, catecholamines, serotonin, GABA, etc.), and minerals and mineral electrolytes is crucial. The symptoms occurring during perimenopause can be severe and may correlate with naturally decreasing levels of DHEA which hit peak levels around the age of twenty and then decrease as we age. Since DHEA is one of the primary bio-markers for aging, the long range effect of large doses of magnesium in a usable form is to significantly raise DHEA levels and thus produce true age reversal results. Dr. Norman Shealy, who is an expert on anti-aging, has done studies regarding magnesium and aging, refers to DHEA as the Master Hormone. He states that when produced at sufficient levels, DHEA will induce the production of all of the other hormones whose depletion can be associated with many symptoms of aging. He found that through the transdermal use of Magnesium Oil, women have reported complete abatement of menopausal symptoms and some have even returned to their menstrual cycle. This effect was found only when magnesium is applied through the skin, and not with oral products. One of the major sexual impacts of decreased estrogen is a shrinking of the vagina and thinning of the vaginal walls, along with a loss of elasticity and decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual arousal. Some women experience only slight changes in sexual functioning, while others have dryness and pain with intercourse, or genital soreness for a few days after sexual activity, if they don't use a vaginal lubricant or take some form of hormone replacement. We have reports from some women using magnesium oil, that when sprayed in the vaginal area, lubrication is increased, vaginal dryness decreases, and sexual arousal is increased. Dr. Shealy confirms these findings from his clinical experience. It would seem from experimental studies on animals that when one is low on magnesium, small problems loom large, even overpowering. Thus animals deprived of magnesium suffer from super excitability to such an extent that they become hysterical at the sound of small noises or the sight of shadows. J. I. R odale Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by physical and emotional symptoms that develop following ovulation and decrease with the beginning of menstruation. These recurrent symptoms typically include anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, abdominal bloating, fluid retention in fingers and ankles, breast tenderness, altered sex drive, headache, and food cravings. The combination and severity of symptoms vary among women. The Office of Women’s Health within the Department of Health and Human Services reports that as many as 75 percent of women experience some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This correlates quite closely with MIT’s estimate that 67 % of the population is deficient in magnesium. Natural supplementation with magnesium is highly preferred over use of DHEA creams with their many precautions and can relieve many of these troublesome problem. The importance of balancing calcium with magnesium is noted by Dr. Christianne Northrup, who recommends a ratio of 1:1 between calcium and magnesium for PMS symptoms.[20] Magnesium supplementation has been shown, in double-blind trials, to be effective in relieving premenstrual symptoms. Dr. Melvyn R Werbach believes that even though many nutrients are implicated in the development of PMS, the borderline magnesium levels seen in PMS patients can explain most of the symptoms.[21] He notes that marginal deficiency of magnesium can deplete brain dopamine, impair estrogen metabolism, increase insulin secretion, and cause enlargement of the adrenal cortex (responsible for producing many hormones including sex hormones, stress hormones, and blood-sugar hormones). " I think magnesium is the underrated all-star in terms of menopausal women, " says Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, pointing out it is not only good for bones, but it helps prevent heart disease and can keep you calm and help you sleep throughout the night. She recommends all women going through menopause take magnesium supplements along with Flax Seed.[22] Up to 80% of American women experience hot flashes during menopause while only 10% of Japanese women experience that symptom. Some researchers speculate that these differences may be due to differences in diet, lifestyle, and/or cultural attitudes toward aging.[23] But these suggested differences are vague and global in scope. In all likelihood the big difference is magnesium. Japanese women consume a large amount of sea vegetables of one kind or another all of which are extraordinarily high in magnesium. Magnesium plays a critical role in a wide range of essential activities throughout the body, including many functions relevant to premenstrual changes experienced by some women. Magnesium is classed as 'nature's tranquillizer' and so is vital in those aspects of the pre-menstrual symptoms which relate to anxiety, tension, etc. Women with PMS have been found to have lower levels of red blood cell magnesium than women who don't have symptoms and the supplementation of magnesium has been found to be extremely useful in alleviating many of the PMS symptoms and even more effective when taken with vitamin B6 at the same time. A magnesium deficiency can cause blood vessels to go into spasms so if you suffer from menstrual migraines magnesium can be useful in preventing these spasms. Magnesium is necessary for serotonin synthesis, which in turn is critical in mood regulation. Magnesium also appears to promote proper fluid balance, helping to ease the uncomfortable build up of excess fluid experienced by some women prior to menstruation. Inadequate magnesium levels have been found in women who experience premenstrual cravings and appetite changes. A woman’s menopause should not be seen as a pathologic endocrine deficiency disease because female hormones normally abate with advancing age as reproductive function comes to a halt. How and why this happens is a relative mystery to mainstream medicine but we can easily see how certain conditions will hasten and deepen the decline of the key hormones involved. It is clear though that living without the protective effects of estrogen increases a woman’s risk for developing serious medical conditions, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Women have every reason in the world to start supplementing their diets with large amounts of magnesium early in life, especially with magnesium chloride when applied transdermally. Though no one knows exactly why that form alone seems to provoke increases in DHEA levels, it probably has something to do with the penetration of the magnesium through the fat tissues. Women should pay particular attention to adequate intakes of magnesium starting early on and supplement as necessary to assure adequate DHEA levels and better balanced hormone levels. Because women’s issues are centered on hormonal balances it is vital to understand that the only way discovered so far to raise DHEA levels naturally is through transdermal application of magnesium chloride. Though magnesium chloride can be purchased in many pharmacies I highly recommend people experience a naturally made magnesium chloride that is a by-product of salt production. Below are some briefs on specific conditions related to menopause or menstruation where magnesium is shown to be of significant help. Menstrual Migraine Low magnesium levels may be a trigger for menstrual migraine. Mauskop et al reported a deficiency in ionized magnesium in 45% of attacks of menstrual migraine, while only 15% of nonmenstrually related attacks had a deficiency. They also demonstrated that attacks associated with low ionized magnesium could be aborted by intravenous magnesium infusions. Facchinetti et al demonstrated that menstrual migraine could be prevented by administration of oral magnesium during the last 15 days of the menstrual cycle. Menopause, Mood Disorders and Magnesium Perimenopause and menopause related mood disorders cause significant distress to a large number of women. In the United States, one half of perimenopausal women will report feeling irritated or depressed.[24] Different studies have shown that a woman's risk for a first bout with depression rises sharply as she approaches menopause. " There is a subgroup of women who, for multiple reasons, may be more vulnerable, " said Dr. Lee Cohen of Harvard Medical School, which followed 460 Boston-area women for six years.[25] Several studies[26],[27] show without doubt that there is a definite relation between magnesium deficiency and depression and that increasing our intake of magnesium can bring relief. Please see chapter on magnesium, violence and depression. Osteoporosis Each year over 300,000 women suffer a hip fracture brought on by osteoporosis. Within a year, one in five will die. Magnesium plays a significant role in preventing Osteoporosis in the post menopausal period. Studies have shown that magnesium improves bone mineral density.[28] Without adequate magnesium, calcium cannot enter the bones.[29] Heavy metal exposure affects bone density. Although women with menopause may suffer from osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency, bone fragility increases with increasing magnesium deficiency. High calcium intake is recommended for women with menopause, but adequate magnesium intake is necessary to lower dietary Ca/Mg ratio, because the high ratio prompts blood coagulation. A group of menopausal women were given magnesium hydroxide to assess the effects of magnesium on bone density. At the end of the 2-year study, magnesium therapy appears to have prevented fractures and resulted in a significant increase in bone density.[30] The relationship between calcium and magnesium is dealt with extensively in the chapter on Calcium and Magnesium. Magnesium and Hot Flashes Many menopausal women suffer from heart palpitations associated with hot flashes. This can be helped by increasing your intake of magnesium. Magnesium plays a significant role in body temperature regulation.[31] Studies in the use of therapeutic hypothermia have shown the efficacy of magnesium in lowering body temperatures. This supports the use of transdermal magnesium therapy for surface cooling by non invasive methods.[32] Body temperature may be regulated by Mg in two ways. One is through its central sedative effect on the hypothalamus and the second through its peripheral effect achieved by reducing the neuromuscular excitability. Mg is lowered during hyperthermia due to its loss via sweat and magnesium diuresis[33] Since we see that magnesium plays a significant role in regulation of blood sugars and regulation of body temperature, it makes good sense to utilize magnesium for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms during menopause and we can expect to find great improvement, more comfort, less mood disturbance and a smoother transition to post menopause. In addition Magnesium serves as a natural muscle relaxant, making it useful for relieving such symptoms as muscle cramping and anxiety. ---------- ---- International Medical Veritas Association Copyright 2006 All rights reserved. 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