Neurohormonal Balancing
At RevolutionaryMD we recognize the importance of balancing your body's complex neurohormonal system. ie; the answer to depression is not simply Prozac.
Dr. Grover's broad and extensive training in family medicine, integrative medicine, and anti-aging, restorative medicine give him the expertise to help balance the neuro-endo-immune system. Combined with the expertise of Lori Miller in brain mapping and neurofeedback, we can address even the most challenging cases and get you feeling your best!
A Brief Overview of the Neurohormonal system
The coordinated interconnectedness of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems is often overlooked in the traditional hurried practice setting. Nevertheless, your health is hinged on the existence of neurotransmitters, hormones, and cytokines, which are essential chemical signals that mediate the communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, respectively. We are here to help you do the detail work to find an imbalance that may be contributing to your condition.
The three axis:
- hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,
- hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis,
- hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis
HPA Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is a neuroendocrine system that regulates the reactions to stress, energy storage, and the immune system. Small proteins released by cells called cytokines may be released triggering inflammation or hormone release. Cytokines may act at several levels of the HPA axis to induce the release of cortisol and epinephrine. Cortisol and epinephrine act to suppress the immune response, thus forming a negative feedback loop.
HPG Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) is a neuroendocrine system that regulates the reproductive system. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which then signals the gonads. This communication pathway ultimately leads to the production of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone from the gonads.
HPT Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT axis) is a neuroendocrine system that regulates metabolism. When the hypothalamus senses low circulating levels of the hormones T3 and T4, it signals to the pituitary, which then signals the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4. T4 normally is converted to the more active T3, but T4 can also be converted to reverse T3 (rT3). Reverse T3 antagonizes the T3 receptor, so high levels can be detrimental.
Sex Hormones in the HPG axis
Estradiol (E2) and Serotonin
At optimal levels, estradiol (E2) supports serotonin in several ways:
•E2 increases tryptophan hydroxylase, the rate-limiting step in serotonin synthesis
•E2 receptor (E2β) simulation upregulates the expression of serotonin receptors (5-HT2A)
•E2 acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor
•E2 inhibits monoamine oxidase activity, thus preventing the breakdown of serotonin
Consequently, if estradiol levels decrease, serotonin activity may decrease as well. Low estradiol levels may result in symptoms associated with low serotonin, e.g. low mood, sleep difficulties, hot flashes, uncontrolled appetite, and headaches. Supporting serotonin may counter the effects of decreased estradiol.
Progesterone and GABA
Progesterone's metabolite allopregnanolone acts at the GABA receptor to increase GABA activity, thus promoting calming effects. Low progesterone levels may result in symptoms associated with low GABA, e.g. anxiousness and sleep difficulties. Supporting GABA may counter the effects of decreased progesterone
Testosterone and Dopamine
Testosterone improves Dopamine which is important for movement, motivation and cognition. Other benefits for balancing include improved libido and lean muscle mass.
Stress Hormones
Cortisol and the Monoamines
Cortisol can stimulate monoamine oxidase (MAO) to decrease the production of various neurotransmitters, including serotonin, epinephrine, norepinepherine, and dopamine. In addition, MAO can enhance tyrosine hydroxylase to cause an increase the same neurotransmitters, including GABA, if needed. Furthermore, an up-regulated immune system can be dampened by increased cortisol.
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