The Mayo Clinic defines metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X) as “a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.” While there is some argument among experts about whether metabolic syndrome should be labeled a distinct and separate condition, there is certainly more than enough concern about the risk inherent in the symptoms.
A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made when a person has three or more of the following risk factors, as noted by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:
- Large waist size – For men: 40 inches or larger; for women: 35 inches or larger
- High Triglycerides – Either 150 mg/dL or higher; or using a cholesterol medicine
- Low Good Cholesterol (HDL) – Either for men: less than 40 mg/dL or for women: less than 50 mg/dL; or using a cholesterol medicine
- High Blood Pressure – Either having blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or greater; or using a high blood pressure medicine
- Blood Sugar – High Fasting Glucose Level of 100 mg/dL or higher
Alone, each of these risk factors carries its own set of problems. In combination, they can double your risk of blood vessel and heart disease—precursors to heart attacks and strokes—and multiply the risk of diabetes by five.
What can you do about it? First, be proactive to lower your risk. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and ask your doctor about supplements. And be sure to have your hormone levels checked since hormone imbalance can play a key role in your risk for metabolic syndrome. DHEA can help combat autoimmune disorders, obesity, senile dementia, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. Taking a stand against Syndrome X today with lifestyle changes and bioidentical hormone therapy not only can delay the onset of serious health issues, but also halt the development of serious disease in the future.