"Bitch Tits"

'Bitch Tits", or pseudo gynecomastia
If you are into bodybuilding or you are over 40 you may have an intimate and not so happy knowledge of this expression. It refers to the formation of breast-like protuberances in the
pectoral area of a man's chest. This is an indication of an imbalance of hormones in the body and only one of many issues that can occur caused by several factors. My topic for today is hormones and the system that provides these hormones is called the endocrine system.

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that make certain types of hormones.
(endo referring to internal functions)
It communicates with and controls the nervous system, reproductive system,
kidneys, gut, liver, pancreas and fat to operate with the following:


* sex drive and reproduction
* energy level
* growth and development of body tissue
* homeostasis or balance of body systems
* responses to stress and injury
* fat loss, increase and retention

The ebb and flow of these hormones are responsible for the sensation of most of the
emotions we feel, therefore they are largely responsible for our behavior as well.
There are many things in our environment and lifestyle that cause imbalances in the release of
one or more hormones, either, too much or too little.
Eg. 1. A problem with a gland or the blood supply
or receptors on the organs, tissues, or cells may cause this imbalance.
Eg. 2. If the liver or kidneys are not healthy, it results in problems clearing hormones from the blood.
Eg. 3. The network may not be properly regulating the hormones in the blood stream as well.

To illustrate some of the effect of these imbalances we can use the so-called "sex" hormones
in men and women that cause the more obvious symptoms:

Low bioavailability of testosterone levels in men causes:

* Low sex drive
* Emotional, psychological and behavioral changes
* Decreased muscle mass
* Loss of muscle strength
* Increased upper and central body fat
* Osteoporosis or weak bones and back pain
* "Feminization" of the male physique (Thus the reference to the bodybuilders nightmare, "bitch tits")
* Cardiovascular risk

High Estrogen and Low Progesterone in women causes:
* Increased storage of fat
* Anxiety ie:
- panic
- irritability
- mood swings
* Heavy Bleeding
* Bloating and Water Retention
* Breast Tenderness
* Headaches

Low Estrogen and High Progesterone

* Hot Flashes, Palpitations
* Insomnia
* Depression
* Forgetfulness
* Irregular Periods
* Loss of Libido

The visible effects of a hormone imbalance are not desirable but the less visible include types of cancer, diseases of all the major organs including the heart, liver and kidneys and for this reason as well as the more obvious,we should never ignore the endocrine system.
Stress, pharmaceutical drugs, birth control pills, improper nutrition and pollution are major causes of imbalances in your system.
An endocrinologist is a specialist trained to diagnose and treat diseases, which affect your
glands and hormone levels, they know how to treat conditions, which are specific to your endocrine system.
I would suggest that you find one who takes a more holistic approach to addressing the problems whereas, most physicians will simply prescribe a pharmaceutical drug which can lead to other problems, it is, I believe, more prudent to look at the root cause of the issue and restoring the body's own innate balance.
A friend of mine, Dr. Stephen Chung, BSc, MSc, PhD, a research biologist at U.B.C. in endocrinology specifically for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation and a member of Trillium Wellness Consultants, is my recommendation for any of my students and friends and family in this area. Dr. Chung has helped so many people with these issues and he will always try to find the most natural and lasting solution to the underlying problem rather than masking it with drugs and placebos.
POCO Naturals, 604-942-5612