Are You Tired of Being Tired?

Are you tired of being tired?  If you are like most Americans you will probably answer "yes" to this question. Stress and fatigue are the main reasons that people go to the doctor these days and they present themselves in the most unusual of ways.  Honestly, often symptoms of stress can look similar to hormone imbalance so getting to the root cause of the problem is key in making a patient feel better and gain some control back in their life.  A simple test can provide the clear answers to a "stress fracture" (play on words) instead of a hormone problem.  But before we get to that, here's some simple facts on the issue of stress and running around like crazy people all the time.  See how you measure up.....

First let's start off with the common causes of stress these days:
Anger/fear
Worry/anxiety
Depression
Guilt
Overwork/physical or mental strain
Excessive exercise
Sleep deprivation
Poor digestion
Chronic illness
Chronic severe allergies
Use of steroids
Insufficient sleep
Surgery/trauma
Death
Divorce
Injury
Inflammation
Infection/Injury
Chronic pain
Temperature extremes
Toxic exposure
Malabsorption
Hypoglycemia
Nutritional deficiencies
Jobs
Family issues
Alarms clocks/deadlines
Finances
and many others that you can add to the list

The Effects of prolonged stress:
Weakness
Unexplained hair loss
Nervousness
Lowered body temp
Weak muscle tone
Irritability
Depression
Difficulty with weight
Apprehension
Hypoglycemia
Inability to concentrate
Excessive hunger
Poor memory/confusion
Digestive dysfunction
Feelings of frustration
Osteoporosis
Auto-immune disease
Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Lowered resistance to infection and colds
Low blood pressure
Insomnia
Sweet/salt cravings
Headaches
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Weight gain
Inability to make decisions-Indecisiveness.
Respiratory illness/colds/bronchitis
Fatigue and reduced stamina



It's common to hear that people are worn out these days and just can't seem to get enough sleep.  "I'm dragging", "I'm asleep by 8 o'clock", or "I'm just tired of being tired." I hear these from men and women all the time.  In fact, I visited with a physician group today and in their assessment forms for patient referral they were delighted to see an evaluation area for stress and lifestyle influences.  Why? Because stress and lifestyles factor in to the equation of hormonal imbalance and it's important to include. 


Other reasons to test:
The "stress hormones" are important to evaluate because if a woman has low DHEA 'prior' to menopause, her chances for cancer are increased.  Conversely, if the levels are high 'after' menopause, her chances for cancer are increased.  It's important to know how your body is adapting to stress, the influence it has on you at your age, and ways to compliment your body's response to stress for health and longevity.  If your Cortisol is in the tank, then you're going to feel like you're in the tank as well. It's a fatigue indicator that can be evaluated.  Listen up! These same hormones, if out of balance, can cause a host of other problems as well.  The list goes from depression, to weight gain, to vaginal dryness, to poor blood sugar control, to immune problems, and on and on.  You better believe that I test my hormones and my adrenal EVERY year without fail.  It's key to an individuals peak performance.

So how do you test for stress? 
Call our office and we can explain the process to you.  It's very, very simple and affordable.  A testing kit can be mailed to your home and we can guide you on the best day and time to send your sample.  A common profile to assess key sex hormones and stress hormones typically costs less than $150.  If the kit comes from my office, I will be the one to read the results and connect with you personally. If you have great insurance and want to have your doctor do a lab evaluation, the same key hormones can be tested by blood.   I just met with a client who has great insurance and will head in to her doctors office to get tested soon. 

So, if you're tired of being tired, call us ASAP.  Our staff is ready to help and I personally can direct you on the best supplements for your lab profile and additional health problems.
 
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja

Skin-Tastic!!! A patient testimonial about Psoriasis

"I have suffered with psoriasis for 45 years. The condition just kept getting worse and the plaque began to build up until it was uncontrollable. I tried various medications (steroid creams, oral steroids, anti-itch creams, and many over the counter products) but none of them worked effectively for any length of time. My psoriasis seems to be localized to the knees, elbows, and the back of my head making it obvious to others when I would wear shorts or short sleeves. It was embarrassing for me to have these areas visible to others. I sought treatment from the specialty medicine services of  Dr. Sonja O'Bryan. A multi-ingredient medication was made in a high potency strength for me. It is something that I could not get as a regular prescription, but something that was individualized to my needs. It penetrates well into the psoriasis areas and does not leave a greasy residue like some of the other products I have tried. I'm HAPPY TO SAY that it has stopped the itching, reduced the scaling, and it seems to be going away completely. I would recommend this treatment for anyone with this or other similar conditions. It's affordable and effective. Wow! I'm pleased!!!"
Thank you,
VS

For people suffering with psoriasis, the personal aggravation, embarrassment, and failed attempts at clearing things up can be never ending. I can remember several patients throughout the years who have suffered with psoriasis in different places on their body. The knees, elbows, and scalp seem to be the most commonly affected areas for sure. Raised, red, scaly, and silvery are all ways that patients describe the affected areas. Psoriasis commonly is diagnosed anywhere from the age of 15-35. I actually had a small child not long ago with what the doctors think is the early signs of psoriasis. Thankfully Mom got right on it. Go MOM!!!

A personal medication history helps me to know what things have been tried in the past and what solutions I might be able to offer in a customized medicine. Scalp treatments require that I prepare things that can be lathered as a shampoo, while knees and elbows require something that can be rubbed in without a lasting feeling of greasiness as people go about their daily lives. We can make all sorts of remedies to help subdue the psoriasis flare and often put two or three ingredients together to cover all the bases.

If you suffer from psoriasis call me. I likely can make a multi-ingredient product 'customized' for less than you will spend on your insurance copay for each of the agents alone. I will be happy to fax or consult with your personal physician or provider.

Now that's good medicine.


~DrSonja

Family Matters!!

A couple of days ago I posted an article written by Dr. Oz about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.  It's great to see celebrities come forward with their treatments and recommendations, but I think there's greater importance when family and friends share their personal stories about the same things.  Today I wanted to re-share a post.  It was a BIGgie on blog hits.  This is written by my sister-in-law Stacy about what "balance" and testing did for her.  I will be happy to help you in the same way. 

Stacy Weaver O'Bryan Testimonial

" Unfortunately, for years I had suffered from endometriosis, fibroids, and a couple of other factors, which ended with me having a full hysterectomy at age 39. My hormones were already very out of whack, and, thinking back on things, my gyno NEVER questioned me about my moods, only my "plumbing" issues. FORTUNATELY, my sister-in-law is Dr. Sonja Pinnell O'Bryan!! After a casual yet in depth conversation about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, I decided to pursue treatment through Sonja. I had to talk to my gyno about using Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, who wasn't familiar with it but was willing to work with Sonja to design my hormones. He now refers clients to her :) Wait, wait, back to ME! Since starting my Bio-Iden's, I have felt GREAT! My moods are mellow, I have energy, and I finally feel like myself. Also, I have found it easier to lose weight - actually 47 lbs! It seemed before that no matter what I did I couldn't lose weight. Once I started seeing my weight loss efforts were finally paying off, it was easier to change my eating lifestyle since I could see it was now beneficial! Dr. Sonja has been a blessing to work with, she is very concerned to help me be as normal as possible :) I have found it very important to communicate with Sonja about issues I may be having - it's amazing what hormones control. Many many many thanks to my sister-in-law, my friend, my medicine maker!!!" So what are YOU waiting for?  Call me and I will help you begin YOUR journey.

Hormone Replacement Safety according to Dr. Oz.

Pay particular attention to the kind of hormones that Dr. Oz is suggesting. "Bio-Identicals".  We have been providing this type of the therapy in our patients for over 10 years.  Give me a call (417-777-7455) if I can answer your questions on how to test and treat your hormone imbalances with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. 

To your good health,
Dr. Sonja

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD on Hormone Replacement Safety

from “Hormone Therapy: Why Hormone Replacement Could Save Your Life, Not Threaten It” Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD and Michael Rozein, MD The Huffington Post We wouldn't blame you if the latest round of horror story headlines about hormone therapy (HT) and breast cancer inspired you to flush your pills. Scary? Absolutely. But less so and in fact even misleading when you know three things. Yes, we beg to differ strongly that scariness is BS (bad interpretation of science, and maybe just bad science). Here are things you should know: Today's hormone therapy can be safer than that used in the study. So safe, in fact, that it's an intelligent option for the one in three women with nasty menopausal symptoms. The safest HT also protects you from the number one killer of women: heart disease. If you're among the 83 million women in North America who are nearing or going through menopause, here's the science. Yes, we're going against the establishment, but you deserve the real data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) -- not the BS headlines from people who seem not to have cared about what the data in the study were -- and from other studies. Hormones are better now. The latest headlines came from the WHI, which began in 1991. It monitored women taking high doses of Prempro, a mix of equine estrogens (from pregnant horses) plus a synthetic progesterone now known to antagonize estrogen's heart and breast benefits. While this combo is still prescribed (there's been a lower-dose form since 2003), you should insist on today's different -- and much safer IOHO -- types of estrogen and, especially, progesterone. They can lower your breast cancer risk and help your heart. What are the newer, safer forms? Bioidentical estrogen (estradiol) and micronized progesterone, which doesn't block estrogen's artery-pampering effects. We and many other docs recommend them, and if you're already using HT, you may be taking them. Aspirin is essential. We have long maintained -- as does the U.S. government -- that most women over 55 should take daily aspirin to prevent clots. If you're on HT, underline that. Take 162 milligrams of aspirin daily (two low dose tablets or half a regular aspirin, with half a glass of warm water before and after). Start aspirin a few days before HT. Not only does aspirin reduce clotting, but aspirin itself may protect against breast cancer. There's evidence that taking aspirin seven times a week reduces breast cancer risk by 28 percent to 40 percent. Also, Harvard researchers report that women with breast cancer who have taken aspirin regularly are 50 percent less likely to die or have their cancer spread. Should you? If you're among the one in four women with relentless hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia or other extreme menopausal symptoms that occasionally make you want to tear your spouse's heart or hair out, talk to your doc. Good bet the new hormones (plus aspirin) will bring you relief and you'll net HT's other benefits. The big question: If menopause isn't a big deal for you, should you take HT only for its heart, brain, bone and anticancer benefits? Here's where the arguments start. We and others think that for many women, the answer is yes because of HT's big potential benefits: preventing heart disease, which kills over 400,000 women a year and its ability to decrease breast cancer.

Attention Insomniacs

Today's BLOG is for all of you out there who "Go Walkin' in the Middle of the Night" as the song says.  There is nothing more frustrating than watching the clock progress from one hour to the next as you wait in anticipation for Mr. Sandman to bring you a dream.  I want you to know that YOU are not alone.  In fact, insomnia is one of the most common complaints in the patients that I meet with everyday.  It's NOT just a type of complaint about the things that keep you awake at night either.  I'm sure there are things on everyone's mind in our fast paced life, but this goes beyond those reasons.

Here's a few clinical pearls to share about insomnia. 

1.  Progesterone deficiency is often the culprit and can be tested easily. 
2.  Melatonin is a chemical produced by the pineal gland when the lights darken and sleep is attempted.  Some people just don't produce enough melatonin and need a simple night time dose to get their bedtime clock reset.  There are various forms and strengths so consulting a professional is a good idea.

Along with those BIG contributors to this problem, there are other over-the-counter options to try.  I suggest this as a protocol for patients who never seem to get a good nights sleep.  Remember to get your Progesterone "check engine light" fixed first though!!! 

1. 5-HTP
2.  Seditol
3. Phosphatidylserine
4. L-Theanine
5. Valerian Root
6. Magnesium Glycinate

Please call me if this is an ongoing problem for you.  I would be happy to offer insight and suggestions to help you get some rest.  Often I have patients who come to me after many years of being on "sleepers".  As you probably already know, those agents can be addictive and a tolerance can develop over time.  People need to sleep.  It's a way to reset the body and honestly it spills over into many areas of health if someone is not getting their ZZZZzzz's. 

To your good health,
Dr. Sonja

P.S.
Here's a patient testimonial posted on my personal Facebook page in February of this year:
"You know it's going to be a great day when you wake up in the morning and realize that you just had 9 hours of sleep. Amazing!! It is so nice to be able to sleep now after suffering with years of insomnia." 
That's what I'm talking about!!  
 ~DrSonja