|
Why does a man need testosterone
replacement?
|
| As a man gets
older, his testosterone declines.
Testosterone is the hormone that
maintains a man’s mental focus, his
energy, his metabolism, his muscles, as
well as keeps fat off and maintains
strong bones. There is often concern
that testosterone therapy may cause
prostate cancer. The majority of the
medical literature does not support this
claim and your physician’s close medical
supervision takes these risks into
account depending on each individual’s
personal health history. |
|
What are the side effects associated
with bioidentical hormones?
|
| Because
bioidentical hormones are just like the
ones made in your body, there are
relatively few side effects. Side
effects occur mainly when the dosage of
hormones is too high for the individual.
The BEST Program monitors and evaluates
each patient consistently to assure
balanced dosage. |
|
How long until I see results using
bioidentical hormones?
|
While it varies with
each person, and depends on which
hormone therapy you are using, generally
you can expect to see results within
three to six months.
|
|
What is the best age to consider
bioidentical hormone therapy?
|
| At the BEST
Program we believe that most people
should have their hormones checked by
the age of 40 or earlier if they have
symptoms of hormonal loss. The way to
prevent illness and to optimize one’s
health is to take an active role in
addressing health care risks before they
become a problem. |
|
Do I need to take these hormones
forever?
|
| No. If you decide
to stop, your body will simply return to
where it was before starting hormone
therapy. |
|
Will this treatment interfere with
my currently prescribed medications?
|
| Generally not.
Some medications may actually be reduced
or no longer needed. |
|
Will you take over as my doctor?
|
| Although we are
happy to communicate with your current
physician, we encourage you to continue
your usual visits with him or her. |
|
Can the BEST Program use lab work I
have already done?
|
| Yes. Bring along
any lab work, bone density, mammograms,
PAP smears or other diagnostic tests
done in the past year. We do not need
the actual x-rays or ultrasounds, only
the report. This will help us in
deciding what further tests you need to
start on your way to better health and
hormonal balance. |
|
Is it covered by my health
insurance?
|
| This depends on
your health insurance. At the BEST
Program although we do not bill directly
to insurance, we supply you with an
invoice to submit your claim for
reimbursement to your insurance company.
A number of lab tests or medications may
be covered by your health insurance.
However, patients cannot submit these
bills to Medicare or Medicaid. |
Hormones: what they are and their
functions
|
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
|
| known as growth
hormone but in actuality in adults it
should be called the "healing hormone" |
- Decreases body
fat
- Increases
muscle mass
- Improves
tissue healing and protein synthesis
- Increases bone
density
- Quicker
illness recovery
- Increases
capacity to exercise
- Increase skin
hydration and elasticity
- Improves sense
of well being
- Decreases
incidence of illness
- Improved mood
- Improved sleep
|
| |
Testosterone
|
| the male hormone |
-
Improves brain function
-
Increases energy
-
Increase strength
-
Increases bone density
-
Increases libido
-
Improves sexual sensitivity
-
Improves sexual function
-
Improves HDL and LDL cholesterol
levels
-
Improves cardiovascular health
|
| |
DHEA
|
|
known as the “mother of
all hormones” (Most prevalent hormone in
the body)
|
-
Improves neurological function
-
Increases sense of well being
-
Improves immune function
-
Improves stress tolerance
-
Increases metabolism
|
| |
Estrogen
|
| the female
hormone |
-
Protects against heart disease,
stroke
-
Decreases cholesterol
-
Lowers incidence of Alzheimer’s
-
Improves memory
-
Alleviates symptoms of menopause:
headaches, mood swings, bloating,
hot flashed, fatigue, waning libido
|
Progesterone
|
| the hormone of
pregnancy |
-
Protects against breast and uterine
cancer
-
Protects against fibrocystic disease
-
Helps fat metabolism
-
Helps normalize blood sugar
-
Helps reverse osteoporosis
-
Helps thyroid hormone function
-
Acts as a natural antidepressant
-
Protects against nervousness
-
Protects against anxiety and
irritability
|
| |
Pregnenelone
|
| the gateway
hormone (the grandmother of all
hormones) |
-
Promotes formation of other hormones
-
Repairs brain and nervous tissue
-
Enhances many brain functions
-
Reduces aging skin
-
Improves sense of well-being
-
Increase energy and mobility
-
Improves sleep quality
-
Reduces harmful stress effects
-
Reduces aging brain deficiencies
|
| |
Thyroid
|
| the hormone of
metabolism |
-
Increase energy
-
Increases fat burning and controls
weight
-
Increases your heart rate
-
Increases your appetite
|
| |
Insulin
|
| the hormone of
storage |
-
Responsible for getting blood sugar
into all cells
-
Increases fat storage
-
Increases risk of diabetes,
hypertension, and stroke
|
| |
Melatonin
|
| the hormone of
sleep |
-
Responsible for maintaining sleep
-
Helps alleviate “jet-lag”
-
Improves mood
-
Improves the immune system (by
decreasing cortisol)
-
Most potent anti-oxidant hormone
|
| |
Cortisol
|
| the hormone of
stress |
-
Responsible for
responding to stress
-
Helps protect you
against environment (allergens)
-
Mobilizes energy,
improves fatigue
-
Increases
your appetite for sugar
-
Decreases
bone mass, muscle mass, and slows
down your metabolism
|
