Hostility, anxiety and depression caused by raised prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia)

Raised prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) correlate positively with increased hostility, depression and anxiety.

According to iherb reviewers, Dopa Mucuna (Mucuna Pruriens) is an effective inhibitor of prolactin, as is SAM-e.

According to this: "http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro02/web2/tromero.html"

"Studies of men and women with elevated levels of prolactin report decreased sexual interest, arousal, orgasm as well as mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression."

--
From "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6891814"

"Depression and hostility in hyperprolactinemia.
Fava M, Fava GA, Kellner R, Serafini E, Mastrogiacomo I.
Abstract

1. Patients with hyperprolactinemia offer a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of prolactin on psychological states. Women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea rated themselves significantly more hostile, more depressed and more anxious than women with amenorrhea only and normal women. 2. The hyperprolactinemic patients were compared with a group of post-partum (7th day) women, matched for sociodemographic variables and prolactin levels. The post-partum women showed significantly less depression and anxiety than those with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea but about the same levels of hostility. 3. Hyperprolactinemic males did not rate themselves more hostile and depressed than matched controls."

and here: "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6483849"

"Prolactin, aggression and hostility: a discussion of recent studies.

Kellner R, Buckman MT, Fava M, Fava GA, Mastrogiacomo I.

Abstract

Several studies are summarized in which the relationship of high prolactin levels and self-rated anger-hostility was examined. The Symptom Questionnaire, a state measure which contains an anger-hostility scale, was included in all studies. Women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea were found to have higher hostility scores than amenorrheic women with normal prolactin levels. In another study, hyperprolactinemic women were found to have higher hostility scores than female family practice patients, random employees and there was a nonsignificant trend for higher hostility scores than in female nonpsychotic psychiatric outpatients. In both studies, depression and anxiety were also significantly higher. When bromocriptine, a prolactin lowering drug, was administered to hyperprolactinemic women in a double blind crossover study, there was a significant and progressive decrease of hostility, depression and anxiety while on bromocriptine, parallel with the decrease in prolactin and no change on placebo. Post-partum women who had high prolactin levels were significantly more hostile than a control group of employees and as hostile as hyperprolactinemic women. Hyperprolactinemic males were no more hostile than controls. The relationship of prolactin to post-partum aggression in mammals is briefly reviewed. The findings are inconclusive; in the three species studied, postpartum aggression is perhaps enhanced, but does not depend on high prolactin levels. There are no studies on the relationship of prolactin levels and violence in women. Hostility associated with high prolactin levels in postpartum women is perhaps a phylogenetic remnant which may have had the evolutionary advantage of protecting the young.

PMID:

 

6483849

 

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]"

Rhodiola rosea can help reduce exaggerated startle responses, and Huperzine A can cause 'twitching' (myoclonus / hypnic jerks?), according to reviewers

Rhodiola rosea can help reduce exaggerated startle responses, and Huperzine A can cause 'twitching' (myoclonus / hypnic jerks?), according to reviewers

Rodiola is also good for energy, and those who don't get up well in the morning.

Huperzine A increases Acetycholine, and helps learning and memory.

The above form reviews at Swansonvitamins.com (for rhodiola) and iherb.com (for huperzine a)

B6, Niacin etc for Autism - Double blind, crossover studies etc.

1. A practising doctor can report on case studies, which these doctors have done. They do not undertake RCT's. That is a different area of endeavour.
2. While a study, or a randomized control trial to be more exact, is "substantial proof" of something, it is not the only possible proof
3. The report of patients and doctors alike in this regard should reasonably lead everyone to *suspect* the efficacy of these treatments
4. The financial incentive to explore this area is non-existant
5. The role of B6 (pyroluria) and B12 (histadelia) in Autism has been studied formally, and PROVEN to be usefull/
6. Autism == Neurological disease of childhood,
7. Depression, anxiety and so on = Neurological disease of adulthood

Here is a quote from the book, "The Neurobiology of Autism"

"Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplementation has been reported to improvebehavior in autism (Rimland, 1974). A subsequent double-blind, placebo-controlled trial supported the earlier report (Rimland et al., 1978). Discussing themetabolic approaches to the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, Page(2000) suggested that several well-designed studies, including Coleman (1989),Kleijnen and Knipschild (1991), and Lelord et al. (1988), supported the idea that pyridoxine improves some symptoms of autism."


Coleman N. 1989. Autism: non-drug biological treatments. In C Gilberg (ed.), Diagnosisand Treatment of Autism,pp. 219–35. New York: Plenum Press.

Coppen A, Chaudhry S, Swade C. 1986. Folic acid enhances lithium prophylaxis. J AffectiveDisord10:9–13.

Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. 1991. Niacin and vitamin B-6 in mental functioning: a review ofcontrolled trials in humans. Biol Psychiatry29:931–41.

Lelord G, Barthelemy C, Martineau N. 1988. Clinical and biological effects of vitamin B-6 plus magnesium in autistic subjects. In J Laklam and R Reynolds R (eds.), VitaminB-6 Responsive Disorders in Humans,pp. 329–56. New York: Liss.

Page T. 2000. Metabolic approaches to the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. JAutism Dev Disord30:463–69

Rimland B. 1974. An orthomolecular study of psychotic children. J Orthomol Psychiatry3:371–77.

Rimland B, Callaway E, Dreyfus P. 1978. The effect of high doses of vitamin B-6 on autis-tic children: a double-blind crossover study. Am J Psychiatry135:472–75.

Norethisterone (Primolut-N) causes impaired glucose tolerance and lowers the good HDL Cholesterol, as well as alpha-lipoproteincholesterol

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6811837

"Lipid metabolic studies in oophorectomised women: effects on serum lipids and lipoproteins of three synthetic progestogens.

Silfverstolpe G, Gustafson A, Samsioe G, Svanborg A.

"Abstract

Norethisterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and levonorgestrel were administered to oophorectomised women to evaluate the effects they have on lipid metabolism. Blood samples were drawn after a 3 wk period without hormone therapy and after 3 wk on each progestogen. Serum and lipoprotein lipids were followed and an oral glucose tolerance test with blood glucose and plasma insulin determinations were performed. The nortestosterone derivatives, norethisterone acetate and levonorgestrel, decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as alpha-lipoproteincholesterol, while the 17-hydroxyprogesterone derivative medroxyprogesterone acetate did not. Norethisterone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate impaired glucose tolerance. A difference between nortestosterone derivatives and 17-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives having an effect on high density lipoproteins is suggested."

Women with Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome have other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia

"Many women with IC/PBS have other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Scientists believe IC/PBS may be a bladder manifestation of a more general condition that causes inflammation in various organs and parts of the body."


source:http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/#cause

Stresses (including 'social subordination') increase serotonin and cortisol and result in 'less exploratory' and less 'spontaneous' behaviour

http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/fish511/Readings/Readings%202010/nsl230.pdf

Boron causes elevation in estrogen (17 beta-estradiol) and testosterone, reduction in urinary excretion of magnesium and calcium, increases plasma copper, SOD, and ceruloplasmin, (the last three are also raised by estrogen therapy, but by a lesser degree is boron is insufficient), and "it is possible that high dietary intakes of boron or molybdenum could regulate the rate of catabolism, or even the metabolic fate of the major estrogens." (i.e., could prevent methylation of estrogen by COMT)

sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/894.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3678698
http://www.ithyroid.com/boron.htm

Boswellia caused a reversal in brain metastasis - the anti-cancer potential of boswellia serrata

source: http://www.pinestreetfoundation.org/avenues/avenues1920/stritter1920.html

"Subsequently, Dr. Flavin has had two more women with brain metastases greatly improve using the same regimen. Reportedly, Harvard's Dana Farber Cancer Center is seeking approval for a clinical trial to study boswellia use in this setting."

"BOSWELLIA USE IN BRAIN METASTASES

Last year, Dr. Dana Flavin at the Foundation for Collaborative Medicine and Research in Greenwich, CT, reported on a remarkable case of a woman with breast cancer whose multiple brain metastases showed no improvement after two weeks of Xeloda and brain radiation.2 She was then started on boswellia 800 mg three times a day. (Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal supplement with anti-inflammatory properties and is generally available through retail and online health food stores.) Ten weeks later, a repeat brain CT showed complete resolution of the brain metastases. Impressively, she has been maintained on boswellia for the past four years with no recurrent brain metastasis.

Subsequently, Dr. Flavin has had two more women with brain metastases greatly improve using the same regimen. Reportedly, Harvard's Dana Farber Cancer Center is seeking approval for a clinical trial to study boswellia use in this setting."

serine to cysteine ratio is high in people suffering from any form of psychiatric disease

Source: http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/143/1/69.abstract
The British Journal of Psychiatry (1983)143: 69-73doi:10.1192/bjp.143.1.69

"

Plasma serine to cysteine ratio as a biological marker for psychosis.

1. R Waziri, 
2. R Wilson and 
3. A D Sherman

Abstract

In a study of plasma amino acids in psychiatric patients, serine to cysteine (S/C) ratio was higher (S/C = 1.57 +/- 0.28) in 57 psychotics compared to 27 nonpsychotics (S/C = 1.06 +/- 0.23). This difference was highly significant at P less than 0.001. Psychotic patients were given a psychosis score (p score) of 1-4. The S/C ratios of individual patients were significantly correlated to their p scores (r = 0.65, P less than 0.001). S/C ratios were not related to diagnosis, age, sex, food intake and medications. When the initial S/C ratio and p scores of 22 patients were compared to their S/C ratio and p score at the time when they were improved and ready to be discharged, there was a concomitant fall both in S/C ratios and p scores suggesting the high S/C ratios may be indicative of a state rather than a trait characteristic. Our findings lead us to the conclusion that S/C ratios may provide a marker for the presence of psychosis and an index of its severity."

Low levels of Testosterone, DHEA-S, and Cortisol together are indicative of chronically decreased adrenal function. And how to do saliva cortisol testing.

Source: Adrenal Fatigue The 21st Century 86 Stress Syndrome©
by James L. Wilson ND, DC, Ph.D.
ISBN: 0-9843635-0-5 978-0-9843635-0-6
Page 86

"How I Use the Saliva Hormone Tests

"I use the saliva hormone test to confirm other signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue. I start with a saliva cortisol screening test that measures cortisol levels at four different times during the day: between 6:00-8:00 AM (within 1 hour after waking) when cortisol levels are highest; between 11:00- 12:00AM; between 4:00-6:00 PM; and between 10:00-12:00 PM. This shows how your cortisol levels vary during the day (something else you cannot easily do with blood or urine tests).

"In addition, if I have a patient whose main symptom is fatigue and their questionnaire is inconclusive, or if someone has intermittent symptoms, I use the saliva test to determine if their symptoms are related to low adrenal function. Sometimes I have patients carry around some test vials with them so they can take saliva samples while they are experiencing a low period or other symptoms, at any time during the day. On each saliva sample they write the date and time. They also record, along with the date and time, information on a separate sheet of paper and send the vials off to the lab. When I get their test results back, I compare their saliva cortisol levels with the laboratory standards for the time they are
experiencing symptoms. If the cortisol levels are low at those times, we know that low adrenal function is involved in the symptom picture. This gives me a way to assess adrenal activity at the time they were
experiencing a symptom.

"Another way I like to use the saliva test, when possible, is to compare samples taken when a patient is experiencing an energy high or low with samples taken during a regular day, when the patient is feeling relatively normal (baseline samples). After we have a baseline, these patients carry around some spare vials to take saliva samples at times when they are feeling especially good or especially bad. Again, they record the symptom(s) they were experiencing as well as the date and time (on a separate sheet of paper). They also record the date and time on each vial and send them off to the lab. This is an excellent way to determine whether the lows and highs you experience correspond to relatively low and high cortisol levels. To my knowledge, no other physician uses this method, but it is quite a handy method of determining cortisol levels in relation to symptoms.

"I also usually measure DHEA-S levels with the saliva test as well because the adrenals are the primary source of DHEA-S (but not necessarily DHEA). Adrenal fatigue syndrome often involves decreased DHEA-S. The DHEA-S level is a direct indicator of the functioning of the area within the adrenal glands that produces sex hormones (the zona reticularis). Saliva tests for testosterone, the estrogens, progesterone and other hormones can also be done, if needed, and may be of value in working with adrenal fatigue. Testosterone and DHEA-S levels are two of the most reliable indicators of biological age. Testosterone and DHEA-S levels below the reference range for the person’s age may be indicators
of increased aging. If the cortisol levels are also decreased, the 3 tests together further indicate chronically decreased adrenal function."

Adrenal fatigue syndrome often involves decreased DHEA-S.

Source: Adrenal Fatigue The 21st Century 86 Stress Syndrome©
by James L. Wilson ND, DC, Ph.D.
ISBN: 0-9843635-0-5 978-0-9843635-0-6
Page 86


"I also usually measure DHEA-S levels with the saliva test as well
because the adrenals are the primary source of DHEA-S (but not
necessarily DHEA). Adrenal fatigue syndrome often involves decreased
DHEA-S. The DHEA-S level is a direct indicator of the functioning of
the area within the adrenal glands that produces sex hormones (the zona
reticularis). Saliva tests for testosterone, the estrogens, progesterone
and other hormones can also be done, if needed, and may be of value in
working with adrenal fatigue. Testosterone and DHEA-S levels are two of
the most reliable indicators of biological age. Testosterone and DHEA-S
levels below the reference range for the person’s age may be indicators
of increased aging. If the cortisol levels are also decreased, the 3 tests
together further indicate chronically decreased adrenal function."

Adrenal fatigue can cause improper cortisol regulation - Phosphatidyl Serine, when given at the correct time of day, can help alleviate high night-time cortisol level. High midnight cortisol levels denote stress maladaptation - the loss of the negative feedback inhibition whereby the brain and pituitary gland down-regulate inappropriately elevated cortisol.

Cortisol levels are supposed to decline through the day, and be lowest at midnight.

"When midnight cortisol levels are elevated, supplementation of an additional nutrient is indicated. High midnight cortisol levels denote stress maladaptation - the loss of the negative feedback inhibition whereby the brain and pituitary gland down-regulate inappropriately elevated cortisol. Supplements of phosphatidylserine have been found to result in reduction of midnight cortisol levels. Incorporation of phosphatidylserine into the membranes of brain cells apparently restores sensitivity to cortisol receptors."

Source:
http://digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C17649.html
http://digitalnaturopath.com/treat/T189033.html

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is reduced in insulin resistance and actually a very good marker for insulin resistance

"SHBG is reduced in insulin resistance and actually a very good marker for insulin resistance.
Many women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have a high-normal or even a normal total
testosterone but have a low SHBG because they have insulin resistance. Therefore, their
bioavailable testosterone is often on the high side."

Source: "www.goodhormonehealth.com/SHBG and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).pdf"

Testosterone is usually high in polycystic ovarian syndrome, especially the bioavailable testosterone, while it is usually low in Cushing's syndrome or hypopituitarism.

Source: www.goodhormonehealth.com/SHBG and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).pdf

"SHBG also binds to estradiol and therefore, a high SHBG coupled with a normal estradiol may
mean that the amount of bioavailable estradiol is actually on the low side, and a low SHBG may
mean a higher bioavailable estradiol. Because of the wide range of estradiol, this is often less
important than for testosterone.

Dr. Friedman frequently is trying to figure out whether the patient has hypopituitarism,
polycystic ovarian syndrome, or Cushing's syndrome. All these conditions can lead to acne and hirsutism. However, the testosterone is usually high in polycystic ovarian syndrome, especially
the bioavailable testosterone, while it is usually low in Cushing's syndrome or hypopituitarism.
Dr. Friedman recently published a paper that a testosterone level above 31 ng/dL (done at
Esoterix) is more indicative of polycystic ovarian syndrome, and less than that is more indicative
of Cushing's syndrome. If the testosterone is measured in other labs, different cut-offs will be
needed.

In conclusion, it is very important to measure bioavailable and total testosterone as well as
SHBG in most women being evaluated for hormonal disorders. Dr. Friedman encourages
patients to visit his website at www.goodhormonehealth.com for more information."

Does increased estrogen mean better absorption of zinc and magnesium, or does it create a higher requirement?

And what happens to zinc and magnesium and the issues associated with too little of them such as hypoglycemia and depression, when the cause of the excess estrogen (pill, pregnancy, menstrual, other) ends?

"The connection with estrogen, the female hormone Postnatal depression, depression during menopause and depression after stopping the anti-conception pills all have the same cause. These three situations have in common a decrease of estrogenvalues in the blood. After pregnancy the estrogen levels decrease, during menopause the estrogen levels decrease and after quiting the anti-conception pill the estrogen levels drop to normal levels (during pregnancy and anti-conception they are increased). Estrogen causes a higher absorption and use of magnesium and zinc. Estrogen is normally associated with pregnancy. During pregnancy the body needs more minerals en 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. The anti-conception pill is often used to heal acne. Possibly this works because the estrogen increases absorption of zinc, which is essential for a healthy skin."

From http://www.newtreatments.org/depression

Tramadol, bupropion, and nortriptylin can cause seizures.

3 patterns of catamenial epilepsy have been identified - two different sources, possibly differing patterns

Source: Three patterns of catamenial epilepsy.

Scientific Journal: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9579954


Source: PATTERNS AND CAUSES
Same authors, better presentation: http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/catamenial_patterns.html

Progesterone's antiseizure effects are due to the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, which has powerful antiseizure activity

Progesterone's antiseizure effects are due to the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, which has powerful antiseizure activity.

"Cyclical changes of ovarian hormones estrogens and progesterone are now widely believed to be essential for the genesis of catamenial seizures. Generally, progesterone has antiseizure effects, while estrogens facilitate seizure susceptibility. The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone has been identified as a key endogenous neurosteroid with powerful antiseizure activity. Allopregnanolone is a potent, positive allosteric modulator of GABA(A) receptors. Progesterone and allopregnanolone exposure and withdrawal affects GABA(A) receptor plasticity."


Source: Pharmacology of catamenial epilepsy.
By: Reddy DS.
Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15538544


(Also from

Meyler's Side Effects of Endocrine and Metabolic Drugs

 By Jeffrey K. Aronson

)

Withdrawal from chronic progesterone and, consequently, of allopregnanolone levels in brain, has been shown to increase seizure susceptibility, possibly through the effect of the withdrawal on GABA(A) receptor plasticity

Title: Pharmacology of catamenial epilepsy.
source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15538544

For mass:
"In animal models, withdrawal from chronic progesterone and, consequently, of allopregnanolone levels in brain, has been shown to increase seizure susceptibility. Natural progesterone therapy is proven to be effective in women with epilepsy. Consequently, synthetic neurosteroids that are devoid of hormonal side effects represent a novel class of antiepileptic drugs for women with catamenial epilepsy. Our studies suggest that ganaxolone, a GABA(A) receptor-modulating synthetic neuroactive steroid, is a particularly promising treatment for catamenial epilepsy."

Low copper-binding proteins, ceruloplasmin and/or metallothionein, can lead to high unbound copper, and symptoms of both copper toxicity and copper deficiency.

Symptoms of excess copper include poor sleep, aggression/assaultive, poor concentration, PMS and sensitivity to tight clothes and tags

sources:
Title: http://drlwilson.com/articles/copper_toxicity_syndrome.htm (evernoted today)
Body: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ee/mentalhealth/subs/attach01.pdf (google docced today and yesterday)

Must Read!! Good paper on PCOS!!

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/466573_2

Androgens, including testosterone, are excreted in urine after being sulfated and glucoronidated

Phase 2 conjugation of androgens, as evidenced by conjugate presence in urine

Bottom line: Conversion of androgens to estrogens via aromatase (CYP19) is not the only means of reducing androgens. Androgens are sulfated and glucoronidated also.

Source: http://www.deepdyve.com/lp/springer-journal/free-glucuronic-and-sulfate-testosterone-epitestosterone-and-riemCAf0GZ?key=springer_journal

Dopamine effects aromatase - not sure yet which way

 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165017301001229

Together, these results provide converging evidence for a direct control of aromatase activity by catecholamines consistent with the anatomical data indicating the presence of a catecholaminergic innervation of aromatase cells. These dopamine-induced changes in aromatase activity are observed after several hours or days and presumably result from changes in aromatase transcription but rapid non-genomic controls have also been identified. The potential significance of these processes for the physiology of reproduction is critically evaluated.

Quercetin and genistein induce aromatase activity - one study

Quercetin and genistein induce aromatase activity - one study


Whereas other Flavanoids inhibited aromatase activity and some others first induced and then, at higher concentrations, inhibited aromatase.


Source: http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/82/1/70.abstract

The natural flavone quercetin and isoflavone genistein induced aromatase activity 4- and 2.5-fold induction, respectively, at 10 μM. This coincided with increased intracellular cAMP concentrations and increased levels of the cAMP-dependent pII and to a lesser extent 1.3 promoter-specific aromatase transcripts.

Read: Silymarin's effect on LH, Estradiol, Testosterone, etc. - Confusing though

http://egyptianjournal.net78.net/13_10.pdf

Apparenty Silymarin is an aromatase inhibitor, but has "a definite estrogenic effect", and prevents preganancy in female rats.

From the link above:
"In male rats ,a significant increase of
serum testosterone and LH levels while
estradiol did not change by silymarin
treatment at one month.  Oliveira  et al.,
(2001) "


"While rats treated with silymarin for
two months displayed significant decrease
in serum testosterone levels, while LH and
estradiol not changed. This result is
attributed to enzyme regulation for
testosterone synthesis which may be
affected by phytoestrogen rich diet and
decreased  testosterone levels Weber et al.,
(2001)."

Low levels of Vitamin D and Calcium cause low levels of Aromatase and High LH and FSH (Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Low levels of Vitamin D and Calcium cause low levels of Aromatase and High LH and FSH.

Supplementing with calcium brought aromatase levels back to normal, but LH and FSH remained high.

"Supplementation of estradiol normalized histological abnormality in the male gonads as well as in the female" whatever that means



Source: http://endo.endojournals.org/content/141/4/1317.full.pdf

Another Licorice study, this one on men, showed increased LH. Both this study and the one on women showed lower testosterone.

Another Licorice study, this one on men, showed increased LH

source: https://www.thieme-connect.com/ejournals/abstract/eced/doi/10.1055/s-2003-42724

Apparently, Licorice (no info on DGL) reduces LH and increases Estradiol in women

Apparently, Licorice (no info on DGL) reduces LH and increases Estradiol in women

Source: Steroids

Volume 71, Issue 5, May 2006, Pages 403-408

Effect of licorice on PTH levels in healthy women

Mee Jung Mattarello, Stefano Benedini, Cristina Fiore, Valentina Camozzi, Paola Sartorato, Giovanni Luisetto, Decio Armanini

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Endocrinology, University of Padua, Via Ospedale 105, 35100 Padua, Italy

Received 26 May 2005; revised 19 December 2005; Accepted 4 January 2006. Available online 2 March 2006.

Vitex increases LH and reduces Prolactin. It mildly reduces FSH.

Vitex increases Luteinizing Hormone and reduces Prolactin. It mildly reduces Follicle Stimulating Hormone.

source: http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/vitex.html
clipped to evernote also

Shortly after epileptic seizures, prolactin levels often rise, whereas they are normal in non-epileptic seizures.

Shortly after epileptic seizures, prolactin levels often rise, whereas they are normal in non-epileptic seizures.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperprolactinaemia

Aromatase activity is decreased by prolactin and zinc.

Aromatase activity is decreased by prolactin and zinc.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatase#Activity

The enzyme Aromatase, a member of the Cytochrome P450 family, converts testosterone to estrogen in women. This seems to be the primary path of estradiol production - confirm this lat sentence

The enzyme Aromatase, a member of the Cytochrome P450 family, converts testosterone to estrogen in women.

This seems to be the primary path of estradiol production - confirm this lat sentence

testosterone + Aromatase == Estradiol

Androstendione + Aromatase == Esterone

Thus, if Aromatase increases, the body should, as I see it, end up with more Estrogens and fewer Androgens.

Source:
http://www.ergogenics.org/anabolenboek/index11en.html
http://97.74.186.254/static/testosterone-dht-5-alpha-reductase-metabolism-flowchart.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatase
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androstenedione

Pollution causes increased levels of LH, and this seems to cause mental health disorders.

Pollution causes increased levels of LH, and this seems to cause mental health disorders.


From the article 'Exposure to Urban Stressor and Effects on Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in Female Outdoor Workers' 

In follicular and lutheal phase of ovarian cycle, the LH mean levels were significantly higher in traffic police vs. controls. The distribution of LH values in traffic police and controls was significant in follicular, and lutheal phase. In ovulatory phase, LH mean levels were lower but not significant in traffic police compared to controls. An increase was found concerning mental health disorders referred to the questionnaire items in traffic police vs. controls, although the difference was not significant. Our results suggest that occupational exposure to urban stressor in female traffic police, may alter LH plasma concentrations. LH may be used in occupational set as an early biomarker of exposure to urban stressor.

What does Diane 35 do? - Text Dump

Diane 35 is commonly prescribed for PCOS. It contains two ingredients

1. cyproterone 
2. ethinyl estradiol

Cyproterone  

Suppresses the actions of testosterone (and its metabolite dihydrotestosterone or DHT) on tissues. It acts by blocking androgen receptors which prevents androgens from binding to them and suppresses luteinizing hormone (which in turn reduces testosterone levels).

In addition, cyproterone acetate has weak progestational activity (i.e., it acts like progesterone) and can be used to treat hot flashes. As part of some combined oral contraceptive pills (Dianette in UK and Diane-35 in other countries) it decreases acne and hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth).


Pharmacology

Cyproterone acetate is a synthetic derivative of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and acts as anandrogen receptor antagonist with weak progestational and glucocorticoid activity. Some portion is metabolized by hydrolysis to cyproterone and acetic acid.^[1] However, unlike many other steroid esters, cyproterone acetate is not extensively hydrolyzed, and much of its pharmacological activity is attributed to its acetate form.^[2] Cyproterone acetate has approximately three times the anti-androgenic activity of cyproterone.^[3]

Cyproterone acetate inhibits the steroidogenic enzyme 21-hydroxylase and to a lesser extent 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, both of which are needed to synthesize cortisol.^[4] The blockade of 21-hydroxylase can also result in reduced production of aldosterone, the primarymineralcorticoid hormone. Mutations in the gene encoding 21-hydroxylase are fairly common in the human population, therefore some patients may be affected more than others. Although cyproterone has some glucocorticoid activity,^[5] this is offset by the fact that cyproterone acetate inhibits cortisol production and can act as a competitive inhibitor of cortisol at the glucocorticoid receptor,^[6] thus its adrenosuppressive effects are usually fairly minor.^[7] However, since the glucocorticoid effects appear to be due to metabolites, rather than cyproterone acetate itself, the net effect may vary depending on the rate at which cyproterone acetate is metabolized.^[8] The progestational and glucocorticoid effects reduce production of gonadotropins, which usually results in lower testosterone levels, however the blockade of adrenal 21-hydroxylase results in the accumulation of androgen precursors which may be converted to testosterone, reducing the efficacy of the antiandrogen treatment. Due to the possibility of increased adrenal androgens, cyproterone acetate is sometimes combined with the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride, and studies of hirsutism treatment show increased efficacy of this combination over cyproterone acetate alone.^[9] Some in vitro studies have suggested that cyproterone or cyproterone acetate may have a slight inhibitory effect on 5-alpha-reductase, however no significant reduction in DHT production has been observed in vivo.^[10]

Cyproterone acetate is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme, forming the active metabolite 15β-hydroxycyproterone acetate, which retains its antiandrogen activity, but has reduced progestational activity.^[11][12][13] Therefore, use of cyproterone acetate in combination with substances which inhibit CYP3A4 may increase the progestational effects. Cyproterone acetate increases production of CYP3A4 by activating thepregnane x receptor.^[14]

^{Side Effects}

The most serious potential side effect is liver toxicity, and patients should be monitored for changes in liver enzymes, especially if taking a high dose (200–300 mg/day).^[2] Toxicity is dose-dependent and the low doses used in birth control pills (2 mg) do not appear to represent a significant risk.^[15]

Suppression of adrenal function and reduced response to ACTH have been reported. Low cortisol levels may impair carbohydrate metabolism, and patients with diabetes mellitus may require adjustments in insulin dosage. Low aldosterone levels may lead to salt loss andhyperkalemia (excess potassium). Patients taking cyproterone should have their cortisol levels and electrolytes monitored, and if hyperkalemia develops, reduce the consumption of food having a high potassium content.

Used alone, cyproterone acetate does not appear to have a significant effect on blood clotting factors, but in combination with ethinylestradiol(as in combined oral contraceptive pills) presents an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.^[16] Women who take contraceptive pills containing cyproterone acetate have a six- to sevenfold risk of developing thromboembolism compared to women who do not take any contraceptive pill, and twice the risk of women who take a contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel.^[17]

Cyproterone acetate is also associated with striae (stretch mark) formation, due to its glucocorticoid activity and drying of the skin.^[18]

Cyproterone has been associated with depressive mood changes in some patients, presumably due to androgen deprivation. However, others have reported significant antidepressant effects.^[19] This may be due to its effect on adrenal hormones, as similar antidepressant effects have been observed with other adrenal suppressants, such as metyrapone.^[20]

Cyproterone acetate suppresses production of estrogen due to its antigonadotrophic effect, and long-term use without estrogen replacement may result in osteoporosis.

Side-effects in men which directly result from its antiandrogenic action include gynecomastia (breast growth), galactorrhea (milk outflow), anderectile dysfunction.

Source:wikipedia