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Hormone Replacement Therapy

What Is Stress Doing To Your Hormones?

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Metro MediSpa hormone replacement therapy

Stress makes the human body react in ways designed to defend itself against predators and other aggressors. For example, the hypothalamus activates an alarm system in the body when a person is faced with a perceived threat. In addition, nervous and hormonal impulses stimulate the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys to release a surge of substances, including adrenaline and cortisol.

In addition to increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels, adrenaline increases the body’s metabolism. For example, it raises blood sugar levels (glucose), and cortisol enhances glucose consumption in the brain and makes it easier for cells to repair themselves.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormone Imbalance

Cortisol Levels

In a fight-or-flight situation, cortisol also suppresses processes that are unnecessary or detrimental. It inhibits the digestive system, reproductive system, and development processes by altering immune system reactions. This sophisticated natural warning system communicates with the brain areas that govern mood, motivation, and fear.

An overactive stress response system and high cortisol levels can impair almost all the body’s processes over time. In addition to depression and anxiety, this puts a person in danger of death.

Long-Term Stress Effects

Stress can induce the liver to release more sugar into the circulation as energy. As a result, the body releases insulin to respond to high glucose spikes to deal with the extra circulating glucose. Unresolved glucose spikes caused by prolonged stress can eventually lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Both males and females are susceptible to the effects of stress on their reproductive systems. Stress causes high amounts of cortisol in the short term. As a result, the menstrual cycle can be thrown off by ignored or unbalanced hormones in women. It can result in missing periods or, in the worst-case scenario, a complete cessation of the menstrual cycle.

Long-term stress in men can cause testosterone levels to drop. Erectile dysfunction and sperm production can both be the result making it more difficult to conceive.

Can Hormone Therapy Help?

Hormone replacement treatment (HRT) may assist when estrogen and progesterone levels are low in the body. HRT can help with hot flashes, sweating, and other menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, it can be used as a preventative measure against osteoporosis. Progesterone and estrogen are included in HRT for females.

For males, there is testosterone therapy. Besides assisting with erectile dysfunction, returning testosterone to normal levels can increase sexual drive and muscle strength.

Metro MediSpa

The first step in treatment is to have your hormone levels tested. Metro MediSpa can help. Once your levels are known, a hormone replacement therapy regime can be recommended. Get back to feeling like your typical self and be tested. Call 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925 and set up an appointment today.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: B12 is the Energy Vitamin

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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.

DHEA and Brain Health

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Metro MediSpa hormone replacement therapyHormones 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

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Metro MediSpa hormone replacement therapyOsteoporosis 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.

What Hormones Affect Low Libido?

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Metro MediSpa hormone replacement therapy Wilmington NCAt 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.

Help! My Hair is Falling Out

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Metro MediSpa thyroid hormoneAs a woman, you won’t have to worry about losing your hair and going bald, as that is a problem for men, right? Well, generally speaking, yes. However, although excessive hair loss in women is rare, it is not impossible. If you happen to be experiencing it firsthand, it isn’t a nice feeling. Losing a little hair is perfectly normal, just check the drain after a shower or your hairbrush after brushing. If you are losing excessive amounts, there could be a reason which will need addressing. Here are a few causes for hair loss.

Hypothyroidism – The thyroid hormone plays a significant role in some physiological processes within the human body. In women, thyroid hormone problems could be the cause of excessive hair loss. With hypothyroidism (aka thyroid disease), the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hair growth slows down, and it could potentially fall out. Other common symptoms include weight gain, lack of energy, depression, lethargy, and trouble sleeping. If you suffer from thyroid issues, you may wish to speak to trained experts who may recommend treatment such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT for short).

Iron Deficiency – Iron is an incredibly important mineral in the human body that plays a vital role in the production of hemoglobin. A lack of iron means the body will not have enough red blood cells, so less oxygen is carried around the body to the cells. This lack of oxygen can result in a lack of energy, causing fatigue. Other symptoms include pale skin, weakness, and hair loss. To help rectify the issue, consider investing in a good quality iron supplement, and consume more iron-rich whole foods such as red meat, leafy greens, and seafood.

Too Much Styling – Let’s face it, most women’s hair goes through a lot on a weekly basis. You style it, dye it, blow dry it, curl it, and straighten it. You use sprays, gels, oils, and mousses. Exposure to too much heat and chemicals can damage your hair, and if you aren’t careful, can result in hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss, give your hair a break and don’t use any chemicals or heat treatments on it for several weeks, and see if you notice any improvements.

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