The Sexy Sixties: Boomers and the Second Sexual Revolution

15 Mar 2021 Blog , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nearly 80 million Americans came of age during the social and sexual revolution of 1960s and ’70s. The era was characterized by rebellion against parents, society, and conformity in general. About a third of this free-loving generation are now single — either divorced, widowed, or never married to begin with. While many baby boomers are now parents of the decidedly less sexy millennials , their interest in sex shows no sign of slowing down. The dating app Match.com cites 50-plus as the fastest-growing demographic on the site. And a survey from OurTime.com, an online dating site for older adults, found that looks still matter. Approximately 87% of 50- to 70-year-old users point to physical attraction as a deciding factor when sizing up a potential partner.

How do boomers stack up?

Recent research in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, reports that the average American adult has sex about 60 times per year. So, we’re getting it on a little more than once a week. For the 2015 and 2016 studies, researchers analyzed polled data on adult sexual habits from the General Social Survey. Who’s having the most? Compared to subsequent generations, boomers have the most sexual partners over their lifetime. Boomers average 11 partners – compared with millennials who have a projected average of 8. And Generation X comes in second with an average of 10 partners. I see patients every day confirming that boomers are trending up. Surprisingly, younger generations are trending down in terms of sexual interest.

The boomers, who launched the sexual revolution in the ’60s, are now well into their 60s. For them, the revolution rages on.

Which is the sexiest generation of them all?

Hands down this distinction belongs to boomers, who continue to push sexual boundaries. The same generation of women who first benefited from the introduction of the birth control pill in 1965 now crave fresh solutions to keep enjoying sex. A movement is afoot – one that challenges long-held assumptions about aging and sexuality. Adults in their 60s and beyond deserve and demand healthy, happy sex lives.

The FDA approved Viagra in 1998 to treat erectile dysfunction, transforming the sexual landscape for older men. This pharmaceutical added years to their sexual health. Urologists for men were dedicated to their sexual health. They proactively sought out solutions to maintain male vitality. Meanwhile, for decades, women with age-related sexual concerns were left high and dry. They found few options and even fewer physicians who would listen. My female patients have been tragically underserved by conventional medicine. However, the emergence of laser medicine marks the start of a new era. I now offer my female patients new science-backed solutions for all their sexual health needs.

Unlike their Viagra-popping partners, boomer women have been left high and dry…I’m thrilled for you, honey. Really.

Boomer women demand solutions for sexual wellness

Not only did gynecologists fail to rise to the occasion for female patients. The findings of the 2005 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) set women’s health back irreparably. The false conclusion that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was unsafe for women still informs many physicians and patients alike. Daily, I see the repercussions of this inaccuracy negatively affect the lives of my patients. I have treated women for over 25 years and am astonished by the myths patients believe. But more so, by how misinformed many of my colleagues remain about bio-identical HRT. We cannot realistically achieve longevity without balanced hormones. Testosterone therapy plays a fundamental part in preserving women’s libido and sexuality. Furthermore, HRT maintains bone and brain health, prevents Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even breast cancer. Yes, I said testosterone therapy prevents breast cancer in women.

What do boomer women want?

One of the first line treatments I recommend to my boomer women is hormone replacement with BioTE pellet therapy. Once their libido returns, women cannot wait to reclaim their sexuality. Each woman suffers from a unique combination of the many common sexual problems that accompany aging. Things like structural changes resulting from childbirth, incontinence, vaginal laxity and dryness. Add inability to orgasm, pain during intercourse, embarrassing hemorrhoids, and concerns over the appearance of their genitalia. You see, boomer women want to keep having sex and look sexy while they do it. Women over 60 represent an enormous market opportunity. The industry has finally taken notice. Over the past decade, explosive technology – especially in laser devices – has emerged to serve the diversity of women’s sexuality.

Benefits of the bedroom

Of course, making love makes for lots of fun. During arousal, the brain releases powerful “feel-good” chemicals. But, sex also imparts many positive physiological and emotional benefits so it plays a major role in our overall health. People who have more sex report higher self-esteem, life satisfaction, and quality of life. They make better parents and happier employees. Other benefits of spending more time in the bedroom include:

  • boosts your immunity
  • regulates blood pressure
  • reduces stress and improves mood
  • improves sleep 
  • increased longevity

People with healthy sex lives possess greater confidence in and out of the bedroom. But, for boomers, the pros of more sex come with new responsibilities and consequences.

Doctors don’t talk to patients about sexual health. Here’s why they should:

More often than not, healthcare professionals don’t ask about their patients’ intimate lives. This is especially true for older individuals. Physicians may have preconceived notions that they are not sexually active. They could not be more wrong. Sexuality should be part of a physician’s review of systems – no matter what a patient’s age. Intimacy should be an essential component of the patient-doctor conversation. I ask all of my patients about their sexual health. Questions like:

Are you with a new partner? Perhaps more than one? Are you using protection? Would you like an STD screening? Are you satisfied with your performance and do you achieve orgasm? And, equally important, are you satisfied with your partner’s performance?

Boomers are used to giving “the talk” to their children. Many need to learn to take their own advice.

Why should boomers talk about sex now?

With the increase in older people dating, high numbers of boomers report having unprotected sex. As a result, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are skyrocketing among older people. In a report by Global News about sexually active seniors, they shared these alarming statistics:

Recent studies have shown that in the U.S. STDs in the 50 to 70 age group have increased 38 percent from 2014 to 2017…. People over 50 years old made up 21 percent of new HIV diagnoses.

So, why is this happening? Well, it’s multi-factorial. Boomers don’t use protection for a broad range of reasons.

  • No longer a fear of pregnancy – when boomers started having sex, pregnancy was likely the primary issue they considered. Now that this no longer concerns them, older people do not realize the necessity of protection.
  • Unaware of symptoms – many STIs may be present without any visible symptoms. Someone can be infected and not even know it. 
  • Not in the habit – many older people had previous longterm relationships where protection was not necessary. Boomers carry these same assumptions from prior relationships into new sexual encounters without considering the consequences.

Why does sex lose its luster as we age?

As we grow older, both women and men experience a drop in vital sex hormones. A drop in sexual desire and performance typically follows. To make matters worse, as our hormone levels decline, we experience a whole host of unwanted conditions. We have trouble maintaining our weight, difficulty sleeping at night, and decreased muscle strength. Beyond that, many older people suffer from low energy and fatigue. It’s no wonder that many lose interest in sex as we age. HRT is the cornerstone of my sexual wellness philosophy. The topic is so critical, I dedicated a microsite to this potent tool for longevity. You can learn more about hormone pellet therapy here.

Sexual avoidance is a thing too

For many boomers, not having sex – even avoiding it altogether – is also not uncommon. Some of the reasons are physical but, oftentimes, they are physiological or psychosocial. Boomers represent one of the most stressed-out demographics today. Most still work full time. Many also care for aging parents and, increasingly, help financially support their adult children. Changing bodies and changing priorities add additional stumbling blocks for boomers in their ongoing pursuit of love. Some simply don’t have the time, or emotional headspace, for romance. For others, the cause could be medical.

Historically in old age, people tend to have less sex. Many older people lose their partners and don’t necessarily start dating again. Poor health or taking certain medications can also make people less interested in sex. However, boomers are bucking the trend. While some boomers are not actively seeking sex, others actively avoid it. Women more commonly avoid sex than men. In fact, up to 40% of women avoid sex some time in their lives. However men, too, have motivations for opting out of sex.

Some of the reasons boomers refrain:

  • Pain during sex, for women
  • Incontinence and the embarrassment that comes with it – 80% of women experience incontinence during their lifetime.
  • Low libido, among women and men
  • Inability to orgasm – 10% of women never climax
  • Metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity
  • Many medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs reduce libido
  • Low levels of testosterone for men – men lose 20% of their testosterone per decade
  • Dissatisfaction with their partner
  • Erectile dysfunction for men – 60% of men over 60 experience ED
  • Lack of opportunity is cited by men

Fortunately, we now have an abundance of solutions for many of these concerns. The second sexual revolution for Boomers could not have come at a better time.

Laser Love: New science so you stay sexy

A number of revolutionary and noninvasive treatments are currently available to correct issues that get in the way of intimacy. You just have to know where to look. At HealthWellnessMD, we offer an array of non-surgical solutions for your most intimate concerns. We perform these procedures in the comfort and privacy of our medical spa with little to no downtime.

  • Vaginal Rejuvenation with the FemiLift

The FemiLift is for every woman. Every woman who suffers from incontinence, every woman who wants less discomfort during sex and greater sensation, every woman of every age who wants to feel rejuvenated. This minimally invasive laser stimulates collagen production and increases blood flow to the vaginal walls. The FemiLift has the dual effect of both improving urinary leakage and increasing your sexual sensation, lubrication, and overall intimacy.

  • Internal and external Vaginal Rejuvenation with Votiva 

Votiva uses radio frequency (RF) to tighten pelvic muscles and treat the effects of vaginal laxity such as urinary incontinence and loss of sensitivity. This safe and comfortable treatment addresses both internal and external vaginal health issues without surgery. If you suffer from low blood flow or sensitivity, pain with intercourse, or decreased libido, Votiva may be perfect for you. Votiva can also address age-related loss of elasticity and wrinkled appearance of the labia and vulva.

  • Male performance enhancement with GAINSWave™

Many men equate a healthy sex life with their ability to achieve a strong and long-lasting erection. They spend billions each year on temporary male enhancement treatments such as Viagra and Cialis despite the numerous and alarming side effects. Any man who wants to take back his sexuality naturally—without risky medication—can benefit from this gentle and pain-free therapy. The GAINSWave™system uses pulsating acoustic waves to increase blood flow to the penis resulting in a firmer, more resilient erection. Using acoustic waves increases the number of blood vessels, removes micro-plaques, and promotes soft tissue growth within the penis, so it stays firmer longer, while also increasing sensitivity. Greater blood flow means stronger erections and optimal sensation.

  • The O-Shot® for Women

The O-Shot®, or Orgasm- Shot, procedure is a very specific method of using blood-derived growth factors from your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP), to rejuvenate and regenerate the vagina. The O-Shot® helps relieve urinary incontinence, sexual problems, and increases sexual pleasure. For many patients, The O-Shot® improves lubrication and arousal from clitoral stimulation and may decrease pain for women who experience pain during intercourse.

  • The P-Shot® for Men

This groundbreaking new treatment uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient’s own body to rejuvenate damaged and aged tissue. The P-Shot® entails safe, pain-free injections of a patient’s own PRP to rejuvenate the penis and stimulate new tissue growth, resulting in improved erections that are larger, firmer, and more frequent. Because the PRP comes from your own body, it is a natural and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction as well as Peyronie’s Disease. And because most men see almost instantaneous results, you can enjoy sexual relations on the day of the procedure.

  • Vaginal Revision with Laser Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is the fastest-growing type of cosmetic surgery today. We offer a nonsurgical alternative for the many women who experience discomfort or limit activities, such as riding bikes or going to the beach, because of their pronounced labia. We can also help women who are embarrassed because they lack labial symmetry. I want all women to know that you can have perfectly symmetrical labia without going under the knife. After my in-office laser labiaplasty, you go home the same day, with little downtime, no stitches, and the symmetrical appearance you’ve always desired.

  • Hemorrhoids with Laser Hemorrhoid Removal 

Hemorrhoids are not only uncomfortable, they can be embarrassing and interfere with your desire for sexual intimacy. With the rise in oral sexual activity, this condition can be especially awkward. As many as 80% of American suffer from hemorrhoids and most are unaware of a simple and minimally invasive technique to eliminate them. Using our CO2  laser, we permanently remove external hemorrhoids. This laser vaporizes the content of the hemorrhoid as well as the remaining skin sack. So, you can enjoy your sexuality with confidence again.

Your sexual health and wellness is too important to ignore. With such advances in laser technology, there is no reason for boomers to lack confidence in the bedroom due to medical, performance, or cosmetic concerns. You can feel great about the way you look again – in and out of the bedroom.

Taking it to the sheets: The second Sexual Revolution

Boomers are once again challenging the status quo – this time, by upending assumptions about aging and sexuality. During the ‘6os, they were taking it to the streets. Now more than fifty years later, they are revolutionizing the way the medical establishment approaches sexuality and longevity. While there will never be another Summer of Love, with all of these solutions for sexual health, boomers can come pretty darn close. Future generations say thank you.

 

6 Things Doctors Don’t Get About Your Thyroid Diagnosis

11 Mar 2021 Blog , , , , , , , ,

Do you struggle with exhaustion, weight gain, infertility, constipation, and brain fog? Maybe you’ve got thinning hair, depression, or cold hands? And have you been to see your doctor – perhaps more than one – only to be told that there’s nothing wrong? Or worse, your doctor writes off your symptoms as a natural component of aging, or as “woman problems.” Perhaps another doctor blames stress or implies it is all in your head. I’ve got news for you: your thyroid may be culprit.

Regrettably, this scenario is far too common in conventional medicine. I want you to know that you’re not crazy and that this is not okay. As a functional physician, I know that thyroid problems can strike people as young as their 20s, they can affect men as well as women, and that the symptoms you are describing are all too real. At least 27 million Americans have some form of hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid), the most common form of dysfunction. Furthermore, it is estimated that 60% of those with thyroid dysfunction don’t know they have it. You may be one of them.

Does this sound familiar?

Let me share a story about that may resonate with you.

Troy is a successful businessman in his late fifties who travels extensively for work. He owns a ranch in the northwest where he retreats to fish, hike, and reconnect with his family. When I met Troy, he couldn’t remember the last time he had visited the ranch. He complained of low energy, weight gain, brain fog, dry skin, and decreased libido. What’s worse, he had been suffering from these symptoms for many years – so many, in fact, that he had begun to accept this state as his new normal. Troy had already seen 4 doctors before our appointment. Each of them assured him his concerns were simply a natural part of the aging process; each doctor said that his labs were in the normal range. To address his symptoms, Troy had been prescribed a shocking array of medications: anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, ED meds, statins, and sleep aids.

Troy rightly wondered, how can I be fine when I feel this terrible?

Really listening to your patient is key.

After listening to Troy’s symptoms and hearing the hopelessness in his voice, I was determined to find a solution. So, I took a complete medical history. I asked him about the medications he was taking as well as any supplements. In addition, I inquired about his quality of life. I wanted to know: Are you exercising? What activities do you enjoy? And, how about relationships and intimacy? Troy told me he no longer exercised – he was too tired. He didn’t really have much joy in his life. Even a trip to his ranch seemed exhausting. And intimacy? Only a few years earlier, he still enjoyed a vibrant sex life and the stamina of a youthful man. Now? Sex had lost much of its luster.

Treat the patient, not the labs.

I ordered a comprehensive metabolic panel, a complete thyroid panel, and an assessment of essential micronutrients. We saw that most of Troy’s thyroid labs were indeed in the low “normal” range. But that’s not always good enough. What is “normal” for one person can be sub-optimal for another. In Troy’s case, we compared his current labs to his results from the age of 50. I saw a significant fall in his Free T3, the active thyroid hormone. His levels were far from optimal. Even worse, his testosterone had fallen to the low 200s. I like to see my male patients maintain T-levels of 900-1100.

When your thyroid levels drop, your sex hormones fall right along with them. These declines explain Troy’s low energy, low sex drive, and poor quality of life. He had been suffering from functional hypothyroidism for many years without treatment. Doctors missed Troy’s dysfunction appointment after appointment – for years. Why? Because his physicians were treating his lab results and not treating him as an individual.

The simple solution to optimize your thyroid

Unfortunately, I see patients daily – men and women, young and old – who tell me similar stories. This is a real shame as the solution is actually relatively simple. I placed Troy on desiccated thyroid hormone, in his case NP-Throid, along with nutraceuticals that support thyroid function. Once we optimized his thyroid, not only did his thyroid health improve but his testosterone levels returned to normal all on their own. Three months later, Troy called me from his ranch to thank me. He had stopped taking all of the meds prescribed by his other doctors. He felt better than he had in years. He was energized, sleeping well, and fly-fishing with his family. Best of all, Troy and his wife had rekindled their flame. It was like they were on a second honeymoon.

A functional thyroid is essential – it is your master hormone

Show me a person with a happy body and a great attitude and I’ll bet he or she has a healthy thyroid. Most of us do not appreciate the degree to which our overall body function is dependent on this gland. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland create power for every cell in your body. Every cell in the body has a thyroid receptor because every cell requires thyroid hormone to properly function. It is the key that turns on each and every cell. Not only that, but it determines the speed at which the cell’s DNA does what it’s genetically programmed to do.

Although the thyroid’s primary role is the secretion of thyroid hormone and regulating body weight, thyroid hormone affects every cell in your body. It turns your food into energy. Without precisely the right amount of thyroid hormone, your organs cannot perform at optimal levels and your cells cannot produce properly. But, that’s not all. The thyroid gland is critical for the production of sex hormones, as well. So, if your thyroid is out of whack, your testosterone and estrogen levels will follow suit. This is exactly what happened to my patient Troy. Once you’ve gone down this slippery slope, your quality of life has long been on the decline.

6 things doctors don’t get about your thyroid diagnosis:

If Troy had been tested properly for thyroid dysfunction and received appropriate treatment earlier, he would have gotten better within months instead of slogging through his days for years on end. The fact that he had undiagnosed hypothyroidism absolutely infuriates me. What’s more, his case is the norm not the exception. Every day, patients walk into their doctors’ offices complaining of fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Just as often, doctors simply write prescriptions for anti-depressants and sleeping pills then send them out with instructions to eat better and exercise more. Many conventional physicians end up prescribing diet pills and ADD medications rather than diving in to find the root of the disease causing such symptoms.

I always remind myself that my patients do not want to feel bad; and, I am obliged to uncover the source of the problem. I want my patients to love their lives not simply tolerate them – and an untreated thyroid problem is one sure way to be miserable. If you suspect you have a problem, or, if you’ve gotten a diagnosis but you’re not seeing any real improvements, here are 6 things I want you to keep in mind:

1. They don’t run a complete panel

Physicians typically test your TSH, or thyroid stimulating-hormone, when they suspect a problem. Unfortunately, most of them only test for TSH. What’s the problem? In isolation, your TSH levels reveal little about your thyroid health. Using only TSH to screen for hypothyroidism misses 80% of cases. Let that sink in; that’s most of the time. The TSH screen misses far too many diagnoses, leaving patients needlessly suffering. As a functional physician, I know that TSH represents only one-fourth of the picture. It is imperative that we always run a complete panel: TSH, Total T4, Free T3, and TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase). If I had looked solely at Troy’s TSH levels, he would not be fly-fishing at his ranch anytime soon.

2. They overlook an important marker

As many as 80% of people diagnosed with hypothyroidism actually suffer from Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your own tissue. Despite what your doctor may tell you, Hashimoto’s is not a problem of the thyroid; it is a problem of the immune system. If you have Hashimoto’s, that means your immune system malfunctions and attacks your thyroid. This attack causes the gland to underproduce its hormones, slowing down all of your metabolic processes. And, in these instances, you can have symptoms for years and have no clue.

Patients get all kinds of inaccurate “diagnoses” for a broad range of diseases – from autoimmune conditions to major psychiatric disorders. But, in reality, Hashimoto’s may be responsible. Hashimoto’s represents the leading cause of hypothyroidism, yet mainstream medicine fails to test patients for thyroid antibodies that indicate the diagnosis. Every patient who presents with thyroid symptoms should have their TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) levels screened. Doctors only need this simple blood test for a diagnosis.

What’s wrong with this picture? TPO, the only test for Hashimoto’s, is missing.

3. They don’t augment with Iodine

Iodine is a relatively rare element but it’s found in abundance in the ocean. Unless you live on the east or the west coasts, you are likely iodine deficient – end, even if you do, chances are still good. In fact, 72 % of the world’s population is deficient in iodine. Why should you care? This micronutrient is essential to every cell in the body and required for the production of all hormones. Iodine is one of the building blocks of your thyroid hormones. Every hormone and every cell in your body requires such micronutrients for optimal function. If you want to learn about the supplements you need to keep all of your hormones happy, you can read more here. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and your physician does not recommend iodine supplementation, you may see no improvement – even if you’re taking thyroid hormone.

4. They don’t focus on the right thing

As we age, optimizing your thyroid becomes increasingly significant. In order for you to feel well, you must convert T4 to T3. The older you get, the harder it is for your body to convert T4 to T3. Why is this important? Since T3 represents the most active form of thyroid hormone that the cells of the body use, Free T3 is critically important. Unfortunately, most conventional doctors do NOT test your Free T3 levels. Over time, the amount of thyroid hormone decreases as a result of a decreased production by the gland. Additionally, age-related loss of effectiveness at receptor sites causes symptoms in spite of “normal” blood levels. Prescribing T3 and T4 combination-thyroid hormone along with key nutrients to support the thyroid remains the only successful treatment for thyroid disorders. If your physician does not recommend this course of action, then find a new one.

5. They rely on old ranges

Even if your doctor does order a complete thyroid panel, they’re usually relying on “normal” reference ranges. Such ranges remain too broad and often inaccurate. Know that your thyroid levels can appear “normal,” just like Troy’s, and you can still have symptoms. That’s why I use optimal reference ranges when evaluating your thyroid labs.

  • Broad reference ranges – Decades ago, researches created these ranges using people who go to the doctor (i.e. sick people), not healthy ones. So, the reference ranges are far too broad to catch minor variations in thyroid health.
  • Non-standardized reference range – Not only is the reference range too broad, but it can vary from state to state, lab to lab, even doctor to doctor. This mans it’s possible you can have a thyroid disorder in one state, but not another. That’s not good science and it is definitely not good medicine.

Your doctor may tell you your thyroid labs are just fine. But, if you’re still experiencing symptoms, get a second opinion—and a third, if necessary.

6. They miss the big picture

Everyday life in our modern world robs you of nutrients that are essential for a healthy thyroid. So, your doctor must screen your nutritional profile for micronutrients. Micronutrients include trace minerals, vitamins, various oils, and phytonutrients. This is why I assessed Troy’s essential micronutrient levels at our first appointment. When you take medications, when you eat certain foods, when you’re exposed to certain chemicals found in everyday products, your thyroid is compromised.

The culprits are nefarious and pervasive and include things like soy, gluten, dairy, and refined sugars, as well as the chloride in your water, fluoride in your toothpaste and mouthwash, and bromides in bread, make-up, and hair color. These bad actors also affect your gut health. Why does this matter? Because of the direct correlation between your gut, microbiome, and thyroid function. About 20% of the conversion from T4 to T3 (the active form) happens in the gut. If you have an unhealthy microbiome, you’ll lose that 20%. Plus, your overall nutrient absorption will diminish and many of the nutrients that play a pivotal role in thyroid function will also be low.

The sad state of thyroid care today

You walk into the doctor’s office with telltale signs of hypothyroidism: swelling of the face; thinning eyebrows and hair; pale dry skin; red irritated dry eyes; cold hands and feet; hoarseness of voice, and over 200 obvious symptoms. Still, your doctor has no idea your physical symptoms are due to hypothyroidism. You look like a walking talking billboard for hypothyroidism, but your doctor fails to notice. The typical conventional physician neglects running the appropriate panel of tests, Furthermore, many fail to fully investigate the patient’s medical history, family history, or even conduct a thorough physical exam. I do not believe that patients are to blame for this.

How can you be sure you’re getting the best thyroid care?

Physicians should get up to speed and stop practicing medicine like it is forty years ago. In their defense, I will point out that it typically takes 20-30 years for mainstream medicine to incorporate new medical research. However, it is crucial that physicians stay abreast of new science such as longevity science and precision medicine.

Patients: you have to be your own best advocates. Research your physician before your appointment – look for doctors who practice functional medicine because they understand thyroid physiology. And come armed with this list of 6 things that most doctors don’t get about your diagnosis. Now that you’ve got them, you’re in a better position to get the best care.

 

7 Supplements to Keep Your Hormones Happy

3 Mar 2021 Blog , , , , , , , , , ,

Not a day goes by that I don’t hear some form of this question from patients: “Which supplements should I really be taking?” With so much conflicting information about supplements out there, it’s no wonder people are confused. At the risk of confusing you even further, know that I never recommend “supplements.” However, I do recommend supplementing with medical-grade nutraceuticals – especially for happy hormones. What are nutraceuticals? Nutraceuticals add extra health benefits to the nutritional foods you’re already eating. Because the American food supply is nutrient poor, we must supplement our diet. So adding essential nutrients is especially significant for keeping your hormones balanced.

Isn’t eating right always the answer?

As an expert in functional nutrition, I know that a nutrient-rich diet forms the foundation of overall wellness. Further, when your hormones are properly balanced, your body runs smoothly. So, how can you optimize your nutrition and your hormonal health at the same time? You must first and foremost eat a nourishing diet. But, it’s not that simple. I wish it were. Eating right is the ideal. However, supplementing with medical-grade nutraceuticals is the reality for longterm health. Keeping your hormones happy enhances your quality of life and extends longevity.

How do you get started on the path to hormonal happiness?

Before you begin any new regimen, you’ll need some blood work to see where you stand. Your doctor should run a full metabolic panel. But, also, an assessment of micronutrients to determine if you have any deficiencies. Almost all Americans lack fundamental nutrients necessary for optimal hormone function. Honestly, I’d be surprised if you didn’t. I have never seen a patient with pristine labs.

Complicating things more, recent research has established new optimal levels of all sorts of nutrients. These new ranges conflict with the ranges most labs use. Furthermore, many conventional physicians are not up to speed on current clinical studies. So, when they look at your results, they are not equipped to make proper recommendations.

Why should you care? You can’t treat what you don’t know.

Why should you care about hormone balance?

Hormonal imbalances cause physical and psychological symptoms. Many times, these symptoms remain misdiagnosed or simply ignored. About 80% of women suffer from some kind of hormonal imbalance during their lifetime. Imbalances leading to physical and mental health challenges. Many women produce inadequate amounts of estrogen and progesterone levels – the two most significant female sex hormones.

And most of us believe that testosterone is exclusively a male hormone. They are dead wrong. Testosterone in women performs many vital functions, including:

  • maintains lean muscle mass
  • protects the brain from dementia
  • lowers risk of heart disease
  • builds far better bones than estrogen.

Should men worry about hormone balance?

Hormonal imbalance is hardly a woman’s issue. Men are equally susceptible to a range of hormonal imbalances. In their case, their testosterone is too low or they produce inadequate estrogen. In men, estrogen performs important functions, including:

  • protects against heart disease
  • helps prevent stroke
  • protects the brain against Alzheimer’s

However, sex hormones are not the only chemical culprits in this story

Hormones are not simply about sex. Far from it.

Most of us associate hormones primarily with sex. But, we’re really not giving these chemical messengers enough credit. Hormones are more complex than that. Your hormones control how well you respond to stress and how well you sleep. They also determine what kind of mood you’re in and how your thyroid functions. If one or more is even slightly imbalanced, it starts a domino effect on your health.

When your hormones are happy, you’ll be amazed how your world is transformed.

When do hormonal imbalances occur?

Hormonal issues typically occur when you produce too much or too little of certain hormones. As a result, the body becomes less efficient at processing nutrients – things like proteins and vitamins in the food you eat. This malfunction triggers a chain reaction. The result? Serious issue like diabetes, ovarian dysfunction, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, and loss of libido. These conditions occur in men and in women and at any life stage. As far I’m concerned, the decline or loss of sexual desire is as significant as major disease.

What causes them?

Each of these health problems stems from a variety of causes: genetics, poor diet, and stress. Sleep deprivation, for example, lowers testosterone. At the same time, it raises cortisol – the “stress hormones.” Chemicals in foods and toxins in the environment can also disrupt your hormones. Other possible causes of hormonal disorders include obesity, menopause, and pregnancy. In men, if you suffer from low testosterone, that means you’re also hypothyroid. Many men can even reverse low-T by taking thyroid hormone.

You may not have full control over all of these factors. But you can prevent and manage hormonal imbalances. Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating whole foods, getting better quality sleep, and adding more movement can contribute to hormonal balance. However, for many, such modifications are not enough.

Nutritional support for optimal hormonal health

In my practice, I encourage all my patients to optimize their hormones to improve quality of life. First, I evaluate and treat any thyroid dysfunction and hormonal imbalances. For inadequate testosterone and estrogen levels, I treat with bioidentical hormone replacement with pellet therapy. And, for thyroid problems, I prescribe thyroid hormone. However, for these measures to succeed, patients must supplement with medical-grade nutraceuticals. Hormones always need a little help from their friends to get their job done right. Think of these vitamins and minerals as your hormones’ friends.

7 supplements your hormones can’t live without:

I’m going to assume most of you take a medical-grade multivitamin with breakfast or dinner. If you don’t, you should. But, you’re going to need more than a multi to keep your hormones firing on all cylinders. Here are 7 supplements to help your hormones function optimally:

  • Vitamin D:  In many ways, D behaves more like a hormone than a vitamin. Your D-level is the number one indicator of both disease and mortality death. D supports thyroid function and weight-control. The nutrient is critical for the prevention of clinical depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  • Iodine:  For thyroid support, take Iodine. You can’t produce your thyroid hormone without it. Furthermore, it decreases disease in all reproductive tissue – for men and women. Plus, Iodine detoxes you at the cellular level.
  • Probiotics:  You probably know that probiotics are great for your gut health. A healthy microbiome easily absorbs nutrients in your food as well as your nutraceuticals. Beyond that, your gut produces more than 90%  of your body’s serotonin, your “feel-good hormone.” So, you want a healthy gut for your mental health. A healthy gut means a healthy brain.
  • DIM:  Diindolylmethane restores hormone levels in several ways. It helps rid your body of harmful estrogen byproducts. And DIM is the most potent anti-inflammatory supplement available. This compound also helps with heart health by reducing plaque formation in arteries. Ready for more? DIM aids in both muscle-building and fat loss. Moreover, it boosts energy and stamina, increases libido, and lifts your mood. What can’t DIM do?
  • B-Complex:  People with B vitamin deficiencies frequently experience depression, anxiety, and mood swings. We need B vitamins for the nervous system to work properly. During pregnancy, they prevent brain and spine defects in the fetus. Further, B vitamins promote healthy metabolism and reduce the risk of stroke.
  • Ashwagandha:  This herbal supplement benefits your thyroid function by it promoting the elimination of free radicals. Ashwagandha can be used to support a sluggish or overactive thyroid and help overcome fatigue. When you experience too much emotional, physical, or mental stress, your body can become overtaxed. Such stressors lead to the disruption of hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and progesterone. If you’re feeling stressed, Ashwagandha helps you respond to it better.
  • Omegas:  Omegas make it easier for hormones to reach their destination on the cell. For your heart and brain to function at their best, Omegas are essential.

Once your hormones are in balance, you’ll see positive benefits across the board. Your weight will be easier to manage and your skin will look younger. You’ll have more energy and enjoy a more restful sleep. The icing on the cake? Your sex drive and satisfaction will soar. Once you get your hormones working for you rather than against you, the sky is the limit.

 

 

 

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