ZyEstraPrexaProzacolam

If I were to name a customized medicine after 25 years of being in this profession, I would probably call it this.  Why the long word? Because that's just how they do the nomenclature in this business, but also, it reflects the lists of medications that usually appear in my office as I talk with patients.

This fancy name is what I refer to as the Cocktail of Aging. Many women and men that come to my office for a consultation on aging, reproductive issues, menopausal symptoms, and the like, will often share their medical history of insomnia, depression, anxiety, weight gain, irritability, anxiety, and so on.  But they will also share a medication list for a pill to treat each and every symptom that they struggle with.  I take the information, close their chart, and begin to simply describe the process of aging and the things that can occur as a result of improper hormone balance.  Polypharmacy is not the answer but getting to the real cause of the problem is a much better way to approach things.

Here's what I simply share with my patients. 

Take a quick look at these symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency:

shortness of breath, insomnia, vaginal dryness, anxiety, headache, heart palpitations, incontinence (to name a few)....  Now a Menopause Cocktail list for this patient might include: Proventil Inhaler, Lunesta, Vagifem, Xanax, Hydrocodone, Propranolol, and Detrol.  (in order of symptom need). 

And then I share, here's some of the symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency:

Headache, Anxiety, Moodiness and Irritability, Depression, Cravings, Trouble going to sleep, Weight gain, Water Retention.    The Menopause Cocktail for this might include:  Imitrex, Ativan, Prozac, Ambien, Phentermine, and Lasix.

Moving right along to Testosterone Deficiency:

Low libido, Fatigue, Aches and Pains, Incontinence, Depression, Bone Loss, Decreased Muscle Mass, Fibromyalgia, Thinning Skin, and Decreased Stamina.   So the Cocktail for this patient might include EstraTest, Gabapentin, Ibuprofen, Detrol, Celexa, Fosamax, and Lidoderm patches. 

This is not just about the women either.  WHAT ABOUT MEN?  (I'm glad you asked)

Here's a quick review of the symptoms men deal with as they go through Andropause: Bone loss, Back pain, Decreased Muscle Strength, Decreased Urine Flow, Depression, E.D., High cholesterol, Hot flashes, Low Libido, Irritability, Moodiness, Insomnia, and weight gain especially in the abdominal area.  So 'his' cocktail might include: Calcium +D, Hydrocodone, Flomax, Paxil, Viagra, Lipitor, ....etc....   Maybe for the men I would call the medicine ZyTestraPrexaPaxil just to have a fun name for the guys.

Really it's not fun at all to sit down with a patient who has been existing in the world of polypharmacy.  Often they find their way to me after years and years of taking multiple medicines just to exist in the real world.   I am thankful that providers are really listening to the opinions of their patients these days as they come to a formalized answer as to the source of the problem.  I tell patients that they are their best healthcare provider.  They know how they feel.  They know what works and what doesn't.  And in this age, it's common for patients to come to my office having done their own research beforehand.  I love that and encourage it. 

Are you on a COCKTAIL of band-aid pharmaceuticals?  Have you ever once considered that hormones are to blame? 

My goal in this blog is to point your attention in a different direction as to some of the reasons why you might be feeling worn out, burnt out, crabby, sad, anxious, tired, and so on.  I have tested hundreds of patients throughout the years and now work with patients and providers all over Missouri and in other states who want to assess these other reasons.  Give me a call and I will be happy to share more information with you.

To your good health,
Dr. Sonja