life stages 135
- is the precursor of cortisone synthesis by the adrenal cortex, which is
essential for sustaining the balance of the adrenal glands. Cortisone
in turn directly supports the thyroid. - restores proper cell oxygen levels and therefore helps concentration
and, in particular, mental agility. - is vital during menopause just as much as estrogen for the balance of
hormones.
Testosterone - is produced primarily by the testes in the male body. The testes lie
dormant throughout infancy and early childhood until the onset of
puberty, at which time the male organs enlarge. If levels are low dur-
ing the development of the fetus, the testes will not descend properly,
if at all. The development of sperm may also be adversely affected. - causes aggression — which, when channeled correctly, is a major human
survival mechanism. - promotes hair growth on the face, abdomen, pubis, chest, and arm pits
and increases laryngeal development, which lowers the adult male
voice. - increases the protein content of muscles, bones, and skin.
- encourages the development of male hormones in pubescent boys.
Adolescence
Every child is sensual to varying degrees, but the arrival of sex hormones
adds a different dimension to these earlier feelings. If you look around,
you will observe that girls are usually a few years ahead of boys in
developmental terms as well as in their emotional moods and feelings,
which are swayed by hormonal changes. Nevertheless, boys catch up and
have their own particular problems to deal with. Girls can begin to
menstruate as early as eight to ten years old, but it is more common
around the age of twelve. With a stepdaughter, a stepson, and two girls of
my own, I have watched these hormonal developments, and I’m happy to
report that, with the use of good food, occasional herbs, and other
balancing modalities, a lot of what parents refer to as “horrible hormone
moods” can be partially (I do say partially!) alleviated and supported,
making it easier for adolescents to step out of childhood and into
adulthood.
It is essential to remember that adolescents themselves do not enjoy
their own bodily fl uctuations and emotional outbursts — or parental
135 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition