Related article: Palliative vs. curative treatments
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a peptide hormone which stimulates growth and cell reproduction. Regular use of HGH may lead to several negative side effects such as joint swelling, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and an increased risk of diabetes.1) It may also interfere with immune function.
Not enough is known with regard to how HGH impacts on immune function, but there is some reason to believe that may have a negative impact on cellular homeostasis. For this reason, use of HGH is not recommended for Marshall Protocol patients.
Main article: Hormone and pro-hormone therapy
Related article: Palliative vs. curative treatments
Due to the nature of chronic disease, it is common for patients suffering from chronic diseases to have low levels of hormones. This is often due to high levels of the vitamin D metabolite 1,25-DPrimary biologically active vitamin D hormone. Activates the vitamin D nuclear receptor. Produced by hydroxylation of 25-D. Also known as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcitirol. which interferes with the production of hormones such as T3, testosterone, etc. Because the vitamin D system is dysregulated in chronically ill patients, supplementing with other hormones tends to further dysregulate the receptors rather than increase hormonal expression. Thus, hormone supplementation is contraindicated. If the patient is already on hormone “replacement” therapy, judicious use of low-dose hormone therapy (to relieve intolerable symptoms) may be necessary until the patient is able to wean from the hormones.
Marshall Protocol (MP) patients are advised to work with their doctor to use the lowest dose of medication that is effective.
As patients begin to kill the Th1 pathogensThe community of bacterial pathogens which cause chronic inflammatory disease - one which almost certainly includes multiple species and bacterial forms. causing their disease, vitamin D metabolism restabilizes and 1,25-D's effects on hormonal stabilization becomes less of an issue. Once this happens, there is no longer a need to take extra hormone supplements, and patients can then wean off their steroids.