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Methyl, Methylation
Amino Acids
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Methane is the simplest Carbon molecule, with one carbon attached to four hydrogens. It is a light molecule so in ordinary circumstances, it is a gas. It is colorless and odorless. While today we know of “cow farts” and the effect of methane on global warming (damages the ozone layer), back in the day it was a killer of miners. It would accumulate in mines, pushing out oxygen but sometimes not discovered until it was too later. Hence the term “canary in the coal mine”, where canaries, sensitive to methane, were used to detect methane before the miners entered.
A “Methyl Group” is a methane molecule that is missing one hydrogen, which allows it to attach to other molecules (see diagram on the left). Often methyl groups are linked up in a “carbon chain”. In other cases they can form more complex branching shapes. For example, most enyzymes are complex carbon structures that contain metals such as zinc, selenium or iron, harnessing and containing their power, like the cement, steel and water surrounding the plutonium in a nuclear power generator.
Methylation is the attachment of a methyl group to another molecule. It is often used to turn genes and enzymes on and off like a switch. You can look at your genes as a library or database of information about which switches should be turned on and off. Since genes can indeed be turned on and off, your genetics only determine 20% of your health, the other 80% is lifestyle factors that turn your genes on and off in patterns that we call health or disease.
Progesterone
Circadian Rhythm of Progesterone
While women have more progesterone, men have and need some, similarly to how women need some testosterone for optimal function. Progesterone is made from pregnenolone and cholesterol, both needed for sufficient levels or progesterone (and why stress and starvation can cause loss of cycles and fertility). Progesterone has both a monthly and daily (circadian) cycle. The monthly cycle will be reviewed in a separate post on the Menstrual Cycle. While Progesterone peaks in the late afternoon to early evening, such as 4 pm to 7 pm. Like most hormones, the influences on progesterone pattern and it’s affect on other processes vary from individual to individual.
W 11/21/2023
User
what is the circadian rhythm of progesterone
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Progesterone, a hormone primarily associated with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, follows a circadian rhythm. Its levels typically rise during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, peaking in the late afternoon to early evening, and then decreasing during the night. This pattern is regulated by the body’s internal clock, with levels typically being lowest in the morning hours.
However, while this general pattern exists, individual variations in circadian rhythms and hormonal fluctuations can occur based on factors like sleep patterns, stress levels, and overall health.
User
what about estrogen and testosterone
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Estrogen and testosterone, like many hormones in the body, also follow circadian rhythms.
Estrogen levels can vary throughout the menstrual cycle in women, peaking just before ovulation. In men, estrogen is present in smaller amounts but still follows a daily pattern, generally peaking in the morning and decreasing in the evening.
Testosterone levels in men tend to peak in the early morning hours and decrease throughout the day. In women, testosterone levels are lower but still fluctuate within a circadian rhythm, with some studies suggesting a peak in the morning as well.
These patterns can be influenced by various factors including age, sex, sleep quality, stress, and overall health. Hormonal rhythms can also be disrupted by conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors.
Testosterone
Men’s Health Program
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This page is under development. Working links will provide starting information. Please let us know about your interest in this page by emailing us here, and check back soon.
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