Related article: Palliative vs. curative treatments
Due to the nature of chronic disease, it is common for male patients suffering from chronic diseases to have low levels of the male hormones.
When supplemented, all of the steroid hormones, including the male hormones, have the capacity to interfere with the proper function of various nuclear receptorsIntracellular receptor proteins that bind to hydrophobic signal molecules (such as steroid and thyroid hormones) or intracellular metabolites and are thus activated to bind to specific DNA sequences which affect transcription.. This effect is dose-dependent. Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP) patients are advised to work with their doctor to use the lowest dose of medication that is effective.
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.
A steroid hormone from the androgen group, testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In mammals, testosterone is primarily secreted in the testes of males and the ovaries of females, although small amounts are also secreted by the adrenal glands.
Testosterone is one of the nuclear hormones, which make up the delicate balance of Type 1 nuclear receptorIntracellular receptor proteins that bind to hydrophobic signal molecules (such as steroid and thyroid hormones) or intracellular metabolites and are thus activated to bind to specific DNA sequences which affects transcription. activators which govern gene transcription for most of the body's antimicrobial peptidesBody’s naturally produced broad-spectrum antibacterials which target pathogens., and many of the key proteins. Testosterone activates the Androgen Nuclear Receptor, which is responsible for transcribing the DNA of many of the genes which give rise to antimicrobial peptides, the body's defense against pathogens.
Supplementation with testosterone is generally contraindicated.
Testosterone is an immunosuppressive steroid that forms one of the interplay of hormones which set up the delicate balance between the Nuclear Receptors which allows your body, and immune system, to transcribe genes, and function correctly. As your body continues to heal, the testosterone will get back to its level in a 'healthy' person. You don't want to be supplementing any of the hormones, in the same way that it is pointless trying to force-fit the Vitamin D hormone into your body.
Trevor Marshall, PhD
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormonal steroid, the production of which is controlled by the Vitamin D ReceptorA nuclear receptor located throughout the body that plays a key role in the innate immune response..1) DHEA is available as an over-the-counter supplement in some locations. Taking DHEA supplements directly affects the operation of the nuclear receptors and will delay or prevent recovery from Th1 diseaseAny of the chronic inflammatory diseases caused by bacterial pathogens..
DHEA has actions very similar to corticosteroidsA first-line treatment for a number of diseases. Corticosteroids work by slowing the innate immune response. This provides some patients with temporary symptom palliation but exacerbates the disease over the long-term by allowing chronic pathogens to proliferate., like Prednisone. Although it is palliative, and reduces immunopathologyA temporary increase in disease symptoms experienced by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed., it does that at the cost of slowing recovery and increasing the risk of complications from steroid use.
Trevor Marshall, PhD
For this reason, Marshall Protocol patients are advised to wean from the use of DHEA in the same way they might wean from corticosteroids.
According to my most recent lab test, the DHEA has almost returned to “normal.” I think the normalization of my DHEA blood test over my time on the MP is consistent with this second point and further evidence of my progress.
Carol