Wilmington NC Med Spa

Hormone Replacement Therapy: B12 is the Energy Vitamin

February 3, 2020 By Connie Odom

Metro MediSpa Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is critical for many women who suffer from severe menopausal symptoms. One side effect of can be the depletion of Vitamin B12 in the body which can affect one’s energy levels and moods. Let’s look at how this vitamin is used in the body and how standard levels can be maintained.

Vitamin B12 or methylcobalamin is also called the “energy vitamin.” It serves various functions in our body including synthesis of cells and DNA, cell metabolism, energy mobilization, red blood cell formation and regulation of overall body strength.

Why is Vitamin B12 Essential?

Our body cannot synthesize vitamin B12 on its own. That’s why it must be taken in the form of food or supplements to meet the body’s needs.

Functions of Vitamin B12

Maintains energy levels
Regulates mood swings
Regulates neuronal signaling
Improves memory and recognition
Sharpens mind and focus
Aids digestion
Regulates heart health
Promotes healthy skin
Synthesizes hormones
Adjust normal body functioning
Regulates all metabolic processes, especially methionine cycle at cellular level hence regulates energy and performance.
Protects the central nervous system against damage

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Anemia (deficiency of red blood cells)
Restlessness
Tiredness
Chronic fatigue
Amnesia
Decreased focus and sharpness
Difficulty thinking
Depression and anxiety
Digestive problems
Joint pain (arthritis)
Abnormally sized RBC production

Vitamin B12 and Good Health

Vitamin B12 protects against damage to DNA and RNA; each cell uses vitamin B12 as a catalyst in the regulation of cellular processes. Vitamin B12 improves mood and causes the regular production of serotonin that is responsible for a happy mood and emotional health of the brain. Furthermore, it also stimulates immune functions, thus helping the body in the fight against harmful pathogens.

Natural Sources of Vitamin B12

Proteins are great sources of B12. These sources include: fish, meat (i.e beef/lamb/mutton), liver, poultry, eggs, milk, dairy products, and cricket protein is not only a good source of full-spectrum protein but is also rich in vitamin B12 as much as a salmon.

Vitamin B12 is usually less readily available in plant foods (fruits and vegetables). However, fortified breakfast cereals are a good option.

Vitamin B12 deficiency happens slowly, but its outcomes can be bad for health. One should maintain the standard level of vitamin B12 either via dietary intake or by using hormone replacement therapy to keep the mood, memory, energy levels, digestion, heart function, skin health, hormone production, and homeostasis in a perfect balance.

If you are on Hormone Replacement Therapy schedule an appointment to have your Vitamin B12 levels checked. Call Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

How Long Does a PRP Facial Treatment Last?

September 9, 2019 By Connie Odom

PRP is a great treatment to rejuvenate the skin to regain that youthful glow and look. PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy. It consists of injecting the platelets of the patient to reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles or fine lines. This procedure is also referred to as the vampire facial because it’s the blood plasma that makes you look young again. PRP facial treatment is a better option than plastic surgery since no incisions are required. The plasma injected stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and helps the skin to thicken, eliminating the signs of aging.

Many celebrities use a non-invasive treatment like PRP because it rejuvenates and smooths the skin with little downtime. Moreover, acne-prone skin sees improvements in skin texture and the reduction of dark spots.

However, before investing in PRP, people often wonder how long this facial treatment will last. The procedure is done in phases over a period of six weeks. Many people notice a change in their skin after the first treatment, and their skin continues to improve over the next three months. This gradual improvement is due to increased collagen production. The results are long-lasting, and you may not need any touch-ups for two years. Some people visit their skin specialist more frequently to maintain their desired results.

The treatment has no side effects since the primary ingredient used is the patient’s blood plasma. However, there might be some swelling after the procedure at the injections sites. Some people may want to take a day off from work to recover, but that is a personal choice. The treated skin should be moisturized regularly for protection. No need to panic if you notice some bruising – that will last for just a few days. Inform your provider in advance if you are taking any medicines or have sensitive skin so that they can take preventive measures before the treatment starts.

For more information on PRP facial treatment or to schedule a consultation, contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

How Does Botox Reduce Wrinkles?

November 5, 2018 By Connie Odom

A lot of people do not like seeing even a few wrinkles on their face because this indicates old age. There are ways to have younger looking skin. A lot of research has been done and solutions discovered. Botox is one of these solutions.

What is Botox?

Botox has been used by doctors for years to treat facial creases and wrinkles. It is a brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. Signals from the nerves to the muscles are blocked by Botox. That makes wrinkles relax and soften. It is often administered on the forehead lines, the lines around the eyes, and frown lines.

How Is It Administered?

It takes only a couple of minutes and it does not require any anesthesia. A fine needle is used to inject Botox into specific muscles with just a little bit of discomfort. Generally, it takes up to two weeks to show full effects. To reduce bruising, you should stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin fourteen days before injections.

How Long Does It Last?

Botox effects will last three to six months. When the muscle actions start returning, the lines and wrinkles will begin to reappear so treatment will be required again. With time the lines and wrinkles appear less because of the shrinking muscles.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of Botox is bruising. Rare side effects like headaches may occur sometimes but last only 24-48 hours. Eyelid drooping may also occur on some people but this lasts about three weeks and only in a tiny percentage of people. The eyelid drooping reaction often occurs when Botox moves around, so be careful not to rub the injected area for about twelve hours after the injection.

Can Anyone Receive Botox?

Botox does not work for all wrinkles (i.e. wrinkles due to sun damage or gravity). Consult with your doctor before having injections so they answer any of your concerns. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Botox nor should any person with a neurological disease.

Well now you understand how Botox works. Is it right for you? Contact Metro MediSpa for a consultation at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

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.

HCG: Diet Free Living

October 8, 2018 By Connie Odom

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. Its production increases during pregnancy. The hormone is renowned as a weight loss technique because of its metabolic functions. HCG breaks down fat in muscles and body tissues then converts them to energy to benefit both mother and fetus. The hormone is produced naturally in a pregnant mother specifically for this purpose that prepares the mother for childbirth.

How Does HCG Work?

HCG is all about reducing calories in the diet. HCG stores and converts fats into energy. Excess fat is expelled through the metabolic process. Significantly decreasing calorie consumption lowers the amount of fat in the body, which makes it easier to lose weight. Accumulation of fat not only leads to an increase in body weight but also other health risks due to the clogging of blood vessels.

Diet as a weight loss technique is unpleasant for many. The effectiveness of a proper diet is not in question; however, people need to be consistent and discipline. To some, the process of dieting for weight loss is deprivation and frustration. This dissatisfaction is why HCG is rising in popularity.

Is It Safe?

Advancements in the medical field have led to modification of the process. HCG production can now be triggered irrespective of age. Of course, it is released from the ovaries, which mature at puberty. The popularity of HCG is attributed to its metabolic effect of fat, which relates to weight loss. There is a constant debate on safety and effectiveness of this process. HCG is only used in small amounts when it comes to weight loss; it is mainly for increasing energy with less calories.

Despite the criticisms, HCG is safe. The hormone is released from starting in the early teen years but significantly increases during pregnancy.

Will I Get Hungry?

People can feel hungry or unsatisfied with their meals for the first few days. This result is because HCG converts all fat to energy. However, their appetite decreases with time, and they get comfortable with the low-calorie intake.

Increase in energy levels and unnecessary cravings fading will be noticeable. Green Tea with natural sweeteners is recommended. This tea boosts your energy and suppresses appetite.

The primary goal of the HCG diet is boosting energy levels and cutting down on calorie intake and overall feeding habits.

For more information on the HCG diet contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

What are the Benefits of PRP Facial?

June 18, 2018 By Connie Odom

When Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is incorporated in a bio-facial, it gives skin the benefits of a facelift without the surgery. Plasma is a natural substance found in blood and is very useful in treating burns, skin injuries, and aging. PRP is acquired when a small amount of blood is drawn and centrifuged to separate blood cells from the platelet plasma. The PRP is injected to trigger the synthesis of collagen, and when used with hydraulic acid the combination helps improve the texture, color, tone, and volume of skin.

PRP Facial

The facial skin is first analyzed for the extent of damage and to determine the optimal areas to inject the PRP. After the assessment, the surface is cleaned and prepared for the procedure. Blood is then drawn and centrifuged. The PRP is then collected and injected into the affected parts of the skin, and any remaining PRP is rubbed into the surface with a derma roller. A PRP facial usually takes about 30 minutes and, depending on the condition being treated, requires between 3 to 6 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart for the best results.

Benefits of PRP Facial

The procedure is entirely natural. It uses the patient’s platelet plasma for treatment with no artificial components like Botox.
The therapy has little to no side effects or allergic reactions because the injected material is the patient’s biological material.
The procedure is minimally-invasive and non-surgical
There is little to no recovery time. Little time may be needed for redness and soreness from the injection to disappear.
The treatment can also smooth out lines and wrinkles to rejuvenate skin appearance and youthfulness

A PRP facial is a safe and effective treatment for any patient looking for a natural skin enhancement option.

For more information on a PRP Facial or to schedule an appointment, contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.