BioIdentical Hormone Replacement

Dr. Robert Troell - Las Vegas, NV
Cosmetic and Facial Plastic Surgeon

Menopause or Pre-Menopause? Are you experiencing some of the signs?

Natural Biodentical Replacement in Women: (*)

Millions of women in the United States are suffering from either hormonal imbalance or hormonal deficiencies. It may present itself by early menopause, peri-menopause symptoms, peri-menopausal weight gain, adrenal fatigue, menopause, or premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

As many as 25% of woman enter into menopause as a result of medical treatment instead of by the natural aging process. The first step is to identify if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and entering into a comprehensive evaluation and management program that brings you a new sense of vitality.

The signs of menopause and hormonal deficiencies include:

Brain & Mind Changes:

• Lower Sexual Libido
• Irritability
• Depression
• Mood Swings
• Memory Loss
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

Body Changes:

• Muscle Loss
• Weight Gain
• Gynecomastia
• Hot flashes
• Night Sweats
• Vaginal Dryness

High and Low Levels in Women

High testosterone in women can give them masculine characteristics, such as deepening of their voice and hair growth on the face, chest and limbs. There can be an increase in muscle mass and the women may develop male pattern baldness. Excess testosterone may cause irregular menstrual cycles, rough skin and aggressively personality changes, lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ovarian tumors, Conn’s syndrome, or Cushing’s syndrome. Lower than normal levels can lead to lack of sexual desire and weaker experienced orgasms. Low levels of this hormone can affect bone density and muscle mass, leading to reduced strength and increased risk of fractures.

The ovaries function to help produce testosterone even after menopause. Therefore, women who have their ovaries removed are at significant risk for decreased testosterone levels and the subsequent symptoms associated with it.

Normal Levels in Women:

• Age Testosterone Levels (ng/dL)
• Prepubescent girls < 30
• Onset of puberty by age 15 40-50
• By age 20 about 70
• Menopausal woman about 35

Functions of Testosterone in Women:

• Lowers the risk of osteoporosis.
• By improving the metabolic functions, it contributes to faster healing or quicker recovery after any illness.
• Important for bone strength and development of lean muscle mass and strength.
• Contributes to overall sense of well-being and energy level.
• Libido (sex drive) is determined by this hormone.
• Responsible for the sensitivity of a woman’s nipples and clitoris associated with sexual pleasure.
• Promotes easier sexual arousal, enhanced sexual mood and more frequent orgasms.

Aging naturally lowers the levels of testosterone. Those diagnosed with low levels of this hormone for their age or levels below the optimal level during their 20’s, may suffer from the signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels.

Abnormally high or low levels of testosterone may lead to severe health complications. A healthy diet and regular exercise usually maintains normal levels of testosterone as well as all other hormones, in both men and women. A healthy lifestyle is essential to maintain hormonal balance in the body. It helps prevent diseases and disorders.

Menopause & Testosterone in Women:

There is a decline in production of testosterone (by at least 50%) and other hormones at the onset of perimenopause or menopause. If a hysterectomy is medically indicated after age 35 years of age, often the ovaries are removed, which will cause a more significant decline in testosterone levels. Stress can divert the precursors of testosterone hormone production over to cortisol production, furthering reducing testosterone levels. High stress levels can also contribute to an earlier onset of perimenopause, even in one’s late thirties. This may cause less energy, brittle hair, less bone and muscle strength, and a diminished sexual drive.

Please call our offices in Las Vegas NV at 702.242.6488 to learn more.

Suffering from Andropause, It is the Male Menopause!

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Men:

Men have a peak hormone production by about 20 years of age, men experience a more gradual loss of hormones thereafter, especially testosterone. This nadir or low point of this hormone production often becomes clinical observed during our 40’s or about 50 years of age.

The result is andropause, also known as the “male menopause.” Andropause can make daily life less rewarding with more negative personality changes, feeling less vitality for life and corresponding diliterious body changes. Since men are living longer, more active lives, many are seeking relief from the serious symptoms of hormone imbalance with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men.

Screening for the symptoms of low testosterone, growth hormone, among others is the first step in the treatment process, laboratory confirmation, a comprehensive medical history, anti-aging and stress questionnaires, and a detailed physical examination complete the evaluation. Treatment to optimize your medical condition and replace hormonal deficiencies can transform your life!

The signs of andropause and related hormonal decline issues include:

Brain & Mind Changes:

• Lower Sex Drive
• Irritability
• Depression
• Memory Loss
• Fatigue
• Sleep fragmentation

Body Changes:

• Muscle Loss
• Weight Gain
• Gynecomastia
• Hot flashes in Men
• Night Sweats
• Hair Loss
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Urinary Problems
• Sleep Apnea

Testosterone: a key hormone in both men as well as women

Women exhibit high levels of estrogen and progesterone (produced from the ovaries and adrenal gland), while men have high levels of androgens, with the main androgen being testosterone (produced by the testes). Although testosterone is recognized as a male hormone, it is also present and an essential hormone in women. Release of testosterone is regulated by the pituitary gland through release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Testosterone is derived from cholesterol (like all the sex hormones) and its immediate precursor is dihydroepiandostrosterone or DHEA.

Levels of Testosterone:

Average testosterone levels by age may vary from person to person, depending upon one’s health condition. When replacing hormones, the physician uses both symptomatic improvement as well as correcting to about the 75th percentile of normal. This level more likely approximates the level when our bodies are hormonally optimized.

Normal Levels in Men:

• Age Testosterone Levels (ng/dL)
• 7 months – 9 years < 30
• 10-19 years 1 to 970
• 20 to 59 years 270 to 890
• 60 years and above 352 to 720

High and Low Levels in Men

Elevated levels of testosterone in boys lead to early puberty and is responsible for hyperactive sebaceous glands and acne skin problems. In adult men, elevated levels increases the chance of prostate cancer or cancer of adrenal glands. Inadequate testosterone in men is often a symptom of testicular cancer or a tumor of the pituitary gland. This condition can lead to infertility and loss of libido.

Functions of Testosterone in Men:

Probably the most important, testosterone influences the gender of the developing embryo. Transform male gender characteristics:

1. deeper voice
2. enhanced muscle mass
3. enlarged prominence of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple)
4. facial hair growth
5. external genital development (at puberty)
6. Sperm health or sperm maturity

In addition:

• Libido (sex drive) is determined by this hormone.
• Helps maintain physical health by promoting strong muscles and leads to a quality life.
• Assists in bone mass and bone density improvement.
• By improving the metabolic functions, it contributes to faster healing or quicker recovery after any illness.
• In men, it plays an important role in reducing total body fat.

A Natural Balanced Approach

As women and men approach mid-life, many often wonder whether hormone therapy may be beneficial for them. Scientific clinical studies have shown that traditional (synthetic) hormone therapy are less effective than bioidentical hormones and can increase the likelihood of various types of cancer and heart disease. However, many are now taking a natural approach to hormone balance with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BIHR).

Hormonal balance using natural bioidentical hormones in both women and men can bring a sense of vitality to one’s life.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement

What are Bioidentical Hormones? Bioidentical hormones are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as yams and soy, and are designed to replicate the same chemical structure as the hormones that are produced naturally by our bodies. Based on your hormone levels and your response to hormonal treatment, a specialized compounding pharmacy can individually tailor a bioidentical hormone regimen specifically designed for you.

On the flip side, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Pharmaceutical companies can’t patent bioidentical hormones because each regimen is specifically formulated to treat each patient on an individual basis. Instead, they manufacture synthetic hormones that are patentable.

Are Bioidentical Hormones More Effective than Synthetic Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are specifically designed to match your individual hormonal needs, unlike synthetic hormones, which are not customized. There is an overwhelmingly large body of evidence that supports the claim that bioidentical hormone therapy is safer and more effective than synthetic hormone replacement. However, no medication or supplement can be completely free of potential negative effects. These facts make it essential for one to consult a specialist before beginning any hormone therapy regimen.

What Hormones are Important to Monitor?

The following are the most essential hormones that are involved in all of your bodies metabolic processes and effect the aging process:

• Progesterone (women)
• Estrogen (women)
• Testosterone
• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
• Thyroid
• Human Growth hormone
• Melatonin

Please feel free to call our offices in Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 242-6488.

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