Women

I do believe it is YOUR choice to do it or not but what do I tell patients who ask my opinion? I say this…”since the invention of mammogram, breast cancer detection has improved drastically. Cancer is caught earlier and treated and then women are CURED and SURVIVE.  The new digital technology exposes you to far less radiation than the old mammogram machines so maybe they are safer. No one knows for sure if the squishing/procedure causes any harm or not. I do tell patients to get a baseline mammogram at 45 years of age…then if you decide to do yearly or every other year that is up to you! 

Our local hospital will NOT do an ultrasound on a suspicious lump unless you have a mammogram first….sucks but it’s true. I can’t tell you how many times I have sent someone to check out a suspicious area and they end up with a $650 bill and a “come back in 6 months” note…Ridiculous if you ask me.

I have offered thermograms in my office as well. A doctor comes in twice per year and does them for my patients that chose this diagnostic method. The thermograms are very cool and I think someday will be the standard for cancer detection. NO radiation, no squishing, no invasiveness at all….Thermograms detect heat in the body tissue – cancer and other problems usually emit more heat than normal body cells. Insurance does NOT cover thermograms yet but may in the future. 

I hope I haven’t confused you more….the bottom line is mammograms are your choice! If you have any increased risk for cancer (family history, personal history, drink/smoke, fibrocystic breasts, etc..) you should have a baseline young and proceed yearly. Self breast exams and your physician are the first line of detection and mammograms/ultrasounds/thermograms are the next line.  Good luck and I hope your boobies are healthy!

rgds

dr.gb

I went into medicine to “help people” as I bet 99% of all new med school students do. I decided to really help people you have to listen to them, really hear them and their story. I became a naturopathic physician because naturopaths are trained to do this “listening” the best. I am very science-driven and don’t do anything to weird so I guess I am a green-allopath of sorts but one thing I do with every patient is give them the time to share their story and I listen. (my office visits are 45-90 minutes long)

I get very attached to my patients. We form friendships and a tight bond. That being said, my heart and soul are sometimes tested. When a patient ends up with a cancer, illness, or even a personal problem it causes my heart to ache and sometimes to second guess what I have done with them as a doctor. I try my best to prevent disease and illness in everyone I see but sometimes the path is already laid or genetics are a bitch.

I do a weight loss program (hcg diet) at my office that the general public can do without being a “patient” of mine. All they want is the quick weight loss solution and they couldn’t careless about prevention and health (not EVERYONE is like this). I am finding I can’t stand that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I have managed to gain several FABULOUS patients who have done the hcg program and want to continue the journey to good health.

I guess what I am trying to say is that for a doc like myself to enjoy what they do and feel adequate we need good relationships with our patients. Our patients must WANT to heal and be healthy.  Getting to know my patients, their stories, their families, their dogs, their sex life etc…is the BEST part of my job. I care about YOU…please remember I am being the best DOCTOR I know how to be and that I still am an emotional bitch too!

rgds

Dr.GB

So it is said that “libido is 90% mental”…that would mean that only 10% can be blamed on hormonal imbalance. I agree with this to a certain extent. I try to maximize a gals hormones to make her horny as her husband would like but it is often the last thing to improve (if at all)….sorry to deliver the news.  I do measure testosterone and DHEA levels to make sure they are OPTIMAL and do supplementation as needed. Hormones can help but often there is more to the lagging need to get naked.

If your issue is that you can’t have orgasm then the testosterone will help you (especially when used clitorally! Yeah!). If your issue is dry vaginal tissue, then estrogen will help you (see the dry vagina post). If your issue is low energy and lack of desire then we might have to work on other things to get you perky again.

I think that boredom and low energy are the main reasons for low libido.  When you have been married for 10+ years, it becomes all to usual…same old, same old routine. Doesn’t sound exciting does it? Well, if you spice it up a bit with toys, new things to try, fantasies, etc…I am sure it can be more exciting but then the low energy holds us back.

I have known a number of women whose husbands divorced them because of a poor sex life. I wonder how many husbands cheat on their wives because of the need for more frequent sex? I do understand that women can be the cheaters and that men can have low libido too but it is much more common the other way.

All I am saying is this…do everything you can to maximize your hormone balance and good health…it will help your sex life no matter what age or sex you are. I heard a physician say that sex 2-3 times per week increase our longevity by 7 years! So do what you need to spice it up out there!

rgds

dr.gb

Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?

Bioidentical hormones are substances with the exact same molecular structure as what your body would normally produce if it could and they generate the same physiologic responses as your body’s natural hormones. The US Patent Office considers bioidentical hormones natural, regardless of their source and as a result, they cannot be patented.

The most common bioidentical hormones are estrogen and progesterone which are created by compounding pharmacies to relieve the symptoms of menopause and hormonal imbalances. Bioidentical hormones are made from ingredients derived from plants such as yams and soy, and have been available for more than 20 years.

There are those who claim there are many dangers of bioidentical hormones, often making reference to the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study from 2002. This study looked only at synthetic or non-bioidentical hormones, which are significantly different from natural bioidentical hormones. Google WHI study for more info…

Unlike non-bioidentical hormones, natural bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormone receptors of your body because they are identical to your natural-made hormones. This perfect fit allows your body to completely utilize the hormone without the side effects that are common with non-bioidentical hormones.

Safety of Bioidentical Hormones and the FDA

Hormonal imbalances contribute to the risk of stroke, heart attack and even breast cancer and when used properly, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can reduce this risk. Critics argue that the safety of bioidentical hormones should be confirmed by the FDA, and in fact the FDA has approved over 20 natural bioidentical hormone products including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Compounding pharmacies that make bioidentical hormones are regulated by state and local government, not the FDA. However, those recommended by physicians (including me) are regulated by the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) and accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board, for high quality assurance.

New Evidence Supporting the Safety of Bioidentical Hormones

In January, 2009 the Holtorf Medical Group, Inc. of Torrance, CA performed a comprehensive analysis of over 200 physiological and clinical studies (including the WHI study) concerning synthetic and bioidentical hormones.

“Many physicians and so-called experts state that there is no evidence that bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic HRT,” argues Dr. Kent Holtorf. “A thorough review of the medical literature however, clearly supports the claim that bioidentical hormones have some distinctly different, often opposite, physiological effects to those of their synthetic hormones.” Dr. Holtorf continues to say “the medical literature demonstrates that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is highly effective and carries a reduced, rather than an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.”

This analysis looked at the many long-term and short-term studies of synthetic hormones and the short-term studies of bioidentical hormones. To date, there have been no long-term studies of bioidentical hormones, but each short-term study shows positive results both in the relief of symptoms of hormonal imbalances like insomnia, cognitive problems, depression, anxiety etc. and in the decreased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Meanwhile, both long-term and short-term studies show synthetic hormones to be less effective at treating symptoms and to increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Bioidentical progesterone and estrogen have repeatedly been shown to reduce and eliminate the breast-cell proliferation rates while synthetic versions of these hormones, especially progestin, have been shown to increase breast cancer risk significantly. In terms of cardiovascular disease, bioidentical progesterone maintains and enhances the heart protective effects of estrogen, decreasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. This occurs in part to the bioidentical progesterone augmenting HDL (the good cholesterol) effects. Synthetic progestin does just the opposite, reducing HDL and working against estrogen, causing increased risk of heart disease.

Estriol, the bioidentical estrogen, was banned in January, 2008 by the FDA which stated that while its effectiveness to treat symptoms was not in question, the safety and effectiveness was unproven. In the 30 years that this estriol has been used, the FDA has not received any report of an adverse event with the use of estriol. The FDA banned estriol for a lack of evidence that it was safer than the synthetic estrogen and because there was no standardized dose. We’ve discussed that one-size-fits-all dosage is not effective and not safe since everyone has different needs. Estriol is completely unique when compared to synthetic estrogen and actually has been associated with a reduction in the risk of breast cancer and heart disease.

In conclusion, this analysis states “With respect to the risk for breast cancer, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, substantial scientific and medical evidence demonstrates that bioidentical hormones are safer and more efficacious forms of HRT than commonly used synthetic versions.”

Upon publication of this new information, many mainstream doctors “are now realizing that societies such as The Endocrine Society, The North American Menopause Society and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have either failed to adequately review the medical literature on bioidentical hormones or more likely have let their significant relationships with the pharmaceutical companies influence their positions on the issue,” as stated in a press release by the Holtorf Medical Group.

As one gynecologist, Dr. Eldred Taylor stated “As a board certified, OB/GYN trained at Emory University I am embarrassed by what I learned in residency concerning hormone physiology. It is a crime that this information is not taught in residencies. Instead we are bombarded by propaganda and misinformation by the so-called leaders in our field.”

So, are bioidentical hormones safe?

In our opinion, bioidentical hormones are safe when used properly and under the care of an expert physician trained specifically in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

It is important to test your levels of FREE TESTOSTERONE. I do it both via saliva and/or blood..either is great. I test DHEA-SO4 at the same time . Both DHEA and TESTOSTERONE really help men out…male menopause is such a taboo issue but real none-the-less.

I prescribe amounts of hormone based on the saliva/blood results. I often prescribe 20 mg/day or twice per day. I retest in 3-4 months to make sure we are in the ballpark. Side effects are obvious…anger, irritability, and acne.

If you are interested in increasing your testosterone without doing the hormone itself….good luck. Sometimes DHEA can help a bit but usually not enough.

So DADs, MEN, and those who hope to still play like a boy, get your levels tested and live!

The most common medical issues that cause low energy are hormonal issues. I see a ton of perimenopausal and menopausal gals and their low energy can be due to LOW ESTROGEN. Heck, the night sweats caused by low estrogen can interupt sleep and cause the fatigue the following day. Low estrogen in general does cause fatigue in some women. Low testosterone can also cause a “lack of endurance” type feeling. It is worth it to get these hormones checked and rule out an issue.

Another hormonal issue that causes low energy is a slow thyroid. Hypothyroidism is present in 1 out of 5 women. I diagnose it every day….The lab ranges on testing really suck! I use an ENDOCRINOLOGISTS range which has much narrower ranges.  Sometimes just the patients symptoms tell me they have a thyroid problem that needs treatment. I treat with both prescriptives and natural products (available on the site). So if you have a sluggish metabolism, poor immune system, constipation, dry skin, thinning hair, fatigue,  cold hands/feet, and/or low body temp you need to get tested. Demand a TSH, free T4, and free T3 thyroid panel…..

Low adrenal function can cause fatigue too! Man, hormones really are important! If you are a stressed out person with fatigue your adrenals could use some help. Look in our adrenal section for great natural products to help. Most people benefit from adrenal help!

I hope you understand the importance of HORMONAL BALANCE in your ENERGY. Yes, nutrition, exercise, ruling out allergies, blood sugar and other issues can cause fatigue but I bet the number one cause of low energy is HORMONAL IMBALANCES!

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE – the growth hormone

• Decreases body fat
• Increases muscle mass
• Improves tissue healing and protein synthesis
• Increases bone density
• Quicker illness recovery
• Increases capacity to exercise
• Increases skin hydration and elasticity
• Improves sense of well being
• Decreases incidence of illness

TESTOSTERONE – the male hormone

• Improves brain function
• Increases energy
• Increases strength
• Increases bone density
• Increases libido
• Improves sexual sensitivity
• Improves sexual function
• Improves HDL and LDL levels
• Improves cardiovascular health

DHEA – the mother of hormones

• Improves neurological function
• Increases sense of well being
• Improves immune function
• Improves stress tolerance
• Increases metabolism

ESTROGENS – 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 flashes, 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

• Promotes formation of other hormones
• Repairs brain and nerve tissue
• Enhances many brain functions
• Reduces aging skin
• Improves sense of well being
• Increases energy and mobility
• Improves sleep quality
• Reduces harmful stress effects
• Reduces aging brain deficiencies

THYROID – the hormone of metabolism

• Increases 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 one mood
• Improves the immune system (by decreasing cortisol)

CORTISOL – the hormone of stress

• Responsible for responding to stress
• Helps protect you against your environment (allergens)
• Mobilizes energy, improves fatigue
• Increases your appetite for sugar
• Decreases bone mass, muscle mass, and slows down your metabolism

With the state of the world as it is, I feel the need to share POWERFUL knowledge to keep people sane. I have practiced as a physician for 10+ years and become more frustrated at the medical community as I go along. We need to try to keep people healthy and center on wellness rather than hand out pills for symptoms and treat diseases as they show up. I HATE that mentality!  I mean, come on, if we prevented obesity we would prevent most heart disease and diabetes……..but instead we wait until people are “large Marges” and then treat with drugs to ward off death.

My site is designed to let people search the blog archives or the site and find their particular imbalances. There are products that can help each issue ailment listed or discussed. The products are pharmaceutical grade (you can’t just buy those at the store) and designed to help the body heal itself. Maybe together we can help your body back to balance and prevent disease down the road!

So if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired get your mind open and search the site for help. The only person that can help you is YOU!  Please check back daily for new entries as the site is brand new and will expand exponentially over the next few months.

GET OFF YOUR DUFF and LIVE!

RGDS–Dr.Greenbean