Did you know that your body’s hormones control most of your essential bodily functions? That they serve as an internal communication system between all of your cells?
That hormones coordinate everything from digestion and growth to your appetite, immune function, mood, and libido? Can you imagine what would happen if they got out of their natural balance?
You've likely experienced some hormonal imbalance in your lifetime. Nearly everyone, men and women, go through shifts in their hormones at some point in their lives.
All those emotions swirling, moods swinging, feelings of anxiety, and maybe even depression? Puberty is a prime example of what happens when your hormones get out of whack. But for most of us, puberty was manageable, and eventually around hormones balanced back out.
But what happens when the symptoms of hormone imbalance are unmanageable and create debilitating conditions that make it hard to live a happy, or even just okay life? Then what?
If you are suffering the symptoms of hormonal imbalance— may be a woman struggling with menopause symptoms or man dealing with the effects from decreases in testosterone— you’ve likely tried a lot of things to help you feel better.
Maybe you’ve changed your diet, started a regular exercise plan, addressed bad sleep habits, or integrated stress-relief practices into your daily routine. But these alone may not be giving you the relief you crave.
The best way to treat a hormone imbalance is by rebalancing the hormones. This is where hormone replacement therapies come in.
One such therapy that you may have heard of is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). But you may be a little confused about what it is and how’s it different from other hormone replacement therapies.
We’re here to help you get clarity on what BHRT is, how it differs from traditional hormone therapy, and whether it may be just the right treatment for you.
We use BHRT to treat men and women when their hormone levels drop or become unbalanced. It’s most frequently used to ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Many use it to improve symptoms of cancer treatment or to treat conditions such as:
Bio-identical hormones are so named because they are identical in molecular structure to the hormones made by the human body.
It’s important to understand that although these bio-identical hormones act in the body just like the hormones that we produce, they are not found in this form in nature. They are made or synthesized, from a plant chemical extracted from yams and soy.
Hormones, most commonly replicated and used in the treatment are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Bio-identical hormones come in various treatment forms, including:
Drug companies mass-produce bio-identical hormones, while a compounding pharmacy makes some according to a doctor’s orders.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve all bio-identical hormones. Some forms of manufactured bio-identical hormones, including bio-identical estriol (a weak form of estrogen) and progesterone, have been approved by the FDA but custom-compounded bio-identical hormones have not.
Although many claim that compounded bio-identical hormones may be safer and more effective than synthetic hormones, these claims haven’t been proven in reputable studies.
Bio-identical hormones differ from those used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The hormones used in traditional HRT are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones, whereas bio-identical hormones are chemically identical to those our bodies produce naturally and are made from plant estrogens.
The use of traditional hormone replacement therapies declined when the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of combined estrogen and progestin (as Prempro) for preventing menopause was stopped early because hormone users had a higher risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.
Many consider hormone therapy the most effective treatment for symptoms, and many women are now choosing BHRT over HRT.
A base of cholesterol makes up human hormones. They have specialized attachments that allow them to fit perfectly into receptor molecules in your body. When a hormone perfectly nestles into a receptor, it tells that receptor to turn on or off certain behaviors.
This is how hormones act as command stations making us act in specific ways and feel certain things. When you experience drops in hormones and need additional hormone helpers, wouldn’t it make sense for them to be structurally the same as the ones you already have? Hormones that will fit perfectly into your body’s receptor molecules and act on them as one of your hormones would?
The compounded type of Bio-Identical hormones is most commonly used in the U.S. in women in menopause.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) reports that about 1.4 million women are using BHRT to treat their symptoms. According to NAMS, this comprises 40% of all prescriptions for hormone therapy in women who are in menopause. The number of men using this treatment has not been studied yet.
Are Any of the Following Symptoms Making Your Life Unmanageable?
If the answer is yes, then it may be time to talk with your doctor. Your doctor will meet with you, perform blood tests, and come up with a treatment plan for you.
Resources
Image attribution | Mayoclinic.org | Medlineplus.gov | Medicalnewstoday.com | Webmd.com | Cancer.govFDA Disclaimer. This information on this site is for education purposes only. These statements and testimonials are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made regarding some or all products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.
Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
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Breast-like enlargement of male chest tissue is a very common, often embarrassing condition that affects 40 to 60 percent of men of all ages, in one or both breasts. Gynecomastia can now be corrected in less than one hour with no noticeable scars, virtually no downtime, and almost no pain. If you are a healthy, emotionally stable man with realistic expectations, you can look forward to excellent results and a renewed sense of self-confidence.
The older traditional treatment for gynecomastia (“moobs”) involved an unsightly painful incision along the lower edge of the nipple and areola (darker skin) to excise the protuberant glandular, fibrous, and fatty tissue from the under the skin. Since the nerves and blood supply to the nipple were cut, there was often loss of nipple sensation and occasional sloughing off of the nipple and the surrounding skin.
Advanced body sculpting technology referred to as Vaser LipoSelection allows us to selectively remove the fatty tissue that is the major culprit in protruding “man boobs” while preserving the nerves and tiny blood vessels that go to the nipple. The procedure is done through two tiny incisions in the skin that are hidden in skin folds. The entire procedure is done with no dangerous general anesthesia. In fact, we walk you to your car 20 minutes after the Vaser LipoSelection procedure.
Most patients require no narcotic pain medication afterwards and you can physically return to work the very next day. You will have to wear an elastic pressure vest for one to two weeks, under your clothes to help the skin heal as flat and smooth as possible. Most men resume normal exercise activity after one week.
Gynecomastia may be caused by abnormal liver function, excessive alcohol use, marijuana use, use of anabolic steroids, and use of medications that contain estrogen-like substances. Obesity, which may also contribute to higher estrogen levels in men, must also be addressed. These possible causes must be ruled out before your procedure with a thorough review of your medical history with Dr. Rodriguez.
Therefore, the only way to absolutely determine if you are a good candidate for gynecomastia Vaser LipoSelection is to have a personal consultation with physical examination by a cosmetic surgeon with expertise in sculpting the male chest. Only then can an assessment be made of the density, composition, and distribution of the subcutaneous breast-like tissue. Your surgeon can give you a realistic idea of how flat your chest will be and how soon you could expect to see completion of the post-operative healing process.
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
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The hottest news in fat removal is lasers that claim to “melt your fat away.” To be clear, none of the FDA approved devices out there can turn your solid butter unwanted fat into liquid vegetable oil.
“Fat melting lasers” can be broken down into two groups. The first group consists of lasers used for surgical laser lipolysis. With these lasers, a laser fiber is typically inserted under the skin into anesthesized fatty tissue to break down the fat cells with heat. Smartlipo by Cynosure was the first brand to hit the market in the United States, but now there are at least half a dozen of such lasers being commonly used for this purpose. Other more common lipolysis lasers include Coollipo by Cool Touch, Inc., Lipotherm by Osyris, Prolipo by Sciton, LipoLite from Syneron, SlimLipo by Palomar, Smooth Lipo by Elena Medical, and Lutronic Accusculpt.
The wavelengths (the particular part of the light spectrum for the laser beam) of these lasers are selected to break down fat cells with heat and stimulate some degree of tightening of the skin. When collagen is heated to about 42 degree Celsius, a shrink wrap effect is produced in the skin over the months that follow.
Once the fat is emulsified (broken down), it is then typically removed by gentle suction using thinner, more delicate instruments that cause much less trauma and pain to the body than traditional liposuction instruments. That is why the fat can be removed without potentially risky general anesthesia, using local anesthetic fluid that is spread into the fat that will be removed. Less trauma also translates into less post-operative pain, less need for narcotic pain medication, and faster recovery. Most patients are back to work in 3 to 4 days and exercising within one week.
The best candidates are those who are close to their ideal body weight with resistant areas that are not responding to proper diet and exercise. Most medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid abnormalities, and heart problems must be stabilized first. You should also cease smoking several weeks prior to the procedure date.
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
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Genetics and the dramatic hormonal changes of pregnancy can leave a woman with a localized collection of fat in the mid to lower abdomen that is hard to get rid of, even after getting back down to the pre-pregnancy weight– the Post-baby Pooch. My patients tell me that this fatty pooch can be a cause for embarrassment (“Are you expecting again?”) or lack of self-confidence, especially when wearing the tighter fitting clothes, like the slinky black dress, that they enjoyed before the pregnancy.
Even normal weight individuals may have a curiously round volleyball-shaped fat deposit that does not respond to proper diet and exercise. Abdominal exercises may tone the underlying rectus abdominus (“six-pack”) muscles, but this will only flatten out the dome a bit.
By the way, contrary to popular belief, any type of “spot reduction” exercise can only tone the underlying muscles, but does virtually nothing for the overlying fat. Fatty stores reduce in size, whether they be around the waist or the big toe, when you burn more calories than what you put in your mouth. The body is then forced to go to what I call the “Calorie Store,” your adipose (fat) tissue, to get fuel there. Hormones and your genetics play a role in which “shelves” are depleted first and which “shelves” — like the Post-baby Pooch — are hard to reach and remain well stocked.
Many treatments are designed to specifically target localized fat. Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as “tummy-tuck,” involves cutting away a new moon-shaped wedge of skin and fat from the lower abdomen. The resulting scar may extend from hip bone to hip bone, but it can usually be hidden below the panty line. Recovery can be painful, and the is strict limitation of certain physical activity, including lifting and exercise, for several weeks.
There are noninvasive laser and alternate energy devices that use specific laser wavelengths, infrared, or radiofrequency to shrink the size of the fat cells or to make the fatty tissue appear more compact by tightening the overlying skin. Some common ones are Thermage, Accent, VelaSmooth and VelaShape, Lipo-Ex, and Zerona. Usually multiple treatments are required over several weeks or months to see appreciable results, so you must have patience and realistic expectations.
Other noninvasive treatments include Mesotherapy for fat loss or the more simplified Lipodissolve injections that contain ingredients designed to make the fat cells in the injected area release some of the fat that they contain. Once outside the cells, the released fat is cleared from the area by the body’s lymphatic system. As with the noninvasive devices, multiple treatments (and patience) are usually required to see appreciable results.
Most folks nowadays want immediate results, if possible. Advanced Smartlipo laser and Vaser procedures can eliminate the “Post baby Pooch” in about one hour, with no general anesthesia, no large scar, no prolonged recovery, and no severe pain requiring narcotic pain killers. Most patients return to work in 3-4 days and to moderate exercise in about one week. In skilled hands, the results are also smoother and tighter than with traditional liposuction, due to additional skin tightening effects. This technology is also very useful to revise areas of previous liposuction, tummy- tuck (“dog-ears”), breast reduction (along the sides), or other procedures where the fat has healed irregularly or unevenly.
If you have any of these issues, a personal consultation and examination is the only way to determine which options are best for you.
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
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The second group of “fat melting lasers” are used externally and do not produce any heat at all. These lasers work by shining the light through the relatively transparent skin into the fat cells below the surface. The beam then triggers a photochemical reaction in the fat cells that cause them to open their pores, allowing the fat to leak out. The fat cell (adipocyte) goes from a plump fat laden grape into a smaller shriveled raisins. With moderate exercise the contraction of the muscles below stimulate the now extracellular (outside of the fat cell) fat to be pumped into the lymphatic system of vessels to eventually be metabolized in the liver.
The reduction in size occurs gradually over the 2-3 weeks during which the treatments are being performed about every other day. There is a generalized reduction of fat and inches in the area, but not the precise body sculpting that can be achieved with the surgical fat removal using Smartlipo or Vaser LipoSelection.
The most popular of theses types of lasers, often referred as diode lasers is Zerona by Erchonia. Lipo-Ex is also a non-contact, relatively painless, device to reduce subcutaneous fat that uses bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy instead of light, to slightly heat up tissue under the skin very gradually. In theory, this increases the metabolic breakdown as the fat. As with the Zerona, the fat “melted” by Lipo-Ex is also removed by the body’s lymphatic system.
The best result are achieved when the person is exercising regularly, as this improves the lymphatic clearance of the fat released from the cells. Results are also enhanced, of course, when you are eating properly and not trying to plump up those fat cells again. The best candidates for these non-surgical “lasers” are individuals who are within 20 to 30 pounds of their ideal body weight who desire a slimmer look in a general area of the body, such as thighs, buttocks, back or waistline. Since the fat cells are not physically removed as with Vaser Lipo or Smartlipo, repeat rounds of treatments or maintenance treatments are often recommended every few months.
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
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The hCG Diet is a very effective way to lose weight quickly, but it should be done under the supervision of a physician who is well trained in the safe off-label use of this hormone. Off-label use of prescription medications is commonly done for many conditions. It basically means that when the FDA has determined that a drug is safe for human use, a physician, at his or her discretion, can use the medication for other uses where the patient may derive benefit.
By employing careful monitoring and ongoing adjustments, Dr. Rodriguez’ hCG Diet can help you safely lose even more than the usual amount of weight cited in this article. As opposed to fasting or simply eating no more than 500 calories, your metabolism does not shut down, and you do not feel famished, suffering hunger pangs. For your safety, Dr. Rodriguez performs a thorough evaluation that includes some blood tests (a Comprehensive Metabolic Profile) and an EKG (electrocardiogram) to make sure that you are healthy enough to undergo the hCG Diet. More importantly, Dr. Rodriguez uses his special Positive Lifestyle Modification techniques to keep you from gaining the weight back when you come off the diet and resume normal healthy eating.
Beware of hCG diet programs and products sold on the internet or promoted outside of a physician’s office or supervision.There is a lot of misinformation and ineffective or unsafe products being promoted and sold outside of medical offices. Be sure to voice all questions or concerns to your physician, so that you feel totally comfortable with proceding with this program. To make the most of your consultation, be sure to bring ALL prescription and over-the-counter meds or products with you for your appointment.
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
Plastic surgeons are responsible for providing surgeries that can alter or enhance the way that someone looks. More people are starting to seek out plastic surgery so that they can change the way that they look. However, when considering plastic surgery, it is important to find a great plastic surgeon. In this article, we outline a…
I know what you’re thinking…. ugh… hormones… that’s something that only affects the lady folks. And boy is it a pain in the BUTT. True – hormones can do a little damage now and again, but guess what – they affect MEN and women. They are the culprit for many issues you might have. Weight gain, sluggishness in the day, anxiety, body aches, trouble sleeping, loss in sex drive, YOU NAME IT. The awesome thing to know is – it’s fixable! Like everything with a little help and some education you can tackle your hormone fluctuation and get your life back.
As an expert in hormone imbalances and proper replacement, Dr. Raul Rodriguez is ready to spring into action. He meets with each patient and takes the time to carefully listen to your issues and how hormone imbalance affects you. No two patients are the same. Dr. Rodriguez will help formulate a plan and even provide supplements to get your life back!
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
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This week’s Hormone Education post is about how your hormone imbalance may be affecting your eating habits. Ever wonder why you are constantly craving something sugary throughout the day? Think to yourself around 2pm – “I could use a cookie to get me through the rest of the day” you might have an issue with your hormones! Read on to find out how your appetite may be affected and how Dr. Raul Rodriguez can help you put a stop to it now!
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
Plastic surgeons are responsible for providing surgeries that can alter or enhance the way that someone looks. More people are starting to seek out plastic surgery so that they can change the way that they look. However, when considering plastic surgery, it is important to find a great plastic surgeon. In this article, we outline a…
Here’s a no-brainer way to prevent the customary holiday weight gain from Dr. Rodriguez!
Calorie Cleanse Diet Tip from Dr. Raul Rodriguez:
The holidays are a time when we pack in (food) and pack on (fat) more than what we are accustomed to, usually leading to that most common New Year’s resolution –” lose some weight.” But we have a little known trick that can actually help you lose weight during this time of the year and make you healthier to boot – Dr. Rodriguez’ Calorie Cleanse Trick.
Calorie Cleanse is a detoxifying fiber supplement that flushes toxins from your system with a unique combination of the following all natural detoxyfying ingredients:
Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
Plastic surgeons are responsible for providing surgeries that can alter or enhance the way that someone looks. More people are starting to seek out plastic surgery so that they can change the way that they look. However, when considering plastic surgery, it is important to find a great plastic surgeon. In this article, we outline a…
Did you know that your hormone levels also affect your breast tissue? As if women needed one more thing to keep up with! Here’s some helpful information on the importance of estrogen on cell growth and how to stay on top of your hormone balances.
To save some time on the day of your visit. Please go ahead and fill out the respective form. Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Contact us and we will get back to you to answer your questions.Mesotherapy is a technique of skin treatment that more and more people have become interested in because it isn’t traditional. However, over time, the technique has evolved. Being aware of what mesotherapy is and how it works can be helpful for someone who is considering their options for skin care therapy. In this article, we…
Plastic surgeons are responsible for providing surgeries that can alter or enhance the way that someone looks. More people are starting to seek out plastic surgery so that they can change the way that they look. However, when considering plastic surgery, it is important to find a great plastic surgeon. In this article, we outline a…