I just want to feel better but how?

Have you been experiencing weight gain, mood swings, sleep disorders, low or absent sex drive, memory disorder, the feeling of being tired or sluggish?

Have you been told that you have chronic fatigue, depression, thyroid disorder or fibromyalgia?

These and a host of other very common health problems can usually be traced to underlying deficiencies or imbalances of hormones in the body. Our bodies’ hormones must be in proper balance and harmony for us to function properly and feel our best. In fact, it is the imbalance and insufficiency of these hormones that cause us to age.

That’s right, we age because our hormones decline, not vice versa.

Rebalancing our bodies’ hormones with safe and natural Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy has shown tremendous health benefits that can often correct the health problems mentioned above while allowing us to live longer, age more gracefully, and with better health. This is precisely what Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is all about. CAM treats the whole body as a system to restore balance and ideal function, and to eliminate disease at the root. This is not like the usual medical approach where a patient reports a symptom and the doctor prescribes a drug to suppress that symptom – without addressing the imbalances that are at the root of the problem. CAM has given hope, health and relief to many patients who were being
treated unsuccessfully for their symptoms.

Because Bio-Identical Hormones are exact clones of the hormones produced and metabolized within the body, the risks that are associated with “synthetic hormone treatments” are not seen. Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormones include increased sex drive, improved sleep, improved exercise tolerance, improved muscle tone and weight loss, improvement in memory, reduced risk of cancer and heart disease and more.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Bioidentical hormones offer a natural, effective way to supplement hormone levels and treat symptoms of hormone imbalance without the reported side effects of conventional HRT.

In Depth: Hypothyroidism
Subclinical Hypothyroidism is a state of underactive thyroid gland activity that is not detected by conventional laboratory means. Well over 65% of the cases of hypothyroidism go undetected for years until the patient is so ill with symptoms that they themselves suggest the diagnosis to the doctor. All too often, physicians miss the diagnosis of hypothyroidism despite several classic symptoms because they rely solely on a single predetermined lab value (TSH) that was established over 50 years ago! In response to this, the Endocrinology Society Association of America revised the diagnostic levels of TSH thus “allowing” for more people to meet the criteria for diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Actually, subclinical hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by an astute physician through physical examination, patient based symptomatology, and evaluation of urine temperatures. Lab values should just be used as an aid in the diagnosis rather than the key to diagnosis. There have been advances in lab evaluation utilizing saliva, which is much less expensive than blood testing, but the key factor in testing is to be sure that your doctor obtains levels of both free T3 and free T4. These measure the actual thyroid hormones rather than the messenger brain hormone (TSH) currently used as the gold standard in conventional medicine.

Treatment is directed at supplementing what is missing. Traditional physicians most often prescribe Synthroid or Levoxyl, which is strictly T4. T4 is the most abundant thyroid hormone but it is not very active. T3, which comprises less than 15% of all the thyroid hormone in the body, is the active hormone. T3 is what is responsible for preventing, treating, and reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism. I prefer to use animal-based desiccated thyroid hormone containing both T3 and T4 in a ratio that is physiologic to the body. Also available is a synthetic non-animal based combination with a similar ratio of T3/T4. Each has their role and treatment should be individualized.

Untreated hypothyroidism can significantly affect quality of life and lead to misdiagnoses since many doctors attribute the constellation of patient symptoms to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lyme disease and most unfortunately and too frequently, Depression. Don’t let yourself be a victim of this easily treatable disease. If you think you fit some of the criteria mentioned in this article, insist that the diagnosis be entertained.

For more information about hypothyroidism call us at 541-383-3424

The Primary Roles Of Sex Hormones

Your body is composed of a variety of different hormones, including growth and sex hormones, which carry messages between your organs and cells. Hormones are secreted by glands in the endocrine system to help the body stay balanced and function optimally. The main sex hormones include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, pregnenolone, and DHEA.1Aging is associated with a loss of sex hormones in both men and women. Replacing those lost hormones can restore feelings of well-being, sex drive and sexual pleasure, energy levels, plus reverse muscle and bone loss along with other functions that are associated with aging. By doing this, we can age more slowly and have a better quality of life into old age.2-4

Estrogen

Estrogen is found in greater amounts among women. As a pro-growth hormone, its main function in the body is growth and development. This hormone stimulates fat cells to grow and is a key component in reproduction. There are three different forms of estrogen: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estradiol is considered the main player in physiological function. A deficiency can cause several health concerns, including decreased libido, fatigue, inflammation, hair loss, mood swings, wrinkles, brittle bones, and dry skin.5-10 Excessive amounts of estrogen can cause bloating, bleeding, breast tenderness and  mood swings.11

Progesterone

Progesterone is considered the counterpart to estrogen. It is the antagonizer to estrogen-driven growth in the lining of the uterus.12 Progesterone is essential to the premenstrual cycle. It rises during the second part of the cycle to reduce premenstrual syndrome and prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Additionally, progesterone is needed to support a healthy pregnancy, as low levels can result in a miscarriage.13,14 Progesterone is also neuroprotective.15 An imbalance in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone can lead to many problems with PMS symptoms like irritability, bloating, fluid retention, headaches, and fibroids.12,16,17 It works with estrogen to strengthen bones, sustain cholesterol levels, and support libido. Too much progesterone can cause fatigue, dizziness, and an increased appetite.

Testosterone

As the predominant hormone in men, testosterone helps to maintain healthy muscle mass, stamina, and strength. It also supports libido, energy, bone density, memory, and well-being.18,19 Testosterone is also necessary in proper balance for women. A deficiency of testosterone can also have negative effects on women, including low energy, decreased libido and well-being.20-22 A testosterone deficiency in men can cause fatigue, mood swings, low libido, and irritability.23-26 This hormone starts to decline in men around 35 years old, causing an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. Too much testosterone can cause aggression, depression, impotence, and excessive libido.

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is produced from cholesterol and is a precursor to other steroid hormones, including progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA. Pregnenolone levels decline with age, and a deficiency can lead to anxiety, mood imbalances, greater perceived stress, and poor cognitive function.27-30 Pregnenolone levels can be restored to benefit cognitive function, mood, memory, and cardiovascular health. By converting to DHEA, too much pregnenolone may cause acne.

DHEA

As the most abundant steroid hormone in the body, DHEA is the precursor to testosterone and estrogen. It is released in the body by the adrenal glands. As we age, DHEA levels decline leading to fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive ailments. DHEA helps to stimulate protein synthesis, decrease visceral fat, support bone health, and maintain cardiovascular health.31,32DHEA levels that are too high can cause acne, increased facial hair, skin rashes, and liver dysfunction.

References

  1. Rouzier N. How to achieve healthy aging. 2nd ed. Salt Lake City: Worldlink Medical Publishing; 2007.
  2. Hortsman AM, et al. The role of androgens and estrogens on healthy aging and longevity.J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2012 Nov;67(11):1140-52.
  3. Velders M, et al. How Sex Hormones Promote Skeletal Muscle Regeneration. Sports Med. 2013 Jul 26. [Epub ahead of print]
  4. Cameron DR, Braunstein GD. Androgen replacement therapy in women. Fertil Steril. 2004; Aug;82(2):273-289.
  5. Simon JA. Identifying and treating sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women: the role of estrogen. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011 Oct;20(10):1453-65.
  6. Calleja-Agius J, et al. Skin connective tissue and ageing. Best Pract Res Clin ObstetGynaecol. 2013 Jul 10. pii: S1521-6934(13)00074-6.
  7. Mirmirani P. Managing hair loss in midlife women. Maturitas. 2013 Feb;74(2):119-22.
  8. Tiidus PM, et al. Estrogen Replacement and Skeletal Muscle: Mechanisms and Population Health. J Appl Physiol. 2013 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print]
  9. Graziottin A, et al. Depression and the menopause: why antidepressants are not enough?Menopause Int. 2009 Jun;15(2):76-81.
  10. Martín-Millán M, et al. Estrogens, osteoarthritis and inflammation. Joint Bone Spine. 2013 Jul;80(4):368-73.
  11. Bitzer J. Hormone withdrawal-associated symptoms: overlooked and under-explored.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2013 Jun;29(6):530-5.
  12. Kim JJ, et al. Progesterone action in endometrial cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and breast cancer. Endocr Rev. 2013 Feb;34(1):130-62.
  13. Dodd JM, et al. The role of progesterone in prevention of preterm birth. Int J Womens Health. 2010 Aug 9;1:73-84.
  14. Spencer TE, et al. Biology of progesterone action during pregnancy recognition and maintenance of pregnancy. Front Biosci. 2002 Sep 1;7:d1879-98.
  15. Singh M, et al. Progesterone and neuroprotection. Horm Behav. 2013 Feb;63(2):284-90.
  16. Rosenfeld R, et al. Hormonal and volume dysregulation in women with premenstrual syndrome. Hypertension. 2008 Apr;51(4):1225-30.
  17. Silberstein SD. Sex hormones and headache. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2000;156 Suppl 4:4S30-41.
  18. Carruthers M. Time for international action on treating testosterone deficiency syndrome.Aging Male. 2009 Mar;12(1):21-8.
  19. Araujo AB, et al. Prevalence of symptomatic androgen deficiency in men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Nov;92(11):4241-7.
  20. Pluchino N, et al. Androgen therapy in women: for whom and when. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013 Aug 3. [Epub ahead of print]
  21. Basson R. Testosterone therapy for reduced libido in women. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;1(4):155-64.
  22. Glaser R, et al. Beneficial effects of testosterone therapy in women measured by the validated Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Maturitas. 2011 Apr;68(4):355-61.
  23. Harman SM. Testosterone in older men after the Institute of Medicine Report: where do we go from here? Climacteric. 2005 Jun;8(2):124-135.
  24. Miner MM, et al. 12-Month observation of testosterone replacement effectiveness in a general population of men. Postgrad Med. 2013 Mar;125(2):8-18.
  25. Lejeune H, et al. [Hypoactive sexual desire and testosterone deficiency in men]. Prog Urol. 2013 Jul;23(9):621-8.
  26. Borst SE, et al. Testosterone replacement therapy for older men. Clin Interv Aging. 2007;2(4):561-6.
  27. Semeniuk T, et al. Neuroactive steroid levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2001;13:396-398.
  28. Morgan CA 3rd, et al. Relationships among plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol levels, symptoms of dissociation, and objective performance in humans exposed to acute stress. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2004 Aug;61(8):819-25.
  29. Ritsner MS. Pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled, 2-center, parallel-group trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2010 Oct;71(10):1351-62.
  30. Heydari B, et al. Low pregnenolone sulphate plasma concentrations in patients with generalized social phobia. Psychol Med. 2002 Jul;32(5):929-33.
  31. Kroboth PD, et al. DHEA and DHEA-S: a review. J Clin Pharmacol. 1999;39(4):327–348.
  32. von Mühlen D, et al. The Dehydroepiandrosterone And WellNess (DAWN) study: research design and methods. Contemp Clin Trials. 2007 Feb;28(2):153-68.

The Truth Is In The Numbers (BHRT for Men)

Are you tired, irritable, having trouble sleeping? Depressed Anxious? Skin drying, suddenly gaining weight when diet and exercise haven’t changed, and libido lagging? These questions aren’t for women. They are for men. Bioidentical hormone therapy and testosterone therapy is available in Bend for men.

Men have as many issues with hormones as women, they have the same symptoms, but  it isn’t talked about as much. It’s truly unfortunate because men can benefit as much from education and bio-identical hormone therapy too.

First, men need to understand that they have more hormones than testosterone. Secondly, they need to understand that testosterone is important for overall heath, not just sexual function.

As I evaluate men’s health, i pay attention to five hormone functions: thyroid, insulin, testosterone, cortisol, human growth hormone and DHEA. All combined they regulate a man’s health and body function. Unfortunately, men don’t have a monthly ‘report card’ like women do, so it’s less clear when something or a combination of things is off track.

While women often initially cite emotional and psychological concerns like feeling anxious and depressed, men zero in on physical issues like middle-aged bulge, lack of energy or increases healing time after a minor injury. Men notice that their physical performance has changed, often they think they need to tough it out, but it’s more than enough reason to seek out some medical advise.

This is something that women can be very sensitive to, perhaps suggesting men in their lives to see a doctor. If a woman is changing metabolically, she can assume her male partner is too. It is not uncommon for a man in his 40’s and 50’s to see a significant drop in his production of testosterone, or see the thyroid function falter. Both result in symptoms like fatigue, being short-tempered, drying of skin and a vague sense of depression. But many men don’t seek help until sexual function is involved. That’s a man’s ‘report card’.

Once trouble with the prostate is ruled out, that’s when I as a specialist in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can have a candid and comprehensive conversation about hormone balance and overall health. It’s all about goals with men once the labs are in and the numbers are on the table, most men are very willing to talk about diet exercise and treatments. Most often, they zero in on testosterone, and while improving intimacy is an important goal, hormonal balance is critical in protecting against heart disease and bone loss too. The first goal is to get the thyroid functioning at optimum levels, this gland is the traffic cop for any body, it has to be functioning well for other systems to work as they should. With that done, testosterone in the form of creams and injections can be considered. Bringing those levels up can significantly change how a man is feeling, both physically and emotionally. They will also see an increase in energy, brighter looking skin and better moods, The same feeling women experience when they are correctly balanced.

Many men are feeling the benefits of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Brust @ Preventative Medicine Clinic in Bend is a specialist in this area. However, don’t assume that testosterone is an easy fix. It requires consultations with the prescribing physician frequently, and having labs drawn at least twice a year, as testosterone is a controlled substance. Also don’t confuse hormonal balance with anabolic steroids, each have different goals, different dosages and different results. It’s best to focus on feeling your best regardless of your age. Men shouldn’t avoid the conversation, they should feel comfortable in seeking out options.  Testosterone is supplemented in a variety of forms: hormone pellets, creams, gels, and intramuscular injections.  To find out if this therapy is right for you, please contact Preventative Medicine Clinic in Bend @ 541-383-3424.