Infertility in Men - Understanding the Process

The real miracle is that the rate of infertility in men is not higher than it is. It is estimated that approximately 8% of all fertility problems are male in origin. Male fertility is dependent upon both male reproductive organs and hormones. If just one part of this process is misfiring - the whole process is compromised. Surprisingly many of the hormones responsible for female fertility also govern fertility in men.

Hormone Production

The process begins in the hypothalamus with the production of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GoRH). GoRH prompts the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

FSH is responsible for maintaining sperm production and LH stimulates the production of testosterone. The sperm and testosterone are produced in the testicles, which are outside the body. This is essential. Testicles remaining inside the body produce temperatures too high to foster the production of sperm and testosterone.

Production of Sperm

The life cycle of the sperm is complex, requiring 74 days for completion. At any point during this 74 day journey, something could go awry, resulting in defective sperm.

Healthy sperm consist of a head and a tail. The head contains half of the genetic material necessary to form a human embryo. The tail's job is to lash back and forth, propelling the sperm on its journey to fertilize the female ovum.

The sperm is forced through the urethra and ejaculated through the penis. It is contained in a gelatin-like substance - semen - which serves three functions. First, it provides a slightly alkaline environment to protect the sperm from the acidity of the female vagina. But this climate is short-lived. If the sperm does not reach the woman's cervix within a few hours, the semen itself becomes toxic and the sperm die.

Second, it prevents the sperm from draining from the vagina too quickly. And third, it contains the sugar fructose which provides an instant energy boost to the sperm.

Odds of the Sperm Reaching the Ovum

The odds of any one sperm surviving to fertilize the egg are astounding. In each ejaculation 100-300 million sperm are delivered. Out of these sperm, only 400 survive to begin the journey to the cervix.

Of these 400, only 40 sperm come anywhere in the vicinity of the egg. These sperm must now survive another four days to reach the woman's fallopian tubes where the egg will provide a 12 hour window of opportunity for fertilization.

Add to this that only 15% of ejaculated sperm are sound enough to fertilize the egg and you have the makings of a miracle. Human conception.

Causes of Infertility in Men

There are several general causes of infertility in men. They can be broken down as follows:

1. Problems with maintaining an erection.

2. Problems with ejaculation.

3. Problems with sperm production.

4. Having a varicocele.

5. Genetic problems.

6. Infections or STDs.

7. Exposure to heat or toxic chemicals.

8. Drugs and medications.

9. Hormone imbalance.

Luckily, problems with sperm production are the leading cause of infertility in men - because this is the most easily detected and most easily treated cause of infertility in men.

What to Do

If you and your partner have been having unprotected intercourse three or more times a week for more than a year, it is time to have an infertility workup done on each of you. Often men feel that there could never be anything wrong with them and will only submit to an examination if the doctor finds nothing wrong with his partner. This is a foolish waste of time.

Ruling out infertility in men is by far easier to do than ruling out female infertility. Knowing that the male partner has no underling fertility issue enables the doctor to more aggressively search for the cause of infertility in the female. It also prevents the loss of "fertility time" as ovum age at a steady pace - and sadly can "age out" during the process of determining the cause of the couple's infertility.

So, when it's time to see the doctor, do your part. Go to your family doctor or urologist when your female partner goes to seek medical advice. You'll help to speed the process of making a baby vastly if you do.

If you want more information on alternative treatments for infertility in men and women, be sure to visit my website below. It details the process I used to make two happy and healthy babies when the medical profession said it was unlikely that I would ever get pregnant.

What Are Some Effective Herbs For Sex Drive?

As we age, there are many reasons for a poor libido, including menopause, erectile dysfunction in men and other health problems including depression. Low libido can be caused by hormonal imbalances as well as psychological and physical imbalances such as anxiety and fatigue. Even the daily stresses and busy nature of modern life can leave us feeling exhausted and in no mood for sex! The good news is there are a wide range of natural herbs for sex drive that can be taken as a supplement by women and men.

Some treatments specifically help women, including Gingko Biloba, Gentian, and Muirapuama. Gingko Biloba is a commonly used herb that boosts all phases of the sexual response cycle, including desire and excitement. Gentian comes in the form of a powder and acts as a tonic on all the bodily organs. The Amazonian plant known as Muirapuama has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for poor libido.

When considering herbs for sex drive problems it is worth noting that there are herbs that specifically treat hormonal imbalances, so if you suspect that a lack of hormones may be causing your or your partner's low libido, it could be worth trying these herbs. Low libido problems for women can often be caused by menopause, so herbs that help stabilize estrogen levels in the body, such as Black Cohosh and Dong Quai, can act as herbs for sex drive because they resolve problems associated with hormone imbalance.

A root native to the Andean region known as Maca is a popular herb - the extract from the Maca plant has been shown to increase libido and enhance sperm quality. One of the most popular herbs is Horny Goat Weed which can affect both men and women. The leaves and stem of this particular plant boost androgen levels, responsible for testosterone levels and sperm production.

Other herbs while not specifically aimed at sexual function can support the body's systems and energy levels, such as Kola Nut and Sarsaparilla. Tribulus is a useful herb for men, Tribulus especially giving muscle strength, while Siberian Ginseng helps stimulate hormone release in both men and women. Some herbalists suggest that detoxifying the liver can assist with hormone function with herbs such as Liquorice Root and Milk Thistle.

Other natural sources that are thought to be effective stimulants for both men and women include Saw Palmetto, and the Ayurvedic herbs Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu and Shatavari. Herbal remedies can be purchased as a package that frequently combines a combination of herbs, or you may choose to see a herbalist. There is a wide selection of herbal preparations on the market for libido problems.

So before you resort to medications to boost your libido, remember that nature has given us a variety of herbs for sex drive that have been used by ancient cultures for thousands of years! Don't let your intimate relationships suffer - there are treatments available for men and women regardless of age.

Hormones And Menopause - What To Do About These Changes

Fatigue is one of the most common problems that women mention as they are moving through the menopausal transition. The reasons can be numerous and multifaceted. The commonly thought of causes include:

繚 sleep disturbance from hot flashes, restless leg syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.

繚 anemia from irregular and heavy menses in peri-menopause

繚 medication to treat disorders and diseases, these medications can often cause fatigue.

繚 thyroid disorders can cause fatigue, as the thyroid hormones are responsible for setting our metabolic rate (the rate at which our bodily functions work).

繚 depression and anxiety can cause fatigue, mostly through the chemicals in our brain not being in enough supply or in the correct proportion.

Let's talk about hormones and how they can affect fatigue. The steroid hormones are hormones produced for an action, production is stimulated by the brain, and they are meant for immediate use by the body. The hormones I will discuss are produced in both the ovaries and the adrenal glands. The hormones that are primarily responsible for the change in how you feel during menopause are:

• estrogen
• progesterone
• testosterone
• cortisol
• DHEA
• thyroid hormone T3 and T4

Cholesterol is the precursor for all of these hormones with the exception of thyroid hormones. Cholesterol is broken down into basically 2 parent compounds which then go through changes to become the above list with the exception of thyroid hormones.

One parent compound, pregnenolole eventually becomes

• DHEA,
• progesterone,
• cortisol
• aldosterone.

The other parent compound becomes Adrostenedione which eventually becomes

• testosterone,
• estradiol,
• estrone.

Why is this important for you to know this? Once you understand what might be going on, you can decide to make changes to help relieve yourself of some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Prior to menopause, the production of these important hormones takes place in both the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries and also in the adrenal glands, the rest are produced by the adrenals.

The adrenals are small organs which sit atop the kidneys. When the ovaries stop working, the production ofprogesterone starts a slow steady decline. The estrogen level falls rapidly but can also rise as the ovaries sputter along in their declining function.

Many symptoms of bloating, fatigue and mood disturbance can be linked to not enough progesterone early in peri-menopause. Hot flashes, brain fog and fatigue can be linked to fluctuating and then low levels of estrogen. Prior to menopause, healthy estrogen levels help the action of cortisol which also helps to prevent cortisol excess. When estrogen falls, it leaves the cortisol unopposed and therefor in excess.

Why is excess cortisol bad?

Excess amounts of cortisol for prolonged periods of time can cause the following ill effects:

• weaken the immune system
• slow healing and normal cell repair
• impair digestion
• break down healthy muscle and bone
• interfere with the normal function of other hormones
• interfere with sleep
• increase appetite

Cortisol is a very important hormone when it is needed for immediate action or a stress response. Today's stressful lifestyles can cause prolonged increase levels of cortisol and as a result, the above list of problems can occur.

So what can a person do to decrease the effects of hormonal changes and stress?

There is, of course, medication to treat the different symptoms. It can usually require several different medications to control or treat the different symptoms.The following are all suggestions sited by the experts on how to change your lifestyle to help facilitate relief:

• decrease your stress response through measures such as yoga, meditation, prayer, anger management counseling, therapeutic massage
• exercise-this helps lower cortisol, lowers blood pressure, helps with stress, helps the cardiovascular system and your muscles remain healthy
• sleep-studies have shown people who get less than 4-5 hours of sleep are 72% more likely to be obese. This is due to hormones also
• a diet low in sugars and refined carbohydrates can lower the entire cascade of hormones which help to create obesity and elevated cortisol levels.
• a diet high in fresh vegetables and fruits, preferably produced locally so nutrients have not degraded, provides you with healthy anti-oxidants and other substances which the cells of our bodies utilize for healthy functions.

It is important to understand that you can change much of what is happening during menopause that is undesirable through your lifestyle.

It takes work and change and many people do not want to do this. The rewards of making changes and gaining some element of control over what is happening to your body can be very empowering. Most people that successfully makes these changes have been immensely satisfied by the improvement of how they feel. So ask yourself, what is stopping you from making the changes you know you should make?

Hormones and Adult Acne - Is There a Connection?

Ok, so you're not a teenager anymore. You finally got over those awkward adolescent years and thought you were done with the breakouts - only to find you now suffer from wrinkles and adult acne. Well, you're not alone.

Did you know that up to 50% of all adult women suffer from acne and up to 20% of adult males experience acne. So, it's easy to see why there are so many adult acne home remedies and treatments on the market.

Current studies from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science shows that there is an increase in acne among adults and the symptoms lasts longer which means the required treatment for adult acne lasts well into the late adulthood - mid forties.

No doubt this is very upsetting for adults who are also having to deal with wrinkles too! Also, it's hard to find products that are geared towards adults who need a special acne treatment -- we need a strong product but need to be careful not to aggravate or dry out aging skin, so as not to encourage fine lines and wrinkles.

What are Adult Acne Causes?

Researchers are not really sure of the exact reasons for adult onset acne but suspect hormones are to blame in both men and women.

When hormones are unbalanced and there is an excess of androgen, there is also an excess of oil production which can cause an overgrowth of bacteria -- leading to breakouts. Many women have found that taking birth control pills can help lower androgen and reduce acne problems.

Best Treatment for Adult Acne

After years of evaluating acne medicine reviews and acne medication for adults,we found a natural Acne treatment that works well for adults because it's gentle and heals the acne 2 ways -- topically and internally. Which is probably why it's more effective than just the typical acne products you find over the counter.

We have found that when acne suffers use a combination of a gentle cleanser and an herbal gel which contains salicylic acid along with Medowsweet and Spirae Ulmaria Extract - they can effectively reduce infection, breakouts, clear up redness, and heal the skin. This topical gel is also great for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots!!

In addition, taking herbs like Milk Thistle, Chaste Tree, Dandelion, and Honeysuckle helps heal the skin from the inside, balance hormones, liver function, and help produce even faster results. Best of all these steps won't damage or dry out aging sensitive skin or cause more wrinkles. Please see the link below for more information.

What Are The Most Common Hypothyroidism Cures?

For those who want to cure and deal with hypothyroidism without the use of medications, there is absolutely nothing better than to use natural hypothyroidism dietary health supplements. Aside from curing this situation, there are many other benefits of using these all-natural health dietary supplements. By using health supplements for hypothyroidism, the metabolic rate of the body is enhanced, fat loss is increased and living a very active lifestyle turns into a possibility. Physical and mental ailment is also improved by these health supplements.

The human body requires a certain sufficient amount of thyroid hormones and the failure of the thyroid to produce a satisfactory amount of hormones can result in the development of hypothyroidism. Basically, a thyroid-stimulating hormone regulates the production of the thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are two major hormones.

The thyroid is an organ located at the frontal reduce region of the neck right under the voice box and has a butterfly-like form. Thyroid hormones have a variety of functions in the body, however, most importantly the metabolic rate of the body, the production of proteins and the use of energy are regulated by these hormones. Even the development of other systems in the body is supported by these hormones.

The ingredients contained in normal hypothyroidism dietary supplements are what make them so effective at curing and treating this condition. As a result, those who intend to use a supplement to deal with the treatment of hypothyroidism should make sure the dietary supplement contains all the right ingredients.

Iodine

It is believed that the deficiency of iodine is one of the main reasons that the thyroid does not carry out normal activity. If individuals are not consuming an ample amount of iodine through their everyday diet, they will be at risk of suffering from goiter, a situation that will cause their thyroid to swell up. Iodine seems to be quite necessary for the production of hormones and a majority of seafood meals tend to be quite a rich source of iodine. However, hypothyroidism can even lead to other factors as well. For that reason, prior to using a supplement including iodine, men and women should consult with their doctor.

Selenium

Selenium is typically contained in the kidney and liver of not only human beings but animals as well. The function and metabolism of thyroid hormones can be improved by getting dietary supplements that contain selenium. T3 is the most active thyroid hormone; Consequently, T4 is converted into T3 by selenium as well.

Tyrosine (L-Tyrosine)

The production of T3 and T4 thyroid gland hormones at normal ranges can be further promoted by the combination of iodine with the amino acid form of tyrosine. Not only is the fat burning capacity rate of the body increased but weight loss is also promoted by complements including Tyrosine.

Zinc

Not only can the features of the thyroid be improved with the consumption of zinc but even the immune response can be increased too. Low ranges of zinc can also lead to the thyroid to grow to be inactive and supplementing zinc can restore the gland to its normal state.

All-natural hypothyroidism dietary supplements can contain either of these ingredients or a combination of them and it is these ingredients that make them quite effective at curing this ailment.

Adult Female Acne - Three Hormonal Causes and Three Hormonal Solutions

Many women suffer from acne at the age of 30 or 40 or even 50! If you are one of them, you may or may not have had acne as a teenager. It may just be a problem in your adult years. You have probably talked to several doctors about it, have been given prescriptions of various sorts, have tried many skin care products all purporting to help with acne, yet you still have pimples on your face right now (and probably a few deep cystic ones, too). You are likely convinced that it has something to do with your hormones and have suggested that its hormonal to several doctors including a dermatologist or two. They may have even agreed with you, but didn't give you any hormonal solutions other than antibiotics and expensive prescription skin creams that dried your skin but didn't control your acne.

If this is your story - don't give up! I believe that adult female acne is almost always hormonal to some degree, and consequently, there are hormonal solutions to this vexing problem. Here are three different ways that hormone imbalance can cause acne - each with its own unique remedy.

1. Progesterone deficiency - if your acne cycles with your menstrual period (usually you break out with acne mostly in the 1-2 weeks before your period) and if you also suffer from some degree of PMS, then your acne is most likely due to progesterone deficiency. This is also the most common form of hormonal acne for women over 50 (your ovaries stop producing progesterone with menopause). Progesterone has a protective effect on your skin. If you don't have enough, you will product more oils, more oils will clog your pores, and clogged pores result in acne - usually the deep cystic kind. The solution - take natural progesterone for three weeks of your cycle each month. Note that synthetic relatives of progesterone, such as Provera or medroxyprogestin, do not help acne and in fact can make it worse. Birth control pills usually worsen this type of acne because they contain synthetic relatives of progesterone.

2. Testosterone excess - this is a common cause of acne in younger adult females (20s and 30s). Either your ovaries produce too much testosterone or your skin produces too much of a testosterone derivative called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Generally this type of acne will occur through your entire cycle, is often associated with oily skin and unwanted facial hair, and commonly (but not always) can affect the chest and back. The solution - a DHT blocking medicine called Spironolactone taken orally is very effective for this type of acne and is my first choice. Birth control pills can also help with this type of acne, but I only recommend these if you also need birth control (due to other unwanted side effects.)

3. Stress and Cortisol excess - many of you may have noticed that your acne gets worse at times of stress. This is also a hormonal form of acne. Stress causes your adrenal glands to produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol causes acne. This type of acne usually only lasts as long as your stress lasts. But many of you probably suffer from chronic stress and can consequently suffer from chronic stress-induced acne. The solution - exercise is the best cortisol-reducing stress management treatment. There is also a natural supplement called Phosphotidyl Serine that can help lower your cortisol. And I encourage at least 64oz of water consumption daily to help modulate the effects of cortisol on your body.

What about Antibiotics for adult acne (since they are commonly prescribed for this problem)? Often women will take them for months and months on end to keep their acne under control. And indeed, they often do work. But they are merely a Band-aid. They do not address the underlying hormonal problem. Its better to address the hormonal problem directly and save antibiotics for times of more serious infections while avoiding potential antibiotic side effects.

Hormonal acne is quite easy to identify. A combination of acne history, menstrual history, and hormone testing (I prefer testing hormone levels with saliva) can almost always identify your particular hormonal issue. Once identified, treatment is inexpensive and effective, though it can take 6-8 weeks to achieve control.

Fat Loss 4 Idiots Review - The Truth About Fat Burning Hormones

Many years scientists from all over the world have been looking for the best method which will help to lose fat. Believe it or not, but the best fat loss method is eating food. Yes, it's true. Food is more powerful than any weight loss pills. The food we eat can make us fat or thin or even kill us. Do you know what causes overweight? The reason is eating the wrong food, at the wrong time.

There are two types of fat burning hormones in our body. These hormones are responsible for burning fat and fat storage. These hormones are controlled by brain and every time we eat they are released into bloodstream. This mean that you can control these hormones by eating food at the right time.

Fat Loss 4 Idiots is the only diet program that shows us how to lose fat by controlling fat burning hormones in our body. This program shows us that fat loss has nothing to do with starving yourself or even killing yourself at the gym. As you know, all people are different. That's why we all need personal diet plans. Fat loss 4 Idiots comes with unique menu generator which produces a personal menu to each user.

Using this program you can lose 9 pounds in the next 11 days regardless to your body type. So, if you are ready to make your dream a reality and change your body, you are on your way to success with fat loss. I hope you found this review useful. Good luck.