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A Message from Dr. Arvantely
I
am excited to see that, in recent years, the medical establishment has finally become more open and enthusiastic about Bio-Identical
Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) – a practice that I’ve been involved with for over 10 years now. The mainstream medical establishment, however, has a tendency
to treat BHRT as a quick-fix, one-size-fits-all recipe, dispensing the same doses and products to each patient without a deeper
investigation of the patient’s individual hormone levels, body chemistry, lifestyle issues and preferences.
My experience has taught me that hormone restoration and balancing is more like cooking a
complex stew, with multiple ingredients (hormones) that work in concert with one another to achieve optimum balance for varied
and unique women and men. It is a process that often requires patience and fine-tuning. My experience has also shown that when
people are not treated as unique individuals, the likelihood of negative consequences and side effects is much higher.
There is no doubt
that, when done appropriately, hormone restoration and balancing can enhance a person’s health and quality of life beyond
measure. I see this in my office every day!
- Catherine Arvantely,
M.D.
We have over 10 years’ worth of
training and experience in Bio-Identical Hormone balancing, and we are constantly keeping abreast of the latest developments,
changes and advances in the world of hormones for both WOMEN and MEN. Dr. Arvantely was one of the first doctors
in Orange County to be referenced in Suzanne Somers’ popular 2006 hormone book, “Ageless,” and continues to be listed in her subsequent books.
A Special Note Just for Men
When we hear about hormone replacement
therapy, we usually think of women and menopause. Men, however, are equally vulnerable to declining hormone levels as
they age. Known as ANDROPAUSE, male hormone deficiency syndrome is a much
more subtle process than the sudden, dramatic hormonal shift that affects women in mid-life.
For men, Testosterone levels typically
begin to decline after age 40, although changes can occur earlier in some men. Symptoms of Testosterone deficiency include
diminishment in sex drive and changes in erectile function, loss of motivation and initiative, mood changes such as irritability,
depression and increased emotional sensitivity, loss of muscle mass and strength, generalized fatigue, and abdominal weight
gain.
There is a great deal of new research data emerging that links
Testosterone defiency to a higher risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease (heart disease). It has also been shown
that restoring healthy Testosterone levels can reverse mild diabetes and prevent (and perhaps even reverse) the progression
of heart disease.
In fact, scientists have even gone so far as to draw the
bold conclusion that, when a man's Testosterone level is above 560 (normal range is approximately 250 to 850), his risk
of death BY ANY CAUSE is reduced by 50%!!!!! There is no prescription drug or natural supplement that can make this
claim!
Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, author of "Testosterone for Life,"
and Harvard Medical School Urologist, has stated that a Testosterone lab test is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT BLOOD TEST
that all adult men should have.
Other hormones affect men as well, and are included in a complete
hormonal evaluation for men. These include DHEA, Thyroid, Dihydrotestosterone, and Estrogen (yes, Estrogen!), among
others.
The bottom line is that all men deserve to have a thorough hormone
work-up. Their overall vitality and long-term health could depend on it!
HORMONE
BASICS
ESTROGEN
Estrogen can provide
wonderful health benefits when taken appropriately. Estrogen is made in the ovaries. Levels tend to fluctuate dramatically during peri-menopause, and then decrease to
almost zero after menopause and the cessation of menses. Estrogen is also made
in small amounts in the adrenal glands and in fat cells.
Estrogen is widely prescribed to help eliminate hot flashes and night sweats. It also helps to restore deep, restful sleep. Estrogen supports
mood, cognitive function, sex drive, vaginal lubrication and overall well-being. It
is critical for bone density support, and may even help to reverse bone loss associated with peri-menopause and menopause. Estrogen also promotes youthful appearing skin and lustrous hair.
PROGESTERONE
Progesterone stabilizes the lining of the uterus and keeps it from getting too thick. It is often
used to balance the effects of Estrogen. Taking Estrogen without Progesterone
can promote over-thickening of the uterine lining, which may lead to irregular spotting or bleeding, and even to uterine cancer.
(This practice is referred to as “Unopposed Estrogen Therapy” and
is strongly discouraged.)
Progesterone can also help to lessen the symptoms of PMS, decrease menstrual bleeding and cramps,
and regulate menses. It also promotes relaxation and sleep. Some women notice
a general calming effect with Progesterone use, and find it helpful for mild anxiety symptoms.
Others report an improved general sense of well-being.
TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone has numerous benefits. It helps to enhance
sex drive (libido) and sexual response. It also helps to improve inner confidence,
motivation and overall well-being. It supports bone density and can enhance muscle
strength and tone.
DHEA
DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Healthy levels can promote happy mood, enhance
immune function and increase overall well-being. Levels decline with stress and
aging. Studies have shown that DHEA has powerful benefits for people with auto-immune
arthritis. Additional research has demonstrated a correlation between high DHEA
levels in elderly people and robust health.
THYROID
Thyroid
hormone deficiency is a commonly overlooked condition in many people, especially menopausal women. There are two main
Thyroid hormones, T4 and T3, and both of these need to be monitored. When in balance, Thyroid hormone promotes optimal
energy levels, mental clarity, regular bowel function, balanced mood and proper metabolism. It also helps maintain lustrous
hair and youthful skin.
CORTISOL
Known as the "stress hormone," Cortisol is secrected by the adrenal
glands. Too much Cortisol can lead to harmful weight gain, sleep disruption and other significant problems. Chronic,
long-term stress, however, can exhaust and deplete the adrenal glands, leading to Adrenal Fatigue and suppressed Cortisol
levels. Restoring healthy, normal Cortisol levels by replenishing the adrenal glands can make a significant - and sometimes miraculous - difference in one's energy level,
emotional and mental outlook, and ability to tolerate stress.
PREGNENOLONE
Known
as a neurohormone, Pregnenolone supplementation can help boost mood and cognitive function. People who are deficient
in Pregnenolone who then supplement with this hormone often report that colors seem brighter.
We
support and restore all of the above described hormones through use of bio-identical hormone preparations, nutritional
supplements and lifestyle changes.
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