Hormone Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis

Hormone therapy and Multiple Sclerosis are closely linked. Biote therapy not only balances testosterone and estrogen levels, it helps thyroid function also.  The communication between brain neurohormones and hormone production is crucial for good health and optimum function. Hormones influence multiple metabolic functions, including mood, sleep, memory, neurogenesis, and neuronal myelination. However, demyelination is one of the most common signs of multiple sclerosis (MS), and remyelination is a significant treatment target. Several hormones have been considered a potential treatment for people living with MS.

Thyroid Hormones and MS

The thyroid produces two hormones, T3 and T4. The thyroid helps promote nerve growth. These hormones are crucial for growing the cells responsible for myelination or “insulation” around the nerves. T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, has been shown to increase remyelination and improve neurological symptoms in animal models of MS. Studies of people with MS have shown that treatment with a T3 synthetic analog is a safe treatment.  Researchers suggest that more extensive studies be done to determine its benefits.

T3 also supports nerve growth, proliferation, function, and myelination by producing nerve growth factors.

BHRT Ensures Balanced Thyroid Levels

Estrogen

Estrogens are a family of hormones that includes estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Estrogen supports nerve growth and the repair of damaged brain cells.(7) Estriol is thought to be the most beneficial estrogen with regard to MS. In a study of pregnant women with MS, the women showed a 70% drop in relapse rates in their third part of pregnancy when estriol levels are at their highest.(8) More so, in a 2-year study, women with relapsing-remitting MS were given standard-of-care medication plus oral estriol or a placebo. Women supplementing their estriol had fewer relapses.(9)  Take a short quiz to determine if your hormones are balanced.

In a similar study, however, oral estriol reduced the inflammatory immune response and caused brain lesions to shrink. The type of estrogen treatment is crucial. Natural or bioidentical hormones appear to have a more significant positive effect; oral birth control with synthetic estrogens were shown not to have a beneficial impact on symptoms or relapse rates for MS. Hormone therapy and multiple sclerosis work well together.

Testosterone

Testosterone supports brain function and nerve differentiation. Low testosterone levels in men with MS are lined with many health issues. A year-long study of testosterone gel in men with MS found it improved their performance in mental tests and slowed brain atrophy. Studies also show that testosterone fights inflammation and protects nerves. Testosterone therapy may be most helpful in men with low levels of this hormone.  Take a short quiz to find out if your Testosterone levels are low.

BHRT Naturally Optimizes Your Bodies Hormone Function

Corticosteroids

Acute MS symptom flares can be treated with intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone. This drug decreases the number of T cells and proinflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ and TNF-α. Flares are managed with 1000mg methylprednisolone daily for 3-5 days.  The benefits of this type of therapy can last for up to 30 days. However, because of its impact on the HPA axis, side effects can include trouble sleeping, poor memory, and mood changes. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which incr stimulates endogenous cortisol release in the body, was shown to lower relapse rates more than methylprednisolone.

People with MS tend to have low cortisol levels, so doctors might consider supplementing their MS patients with 5 mg-10 mg/day of bioidentical hydrocortisone. At this dosage, there is no decrease in the HPA axis. On the contrary, it helps the body maintain optimal cortisol levels, relieving fatigue symptoms and improving immune function.

BHRT and Multiple Sclerosis is a Well Studied Field

Melatonin

Melatonin is a neurohormone released by the pineal gland in accordance with the circadian rhythm. It has been studied greatly in people with sleep issues and is considered safe. Recent evidence shows that melatonin production is poorly controlled in people with MS. Also, people working in the evening often have issues with melatonin production. This may cause a greater risk of experiencing MS. Melatonin has been shown to improve MS symptoms in animal models. A study of people with MS suggests that taking  5mg daily for 90 days lowered stress on the cells in the body and better sleep.  Hormone therapy and Multiple Sclerosis are closely linked. Biote therapy can improve your life and your health!

References

This article originally appeared in restorativemedicine.org