Bioidentical Hormone in Orlando
Perimenopause And Menopause: Should We Be Without Hormones?
Sangeeta Pati MD., FACOG
President & Medical Director of SaJune Institute for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine
Faculty I.W. Lane College Integrative Medicine
Board Certified American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Board Certified American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine
Just as vitamins and minerals decline with age, the organs in women and men alike produce declining hormones with age. These include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, melatonin, DHEA, brain hormones and the list goes on.
In women, synthetic hormone replacement dominated the scene for the last several decades until three years ago when media attention was called to the risks of synthetic hormone replacement. That week, many of my patients who were on hormone replacement stopped taking them and started feeling miserable.
It is known that if we do not replace hormones, our brain, bones, heart, vessels, joints, skin, mood and most importantly, quality of life, decline more rapidly. But what are the options? Should bio-identical hormones be considered instead of synthetic ones?
What Are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are rapidly becoming popular among women who do not want to suffer anymore. The body does not know the difference between the hormone it makes and bio-identical hormones, because they are exactly identical in molecular structure to the hormones which are made in the body. They are compounded from yam and soy by removing and adding extra molecules so they are recognized by your cells and tissues as your own. Just like Humulin insulin instead of pork insulin.
Synthetic hormones have extra molecules which are not recognized by the body. They are not broken down by our body's enzymes and they may stay in the body for long periods of time as toxins and carcinogens. Although, soy and yam hormones, which are available over the counter, have many health benefits; they are barely recognized by human estrogen and progesterone receptors. Therefore, they do not effectively reverse or treat the hormone deficiency.
How Are They Used?
Bio-identical hormones are compounded by prescription only. Healthcare providers evaluate hormone requirements through clinical symptoms, and possibly, blood or saliva tests. The prescription is tailored to the exact amount of each hormone needed for the individual's balance. Hormones, which are initially evaluated for replacement, include the three estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol), progesterone and testosterone. These can be taken orally, by patch or as a cream. Additional hormones which should be considered include melatonin, DHEA, thyroid hormone and growth hormone.
What Are the Benefits?
Bio-identical hormone replacement will significantly reduce symptoms associated with hormonal decline before, during and after menopause including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, skin thinning, memory loss, concentration loss, anxiety, depression, weight gain, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, decreased sex drive, urine loss, muscle weakness and joint pain. In addition to symptom relief, Bio-identical hormones protect your brain, heart, vessels, bones, skin, hair follicles and muscles from decline. Most patients who start on bio-identical hormones feel emotionally and physically better within two weeks.
What Is The Data?
So far, there is more data on synthetic hormones than bio-identical hormones because synthetic hormones are patented and drug companies pay for the studies. Bio-identical hormones are generic to the human body like vitamins. They can not be patented and therefore drug companies have not been interested in footing the bill thus far. We do know that bio-identical hormones have been used in Europe for over 60 years and studies show that they are both safe and effective.
They have been shown to protect against heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and mental decline. They do not increase the risk of breast cancer, and, in fact, there is data showing that they may protect against breast cancer. At precise doses that exactly replace your body's deficiency, there are no known side effects. They have the exact same action on the body as our own hormones.
Should You Take Them?
Some ask, am I safe taking hormones. I ask how safe are you without your hormones? The cells in your brain, heart, vessels, bones, skin, hair follicles and muscles all have receptors for hormones. As the hormone levels dwindle, all these cells and tissues lose stimulation, leading to a rapid decline and advance of degenerative diseases. If you would correct a vitamin or mineral deficiency with bio-identical vitamin or mineral replacement, you should consider replacing a declining hormone.
Bio-identical hormones are an excellent safe option for both men and women.
The Male Andropause
Sangeeta Pati MD., FACOG
President & Medical Director of SaJune Institute for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine
Faculty I.W. Lane College Integrative Medicine
Board Certified American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Board Certified American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine
Although, the male andropause has not been widely recognized, increased medical research has turned attention to the gradual hormone decline in males which generally presents with symptoms in the mid 40's to 50's. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, states that the male hormone, testosterone, drops about 10 percent every decade starting around age 30. It is estimated that by age 50, 30 percent of men have testosterone levels low enough to cause symptoms and put them at risk.
Hormonal decline is not limited to just testosterone. Other natural hormonal levels can be deficient in Andropause. These hormones can include Human Growth Hormone (HGH or IGF-1), DHEA, thyroid hormone, melatonin and others. Although, declining hormones are a normal part of aging, they are accompanied by a gradual and undesired decline in sexuality, mood and overall energy. Declining hormones also increase the risk of more serious medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis).
Similar to Menopause in women, Andropause in males begins at a time when life often offers some of its greatest rewards. This article has been designed to arm you with information about Andropause - what causes it, how to diagnose it and what you can do to maintain a healthy and active quality of life throughout your middle years.
What are the symptoms?
By the time men are between the ages of 40 and 55, the drop in hormone levels gradually (unlike the sudden changes in menopause) produce changes in attitude, mood, confidence, memory, energy level, sex drive, muscle tone, muscle mass, muscle strength, abdominal fat and physical agility. Psychological stress, alcohol, injuries, surgery, medications, and obesity can contribute to its onset.
More over, studies show that a decline in testosterone and growth hormone actually contributes to the risk of health problems like heart disease, osteoporosis and weak muscles leading to fraility. Since all this happens at a time of life when many men begin to question their values, accomplishments and direction in life, it's often not recognized that the changes are related to a silent decline in hormones.
What are the risks of hormone deficiencies?
Since all cells in the body have receptors for hormones, declining hormones are a major contributor to deterioration of the brain, muscle, skin, bone, joints, vessels, heart and the quality of life. Each hormone has specific roles in the normal bodily functions. Specifically, testosterone builds protein and is essential for normal sexual behavior and producing erections. Additionally, each hormone affects numerous metabolic activities such as the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, bone formation, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, liver function, brain function, prostate gland growth. Therefore, in addition to the symptoms described, declining hormones increase the risk of deterioration of organs , osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Andropause and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is not just a disease of women. In men, lifestyle, nutrition and hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone play critical roles in the maintenance of bones. As these decline, between the ages of 40 and 70 years, male bone density falls by up to 15 percent. What's more, approximately one in eight men over age 50 actually have osteoporosis, increasing fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. Therefore, the incidence of hip fractures rises exponentially in ageing men, as it does in women, but starting about 5 to 10 years later.. After a hip fracture, up to one third of patients never regain full mobility.
Andropause and Cardiovascular risk
It is now well accepted that women's risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cardiac events increases after menopause. New evidence suggests that a similar phenomenon occurs in men as their testosterone levels diminish with age. Research thus far point to a strong association between low-testosterone levels and an increase in cardiovascular risk in men.
How do you know if you are in Andropause?
Although, Andropause was first described in medical literature in the 1940's, it is generally under diagnosed and under treated since sensitive tests are new. Under diagnosis is also due to often vague symptoms which can vary a lot among individuals. Some men find it difficult to admit that there's even a problem. And often physicians do not think of low hormone levels as a possible culprit, attributing symptoms to medical conditions and normal aging.
Accurate diagnosis and treatment requires a thorough clinical history, physical evaluation and lab work to measure hormone levels.
How do you treat Andropause?
Of course, any strategy to reduce the symptoms and risks of Andropause should be based on lifestyle approaches such as optimal diet, regular exercise, nutritional replacement, stress-management and the reduction of tobacco and alcohol intake. These critical factors affect hormone levels and effects.
Additionally, hormone replacement (i.e. testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, melatonin) should be considered for those who are experiencing clinical symptoms of hormone deficiency. No patient is too old to start hormone replacement therapy if it is indicated. As for any medication, hormones should be taken under a physician's care, with appropriate follow-up evaluations. They are dispensed by injection, creams, gels, patches and oral capsules. If you have an established prostate tumor or breast cancer you would not be a suitable candidate for testosterone replacement therapy.
What is the role of Viagra/ Cialis in Andropause?
Testosterone replacement therapy works differently from Viagra or Cialis, which act on the penis only to maintain an erection. Testosterone works on the whole body, brain and all aspects of the sexual response including erectile quality and sexual desire.
What are the benefits of hormone replacement?
Clinical studies support the use of exercise, nutritional replacement, testosterone and growth hormone to treat the symptoms and prevent disease. Hormone replacement with testosterone and growth hormone has been shown to significantly improve sexual performance, libido, energy, mood, memory, brain function, heart disease, vessel disease, muscle strength, muscle tone, muscle mass, abdominal fat, bone density and overall sense of well-being. These effects are usually noted within just a few weeks.
What are the risks of hormone replacement?
A recent 2004 study in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that there were no long term risks of replacement therapy which aims to restore normal hormone levels. Historically, testosterone use has been associated with aggression and hypersexuality. These effects stem from the use of testosterone by men with normal testosterone levels who took testosterone at doses which were much higher than supplementation doses that are used in men going through Andropause.
In conclusion, correction of nutritional and hormonal deficiencies is important for the treatment of andropause symptoms and the prevention of degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Benefits
T improves cogmitive function, memory, Alzeihmer's ( Aging Male 2003, J Clin Metab 2002, J Clin Endocrin 1999)
J Endocrin 2003, J CLin Endocrin 1999 T protects against atherosclerosis and plaque rupture,
J Neuroscience 2001 GH protects aagainst beta-amyloid plaques
T protects against CV dz NEJM 2004
T improves mood and erections Androl 1992
T improves depression Am J Psychiatry 2003
T reduces angina Circulation 2000, reduces atherosclerosis J Endocrin2003, improves CHF Heart 2003
Imrpoves strength and body comp Mayo Clin Proc 200, improves DM Aging Male 2003
T increase coronary blood flow circulation 19999
GH increases bone density
GH decreases abdominal obesity in men
GH decreases fatigue
Increases energy, vitality, well being, self control decreases anxiety, depression
No evidence of increased cancer or CV dz NEJM 2004
Body composition improves
- Improvement in mood and sense of well-being
- Increased mental and physical energy
- Decreased anger, irritability, sadness, tiredness, nervousness
- Improved quality of sleep
- Improved libido and sexual performance
- An increase in lean body mass, a decline in fat mass
- An increase in muscle strength (hand grip, upper and lower extremities)
- Potentially, a decrease in the risk of heart disease
Understanding Risks
There are several conditions in which you should never use testosterone replacement therapy. These include:
- Breast cancer (in males)
- Prostate cancer
In some other cases testosterone replacement therapy may not be right for you. If one of the conditions below is applicable to you, your doctor will decide whether (in your specific case) testosterone replacement therapy is the right solution.
- Liver disease
- Heart or blood vessel disease
- Edema (swelling of face, hands, feet, or lower legs)
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes mellitus
To help your doctor determine your best treatment plan, you should also discuss the following:
- If you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to androgens or anabolic steroids.
- If you are an adult male who plans to have children; high doses of androgens may cause infertility.
- If you are bedridden.
- If you are now taking any other prescription or nonprescription (OTC) medicine, especially anticoagulants (blood thinners).
Treatment for Andropause consists of replacing lost hormones with natural hormones that are molecularly equal or bio-identical to those produced naturally within the body. By choosing hormones from sources that are bio-identical to our own bodies naturally produced hormones, one can receive the optimal benefits of therapy while reducing the risks associated with chemical agents.
Books
The Andropause Mystery: Unraveling Truths About the Male Menopause
by: Robert S. Tan
AMRED Publishing, January 2001
Sex For Life: The Lover's Guide to Male Sexuality
Chapter 4 - Male Menopause: It's Real and It's Preventable
by: Dr. David Saul
Apple Publishing, 1999
Male Sexual Fitness: Causes and Solutions for Andropause (Good Health Guides)
by: Dr. Eric R. Braveman
McGraw Hill - NTC, March 1999
Understanding Men's Passages: Discovering the New Map of Men's Lives
by: Gail Sheehy
Random House, May 1999
The Testosterone Solution: Increase Your Energy and Vigor With Male Hormone Therapy
by: Dr. Aubrey Hill
Prima Publishing, January 1998
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"Anti-Aging Medicine? Reality or Myth" By Sangeeta Pati, MD, FACOG, Medical Director of SaJune Institute for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine
