Frequently Asked Questions
HORMONES & WOBENZYM®
How can Wobenzym® be used for the treatment of
hormone imbalances?
What I see in Wobenzym® N is the answer to a key component of
hormonal imbalances – specifically: the ability to effectively
control the inflammation that is related to hormone imbalances. What
we now understand, is that those pro-inflammatory cytokines that we
have talked about – such as interleukin 6 and TNF-alpha – are
elevated in conditions that are primarily considered as endocrine
problems.
We see elevations of these cytokines in menopause, hypothyroidism,
polycystic ovary disease, insulin resistance, diabetes,
infertility and even adrenal fatigue and stress disorders.
We also know that elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines interfere with
normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axes.
Specifically, these cytokines inhibit the activity of the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis – causing abnormal circadian (24
hour) rhythms, and predisposing to, or perpetuating fatigue
disorders.
We know that inflammatory cytokines inhibit the activity of the
hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis at various levels and that
this dysregulation of the gonadal axis may chronically lead to
reproductive dysfunction and reduced fertility.
[PMID19121989] We also know that inflammation can have a direct
affect on the function of ovaries and testes and negatively affect
fertility.
Thyroid function can likewise be negatively affected. Elevations of
pro-inflammatory cytokines interfere with normal
hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function. In addition, the cells
within the thyroid – the thyrocytes have diminished ability to
function due to this systemic inflammation. In fact, controlling
systemic inflammation may be the most important therapy in
overcoming subclinical hypothyroidism. There is already no doubt in
my mind that Wobenzym should always be considered for
autoimmune thyroid disease.
What
role does Wobenzym® play in the treatment of thyroid
disease.
Autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s) – the
most common cause of hypothyroidism - is a condition that can be
somewhat difficult to successfully treat due to the chronic
inflammation taking place in that condition. Even after the
patient’s hormone levels have been increased back to normal with
prescription thyroid replacement, we still see many clinical signs
of hypothyroidism.
For instance, even after thyroid hormone replacement, patients can
still have elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. However, when
patient were given 5 Wobenzym tablets, 3 times a day – in addition
to their thyroid replacement – their cholesterol and triglycerides
decreased. The patients that were only given thyroid replacement
still had elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.
We also noted that taking Wobenzym resulted in a reduction of
autoimmune antibodies that attack the thyroid – the anti-TG and
anti-TPO antibodies. Since the thyroid is no longer under attack
from the immune system, it is able to resume making thyroid hormones
that way that it should. As a result, there was also a reduction of
TSH levels. As a result, patients that received Wobenzym as part of
their therapy were able to lower their dosage of thyroid medication
after 3 months. In some cases, the thyroid medication could be
completely discontinued.
Based on what we now know, I would say that this is possible because
of Wobenzym’s beneficial effect on the
hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, - its effect on the thyroid
tissue itself – and its effect on the immune system - the
elimination of autoimmune destruction of the thyroid.
The pro-inflammatory cytokines that we see in both autoimmune
disease and in systemic inflammation have a very detrimental effect
on thyroid function on so many levels. If we keep in mind that the
first word in the phrase “autoimmune thyroid disease” is
“autoimmune” we will have a better understanding of why the
immunomodulating properties of Wobenzym® N are so effective in
treating
autoimmune hypothyroidism.
What
affect does Wobenzym® therapy have on the development and
progression of diabetes?
When Wobenzym was added to the therapies for children
with type 1 diabetes, we see lower HbA1c, and higher levels of
C-peptide. When there is an increase in C-peptide, a marker of how
much insulin the pancreas can still make, there is decreases the
onset and progression of the
complications of diabetes such as diabetic
neuropathy. By helping the body raise c-petide levels, Wobenzym also
decreases the risk and progression of diabetes kidney disease a very
common complication that can occur with diabetes. That is just one
the benefits that Wobenzym® has for diseases of the
kidneys.
Animal studies on development of
diabetes demonstrate that Wobenzym® PS decreases the
development of antibodies against pancreatic islet cells.
Why
has Wobenzym® been used for infertility?
Wobenzym® N has been used in the treatment of
infertility for a number of reasons. First, elevated
cytokines – which are frequently seen in infertility - interfere
with normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axes. This
results in altered production of pituitary hormones that are
critical for fertility. So, the one benefit of Wobenzym® N is the
normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Another benefit would be an improvement of immunologically caused
habitual miscarriages, which can be because of either autoimmune or
alloimmune dysfunction. In autoimmune infertility, the miscarriage
is because of autoimmune inflammation that prevents proper function
of the placenta due to inflammation. In alloimmune miscarriages, the
mothers immune system is so unstable due to abnormal inflammatory
action that it actually attacks the fetus and causes the
miscarriage.
The literature reveals that Wobenzym is an effective therapy got
forth autoimmune and alloimmune miscarriages. One study showed that
124 out of 144 women who had habitual
immunologically caused miscarriages were able to get pregnant and
give birth to 114 healthy children. Those are pretty impressive
results.
How
else can Wobenzym® be used in women’s health?
Quite a few conditions are improved by adding Wobenzym to
the treatment plan. We see it used with various forms of both acute
and chronic
pelvic inflammatory disease.
Wobenzym® is very effective therapy for the management of
fibrocystic breast disease, especially since it does not interfere
with already upset hormonal balance that typically accompanies
fibrocystic breast disease.
What
about men? Does it help with prostate problems?
In men, Wobenzym® is a very efficient therapy
for both bacterial and abacterial
prostatitis, and also relieves the sexual dysfunction that
typically accompanies prostate diseases.
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