Age Management - The Science & Medicine
Medical Age Management is the pinnacle of biotechnology joined with advanced clinical preventive medicine. This specialty is founded on the application of advanced scientific and medical technologies for the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related dysfunction, disorders, and diseases. It is a healthcare model promoting innovative science and research to prolong the healthy lifespan in humans. As such, medical age management is based on principles of sound and responsible medical care that are consistent with those applied in other preventive health specialties. This medical model aims to both extend lifespan as well as prolong the length of time that we are able to live productively and independently.
Hormones and Age
Hormones play a crucial role in the metabolic functions of both men and women. Hormone imbalance begins when a woman's Ovaries or Adrenals start making less estrogen, progesterone, or Testosterone. During the reproductive years, these hormones regulate the monthly cycles of ovulation and menstruation. In the late 30s, the amount of progesterone that the body produces diminishes, and the remaining eggs from the ovaries are less likely to be fertilized. Eventually the menstrual periods stop, and a woman can no longer become pregnant. For men, a similar decrease in Testosterone production leads to Erectile Dysfunction and other symptoms. Decrease or increase of Thyroid Hormones, also leads to hormone imbalances.
Hormones serve as chemical messengers to the body’s vast network of organs, tissues and cells. In addition to carrying out a myriad of physiological and biochemical processes throughout the body, hormones help shape who we are, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Prescription Hormones – Definitions
THYROID
The thyroid gland is considered “Metabolism Central”. This butterfly-shaped gland affects energy regulation in every cell, organ and tissue in the body. It regulates temperature, metabolism, and cerebral function. It also increases the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, resulting in weight loss as well as lower cholesterol. Thyroid hormones decline in everyone around the age of forty, and if there is stress, nutrient deficiency or Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure, it declines earlier. Physicians are diagnosing thyroid symptoms in children and teens, mid-twenties, mid-thirties and anytime in life when there is decision making or other stress.
As with other hormones, if the clinical picture fits thyroid dysfunction, then thyroid should be restored. Compounded Sustained Release Thyroid Hormone Replacement supplements T-3 as well as T-4, to correct deficiencies of Thyroid hormone and return them to their optimal levels. It is often the case that Thyroid restoration will be required for a period of time as nutrition, stress and EMF exposure improve.
Specific nutrients critical to Thyroid restoration include iodine, selenium, zinc, B-12, ferritin and Vitamin D. Bromine, which is an additive to breads, pastas, all enriched products, sports drinks and Mountain Dew, displaces iodine in the body and gives rise to Thyroid deficiency, symptoms also known as “Functional Hypothyroidism”. Many processed foods and drugs also decrease Thyroid activity; for example, processed soy products in excess can decrease Thyroid activity. All hormones ultimately need optimal Thyroid levels to function.
Thyroid hormone is known to protect against:
- Weight Gain
- Fatigue
- Low Body Temperatures
- Colds and Other Viruses
- Dry Skin
- Headaches
- Depression & Mood Swings
ESTROGEN
Estrogen is a hormone secreted primarily by the ovaries, but it is also secreted by the adrenal glands and from fatty tissues. While we often refer to estrogen as a hormone alone, estrogens are actually a group of like hormones, which include estrone, estradiol and estriol. Estrogen affects the body in many ways, but its main duty in the female reproductive system is to signal to the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, to grow. Estrogen is also responsible for the increase in fertile cervical mucus and increased sexual desire that comes just before ovulation.
There are basically three forms of estrogen: Estradiol (10-20%), estrone (5-20%), and estriol (60-80%). Of the three, estradiol is the most physiologically and biologically active. Natural Hormone Replacement is comprised of either two (Bi-est) Estradiol and Estriol or all three estrogens (Tri-est) using a BIO-Identical formula that your body recognized as it would it’s own.
Studies show that BIO-Identical Estrogen Replacement Therapy may protect against:
- Strokes
- Osteoporosis (increased osteoclasts)
- Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Loss
- Urinary Tract Atrophy
- Symptoms of Menopause, Mood Alterations, Decreased Libido, & Depression
PROGESTERONE
This hormone is secreted by the ovaries and is of paramount importance to women. It is used in nature to balance the effects of estrogen. BIO-Identical progesterone allows women to feel much better that they do on any of the synthetic progestins with none of the side effects of synthetic products such as bloating, swelling, breast tenderness, bleeding, irritability and depression.
Studies show that BIO-Identical Progesterone may protect against:
- Breast Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Fibrocystic Disease
- Ovarian Cysts
- Symptoms associated with PMS, Mood Swings, Fatigue, Depression & Weight Gain
TESTOSTERONE FOR MEN
This hormone is primarily considered the male hormone. As testosterone production declines with age, there are certain health problems that accompany this loss. Historically, testosterone use has been associated with aggression and hyper-sexuality. 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. A “natural” form of testosterone is called micronized.
Studies report men that receive BIO-Identical Testosterone may benefit through:
- Increased Bone Density, Formation, & Minerals
- Increased Energy
- Improvement in Sexual Function
- Decreased Body Fat
- Increased Muscle Strength
- Decreased Heart Disease
TESTOSTERONE FOR WOMEN
Healthy women naturally produce small amounts of Testosterone in their ovaries. It helps to control a woman’s libido and enhances the functions of Estrogen. Testosterone deficiency can occur from age 40 onwards and usually occurs after Progesterone declines.
Studies report women that receive BIO-Identical Testosterone may benefit through:
- Enhancement of Sexual Drive
- Relief of Menopausal Symptoms
- Restoration of Energy
- Strengthening of Bone
- Prevention of Osteoporosis
- Improved Cognitive Function
- Preventing Wrinkles and Increasing Collagen & Elastin
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The most profound effects from DHEA are based on its ability to stimulate protein synthesis from the cell, which in turn results in an increase in cell regeneration. This regeneration can forestall the disease process. DHEA should be prescribed in a sustained release, micronized form, which allows for complete absorption as well as a sustained level for a 24-hour period. DHEA converts into Testosterone in women, not in men, and DHEA is the first hormone to use for low sex drive in women, after progesterone.
DHEA is known as a Natural Antioxidant. The benefits include:
- Restoring Immunity
- Improving Memory
- Improving Energy
- Slowing the Aging Process
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), also known as the “healing hormone” is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain and manufactured by the same process as insulin. It is known to stimulate cell growth and rejuvenation. HGH may result in faster healing of wounds and has been shown to generate tremendous improvements in postoperative healing by stimulation of cellular repair and protein synthesis. It is a major player in all connective tissue maintenance, such as bone, muscle, fat and skin. HGH is also a major player in the immune system and the activation of all other hormones. HGH declines from the mid-thirties onwards and reaches about 50% activity around the age of 50.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) known benefits include:
- Increased Energy Levels
- Elevated Mood
- Improved Muscle/Fat Ratio
- Improved Fluid Balance
- Improved Bone Density
- Decreased Signs of Aging
Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Deficiencies
The most accurate diagnosis of hormone deficiency is clinical. Based on the patient’s clinical history and presenting symptoms, an accurate diagnosis can be made. Laboratory testing should always be correlated with the clinical picture and the ultimate goals of the patient.
Ask your healthcare provider to explain if you have any signs or symptoms of hormone deficiency.
Pharmacy Compounded BIO-Identical Hormones
BIO-identical hormones are made by expert pharmacists in a Compounding Pharmacy by prescription only. Healthcare providers evaluate hormone requirements through clinical symptoms, and possibly, blood or saliva tests, and then a prescription is tailored to the exact amount of each hormone needed for the individual's balance. Since no two patients are alike and because every patient is different and has different needs, customized, compounded medications are an important part of quality medical care. Through compounding, physicians are able to customize the exact amount of the hormones required to reach optimal levels.
Sometimes commercially available drugs are not suitable for a particular patient. For instance, a commercially available drug may not be available in required dosage amount or delivery form, or it may contain allergens that a particular patient cannot tolerate. Your physician will work with expert pharmacists to create customized hormone replacement therapy regimes suitable for you, the patient. At your physician's direction, the pharmacist will tailor the dosage amount and delivery format to meet your specific needs. Physicians can feel confident in the ability to prepare customized medications that meet specific patient needs and improve patient health.
The Production of BIO-Identical Hormones
Precursors (sterols) to progesterone and estrogen are found in wild yams and soy but the human body does not have the ability to convert these sterols to hormones. Through a simple process (hydrolysis) these chemicals are converted into progesterone, estrogen and testosterone capable of being processed by the body. They are considered "natural" because they are derived from a natural plant (organic) source and are structurally identical to the hormones biologically made in the body. These hormones are then formulated by expert compounding pharmacists into a strength and dosage form recommended by your physician.
When first developed, synthetic hormones were well received because they provided some of the benefits of hormonal replacement: controlling the symptoms of menopause and fighting osteoporosis. However some women cannot tolerate synthetic hormones, often suffering side effects such as bloating, bleeding or mood swings. Pharmacy compounded hormones can help alleviate these side effects, based on the medical assessment and prescription of your physician.
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