Bioidentical Hormones Portland | Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center

Archive for the ‘Bioidentical Hormones Portland’ Category

Hormone Replacement Therapy: What Every Man Should Know

13 January 2012, admin on the topic of Bioidentical Hormones Portland, Thrive Portland

When we think of hormone levels decreasing with age, we normally think of menopause with symptoms that inclue mood swings, hot flashes, a loss of sex drive, trouble sleeping, and weight gain. These can also be symptoms of low testosterone levels, called hypogonadism or andropause. According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone levels naturally decrease, generally speaking, at a rate of approximately one percent per year starting when a man is 30 years old.

thebestinfo.net

The symptoms associated with low testosterone levels – thinning hair and decreased muscle tone, changes in sleep patterns and sexual functions, and mental changes such as mood swings or memory loss – can be attributed to other diseases or lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol use, so a blood test is part of the screening for hypogonadism.

At Thrive, we are committed to educating people about the potential problems of hormonal imbalances in men. We treat male hormonal imbalances with a testosterone replacement procedure. During this procedure, Dr. Maddox will take a detailed medical history of your current state of health as well as a blood sample to observe your current testosterone levels. A custom treatment plan designed specifically for your needs will be formulated and may include natural hormone replacement, nutrition, exercise, and nutritional supplements.

Studies have found that testosterone replacement can lead to the following positive health benefits:

Reduced waist line by up to three inches and progressive weight loss over time.
Reduction in the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Reduction in cholesterol levels for both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Reduction in average blood glucose levels.
A significant decrease in liver function enzymes, likely indicating an improvement in fatty liver disease.
A decline in the International Prostate Symptom Score, indicating an improvement in urinary function with testosterone use.

With proper treatment, what were once considered the inevitable effects of aging can be managed, slowed, or reversed. If you or someone you love has been experiencing these symptoms, we advise you to schedule a consultation with us to see if we can address the symptoms with natural remedies. For many, slight changes to diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements can make the difference between vitality and fatigue. Call us today at 503-241-3579 to book your consultation at our NW Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center.

Source: http://www.drgregorypippert.com/2011/12/22/testosterone-and-metabolic-syndrome/

Bio-identical Hormones: Thrive During Menopause

8 December 2011, admin on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Bioidentical Hormones Portland

Hot flashes. Night sweats. The loss of a once-thriving libido. Gaps in a once-flawless memory. Sudden, nearly uncontrollable mood swings. Unrelenting fatigue. Insomnia.

Menopausal symptoms are, for many women, more than just unpleasant or inconvenient. When these symptoms interfere with the normal functions of everyday life, interrupting once-pleasant activities or depriving you of much-needed sleep and productivity, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be a solution.

Unlike hormone products derived from pregnant mare urine and synthetic, bioidentical hormones are, as the name suggests, identical to those made in the human body. Blood tests cannot distinguish between bioidentical hormones and those made by the patient; other sources of estrogen and progesterone are not metabolized in a way that gives a healthcare provider an accurate measure of a patient’s hormone levels.

Balancing estrogen and progesterone levels can reduce menopausal symptoms and lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Because bioidentical hormones are derived from the wild yam, they are a safe, natural alternative to other hormone replacements.

Dr. Maddox and his team at Thrive are dedicated to easing menopausal symptoms, assisting the smooth, comfortable transition into the next stage of life. After a $75 initial health screen, which includes a complete medical history and laboratory blood tests, Dr. Maddox will determine if BHRT is an appropriate part of your personalized course of treatment. Many patients report a significant improvement within six weeks of starting BHRT.

Take the first step toward a happier, healthier, more balanced life: call 503-241-3579 to schedule your initial appointment. Your life is waiting, and it’s beautiful.

Thrive Portland: Testosterone Levels Prove Vital to Men’s Health

18 August 2011, admin on the topic of Bioidentical Hormones Portland, Hormone replacement commentary, Thrive Portland

We all know about menopause with women, but what about men? Do they experience similar changes?

Many don’t know that men will experience a similar state called andropause which can start at the young age of 30. Unlike the abrupt hormonal changes women experience during menopause, andropause is a slow, gradual process of decreasing testosterone levels that becomes more apparent with age. Symptoms include thinning hair, muscle decline, feeling weak, and an unfortunate host of other symptoms.

Study
Decreasing levels of testosterone can present serious risks for men with a very common condition called Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). In a long-term study conducted by The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 596 men of age 40 and above (187 of which had MetS) were observed over a long period of time. After a little over 15 years had passed, 97 had died of cardiovascular disease.

Their most significant finding was that higher bio available testosterone levels had a very strong correlation with lower odds of MetS and lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, for middle–aged men with MetS, low levels of testosterone result in increased cardiovascular mortality.

How We Can Help
At Thrive, we are committed to educating people about the potential problems of hormonal imbalances in men. We treat male hormonal imbalances with a testosterone replacement procedure. During this procedure, Dr. Maddox will take a detailed medical history of your current state of health as well as a blood sample to observe your current testosterone levels. A custom treatment plan designed specifically for your needs will be formulated and may include natural hormone replacement, nutrition, exercise, and nutritional supplements.

If you or someone you love has been experiencing these symptoms, we advise you to schedule a consultation with us to see if we can address the symptoms with natural remedies. For many, slight changes to diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements can make the difference between vitality and fatigue. Call us today at 503-241-3579 to book your consultation at our NW Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center.

Portland Anti-Aging Treatments: Thrive’s Top 5 Anti-Aging Tips

16 June 2011, admin on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Bioidentical Hormones Portland, Microdermabrasion Portland, Naturopathic Physician Portland, Thrive Portland, Wrinkle Reduction

When it comes to anti-aging medicine, there’s a lot of information out there. We cut through the trends and fads and came up with our top 5 anti-aging tips:

1. Protect your skin from the sun

Sun exposure is the number one factor that causes premature aging and prevention is the key. Using sunscreen daily (even in cloudy weather or in the shade) is a great way to protect your skin. There are a number of beauty products on the market that include an SPF of 30 or higher to make this step even more convenient. Dr. Maddox recommends Glytone Suncare SPF 40 because it is oil- free, PABA- free, non-irritating, and light weight to wear. Wearing a hat in direct sun is also an easy way to avoid harmful UV rays while enjoying the outdoors.

2. Eat right and Stay fit

The basics! Knowing the right combination of nutrition and exercise for your body can greatly affect the way you feel. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit, getting all the vitamins you need and staying physically active will increase your body’s ability to fight causes of premature aging.

3. Have Fun

Stress can have a huge impact on our physical bodies and mental health. Stress can actually increase cortisol in the body, inhibiting the metabolic rate and causing weight gain. The best remedy is to take the time to relax and have fun! Even if this means stretching at your desk every hour or so at work, decreasing stress is a key to aging beautifully.

4. Microdermabrasion

Skin treatments like microdermabrasion buff away dry and damaged skin to reveal a fresher, younger appearance. They combine the rejuvenating benefits of a facial with the renewing qualities of a deep scrub. It is also highly effective in preparing the skin for laser treatments for wrinkles, acne scars and age spots.

5. Hormone Evaluation

Hormone levels decrease with age in both men and women, leading to some not-so-pleasant results including fatigue, depression and decreased libido. With a hormone evaluation, you and your physician can find solutions to help you feel younger, more energetic and balanced both physically and emotionally. Treatments can include a change in diet, supplements, or bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

At Thrive Anti-aging and Aesthetic Center, we pride ourselves on offering holistic advice and assisting people with any questions related to anti-aging, medical spa treatments, hormone replacement, and/or medical weight loss. Our team of expert medical professionals is available to offer their insight, answer your questions, and be an informational resource for our current and potential clients.

We are happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.

Bioidentical Hormones Portland: BHRT Could be Your Key for a Naturally Well-Balanced Life

20 April 2011, admin on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Anti Aging News, Bioidentical Hormones Portland, Featured Services, Naturopathic Physician Portland, Thrive Portland

Many women experience issues as they age and decide they “just need to deal with it” and that it’s an inevitable part of aging. But the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause can be treated effectively using natural methods that leave you feeling younger, more energetic and balanced both physically and emotionally. Let’s take a look at how bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help.

Menopause happens when estrogen levels decrease rapidly in a matter of months. This relatively sudden decrease in hormone levels can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, poor sleep, loss of sex drive, weight gain and depression.

Hormone replacement therapy may help improve and prevent these conditions by replenishing estrogen back to the body’s normal levels. Bio-identical hormones are commonly taken from natural sources and are identical to those made in the human body.

Low estrogen levels can be addressed with a variety of treatments including gels, creams, pellet implants, or injections. Not all women who experience menopausal symptoms will benefit from the same treatment. For this reason, treatment should be personalized to each patient and closely monitored for reaction and effectiveness.

Most women experience positive results within the first 6 weeks, but continue to report improvements in energy, mental and physical health, confidence and mood for years after starting treatment. Other benefits of hormone therapy include:

Decreased risk of stroke and heart attack
Decreased the risk of osteoporosis
Improved the look and feel of hair and skin
Increased mental & physical energy
A decrease in feelings of irritability, anxiety, depression
Improved libido

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of menopause, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy could help you start living a well-balanced life.

At Thrive Anti-aging and Aesthetic Center, we are medical professionals who specialize in anti-aging and hormone therapy. Our medical director and age management specialist Dr. Adam Maddox has taken a personal interest in the treatment of menopausal patients. Through a detailed consultation and laboratory testing Dr. Maddox will design a treatment plan based on your individual needs. Our goal is to help you look and feel your best.

We are happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter and insist on beginning every relationship with an hour consultation to discuss our treatment options in more depth. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.

Bioidentical Hormones Portland: Testosterone Therapy Can Help You Get Your Life Back

16 March 2011, admin on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Anti Aging News, Bioidentical Hormones Portland, Featured Services, Thrive Portland

Even though low testosterone has been getting more press lately, evidence suggests that many men with symptomatic low testosterone don’t get treated. Let’s take a look at why testosterone levels matter and what bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can do for you.

While menopause for women happens when estrogen levels plummet in a matter of months, andropause in men is marked by a gradual decline in testosterone over a longer period, at a rate of about 1% per year. Because of the gradual decline, many men may not notice that symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, muscle loss, depression and decreased sex drive are related to their loss in testosterone.

Research suggests low testosterone is also associated with several chronic medical conditions, including obesity, diabetes, depression, erectile dysfunction, and possibly cardiovascular disease. Testosterone maintains and builds bones and muscles, so low testosterone can lead to thinning of the bones, or osteoporosis. Additionally, low testosterone levels have been associated with poor sexual performance, so hormone replacement therapy can be very beneficial in revitalizing your sexual health.

Hormone replacement therapy may help improve and prevent these conditions by replenishing testosterone back to the body’s normal levels. Low testosterone levels can be addressed with a variety of treatments including gels, creams, pellet implants, or injections. The treatment should be personalized to each patient and closely monitored for reaction and effectiveness.

Within three to six weeks of testosterone therapy, most men report improvements in energy, mood, sexual performance, confidence, self-esteem, and an overall sense of well-being. Other benefits of hormone therapy include:

• Increased mental & physical energy
• A decrease in feelings of irritability, sadness, nervousness
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved sex drive & sexual performance
• Increased lean body mass
• A decrease in fat mass
• Increased muscle strength & endurance

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of decreasing testosterone, hormone replacement therapy could help you get your life back.

At Thrive Anti-aging and Aesthetic Center, we are medical professionals who specialize in anti-aging and hormone therapy. Our medical director and age management specialist Dr. Adam Maddox has taken a personal interest in the treatment of andropause and menopause patients. Through a detailed consultation and laboratory testing Dr. Maddox will design a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

New York Times article on hormone replacement therapy

3 May 2010, admin on the topic of Anti Aging News, Bioidentical Hormones Portland, Hormone replacement commentary

On January 15th, 2010 the New York Times published an article on hormone replacement therapy titled “Vigor Quest”. The author, Tom Dunkel, interviewed a patient a 51 year old man that is currently using testosterone replacement to maintain his vitality and youthfulness. Tom continues to report on the opposition from some physician groups that believe this type of hormone replacement therapy is unwarranted and provides no therapeutic benefit and may even be unsafe. My opinion on this article is that it is mostly a balanced report on the pros and possible cons of age management based hormone replacement therapy.

Age management medicine or anti-aging medicine is typically defined as the use of certain hormones (thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, growth hormone, etc.), supplements, medication, nutrition, exercise, and stress management to slow the effects of aging. The average person’s hormone levels start to decline after the age of 30. Some people refer to this as the time when our body’s start to slow down, gain weight, and lose muscle tone. At least this is what we may perceive or see externally. Other factors that we sometimes neglect to consider when thinking about getting older is the increased risk of disease. Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cancer are typically found during the second half of life. There is increasing scientific evidence demonstrating the possible benefits of low dose hormone replacement therapy and how it may prevent such diseases.

Obviously I am a proponent of hormone replacement therapy including testosterone for men and estrogen for women. Though I do not believe that hormones are the key to the fountain of youth. Nor do I think everyone across American that is over the age of 50 should be on hormones. I recognize there are potential risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. It is my job as the physician to minimize these risk through appropriate lab testing, a thorough review of health history, and good clinical judgment. When these are combined the patient receives the best possible outcome with the lowest possible side effects.

FACEBOOK

FOURSQUARE

TWITTER

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

SEARCH

LOCATION