Relaxin
What is it?
Relaxin is a polypeptide insulin-like hormone. What does it do?
Relaxin is a poorly understood hormone which has been thought to be related to pregnancy since levels rise at that time. Recent research is find that it is involved with many physiologic processes and that a lack of it can cause many symptoms such as:
Striated Muscle: FMS Myofascial Pain Muscle Problem
Smooth Muscle: Dizziness Irregular Heartbeat Edema (Swelling of Extremities) Shortness of Breath
Autonomic Nervous System: Blurred Vision Dry Organs, Decreased Secretions Poor Digestive Process Irritable Bowel Esophageal Reflux Pelvic Floor Pain
Connective Tissue: Joint Pains TMJ Brittle Hair and Nails Dry, Thin and Scaly Skin
Central Nervous System: Cognitive Dysfunction Emotional Distress Poor Coping Mechanisms Headaches
Woman who have been through menopause, have had a hysterectomy or oophorectomy tubal ligation, or have used birth control pills for extended periods of time, may have a Relaxin deficiency. Older men as well as women may become deficient in Relaxin since, like most hormones, it diminishes with age.
Dr. Samuel K. Yue made an interesting observation. He found that his patients who had fibromyalgia usually improved considerably when they were pregnant. He suspected it was the Relaxin increase during pregnancy that was responsible. From this he hypothesized that fibromyalgia may be in fact, at least partly a Relaxin deficiency disease. People with insufficient Relaxin suffer not only from fibromyalgia but premature aging. Subsequent tests of this hypothesis in his clinic proved that fibromyalgia does, in fact, respond very well to Relaxin.
Human recombinant Relaxin is currently undergoing clinical trials for Scleroderma and indications are "very encouraging." Dr. Yue says that porcine (from pigs) Relaxin is 4 times more effective than human Relaxin. In general Relaxin provides increased energy, increased growth of hair and nails, and improved complexion and elasticity of the skin. Those who suffer from premature aging may also be a candidate for relaxin.
Benefits may take up to 8 to 9 weeks to manifest.
Here is a FAQ about relaxin:
How does relaxin affect the physiology of collagen?
· Relaxin increases the metabolism of fibroblasts, which synthesize the collagen fibers of the dermis, producing a new collagen layer. As a result of this new collagen layer, relaxin has been found not only to promote and accelerate healing of wounds in damaged tissue, but also to contribute to effacement and prevention of wrinkles and lines.
What is relaxin's effect on skin?
· Relaxin normalizes the differentiation of cells in the epidermis, which results in smoother, better hydrated skin. Cells are not only produced more rapidly, but are shed in exfoliation as individual cells rather than as clusters or scales. The result is a smoother surface with less conspicuous pores and fine wrinkles. In sun-damaged skin, abnormal growths and segments of atypical epidermis are corrected, reversed or eliminated. Mottling and spots are reduced, and actinic keratoses ("sun splotches") and blackheads may be eliminated.
Will users become 'dependent' on relaxin?
· The need to continually take relaxin is similar to taking vitamin C, estrogen or insulin. While it does not create dependence or addiction, it does serve to replace a critical hormone that the body originally produced in sufficient quantities. Most people who experience relief from their symptoms choose to continue taking it. Not taking it will only take patients back to their original physical state.
Can you test for the level of relaxin?
· Yes, but at present, there are no credible tests that can measure relaxin because the levels are so small - below 200 picograms. The two tests available are the ELISA test, which is sensitive but not specific enough, and the RIA test, which is specific but not sensitive enough.
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