Hormone Replacement Therapy

DHEA and Brain Health

October 22, 2018 By Connie Odom

Hormones are essential to the human body. They regulate body functions, protect our bodies from harm, and even improve digestion. Hormones are so crucial that even the nervous system and our brain health is compromised when some of them are lacking, especially a critical neurosteroid called DHEA.

DHEA stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone, it is the prohormone of testosterone and estrogens, and together with the sulfated variation (DHEA-S), it is the most abundant steroid in the body. DHEA is derived from cholesterol molecules and produced in the ovaries, testes, adrenal glands and brain. This hormone is abundant during youth and has a peak around the mid-twenties, which is mainly the reason why it has been regarded as the “anti-aging hormone.”

After DHEA levels start to drop, there’s no feedback mechanism to bring it back up, and the body begins to feel the effects around age 70. Since this molecule is a precursor sex hormone, it contributes to the declining hormonal profile from menopause and andropause, which is something that not only affects the body but the mind as well.
Sex hormones and DHEA as its precursor have a protective effect on the brain and the nervous system. They counter the deleterious effects of cortisol, which is called the “stress hormone,” and causes damage to the brain tissue, especially when we are older. As we age, the DHEA levels start to drop, and the cortisol levels stay the same. For this reason, we begin to experience an imbalance between harming cortisol levels and protective DHEA effects. Not having enough DHEA to make up for the peaks in blood cortisol causes damage to the hippocampus and may trigger neurodegenerative diseases.

Recent studies have found that, instead of being an inactive prohormone, DHEA has receptors in the nerve tissue. When binding to these receptors, they regulate the synaptic transmission by changing the way neurotransmitters behave. That’s why we commonly experience symptoms such as fatigue, foggy thinking, and decreased libido when there are low circulating androgens and DHEA in the organism.

DHEA is usually prescribed when androgen levels and blood DHEA-S are low. It is a type of replacement therapy that improves brain health and prevents some of the concerning signs and symptoms commonly related to aging. However, DHEA supplementation should be prescribed by a professional, and it is essential to monitor sex hormones during the first stage of the treatment.

For more information on hormone replacement therapy and DHEA contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

Hormone Replacement Therapy May Improve Bone Loss

April 9, 2018 By Connie Odom

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to break down and weaken. The condition often progresses showing no symptoms or pain. It is often discovered when weakened bones develop fractures in the hip or back causing chronic pain. The exact cause for osteoporosis is not known. However, in women, the disease is associated with reduced levels of estrogen during and after menopause. Bone loss may begin during early menopause which happens before age 45. After menopause, the rebuilding of new bone is overtaken by bone resorption (the process that transfers calcium from bone tissue to the blood).

Scientific studies show that accelerated bone loss is at its peak during the few years before and after a woman’s last period. Other factors that raise the risk of osteoporosis are a petite, thin body structure and heredity of the condition. During perimenopause and menopause, there are treatments that one can undergo to keep bones strong and healthy and minimize bone loss or osteoporosis. They include prescription medication, calcium and vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercises and hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Osteoporosis

Researchers believe that hormones such as estrogen play a significant role in bone health. It is why they recommend hormone therapy as a means to prevent or treat osteoporosis in women. Estrogen preserves calcium in the body and prevents bone resorption. Studies by endocrinologist Dr. Jerilynn Prior and other scientists show that progesterone may help in building bone, but some scientists have discovered otherwise.

The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in treating osteoporosis during perimenopause and menopause is uncertain. However, it is recommended for women:

In early menopause.
With low bone mass measured by a bone density test.
With a petite, thin frame.
With an osteoporosis family history.
With medical conditions linked to osteoporosis.

Some forms of hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of developing blood clots, breast cancer, gallbladder disease and high blood pressure. Consult a doctor to determine the suitability of this treatment.

For more information on hormone replacement therapy or to schedule an appointment for hormone screening, contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

Sex Improves Brain Function in Older Adults

February 5, 2018 By Connie Odom

Good news for physically active seniors: recently, a study conducted by Oxford University found that adults who engaged in above-average levels of sexual intercourse scored higher in a series of cognitive tests. The research group selected 73 participants over the age of 50, both male and female, and subjected them to a survey addressing their well-being and frequency of sexual intercourse whether weekly, monthly or never. The cognitive tests gauged each participant’s verbal fluency with questions such as naming as many animals as possible in sixty seconds and their visuospatial abilities where they were asked to draw a clock face from memory and make copies of intricate designs. The study discovered that those who scored very highly in the cognitive scores were the most sexually active. The participants, however, performed equally well in their attention span, memory capacity, and language skills despite sex frequency.

Sex and Brain Function

The results of the study showed a link between an active sexual lifestyle and improved cognitive functions. Verbal fluency is one of the key areas that has demonstrated the health benefits of a vigorous sex life may be linked to Dopamine, a substance produced in the brain that plays a substantial role in cognitive function.

Scientists are venturing further into the relationship between vascular dementia and testosterone. Vascular dementia affects the control of executive functions. Low testosterone may be associated with vascular dementia. This connection is because if blood cannot flow to the brain, it may lead to the development of dementia. With this in mind, the studies that have been and continue to be conducted will shed some light on how sexual activity affects how the body functions and improves cognitive functions.

The misconceptions that older people do not have a sex life continue to be challenged through these studies. The positive impact of sexual activity in people over fifty is known and proves its relationship to well-being.

Since improved cognitive functionality has been associated with a healthier sex life, Testosterone Therapy to rectify low testosterone will reduce the risks of dementia, hence improving cognitive functioning of the brain.

For more information on testosterone therapy, contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

Is Stress in Your Life Causing Adrenal Fatigue?

October 23, 2017 By Connie Odom

The adrenal gland is found just above the kidneys and is part of the human endocrine system. This gland produces cortisol among other hormones. Cortisol, a steroid also known as the stress hormone, determines and influences how the body responds to stress. Under intense, stressful conditions the likelihood of insufficient production of this important hormone can lead to a condition called Addison’s disease.

The inadequate production of cortisol may lead to a person’s adrenal gland putting in an extra shift to help compensate for the shortfall. This overworking of the adrenal gland, especially in individuals who are under high physical, mental or emotional stress leads to adrenal fatigue. Difficulty waking up, body aches, protracted tiredness of the body and general weakness are some of the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. If left unchecked, adrenal fatigue could lead to lack of sleep, appetite and prolonged stress ultimately leading to depression. Other key symptoms that one may be suffering from Adrenal fatigue are: arthritis, difficulties in concentration, increased PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), lowered sex drive, muscle weakness, unexplainable salt cravings, and anxiety.

How to Remedy Adrenal Fatigue

For anyone experiencing the above signs and symptoms, Stress Stop is here for you. Stress Stop is a proprietary blend of teas and herbs that will aid the body in combating stress and remedy a malfunctioning adrenal gland. With the adrenal gland producing sufficient cortisol hormones to deal the highly stressful modern lifestyle adequately, Stress Stop may be all you need to bolster your health.

Metro MediSpa is committed to providing essential pharmaceutical grade supplements to aid in maintaining balanced health. Other products offered include; VitaBoost XL, a multi-vitamin supplement that helps in weight loss; Digesti Cleanse, a digestive system detox; JefFUEL Advanced Energy and Diet Formula; among others.

Contact Metro MediSpa today and get back that energy you’re lacking. Call 888-637-7228.

4 Ways Unbalanced Thyroid Hormone Can Affect Your Body

September 18, 2017 By Connie Odom

For you to feel healthy and happy, your thyroid gland needs to be in top working order. This gland, located in your neck, produces the thyroid hormone that helps to regulate everything from your heart rate, metabolism, to your body temperature. However, if you start to produce too much, or too little thyroid hormone, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. If you start to experience any of the following, then it might be time to visit your doctor to get the problem checked:

Fatigue

Fatigue is caused by a simple problem: not getting enough sleep. However, you might start to feel exhausted all the time even with plenty of shut-eye; then it’s possible that your thyroid gland is to blame. Without enough thyroid hormone in your bloodstream, your muscles don’t get enough stimulation, leaving them feeling tired and sluggish.

Rapid Weight Change

As mentioned above, one of the primary functions of thyroid hormone is controlling your metabolism. If you find that your weight keeps climbing despite a healthy lifestyle, then it could well be the case that your thyroid is to blame. Without enough thyroid hormone, your body will take longer to break down food into energy, and your weight will start to rise as a result. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can make your metabolism too rapid, leading to weight loss which could be dangerous if left unchecked.

Hair Loss

Most of us are well aware of just how healthy our hair is, so it can be pretty worrisome to run a brush over your head, only to find a lot more hair in that brush than usual. In the vast majority of cases, you won’t be going bald- instead, it’s due to too little thyroid hormone in your body. Another of the functions of thyroid hormone is to keep your hair follicles switched on so that they act quickly to replace lost hair. If the follicles are switched off, then your hair will end up more brittle, and therefore more likely to fall out.

Depression

There are many different reasons why someone might suffer from depression. Thyroid hormone helps to regulate the production of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that makes you feel happy. Without serotonin, your mood will quickly plummet. This problem can be significant in itself and is certainly something you should see your doctor about as soon as possible.

For more information contact, Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

What Hormones Affect Low Libido?

August 21, 2017 By Connie Odom

At given points in their lives, men and women may suffer from low libidos. A low sex drive can be caused by a variety of factors. Sometimes medical conditions cause this condition, but at other times, psychological factors and the resulting hormonal changes make men and women disinterested in sex. Below is a look at some of the most common hormones that affect sexual behavior in both genders, and how Hormone Replacement Therapy can help deal with hormone-induced lowered libidos.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone found in women and is responsible for controlling pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and reproduction. When a woman has low levels of estrogen, such as during menopause, she experiences sleeping disorders, unstable moods, and vaginal dryness. All these factors ultimately result in a reduced desire for sex.

Progesterone

Like estrogen, progesterone is a female hormone that controls women’s menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Medical studies have not shown exactly how, but scientists know that low levels of progesterone impact a woman’s sexuality and reduce her desire. Women typically experience low progesterone levels during menopause.

Testosterone

Contrary to popular belief that testosterone is a male hormone, this hormone is present in both sexes and impacts the libido of both men and women. Low levels of testosterone diminish sex drive and sexual interest in men. In women, low levels of testosterone result in reduced production of the hormone progesterone, which, in turn, lowers a woman’s sex drive.

Low levels of testosterone are the product of many factors. Some men and women have low levels of testosterone because their bodies produce less of it. This problem is true among the aging population. Others experience low levels of testosterone because they are stressed. Stress makes the body produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol prevents the body from producing any more testosterone, high stress over long periods results in a loss of interest in sex.

Thyroid and Prolactin

Prolactin is the hormone responsible for promoting the production of milk in a woman’s body. When produced in large amounts, it causes tenderness in the breasts, which puts some women off sex. The thyroid is the human hormone that regulates a person’s metabolism and energy levels. With low thyroid levels, both men and women lose energy and stamina fast, which create low libidos.

Correcting Hormonal Imbalance with Hormone Replacement Therapy. Low levels of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone lower the human libido. The good news is that these hormonal imbalances can be corrected using Hormone Replacement Therapy at Metro MediSpa in Wilmington, NC. With supplements and other medication, therapists can help most people regain their sexual desire and function. Call for an appointment today at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.