In honor of our community wide weight loss initiative, I will be posting some tips and tricks to help you lose weight in a healthy and positive way. I'm a very practical person by nature, so I often try to share my experiences and advice in ways that you can digest too. (no pun intended on the topic of weight loss) Smile!!
It's been a FANTASTIC kick-off this morning with people signing up to get started. And maybe I should explain that to start the FREE program, we simply need to get you on the scale to record your beginning weight THIS WEEK. We are also calculating your BMI to determine your level of obesity. Both weight and BMI are equally important markers in the weight loss realm. I also wrote a blog on calculating your BMR and posted it again today so you can determine a calorie intake target. BMR, what's that? That's your Basal Metabolic Rate, or simply, the rate at which you burn calories without doing much of anything different from your normal routine. If you cut your calorie intake regularly from your BMR, you will lose weight. These calculators are also available online through various websites if you want to simply google the search terms and key in your values.
Today, I'll give you the secrets of those that are effortlessly thin. Practice these common behaviors to get the scale moving in the right direction for yourself.
Here we go..... TOP 10 Secrets of Thin People!!
1. They don't diet. Repeat!! They DON'T diet! Simply reassess what you eat. Go on an EDIT and not a DIET. Reduce the bad stuff and add the good stuff. You know this, but applying it is the key.
2. They keep track of their weight. Get on the scale regularly to keep a handle on your progress. 2 pounds is easier to catch than 10.
3. They exercise regularly. 5 days a week x 30 minutes. Get up off that thing!!
4. They don't solve problems with food. Pay attention all stress eaters. Food is not medicine and it's not a good coping mechanism.
5. They stop eating when they're full. You don't have to clean your plate, contrary to what your mother taught you growing up. Sorry Mom!
6. They allow themselves treats. If you lose two pounds in a week, have the hersheys kiss or scoop of sherbert. But don't have the triple large, chocolate fudge, brownie batter, oreo yabadaba doo with a cherry on top. Control the rewards, but do incorporate them.
7. They don't surround themselves with temptation. Go home and do a pantry inspection. What you have in stock is what you'll eat. And by all means don't bring it to your office for everyone else to indulge in. This is a group initiative and we're all in this together. No sabatoge!
8. They eat breakfast. Now this is one of those that I think needs some explanation. For some breakfast is 7am, and for others like me, it's around 10 am. Do start off your day with a good start of protein and fruit. It will keep you going longer.
9. They move, stand, and fidget more. Now I love this one because it gives allowance for my personality and behaviors. I'm a toe tapper, finger tapper, and on high gear most of the time. I don't sit in one place very long. If fact, research shows us that people who are lean tend to sit for 2 hours less each day than their overweight friends. If you are a desk junkie, again, get up off that thing!!
10. They don't skip meals. Here's what happens if you skip meals. You do great at the beginning of the day and then supper time comes and you eat everything in your path. Then, because you've denied the hunger pangs for so long, the appetite intensifies and continues throughout the evening hours. That's a really bad time to overload your stomach. Eat little meals throughout the day to keep the furnace burning. I tend to always have a piece of healthy food near me at all times, just in case.
This is a great thing GOING DOWN in our community. And I feel so compelled by this initiative that I opened it up to all of our social media followers. If you want to join and share your starting weight, I'm more than happy to record your progress each week and coach you to success. We are so happy to partner with you in helping you to look better, live better, and feel better.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Customized Medicines
Dr. Sonja O'Bryan, Pharm.D., ABAAHP Board Certified Health Practitioner Diplomate-American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine: "Creative Medicines" for Hormones-Weight-Pain-Fatigue-Skin Diseases-Pediatrics-Autoimmune Disorders-Veterinary Needs. Using Complimentary, Integrative, Regenerative, Bio-Identical, and Lifestyle Medicine For Health and Healing.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Men, Give High Priority to Low Testosterone Levels
Men, (or woman reading this blog for your man), I couldn't help but share some of the most recent information we have in the medical community related to low testosterone levels in men and the long term impact of not treating this growing problem. I say growing problem because experts agree that low testosterone production, which characteristically occurs after age 65, IS NOW OCCURRING in men in their late 40s and early 50s. I've asked a few colleagues why they think that is the case, and stress, poor diet, and unhealthy lifestyles seem to be the usual response.
So, what are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone? Sexual and reproductive dysfunction, mood and concentration impairment, low energy and fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances are a few of the major complaints you will hear from a man that needs his testosterone checked. Left unchecked and untreated, studies now tell us that diabetes, high cholesterol, increased weight gain, and loss of muscle mass and bone density can all occur in men ignoring the signs of low testosterone for the long haul.
One expert, Martin M. Miner MD, points out one reason that serum testosterone is the best marker of a man's health is because of it's bi-diretional relationship to glucose intolerance, increased weight circumference, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol and that testosterone deficiency could be due to stress, depression, sleep deprivation, and sleep apnea. A recent article I read stated emphatically that EVERY diabetic male is also Testosterone deficient. In 2006, a study demonstrated that men with low levels of T in the morning versus men with normal T levels, were at a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality over the next 8 years. Many other studies have also validated this finding.
What about prostate cancer risk? Again the experts and the literature support that there is NO evidence that testosterone causes a prostate cancer flair. The prostate gland takes in a certain amount of Testosterone, and after that it doesn't need or use any more. Those with active or prior prostate cancers should discuss things carefully with their physician, but I can verify that we have former prostate cancers patients in our care that are doing great with testosterone therapy. The marker that is most important with Testosterone therapy is Hematocrit. Patients with a hematocrit >50% should have discussions with their physician about risk versus benefit before starting Testosterone therapy and, if started, it should be monitored regularly.
What is the best way to take Testosterone therapy? In my opinion testosterone gels are the best. Why? First, because they are simple to apply and use and they don't require you to give yourself a shot. But secondly, and more importantly, because they don't seem to cause the elevated hematocrit that can sometimes happen with other administration methods. Hematocrit can be elevated with pellet and injection therapies but has not been a problem with the gels.
Testosterone replacement is a life changer! Here's a few study supported reasons why.
~Subjects with low testosterone were more than twice as likely to have Obstructive Sleep Apnea as those with normal production.
~After following 130 men on T therapy for nearly 5 years, weight loss, reduction in Body Mass Index, and reduction in waist circumference were all realized. Their glucose, cholesterol, blood pressures, and triglycerides also showed significant improvement dropping from 56% to 30% in metabolic syndrome markers. WOW!!!
~ 155 men with the lowest testosterone at study start appeared to experience the greatest numeric improvement in sexual dysfunction with testosterone therapy.
~Testosterone levels are linked to regulation of mood. There was a study specifically designed to assess depression scales amongst men with low testosterone. At the end of the study with 17% having severe depression at the study start, only 2% had this same problem at the end of 12 months on testosterone therapy. Mens health experts now suggest that testosterone levels be evaluated for men experiencing depression and alterations in mood.
So how do I get my Testosterone level checked? Call you doctor and plan a laboratory evaluation. Or more simply, call our office (417-231-4544) and ask for a testing kit to be shipped to your home. When your levels come back, I will call you and provide a written assessment of a treatment plan for you individually. And remember, when natural supplements and lifestyle changes can be the answer, that's what I suggest EVERY time.
I think the evidence weighs in heavily that testosterone evaluation should be a HIGH priority on a mens health evaluation. I suggest that any male over the age of 45 get his testosterone checked, and especially, if any of these problems noted in this blog are of personal concern. Remember issues of blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, poor moor, decreased stamina, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar all point in the direction of low testosterone. Don't let this KEY assessment be missed in your personal evaluation with your provider. This is all good advice to prevent future disease and to improve quality of life.
We have more and more men coming to us these days because they simply feel better, live better, and look better when this problem is discovered and treated appropriately.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
So, what are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone? Sexual and reproductive dysfunction, mood and concentration impairment, low energy and fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances are a few of the major complaints you will hear from a man that needs his testosterone checked. Left unchecked and untreated, studies now tell us that diabetes, high cholesterol, increased weight gain, and loss of muscle mass and bone density can all occur in men ignoring the signs of low testosterone for the long haul.
One expert, Martin M. Miner MD, points out one reason that serum testosterone is the best marker of a man's health is because of it's bi-diretional relationship to glucose intolerance, increased weight circumference, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol and that testosterone deficiency could be due to stress, depression, sleep deprivation, and sleep apnea. A recent article I read stated emphatically that EVERY diabetic male is also Testosterone deficient. In 2006, a study demonstrated that men with low levels of T in the morning versus men with normal T levels, were at a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality over the next 8 years. Many other studies have also validated this finding.
What about prostate cancer risk? Again the experts and the literature support that there is NO evidence that testosterone causes a prostate cancer flair. The prostate gland takes in a certain amount of Testosterone, and after that it doesn't need or use any more. Those with active or prior prostate cancers should discuss things carefully with their physician, but I can verify that we have former prostate cancers patients in our care that are doing great with testosterone therapy. The marker that is most important with Testosterone therapy is Hematocrit. Patients with a hematocrit >50% should have discussions with their physician about risk versus benefit before starting Testosterone therapy and, if started, it should be monitored regularly.
What is the best way to take Testosterone therapy? In my opinion testosterone gels are the best. Why? First, because they are simple to apply and use and they don't require you to give yourself a shot. But secondly, and more importantly, because they don't seem to cause the elevated hematocrit that can sometimes happen with other administration methods. Hematocrit can be elevated with pellet and injection therapies but has not been a problem with the gels.
Testosterone replacement is a life changer! Here's a few study supported reasons why.
~Subjects with low testosterone were more than twice as likely to have Obstructive Sleep Apnea as those with normal production.
~After following 130 men on T therapy for nearly 5 years, weight loss, reduction in Body Mass Index, and reduction in waist circumference were all realized. Their glucose, cholesterol, blood pressures, and triglycerides also showed significant improvement dropping from 56% to 30% in metabolic syndrome markers. WOW!!!
~ 155 men with the lowest testosterone at study start appeared to experience the greatest numeric improvement in sexual dysfunction with testosterone therapy.
~Testosterone levels are linked to regulation of mood. There was a study specifically designed to assess depression scales amongst men with low testosterone. At the end of the study with 17% having severe depression at the study start, only 2% had this same problem at the end of 12 months on testosterone therapy. Mens health experts now suggest that testosterone levels be evaluated for men experiencing depression and alterations in mood.
So how do I get my Testosterone level checked? Call you doctor and plan a laboratory evaluation. Or more simply, call our office (417-231-4544) and ask for a testing kit to be shipped to your home. When your levels come back, I will call you and provide a written assessment of a treatment plan for you individually. And remember, when natural supplements and lifestyle changes can be the answer, that's what I suggest EVERY time.
I think the evidence weighs in heavily that testosterone evaluation should be a HIGH priority on a mens health evaluation. I suggest that any male over the age of 45 get his testosterone checked, and especially, if any of these problems noted in this blog are of personal concern. Remember issues of blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, poor moor, decreased stamina, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar all point in the direction of low testosterone. Don't let this KEY assessment be missed in your personal evaluation with your provider. This is all good advice to prevent future disease and to improve quality of life.
We have more and more men coming to us these days because they simply feel better, live better, and look better when this problem is discovered and treated appropriately.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Thursday, December 20, 2012
It's GREAT to B Complex!!
No doubt I love anti-aging, functional, integrative, and regenerative medicine. I'm now getting referrals from physicians who want to incorporate some of the natural therapies into the mix for their patients. I had a young mother sent by her doctor a few months ago to ask what we could do for her young son who continually gets infections and as a result, breathing difficulties. I directed her to some simple "wellness" essentials to bolster his immune system in nursing him back to health. Interestingly, we have not filled any prescription medicine for him in awhile, but mom keeps coming back for the supplements. It's a great thing to be able to advise on complimentary medicines.
Today's blog gives particular focus on the B vitamins. WOW!!! In my research I couldn't believe all of the unusual symptoms that can be brought on by a B deficiency. Cracks at the corners of the mouth, flaking skin, migraines, cholesterol problems, and constipation are just a few of the things you will discover in this blog today. Young women on birth control pills and women on hormone replacement therapies for an extended period of time can expect vitamin B deficiencies because of the metabolic processes required to use the hormones appropriately in the body.
Please take time to read each deficiency and what can happen, but even further, get on a B COMPLEX vitamin asap. We carry a high pharmaceutical grade formulation that provides these and other key vitamin essentials.
The B vitamins are critical to our bodies and deficiencies can result in the most unusual of symptoms. This is a little breakdown of the key B vitamins and what they do, the deficiency related symptoms, and the primary anti-aging functions of certain B vitamins. I hope that after reading this you will realize that high pharmaceutical grade B COMPLEX vitamins can change things from the inside-out.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Benefits:
Recent studies suggest that high-dose B1 supplementation can help diabetics reduce their risk of kidney disease by reducing the spilling of protein in the urine by as much as 40%. B1 is also known as the "morale" vitamin because it helps convert carbs into energy, promotes growth, aids in digestion, and is essential for nerves, muscles, and the heart.
Symptoms of B1 deficiency:
mental illness, paralysis of some eye muscles, foot drop, decreased sensation in the legs and feet along with a "burning" sensation in the feet. Alcohol interferes with B1 absorption and leads to some of these problems in those who consume alcohol regularly.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Benefits:
B2 is manufactured in the body by the intestinal flora and helps in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbs. B2 may be useful in people with severe burns, chronic diarrhea, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, and cancer. People who exercise a lot typically have an increased need for B2 supplementation. B2 may also reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. It also has shown benefit for patient with degenerative eye diseases.
Symptoms of B2 deficiency:
Cheilosis (cracks at the corner of the mouth), frayed and scaling lips, eczema, flaking skin around the nose, eyebrows, chin, cheeks, earlobes, and hairline; bloodshot, watering, itching, and fatigued appearing eyes, "pins and needles" sensations, weakness, moodiness, nervousness, and irritability can all be connected to B2 deficiency.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide)
Benefits: Cholesterol reduction, protection of cognitive function, and in improving memory in Alzheimers disease. B3 also helps in the synthesis of hormones.
Symptoms of B3 Deficiency:
pellagra (symptoms include dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia), bright red tongue, sore tongue and gums, canker sores, mental illness, changes in the five senses, rheumatoid arthritis, weakness, irritability, recurring headaches, indigestion, bad breath, insomnia, and small ulcers.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid, Panthenol)
Benefits:
B5 is necessary to make acetylcholine and coenzyme A which play an important role in energy release from fats, protein, and carbs. It also helps to synthesize steroids and antibodies to fight infections. B5 is important for the health of the adrenal glands and the production of cortisone.
It is sometimes called an "anti-stress" vitamin because it boosts the immune system and helps the body to withstand stressful conditions. It also has gained attention as a weight loss agent.
Symptoms of B5 Deficiency:
burning sensation in the feet, enlarged tongue, eczema, restlessness, muscle cramps, constipation, depression, overwhelming fatigue, allergies, arthritis, gout, and graying hair.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Benefits:
B6 metabolizes proteins, fats, and carbs. It also helps in maintaining a healthy nervous and blood system. It is required for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells and antibodies to fight infection. It also helps lower homocysteine levels and reduces the risk of cancers, especially of the colon where the risk was lowered by 20%.
Symptoms of B6 Deficiency:
greasy, scaly dermatitis between the eyebrows, low blood sugar, numbness in the hands and feet, motion sickness, kidney stones, excessive fatigue, cradle cap in babies, and much more. Government surveys suggest that 1/3 of American adults suffer from B6 deficiency!
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Benefits: Formation of red and white blood cells are dependent on B12. Experts think that as many as 1 in 5 people have a B12 deficiency. Increased cognitive function, energy, and muscle strength all can be realized by having appropriate B12 levels in the body. An even more important deal with B12 is that it helps reduce homocysteine levels which we know contributes to heart disease.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency:
Cognitive decline, fatigue, poor immunity, heart disease, a sore tongue that appears shiny, numbness and tingling in the extremities, weak pulse, stiffness, drowsiness, and irritability can all be connected to this key vitamin deficiency.
So what do you do with all this information? GET ON A GREAT B COMPLEX VITAMIN!! It's great to B Complex!! (smile) Again, we carry a physician formulated "B"ooster vitamin that covers all of these B vitamins. If you wish to get guidance on a great supplementation regimen, I'm your girl. It just makes sense that supplementing these core nutrients is good medicine.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Today's blog gives particular focus on the B vitamins. WOW!!! In my research I couldn't believe all of the unusual symptoms that can be brought on by a B deficiency. Cracks at the corners of the mouth, flaking skin, migraines, cholesterol problems, and constipation are just a few of the things you will discover in this blog today. Young women on birth control pills and women on hormone replacement therapies for an extended period of time can expect vitamin B deficiencies because of the metabolic processes required to use the hormones appropriately in the body.
Please take time to read each deficiency and what can happen, but even further, get on a B COMPLEX vitamin asap. We carry a high pharmaceutical grade formulation that provides these and other key vitamin essentials.
The B vitamins are critical to our bodies and deficiencies can result in the most unusual of symptoms. This is a little breakdown of the key B vitamins and what they do, the deficiency related symptoms, and the primary anti-aging functions of certain B vitamins. I hope that after reading this you will realize that high pharmaceutical grade B COMPLEX vitamins can change things from the inside-out.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Benefits:
Recent studies suggest that high-dose B1 supplementation can help diabetics reduce their risk of kidney disease by reducing the spilling of protein in the urine by as much as 40%. B1 is also known as the "morale" vitamin because it helps convert carbs into energy, promotes growth, aids in digestion, and is essential for nerves, muscles, and the heart.
Symptoms of B1 deficiency:
mental illness, paralysis of some eye muscles, foot drop, decreased sensation in the legs and feet along with a "burning" sensation in the feet. Alcohol interferes with B1 absorption and leads to some of these problems in those who consume alcohol regularly.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Benefits:
B2 is manufactured in the body by the intestinal flora and helps in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbs. B2 may be useful in people with severe burns, chronic diarrhea, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, and cancer. People who exercise a lot typically have an increased need for B2 supplementation. B2 may also reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. It also has shown benefit for patient with degenerative eye diseases.
Symptoms of B2 deficiency:
Cheilosis (cracks at the corner of the mouth), frayed and scaling lips, eczema, flaking skin around the nose, eyebrows, chin, cheeks, earlobes, and hairline; bloodshot, watering, itching, and fatigued appearing eyes, "pins and needles" sensations, weakness, moodiness, nervousness, and irritability can all be connected to B2 deficiency.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide)
Benefits: Cholesterol reduction, protection of cognitive function, and in improving memory in Alzheimers disease. B3 also helps in the synthesis of hormones.
Symptoms of B3 Deficiency:
pellagra (symptoms include dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia), bright red tongue, sore tongue and gums, canker sores, mental illness, changes in the five senses, rheumatoid arthritis, weakness, irritability, recurring headaches, indigestion, bad breath, insomnia, and small ulcers.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid, Panthenol)
Benefits:
B5 is necessary to make acetylcholine and coenzyme A which play an important role in energy release from fats, protein, and carbs. It also helps to synthesize steroids and antibodies to fight infections. B5 is important for the health of the adrenal glands and the production of cortisone.
It is sometimes called an "anti-stress" vitamin because it boosts the immune system and helps the body to withstand stressful conditions. It also has gained attention as a weight loss agent.
Symptoms of B5 Deficiency:
burning sensation in the feet, enlarged tongue, eczema, restlessness, muscle cramps, constipation, depression, overwhelming fatigue, allergies, arthritis, gout, and graying hair.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Benefits:
B6 metabolizes proteins, fats, and carbs. It also helps in maintaining a healthy nervous and blood system. It is required for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells and antibodies to fight infection. It also helps lower homocysteine levels and reduces the risk of cancers, especially of the colon where the risk was lowered by 20%.
Symptoms of B6 Deficiency:
greasy, scaly dermatitis between the eyebrows, low blood sugar, numbness in the hands and feet, motion sickness, kidney stones, excessive fatigue, cradle cap in babies, and much more. Government surveys suggest that 1/3 of American adults suffer from B6 deficiency!
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Benefits: Formation of red and white blood cells are dependent on B12. Experts think that as many as 1 in 5 people have a B12 deficiency. Increased cognitive function, energy, and muscle strength all can be realized by having appropriate B12 levels in the body. An even more important deal with B12 is that it helps reduce homocysteine levels which we know contributes to heart disease.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency:
Cognitive decline, fatigue, poor immunity, heart disease, a sore tongue that appears shiny, numbness and tingling in the extremities, weak pulse, stiffness, drowsiness, and irritability can all be connected to this key vitamin deficiency.
So what do you do with all this information? GET ON A GREAT B COMPLEX VITAMIN!! It's great to B Complex!! (smile) Again, we carry a physician formulated "B"ooster vitamin that covers all of these B vitamins. If you wish to get guidance on a great supplementation regimen, I'm your girl. It just makes sense that supplementing these core nutrients is good medicine.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Monday, December 17, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Uncommonly Common Climacteric Changes of the Uro-zone
I couldn't help but revisit an informational folder I have been collecting over the years of doing customized medicine on the topic of vaginal pain syndromes. My BLOG title today is uncommonly common because this somewhat "common" alphabet soup of symptoms is "uncommonly" talked about in the outside world. I don't mind talking about it at all because I actually make a living on helping find answers for troublesome symptoms such as this through creative medicines. Let me give you a little insight into what happens in the urogenital zone as women age.
During the reproductive years, three estrogens of importance are Estradiol, Estrone, and Estriol. About five years before actual menopause, the production of Estradiol begins to decline, and after menopause the production ceases almost completely. Consequently, estrone and estriol become the main circulating estrogens. This decrease and shift of estrogens commonly brings noticeable changes such as hot flashes, atrophy (thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in estrogen), and an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Studies have indicated that 50% of otherwise healthy women over 60 years have symptoms of urogenital atrophy. That's 1 in 2 and thus why I call it common. The symptoms are vaginal dryness, pain, itching, urination complaints, recurrent vaginal infections and urinary tract infections. The answer is often estrogen replacement therapy and we have tons of patients that get a common (there's that word again) formulation to help with these problems. In fact, the OB/GYN's that we collaborate with will order a customized formulation for their patients needing some help in this area. (literally)
Lichen Sclerosis (LS) is another Uro-zone problem that can be associated with hormone deficiency. LS is a benign and progressive skin disease that creates patchy, white skin usually around the genital area. It can affect both men and women at any age, but usually is found in menopause aged females. Some medical articles suggest that androgen deficiency (testosterone) is a culprit and that testoserone replacement therapies applied to the affected area can help promote healthy skin and healing of the wounds associated with this condition. A soothing base can be used to promote good saturation of the therapy into the diseased tissue which gives great relief to those who suffer from this.
Sometimes with vaginal area pain there can be a neuropathic process causing pain sensitivity affecting activities of daily living. Working with a physician to determine if the issue is related to muscle constriction of the pelvic floor, involvement of the hormonal system, genetic and disease factors, or sexually transmitted diseases is important in determining a plan of action for creative medicine interventions. Very effective creams, suppositories, and sprays can be customized and formulated to control multiple issues contributing to the pain and on a per individual basis.
I think it's so important for women and men to know that there are options in treating these conditions. And believe me, throughout the years, I have responded to these needs many, many times. We can cover a lot of territory (literally) in the creative medicines that we provide for these and other things. Simply talking with your personal healthcare provider is the first step in getting help. Feel free to connect with me or have your doctor contact me about your concerns and failed attempts at healing through other medicines and means. We are here to help in finding your answer through the means of creative medicine.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
During the reproductive years, three estrogens of importance are Estradiol, Estrone, and Estriol. About five years before actual menopause, the production of Estradiol begins to decline, and after menopause the production ceases almost completely. Consequently, estrone and estriol become the main circulating estrogens. This decrease and shift of estrogens commonly brings noticeable changes such as hot flashes, atrophy (thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in estrogen), and an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Studies have indicated that 50% of otherwise healthy women over 60 years have symptoms of urogenital atrophy. That's 1 in 2 and thus why I call it common. The symptoms are vaginal dryness, pain, itching, urination complaints, recurrent vaginal infections and urinary tract infections. The answer is often estrogen replacement therapy and we have tons of patients that get a common (there's that word again) formulation to help with these problems. In fact, the OB/GYN's that we collaborate with will order a customized formulation for their patients needing some help in this area. (literally)
Lichen Sclerosis (LS) is another Uro-zone problem that can be associated with hormone deficiency. LS is a benign and progressive skin disease that creates patchy, white skin usually around the genital area. It can affect both men and women at any age, but usually is found in menopause aged females. Some medical articles suggest that androgen deficiency (testosterone) is a culprit and that testoserone replacement therapies applied to the affected area can help promote healthy skin and healing of the wounds associated with this condition. A soothing base can be used to promote good saturation of the therapy into the diseased tissue which gives great relief to those who suffer from this.
Sometimes with vaginal area pain there can be a neuropathic process causing pain sensitivity affecting activities of daily living. Working with a physician to determine if the issue is related to muscle constriction of the pelvic floor, involvement of the hormonal system, genetic and disease factors, or sexually transmitted diseases is important in determining a plan of action for creative medicine interventions. Very effective creams, suppositories, and sprays can be customized and formulated to control multiple issues contributing to the pain and on a per individual basis.
I think it's so important for women and men to know that there are options in treating these conditions. And believe me, throughout the years, I have responded to these needs many, many times. We can cover a lot of territory (literally) in the creative medicines that we provide for these and other things. Simply talking with your personal healthcare provider is the first step in getting help. Feel free to connect with me or have your doctor contact me about your concerns and failed attempts at healing through other medicines and means. We are here to help in finding your answer through the means of creative medicine.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Monday, December 10, 2012
Hormones and Arthritis
There are so many links to hormone deficiency that people do not give attention to. This is the reason the BLOG has become so popular I suppose. And by the way, the BLOG is going across the globe which our team considers AMAZING. This morning we picked up a few readers in China, Germany, and the Ukraine. That means more and more people are being educated about their journey to health and wellness and we are a part of it. Yeah!!
Today I wanted to highlight a common thing that I hear in my office. Many times men and women feel that aches and pains are just a "normal" part of the aging process and something they will "just have to live with". I put this is quotations, because these are the specific words I hear over and over again. Many clinical studies show us that appropriately balanced hormone replacement therapy can minimize the stiffness and popping that seems to creep up on men and women as they age. For women it's the voice of the joints screaming for Estrogen and in men for Testosterone.
Conventional standards would require x-rays of the joints, and if severe, a blood test to rule out rheumatoid arthritis. Then once the early osteoarthritis diagnosis is handed out, traditional medications will be started that often will include NSAID's (Anti-inflammatory medicine's like ibuprofen, naproxen, Celebrex, steroid injections, and topical creams.) Sadly, the band-aids of medicine are applied with the same end result (although prolonged) of irreversible joint damage requiring new knees, and hips in the end.
If you are a recent hysterectomy patient, in the late years of perimenopause, or trekking through menopause, please pay attention to how the joints are feeling. If you are a male patient and you notice that you just can't play those golf and basketball games without hurting all over, this BLOGS for you too. Yes, aging does bring on aches and pains, but can be exaggerated and influenced by hormone deficiency. Get your hormone levels checked!! This is good medicine, because it restores back what is lost. Bio-identical Hormones will turn on the right proteins, transmitters, and bone builders to get things reset to the normal range. Rheumatology and Arthritis journals are packed with information about this with the results showing reduced pain and inflammation if treated with hormone replacement therapy. There's even a load of information about FIBROMYALGIA pain and hormone deficiency.
Here are some other anti-inflammatory remedies to add on to this topic:
1) Vegetable Juicing Diets- You can read about this is Dr. Andrew Sauls book "Doctor Yourself".
2) Weight Loss- Fat produces inflammatory chemicals and your joints suffer to carry the extra load.
3) Herbs-Boswellia, Ginger, Curcumin, and Omega 3 Fish Oils.
4) Cartilage Builders-Glucosamine, Chondroitin, walking and exercise, Vitamin C, Silica, Collagen, and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
What about Carpal Tunnel or Trigger Finger pain?
There is a simple vitamin that can be used to help combat this problem which is vitamin B6, but you have to use the activated form. Remember, not all supplements are created equal as I've mentioned in other BLOGS. If you notice that the back of your hands are puffy and swollen and if you cannot touch the tips of your fingers to your palm, you might benefit from this readily available vitamin. This sign is called a positive "Ellis sign" indicating that a trial of V-B6 is in order. The usual dosage is 20mg 3 times daily of the activated pyridoxal-5-phosphate form.
So, is this you? Are your joints killing you? (Literally) I believe in traditional medicine for sure, it's the way I was trained, but I also believe there are many other contributors to joint pain that have to be investigated in the overall scheme of things before just medicines alone are used to combat the problem. Testing hormone values is a GREAT place to start if you are wanting to "move" in the right direction with your joint paint. I have an entire selection of these additional supplements and herbal products that could help you feel truly "NORMAL" again. Give me a call and I'll help.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Today I wanted to highlight a common thing that I hear in my office. Many times men and women feel that aches and pains are just a "normal" part of the aging process and something they will "just have to live with". I put this is quotations, because these are the specific words I hear over and over again. Many clinical studies show us that appropriately balanced hormone replacement therapy can minimize the stiffness and popping that seems to creep up on men and women as they age. For women it's the voice of the joints screaming for Estrogen and in men for Testosterone.
Conventional standards would require x-rays of the joints, and if severe, a blood test to rule out rheumatoid arthritis. Then once the early osteoarthritis diagnosis is handed out, traditional medications will be started that often will include NSAID's (Anti-inflammatory medicine's like ibuprofen, naproxen, Celebrex, steroid injections, and topical creams.) Sadly, the band-aids of medicine are applied with the same end result (although prolonged) of irreversible joint damage requiring new knees, and hips in the end.
If you are a recent hysterectomy patient, in the late years of perimenopause, or trekking through menopause, please pay attention to how the joints are feeling. If you are a male patient and you notice that you just can't play those golf and basketball games without hurting all over, this BLOGS for you too. Yes, aging does bring on aches and pains, but can be exaggerated and influenced by hormone deficiency. Get your hormone levels checked!! This is good medicine, because it restores back what is lost. Bio-identical Hormones will turn on the right proteins, transmitters, and bone builders to get things reset to the normal range. Rheumatology and Arthritis journals are packed with information about this with the results showing reduced pain and inflammation if treated with hormone replacement therapy. There's even a load of information about FIBROMYALGIA pain and hormone deficiency.
Here are some other anti-inflammatory remedies to add on to this topic:
1) Vegetable Juicing Diets- You can read about this is Dr. Andrew Sauls book "Doctor Yourself".
2) Weight Loss- Fat produces inflammatory chemicals and your joints suffer to carry the extra load.
3) Herbs-Boswellia, Ginger, Curcumin, and Omega 3 Fish Oils.
4) Cartilage Builders-Glucosamine, Chondroitin, walking and exercise, Vitamin C, Silica, Collagen, and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
What about Carpal Tunnel or Trigger Finger pain?
There is a simple vitamin that can be used to help combat this problem which is vitamin B6, but you have to use the activated form. Remember, not all supplements are created equal as I've mentioned in other BLOGS. If you notice that the back of your hands are puffy and swollen and if you cannot touch the tips of your fingers to your palm, you might benefit from this readily available vitamin. This sign is called a positive "Ellis sign" indicating that a trial of V-B6 is in order. The usual dosage is 20mg 3 times daily of the activated pyridoxal-5-phosphate form.
So, is this you? Are your joints killing you? (Literally) I believe in traditional medicine for sure, it's the way I was trained, but I also believe there are many other contributors to joint pain that have to be investigated in the overall scheme of things before just medicines alone are used to combat the problem. Testing hormone values is a GREAT place to start if you are wanting to "move" in the right direction with your joint paint. I have an entire selection of these additional supplements and herbal products that could help you feel truly "NORMAL" again. Give me a call and I'll help.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Anti-Aging Skin Care-Winning the War on Wrinkles
Our skin is one of the largest organ systems we have. In fact, the human integumentary system accounts for 1/6 of our total body weight. It is designed primarily to be a barrier system to the environment both inside and outside of the body. Some of it's functions include keeping fluid and electrolyte balance, temperature control, sensory perception, and a healthy immunity. As we age, the skin has a tendency to become thinner and more prone to infections and cancers. Some of that is due to our poor lifestyle behaviors like sun exposure and some of it is due to the nature of aging and hormone imbalance. In fact, women on hormone therapy in blinded scientific studies tend to look on average 8 years younger.
We are now providing a full line of Anti-aging and medicinal skin care products that can be purchased over the counter. The ingredients, I can tell you, are the most key cosmeceutical agents known to restore skin integrity, minimization of fine lines and wrinkles, and moisture restoration. Problem skin? No problem!! We can make recommendations on things from rosacea to acne to the more common things like oily or dry skin problems. I have been using the product line for several months now and I have seen dramatic results in my own skin "issues".
The behavior and lifestyle of "sun-seeking" individuals has been a primary contributor to skin cancer. It is believed that 90% of skin cancers are diagnosed at or after the age of 45. The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers has risen at varying, but persistently alarming rates across the industrialized world. Annual incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers exceeds that of ANY OTHER cancer 5 fold. What you thought was a great suntan in your 20's has now become a reason to have an assessment of your wrinkled skin today. Or maybe you have age spots and unusual demarkations of the skin that seem to appear overnight. They might disappear with something as simple as a glycolic peel available through our skin care line. But, those can also be warning signs of something that is commonly diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. It's worth getting an analysis and starting treatments to minimize the problem.
For women the changes in hormone imbalance that menopause brings with it can change the skin tissue in many areas of the body. For today's blog I will focus on the face. There are studies that clearly identify rapid aging associated with hormone decline. Aging skin is at greater risk of breakdown and failure. It is characterized by a thinner epidermis which presents sometimes with a crepe looking appearance around the eyes and on the neck area.
In providing hormone consultations and recommendations to patients for many years now, I can tell you that the issue of skin always comes up. This is one of the reasons that we felt we needed to address this concern and frustration of women. So, our team is excited to share that we have chosen the Rx Skin Therapy line to use in our pharmacy.
I have reviewed many products over the years for friends and family wanting to try something new, but this line we have chosen is based on the premise of science and quality in manufacturing. I had the privilege of meeting with the product developer (Dr. Kristen Riddle) personally and was amazed at her thoughts and awareness of all aspects of skin care. This started out as something small she offered to her hormone therapy patients and then grew to the point of mass distribution throughout the country.
Please stop by or call for a personal evaluation of your skin needs and we can help you win the war on wrinkles and other skin related concerns. I promise you will love the options we can provide for you. We should all be diligent with our skincare. As noted about, it is a BIG deal to our appearance, and more importantly, to our health.
To your good SKIN health,
Dr. Sonja
We are now providing a full line of Anti-aging and medicinal skin care products that can be purchased over the counter. The ingredients, I can tell you, are the most key cosmeceutical agents known to restore skin integrity, minimization of fine lines and wrinkles, and moisture restoration. Problem skin? No problem!! We can make recommendations on things from rosacea to acne to the more common things like oily or dry skin problems. I have been using the product line for several months now and I have seen dramatic results in my own skin "issues".
The behavior and lifestyle of "sun-seeking" individuals has been a primary contributor to skin cancer. It is believed that 90% of skin cancers are diagnosed at or after the age of 45. The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers has risen at varying, but persistently alarming rates across the industrialized world. Annual incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers exceeds that of ANY OTHER cancer 5 fold. What you thought was a great suntan in your 20's has now become a reason to have an assessment of your wrinkled skin today. Or maybe you have age spots and unusual demarkations of the skin that seem to appear overnight. They might disappear with something as simple as a glycolic peel available through our skin care line. But, those can also be warning signs of something that is commonly diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. It's worth getting an analysis and starting treatments to minimize the problem.
For women the changes in hormone imbalance that menopause brings with it can change the skin tissue in many areas of the body. For today's blog I will focus on the face. There are studies that clearly identify rapid aging associated with hormone decline. Aging skin is at greater risk of breakdown and failure. It is characterized by a thinner epidermis which presents sometimes with a crepe looking appearance around the eyes and on the neck area.
In providing hormone consultations and recommendations to patients for many years now, I can tell you that the issue of skin always comes up. This is one of the reasons that we felt we needed to address this concern and frustration of women. So, our team is excited to share that we have chosen the Rx Skin Therapy line to use in our pharmacy.
I have reviewed many products over the years for friends and family wanting to try something new, but this line we have chosen is based on the premise of science and quality in manufacturing. I had the privilege of meeting with the product developer (Dr. Kristen Riddle) personally and was amazed at her thoughts and awareness of all aspects of skin care. This started out as something small she offered to her hormone therapy patients and then grew to the point of mass distribution throughout the country.
Please stop by or call for a personal evaluation of your skin needs and we can help you win the war on wrinkles and other skin related concerns. I promise you will love the options we can provide for you. We should all be diligent with our skincare. As noted about, it is a BIG deal to our appearance, and more importantly, to our health.
To your good SKIN health,
Dr. Sonja
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