Lumbar 4 - Prostate, Ovaries

PROSTATE

In men, the prostate gland produces a fluid which adds protein and other substances to the semen. The prostate is prone to enlargement and ultimately cancer as men age. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a form of testosterone, has been implicated in the cause of this enlargement called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Interestingly, the accumulation of DHT in the hair follicles is also the cause of male pattern baldness. Drugs used to treat BPH (Proscar) also help hair growth (Propecia, a low dose of Proscar).

Because the urethra which carries urine out the penis is surrounded by the prostate, an enlarged prostate can result in frequent urination, trouble getting a urine stream started, full bladder feeling, painful urination and loss of sexual drive.

Prostatitis is chronic inflammation of the prostate gland. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria, nearly always from the intestinal tract. It can give you a fever, lower back pain, groin pain and make you less interested in sex. Maintaining good healthy bacterial flora is important in treating and preventing this problem. Another form of prostatitis is caused when the muscles of the pelvis or bladder are not working properly.

The PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test can go up with prostatitis or with prostate cancer. However, prostatitis is not know to cause cancer. Your PSA can also go up if you've had sex recently or if your prostate is getting extra pressure on it (such as can happen with men who ride a bikes and motorcycle).

The prostate itself is contained in a muscular lining. These muscles are controlled by the nerves from the fourth lumbar region. So keeping your prostate healthy depends on good muscular function in this lining as well as the muscles of the pelvic floor. A chronic subluxation at the fourth lumbar vertebra can interfere with this function and set the stage for poor prostate health. Also, weakness in the pelvic floor from too much sitting can be a major contributing factor.

OVARIES

The imbalance of female to male hormones in the body can result in a tendency to ovarian cancer on the one hand (too much estrogen) or ovarian cysts on the other (too much testosterone).  The liver and the intestinal tract are the key organ in the elimination of toxic hormones.  Along with the 4th lumbar also check the 5th thoracic level to help liver function as well as the upper lumbar levels for intestinal function.

Regular exercise with good muscle tone and function around the pelvis helps the lymphatic system drain toxins from the internal organs.  Exercise also helps general hormonal balance.  People who do not exercise generally have more trouble with hormone balance than those that do.

 

Women with a tendency to ovarian cysts, acne, hair loss, facial hair and other masculine traits may be showing a tendency to high testosterone levels.  A testosterone blocking supplement like Palmettoplex can be very helpful.

Women with high estrogen have a tendency to weight gain, water retention, severe PMS symptoms and breast and ovarian cancer.  In these cases the liver, intestinal tract are most important as well as getting regular exercise and decreasing body fat to lower the estrogen levels.  It is well known that women can exercise to the point where they stop menstruating.  This is evidence of the powerful ability of exercise to lower estrogen levels.  While exercising to the point where you stop menstruating is not healthy (it can lead to early osteoporosis among other things) you can certainly use the power of exercise to bring your estrogen down to a healthy level.

Structural

The 4th lumbar is subject to the weight of the entire spine and is a common level of subluxation.  Due to the difference in pelvic shape, the 4th lumbar disc is more commonly injured in women than in men.

A moderate exercise plan such as walking really helps to modulate hormone balance in men and women. Note that cycling may actually aggravate some prostate problems. Men with prostatitis, if you have a willing spouse, gentle intra-rectal prostate massage with the finger can be very helpful.

Nutritional

Standard Process™ Products
Palmettoplex Saw Palmetto contains 5-#945;-reductase inhibitory activity which prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hormonal/estrogenic effects have also been reported, as well as direct inhibitory effects on androgen receptors along with anti-inflammatory properties.  Saw Palmetto may also be helpful for women with Polycystic Ovary Disease.
Prostate PMG To rebuild healthy tissue in the prostate.
Ovatrophin To rebuild healthy tissue in the ovaries.
Symplex F / Symplex M To support overall endocrine system health in women (Symplex F) and men (Symplex M)
Zinc-Liver Chelate Zinc has been shown to play a role in reducing risk for prostate cancer.  Over 70% of Americans do not consume the RDA for zinc which is found in red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products.  Phytates in plant material can decrease absorption.  Zinc deficiency can result in hair loss, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation and impotence, eye and skin lesions, and loss of appetite. Also weight loss, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy are signs.
Lact-Enz Build healthy flora in intestinal tract to support immune system.  Especially important in cases of prostatitis.
Livaplex The liver is essential in eliminating excess toxin hormones from the body.  In all cases prostate cancer or ovarian cancer take Livaplex to keep the liver healthy.
Gastro Fiber Fiber binds with toxic hormones that the liver expels through the bile into the intestinal tract.  This is why high fiber diets are associated with lower levels of cancers - especially prostate, breast and ovarian cancers.
Ferrofood Organic iron.  Only for women.  Symptoms of anemia, pallor, fatigue, lengthwise ridging of the nails and heavy menstrual flow may all indicate a need for iron.  This is an excellent iron supplement that doesn't cause upset stomach or constipation.
Calcium Lactate PMS symptoms very often indicate a severe need for calcium.
   

Other Nutritionals
Pro-EPA (Nordic Naturals™) To help control inflammation and support healthy hormonal balance.
   

Emotional

The lower back is a very common area for emotional tension.  People who are striving and "over-achieving" often have a lower back pain associated with the adrenal fatigue that they incur as a result of their chronic stress.

NET™ Homeopathics
NET Fire This is the primary homeopathic support for menstrual and hormonal problems. Feelings might include being lost, vulnerable, overly joyful, abnormal laughing, muddled, emotionally unstable, blank, non-thinking, non-emotive, feeling abandoned, deserted, absent-minded, insecure, profoundly deep unrequited love, , lack of emotion, rapid mannerisms and speech talkative, up and down, can't figure it out, depleted, suppressed, sluggish memory, and vivid dreaming. Direct physical indicators are a vascular complexion.  A red tipped tongue may indicate heart involvement as well.
NET Water Fearful, feelings of dread, weak/paralyzed will.  Pain down back of leg.  Also possible kidney and urinary tract problems.
Flora Plus Support the building of healthy flora in cases of prostatitis.
   

Also see NET Homeopathics to address individual emotional stress patterns.