The Anti Aging book Eternal Health

Anti Aging Products and Information


				Archives

Dr Michael Elstein

Anti Aging program

Anti Aging Medicine

Anti Aging News

Whats New

Arthritis

AndroPause

Hormone Replacement

Alternatives to Viagra

Contact Dr Elstein

Questions and Answers

Buy The Book

* Conditions may apply

× Previous

Questions and Answers Segment

Your questions answered every 2 weeks. If you have a question for Dr Elstein, click here.

QUESTION 1: My doctor advised me to take DHEA and another hormone (Utrogestant) together. What time should I take DHEA? Normally I take Utrogestant before bedtime. How much does it cost per year to join your anti-aging programme in Australia?

Answer: The best time to take DHEA is in the morning. Remember to have your hormone levels constantly monitored, as the whole trick with hormone therapy is youthful physiological balance. The annual cost of the programme is $2600 Australian as advertised on the site.

QUESTION 2: My lab work on day 3: LH – 12 FSH – 7. On day 33: LH – 42 FSH - 10. Does this mean I have PCOS? I do not get periods on my own. I get them after taking provera.

Answer: It certainly is a possibility but I would like to know your testosterone levels together with the results of your ultrasound scan. I would also be keen to know your other health problems. There is a syndrome called insulin resistance which is associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and if your testosterone levels are high it would be worthwhile having your doctor assess your insulin and blood glucose levels together with your triglycerides. This syndrome is associated with excess weight around the tummy area. Managing insulin resistance might help to resolve polycystic ovarian syndrome.

QUESTION 3: Recently a study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology (May issue2002) shows lowered growth hormone in fibromyalgia. I have had mild to moderate fibromyalgia for years plus usual age related problems with fat gain and difficulties with weight loss despite exercise and low calorie low fat diet. I want to try taking homeopathic DHEA and growth hormone as a first step and if it doesn't help then over to the doctor for tests and injections. Who is there in Brisbane? Now, bearing in mind your advice re estrogen, I am not on HRT which I was advised to stop when I got a massive DVT in February. So, what is the maximum oral dose of DHEA that will put me in the breast cancer risk zone, or is there no risk unless by injection. I am taking vitamin E and melatonin.

Answer: I’m really not convinced that homeopathic DHEA or growth hormone work despite the fact that some of my patients appeared to be impacted positively by these types of hormone boosters. Rather than jumping into boosting hormones I would suggest that you have a comprehensive evaluation of your hormone levels together with the type of assessment that is described in the anti-aging programme on this site. It is possible that you are suffering from insulin resistance and raised homocysteine levels, which can predispose to DVTs as well as weight gain. I’m not aware that there is a maximum oral dose of DHEA as this depends on your levels of this hormone but what I do know is that excessive levels of this hormone is not a good thing. Melatonin can have a pro-inflammatory effect so one again you need guidance in this area and all the evidence is pointing to the fact that you need a skilled health practitioner to re-evaluate your programme and set you on the right track. There is a college in Melbourne contactable on 03-95896088 who have a database of all the practitioners around Australia who practise this type of medicine.

QUESTION 4: Since I stopped HRT I have increased my calcium intake. I have read another recent study indicating that the current RDA of vitamin D3 is way, way too low. But I am unable to source any D3 on its own in Australia without being with vitamin A and my calcium supplement only has the minimum D3. Is there any problem with taking a lot of vitamin A if that's the only way to increase D3 levels?

Answer: Too much vitamin A is not good for the liver and in fact is associated with osteoporosis as evidenced by recent studies. Good old sunlight might provide you with the vitamin D that you need.

QUESTION 5: The study re fibromyalgia mentioned above, was able to restore GH levels with injections of pyrostignine. I don't understand the connection between an anticholinesterase and GH levels, but am wondering about galantamine.
Would it be an idea to try this as well?

Answer: This is interesting as I’m not sure of this connection either. Galantamine has an impressive side effect profile and once again places some strain on the liver so I would not be that keen on endorsing this type of approach.