Weight Loss and Disease Prevention

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05/01/2012 by JamesBass - Tags: , , ,

Guide to a Healthy Life

How many times have you been on a diet?  You go a diet where you see dramatic results and you lose weight, which is followed by increased weight when you start letting the chocolate cake start trailing every meal.

If you have been on a “yo-yo” diet, then you are not alone.  Many people try diets and soon come off of them, realizing that they do not work.  But why don’t diets keep you healthy?

The problem with diets is that most people view them as a temporary path.  How many times did you tell yourself that once you reached your goal that you would be able to indulge in some sweet fudge and start living the good life?  A diet is not a lifestyle commitment to better health.  In order to stay healthy, you have to realize that a good choices are not impermanent—you have to make good decisions each and every day.

Tips to Weight Loss and Disease Prevention

Obesity is connected to a wide array of diseases, including: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, metabolic disorder, hormonal imbalances and reproductive disorders, and coronary artery disease.   These diseases can wreck your general health, so here are some tips to creating a healthy lifestyle, so you can prevent these illnesses from taking over.

 

  1. Healthy Eating- your mom always said that you should eat your fruits and veggies. That fact still holds true.  Natural foods have so many vitamins and antioxidants that keep your body operating at its best.  By cooking yourself and avoiding processes foods, you can establish good habits that will trim your waistline, and keep you feeling good.  Next time you visit the grocery store, head to the produce section first and fill your grocery cart with everything in season.  You will be amazed how much flavor natural ingredients have, and how much energy you can gain from them.  Try healthy, natural foods today!
  2. Go Outside and Exercise! – So eating right and exercise seem like the basics, but they are both essential elements to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Go outside and take a walk, go for a run, join a cardio-bootcamp.  Just make sure that you are getting your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes, at least 5 days a week.  Call your friends, work out together, and make exercise a social, healthy habit.  The most important thing is that you make exercise a regular part of your day-to-day life.
  3. It Is All about Balance- Think of your body as a scale. The amount that you are eating in a day should match the amount that your body is using.  The scale should be even on both sides to ensure that you are maintaining your weight.
  4. Know Your BMI- Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple way to calculate your body fat measured by height and weight.  A BMI of 27 or greater is considered to be overweight.  To see how you stack up, check out this BMI guide.- http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
  5. Talk to Dr. Dean- Dr. Melissa Dean is here to talk to you about all of your goals, including weight loss and healthy living.  Come into the Dean Wellness Center to see how all you can make your health goals a reality.  The key to a healthy future starts with you! Take the steps today for a healthier tomorrow.

References

 

What is Irritable Male Syndrome?

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04/26/2012 by JamesBass - Tags: ,

Do you find yourself hypersensitive about things that didn’t bother you before?  Are you anxious and more frustrated then you thought you ever would be?  Do you feel frustrated and depressed, but really don’t know why? Are you angry about the little things in life making you more likely to act out?

Are you a man?

Usually, symptoms of hypersensitivity, anger, and anxiety have been applied to women, called PMS, or premenstrual syndrome.  But new research has shown that men can have similar indicators, which could be from a bigger issue—Irritable Male Syndrome.  Andropause is a syndrome where testosterone levels begin to decrease in aging men, and is connected to Irritable Male Syndrome.  Now more and more research is showing just how much of an impact this testosterone decrease can make on men, and just what can happen if this syndrome is left unresolved.

The Research

Dr. Gerald Lincoln studied Soay sheep in the Medical Research Council’s Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh, Scotland.  From his research, he found that in the autumn months, male Soay sheep had high levels of testosterone as they mated.  But when winter rolled around, and the mating season ended, the testosterone levels of the rams decreased.  This decrease in testosterone led to abnormal behavior, as the rams became more anxious and withdrawn, and began striking out against others.  Dr. Lincoln performed similar tests on red deer, reindeer, and Indian elephants and found similar results with the male species.

What Causes Irritable Male Syndrome in Humans?

Testosterone levels can drop as men get older.  The testosterone levels can also fall in men due to various reasons, which include:

  • Poor diet
  • Too much alcohol (excessive)
  • Illness
  • Deficient amounts of sleep
  • Lack of sex
  • Stress

If testosterone levels drop for men, then Irritable Male Syndrome might ensue.  Stress tends to be a common trigger of the syndrome, and when combined with the hormonal changes of men, can be the perfect storm to creating emotional outbursts.  Common symptoms can include: men being socially withdrawn, anger, mood swings, lack of libido or sexual drive, hypersensitivity, back and headaches, and irritability.

Jed Diamond, creator of the book, Irritable Male Syndrome, has studied the syndrome and how it affects the day to day life of men.  He has discovered that Irritable Male Syndrome can display itself in two different ways.  It can be ‘acted out’ or ‘acted in.’ Sometimes men will show their feelings expressively and openly by being protective, demanding, or getting angry—all with external consequences.  At other times, men can feel anxious, stressed, or sad—not sure where their emotions are coming from and dealing with how they feel, internally.

What can be done if Irritable Male Syndrome is suspected?

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing the symptoms of Irritable Male Syndrome, then it is best to come see us at the Dean Wellness Institute.

Testosterone changes can be tested in connection with the biochemical changes, hormonal fluctuations, continual stress, and loss of male identity that you might be feeling.  By talking to those you trust, including Dr. Melissa Dean, then progress can be made to make sure that you are not suffering alone and changes can be made to make you feel healthy and like your old self.

For more information about Irritable Male Syndrome and its connection to andropause, check out another article on our website at www.deanwellnessinstitute.com/andropause.html.

Dr. Melissa Dean and the team at Dean Wellness Institute in Vero Beach, FL are here to help. Dr. Dean can answer any questions you may have. If you are or someone you know may be suffering from Irritable Male Syndrome call Dr. Dean to schedule an appointment. Dean Wellness Institute makes educating their patients a top priority through lecture series, educational website, our blog, and social media. We ecourage you to learn more by becoming a fan on the Dean Wellness Facebook page or connect with Dr. Dean professionally on LinkedIn.

 

References

-Dean Wellness Institute. Andropause. http://deanwellnessinstitute.com/index.html

-James Chapman. Why so Bad-Tempered? I’ve Got Irritable Male Syndrome. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-102300/Why-bad-tempered-Ive-got-Irritable-Male-Syndrome.html

-Jed Diamond. The Irritable Male Syndrome. http://www.theirritablemale.com/

-Gerald Lincoln. Research Focus. http://www.rds.mvm.ed.ac.uk/RDS%20Team%20Pages/Gerald%20Lincoln%20Main%20and%20Linked%20page/Gerald%20Lincolns%20Main%20Page.html

 

 

 

How to Detoxify Your Body

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04/23/2012 by JamesBass - Tags: , ,

Detoxifying Your Body

The alarm blares, and you wake up feeling more groggy and sleepy than the night before. “How can I still be tired?” you think to yourself, as you jam your feet into your bunny slippers and walk to the coffee pot.

A lack of energy, focus, digestive problems, or overall fatigue might benefit from a total body detoxification. Detoxification is commonly known as the process of cleansing the body’s blood through one of the main health centers — the liver. But there are multiple ways that you can cleanse the body. This blog will show just some of the ways that you can be healthier and feel better, safely and naturally.

What are Some Ways to Detoxify?

  1. Remove toxins from your life- Say Goodbye to coffee.  Adios to cigarettes. And Au Revoir to drinking. Taking away some of the so-called ‘no-no’s’ can make a huge difference in the way that you feel.  By making sure that you are following the motto, “moderation is key,” you can jumpstart your body into a healthy state of being. Get rid of the toxins, and make a difference for tomorrow.
  2. Limit the ingredients that you are eating- When you see ‘high-processed’ anywhere on the back of your cereal box, stay away. Start thinking that the fewer ingredients, the better. The less processed the foods, the better. The more that you can cook yourself, the better. The more natural foods that you can add to your everyday diet, the better. Take the time to pack yourself a healthy lunch, where you focus on every item that you are going to consume. By taking the time to prepare your foods, not only are you getting to eat healthy things that you enjoy, but you are avoiding trashy fast-food that wrecks your digestive system.  Your kidneys, liver, skin, and overall body will thank you.
  3. Put on those tennis shoes - Heading outdoors and exercising is a great way to reduce stress, keep you healthy, and most importantly, have some fun. Find activities that you like to do that will keep your heart rate up, and your stress level down low.  Mix it up so that you can try new activities which you might find you love. Yoga, kick-boxing, step classes, running. Just get out there and move.
  4. Buy a stress-ball and use it- We all have stresses in our lives which we would love to avoid.  The in-laws are coming, Tommy is having a birthday party with 30 of his closest kid friends, and that report to your boss is due in an hour.  Take the time to meditate or find a way to clear your mind, so you can focus on the ‘big-stuff,’ but not let it overwhelm you.  Learn breathing techniques to help you stay calm in the most difficult situations.  Learn yoga.  Just find a way to connect with yourself and take a deep breath in and out from time to time.
  5. Start Drinking – Water that is! - Go out to the store and get that fancy water bottle you have been eyeing.  That water bottle is going to be your new best friend, which will always be by your side.  Everyone knows how important it is to drink water, but few are actually getting enough of that precious H2O.  By adding more water into your life, you might be surprised just how good you feel, and just how well those kidneys are working to maintain your body’s natural balance.
  6. Cleansing? Detox Diets? Are those really safe? - Some naturopathic doctors believe in the power of the detox diet, where the body is flushed with juices and water to revitalize the kidneys and liver, and essentially clean the body out.  While there are side effects reported from these diets, such as fatigue or joint pain, many people say that they feel so much better following the cleanse. It is important to note that if you are thinking about starting any sort of cleanse or detoxification regime, that you should talk with Dr. Melissa Dean at the Dean Wellness Institute to make sure that such a program is safe for you.
  7. When in doubt, ask Dr. Dean- Make sure to always ask questions about what exercise programs and what diet plans might be right for you.  Your health is always the number one priority, and the Dean Wellness Institute is committed to making sure our patients have the most up to date information in order to make certain that they can be the best that they choose to be.

Dr. Melissa Dean of the Dean Wellness Institute in Vero Beach, FL is here to answer any questions you may have about how to detoxify your body. The Dean Wellness Institute specializes with helping patients create a detoxification plan. You will be amazed at how rejuvenated you feel after detoxifying with Dr. Dean. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Or learn more by visiting the Dean Wellness Institute on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

References

Bastyr Center for Natural Health. Detox Diets. http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/205/

Web MD. Body Detoxification. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-cleansing-body

Gaiam Life-Guide to Healthy Lifestyle. 10 Ways to Detoxify. http://life.gaiam.com/article/10-ways-detoxify-your-body

WebMD. Body Detox Diets: Purging the Myths. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-purging-myths

 

 

 

Heavy Metal Detoxification

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04/23/2012 by JamesBass - Tags: , ,

Is there too much Heavy Metal in your diet?

Turn on the TV late at night, and you are sure to find yourself bombarded with advertisements about “Detox” diets, and their proven benefits. The chipper host tells you about your body, and how it is plugged with harmful toxins that are preventing you from living a healthy, energetic life.

But how much of the information in these infomercials is real, and what do you need to know about Detoxification for your own health? Through Dr. Melissa Dean’s blog, the mysteries of Heavy Metal Detoxification will be uncovered so you know exactly what you are putting into your body, what you need to avoid, and what you should discuss with Dr. Melissa Dean the next time you’re at the Dean Wellness Institute.

What are Heavy Metals?

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions a heavy metal is something that you would lift in the gym, not something that you would find in your body. However, heavy metals are inside all of us. They are the elements that are essential for human life, and without them, we would find ourselves with serious deficiencies.

In pure definition terms, a heavy metal refers to the periodic table of elements, where elements with atomic values higher than 21 are considered “heavy.”  Today, many refer to the expression, heavy metal, to refer to the elements’ toxicity—how much pollution each heavy metal releases into environments, which also includes the human body.

Iron, vanadium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and molybdenum are some of the heavy metals found in many living organisms. For us, it is important to have small concentrations of each of these metals in our body in order to maintain homeostasis, or our body’s balance. However, it is possible to have concentrations of cadmium, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, iron, mercury, platinum and zinc that are too high. When these concentrations of metals are too high, they can in turn, be toxic and harmful.

What is Heavy Metal Detoxification?

Heavy metal detoxification is classified as the process of cleansing the body of heavy metals that could have built up over long periods of time. Chelation Therapy has been used for toxic buildups of heavy metals with patients in hospital settings for over forty years.  This therapy breaks the heavy metals down so they no longer are potentially hazardous to the individual.

Some scientists claim that the bodies own natural mechanisms can eliminate excess build-up of other toxins, and detoxification is not necessary. However, any questions about your own heavy metal detoxification plans should be discussed in full with Dr. Melissa Dean.

What are You Eating?

We all know how important it is to have a balanced diet. Your mom always said that if you eat your greens, you will grow up to be healthy and strong, and that advice holds true. But today, it is important to know not only what you are eating, but where your foods are coming from.

Pesticides can plague the foods that we eat. Cadmium has been found to be in pesticides that are used with manufacturing and insecticides surrounding food. Too much of this heavy metal, and the others as well, is not safe for human consumption.  High levels of the heavy metal, mercury, have also been found in different fish populations. Researchers warn that mercury levels should be monitored by watching how much fish a person eats on a weekly basis.

The best way to limit the amount of heavy metals in your day to day diet is to know where your foods are coming from. Spend time at the grocery store and farmers’ market picking out safe food resources.  Ask questions about where your food is grown, where the meat is coming from, and how processed are the ingredients.

Just taking a little bit of time to plan your grocery list around your available resources will infuse different, fresh foods in your diet.  New recipes, healthy ingredients, and limited heavy metals in your diet—what could be better to bite into?

Dr. Melissa Dean is an expert on detoxification. If you have questions regarding the effects of heavy metals on your body don’t hesitate to contact Dean Wellness Institute in Vero Beach, FL. Dr. Melissa Dean has been practicing wellness medicine for many years and is here to answer your questions. Stay tuned to learn more about wellness on the Dean Wellness Institute blog. Or even better join us on Facebook, Twitter and/or LinkedIn.

References

-Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxic Substances. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp

-Environmental Defense. Effect of Heavy Metals. http://environmentaldefence.ca/reports

-The Encyclopedia of Earth. Heavy Metals. http://www.eoearth.org/article/Heavy_metal?topic=49498

-Joseph W.Gorsuch. 1991. Plants for toxicity assessment. ASTM Committee E-47 on Biological Effects and Environmental Fate.

-BBC News. 2006. Scientists Dismiss Detox Schemes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4576574.stm

- American Heart Association. 2008. Chelation Therapy. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/PharmacologicalandBiologicalTreatment/chelation-therapy

 

 

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

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06/30/2011 by MelissaDean - Tags: ,

In Dr. Melissa Dean’s last blog post, “Natural Hormone Replacement,” Dr. Dean cited a study from Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial of combined estrogen and progestin for preventing menopausal symptoms. In 2002, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) shut down the research study because participants taking hormones had a higher risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Even though the increased risk was marginal, researchers concluded that they had to stop the study and discontinue hormone therapy. Many of the participants found that the symptoms of menopause: sleeplessness, hot flashes and discomfort returned with intensity. However, NHLBI failed to disclose that their researchers did not use bioidentical hormones in the treatment.
Continue reading →

Natural Hormone Replacement

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06/30/2011 by MelissaDean - Tags: , , ,

Menopause affects every woman. Fortunately, women do not have to suffer through the discomfort of menopause any longer. Women are educating themselves on the different treatment options for menopause. More women are interested in learning more about natural hormone replacement.
Continue reading →

Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy Treatment Options

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04/21/2011 by JamesBass - Tags: , , ,

In our previous article titled, “Hormone Therapy: Is it right for you?” we defined hormone therapy and discussed important questions about the procedure. In this article Dr. Melissa Dean of Dean Wellness Institute in Vero Beach, FL will discuss menopause and what treatment options are available. Are you considering menopause and hormone replacement therapy? Read this article and contribute to the conversation in the comments section below.

Menopause At A Glance

- Menopause defined. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the functions of the ovaries cease. A decline in the natural hormone estrogen leads to the absence of menstrual periods.

- The process of menopause commonly referred to as “The Change” does not happen immediately, but rather it is a gradual process.

- The average age of menopause is 51 years old, but menopause occurs at different ages for different women. Some women may experience menopause as early as their 30s or as late as the 60s.

- The age at which a woman starts having her periods does not related to the age of menopause onset.

- Symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, bone loss, lack of energy and minor depression.

- Menopause is linked to heart disease and osteoporosis.

- Treatments for menopause are customized for each patient.

- Treatments are directed toward alleviating uncomfortable or distressing symptoms.

What are the most common Treatment Options?

It is important to understand that menopause is a naturally change in a women’s body. Menopause occurs in women during their late 40’s and early 50’s. Changes in the hormone levels of the body can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms of hormonal change during menopause can be difficult. If you are struggling from hot flashes, high cholesterol, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, heavy menstrual periods or other menopause symptoms, treatment options can help you manage this transition more comfortably. As you consider your options always consult a health care professional like Dr. Melissa Dean. The Dean Wellness Institute can help tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. Some women do not need treatment for menopause. Below are some of the common treatment options available.

1. Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising and living an overall healthy lifestyle can reduce menopause symptoms. Nutritional analysis to determine if you’re eating a balanced diet; exercising regularly; reducing stress; and avoiding alcohol and smoking are all lifestyle choices that can help reduce the discomfort of menopause symptoms.

2. Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy (HT) is used to help replace or supplement the hormones that are naturally diminishing due to menopause. Hormone therapy my also be referred to as estrogen and progesterone therapy. The replacement of these natural hormones can alleviate the discomfort of the symptoms. After menopause, hormone therapy can be used as treatment for moderate to severe symptoms when taken in an appropriate dose. Hormone therapy has been used to control the symptoms of menopause related to declining estrogen levels. Estrogens or a combination of estrogens and progesterone (progestin) are administered to supplement a decline in natural hormones. Dr. Melissa Dean’s website provides further explanation for bio-identical hormone therapy.

3. Natural alternatives. According to Journal of the British Menopause Society, some nutritional supplements and vitamins can help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Here is a brief list of supplements and vitamins thought to help with menopause. Dr. Melissa Dean recommends to always consult an experienced doctor before self-medicating.

- Red clover isoflavone supplements

- Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus

- Vitamin E , Calcium (MCHC) or calcium citrate, Magnesium, Vitamin C

- Black Cohosh

You may find it challenging to decide which treatment option is best for you because of the different choices available and possible side effects. You may only need a specific treatment for certain symptoms, such as hot flashes or bone loss. To see a list of common symptoms read our previous article, “Hormone Therapy: Is it right for you?”.

What to discuss when talking about menopause treatment options with your doctor:

- Explain your symptoms and how they affect you.

- How long have you been experiencing your symptoms?

- Your personal risks based on your preexisting health, overall health, and your risk for disease such as cancer and heart disease.

- What other, if any treatment options have your tried before.

Our next article will discuss, “Natural Hormone Replacement”. Dr. Melissa Dean of Dean Wellness Institute has many years of experience diagnosing and treating women and men coping with menopause and andropause. You should consult your doctor to determine what treatment options are right for you. Dean Wellness Institutes’ mission is to work with each patient in a team approach and to provide the most up to date information in an integrative manner that empowers each patient to be the best they choose to be. Dr. Melissa Dean and the team at Dean Wellness Institute, in Vero Beach, Florida are available to answer any questions you have. Feel free to comment on this article below or contact Dr. Melissa Dean directly to schedule an appointment at (772) 567-1500.

References

- Women’s Health. Menopause. http://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/treatment/ Accessed Sep. 28, 2010

- WebMD. Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause. http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-hormone-therapy. Accessed Sep. 6, 2009

- The National Institutes of Health.
The Journal of Women’s Health, January/February 2006 issue.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: “Is Hormone Therapy Helpful After All.”

Is Hormone Therapy Right For You?

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04/21/2011 by JamesBass - Tags: , ,

To understand if hormone therapy is right for you, it is important to first discuss some basic questions: What is hormone therapy? How does hormone therapy work? Are you a candidate for hormone replacement therapy? And, what are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy? Dr. Melissa Dean of Dean Wellness Institute in Vero Beach, FL answers these important questions so that you can determine if hormone therapy is right for you. Please provide your comments at the bottom of this article to join the conversation.

What is hormone therapy?

A broad definition of hormone therapy is the use of hormones in medical treatment. Hormone therapy is used for many different medical treatments, such as: cancer, aging, psychological and hormonal deficiency treatment. Hormone therapy is most commonly associated with anti-aging for women coping with the symptoms of menopause. However, did you know that hormone therapy is also used for men coping with symptoms of andropause? Andropause is the male equivalent of menopause. Hormone therapy is used to help replace or supplement the hormones that are naturally diminishing due to perimenopause, menopause or andropause. Below we discuss the benefits of hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy.

How does hormone therapy work?

Hormone therapy for anti-aging in regenerative medicine consists of medications containing female or male hormones to replace the ones the body naturally stops making after menopause and andropause. The specific hormone that the female body stops producing or diminishes producing is Progesterone also known as P4. The specific hormone that the male body stops producing or diminishes producing is Testosterone. Progesterone is a C-21 steroid hormone meaning its a progestagen, produced directly from pregnenolone and secreted from the corpus luteum, responsible for changes associated with luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, differentiation factor for mammary glands. More simply put, progesterone is involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy (supports gestation) and embryogenesis of humans. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle, bone mass and the growth of facial-hair.

As men and woman age we naturally slow production of hormones that were in abundance during our youth. The female hormone progesterone levels in the body that regulates your menstruation and ovulation begin to decline. These hormones are responsible for signaling to your body when it is time to menstruate and ovulate. As these hormones naturally decline, your body slowly starts to stop ovulation and menstruation all together. When this occurs it is commonly referred to as “The Change” and you have entered the menopausal phase of life. If you would like a more detailed explanation consult experts like Dr. Melissa Dean who specializes in regenerative medicine.

Who is a candidate for hormone therapy?

Women approaching midlife, during their late 40s and early 50s, menopause typically, but not always begins. Menopause signals the end of a woman’s fertile phase of life. If you begin to experience the symptoms of menopause, hormone therapy might be right for you.

According to the Mayo Clinic here is a list of the symptoms of menopause:

  • Irregular periods
  • Decreased fertility
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flashes
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Mood swings
  • Increased abdominal fat
  • Thinning hair
  • Loss of breast fullness

Men in their late 40s and early 50s experiencing energy loss, depression, loss of libido and sexual dysfunction may be experiencing andropause. Some doctors are recommending that men of a certain age experiencing these symptoms are just as much candidates for hormone replacement therapy as women dealing with menopause.

Always talk with your doctor about your personal health decisions and risks.

Benefits of Hormone Therapy

For women who undergo menopause, estrogen is typically prescribed along with progestin, a man-made version of progesterone. This is because estrogen without progestin can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Women who undergo menopause as the result of a hysterectomy can take estrogen alone.

Women who take estrogen for relief of menopausal symptoms may gain some protection against the following conditions:

  1. Discomfort. It can ease symptoms of menopause, such as dryness, itching, burning and irritation
  2. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density. Studies show that hormone therapy can prevent the bone loss that occurs after menopause, which decreases the risk of osteoporosis-related injuries in older age.
  3. Cancer. Studies show that hormone therapy can decrease the risk of certain types of cancer.
  4. Heart disease. Decreased risk of heart disease when taken early in your postmenopausal years.
  5. Hot flashes. The relief of hot flashes is the most significant benefit you will perceive soon after starting hormone replacement therapy. Estrogens are remarkable effective in eliminating this annoying symptom. Hot flashes can occur during the day or at night, as “night sweats,” and can cause sleeping disturbance up to and including the need to shower, change night clothing, and change bedding. Hormone replacement therapy brings relief from hot flashes and an improvement in sleep.
  6. Reduce minor depression. Estrogen reduces the minor depression that some women experience after menopause due to changes in hormone levels.

The Bottom Line

Dr. Melissa Dean’s next blog post will discuss, “Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy: Treatment Options”. Dr. Melissa Dean of Dean Wellness Institute has many years of experience diagnosing and treating women and men coping with menopause and andropause. You should consult your doctor to determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Dr. Melissa Dean and the team at Dean Wellness Institute in Vero Beach, Florida are available to answer any questions you have. Feel free to comment on this article below or contact Dr. Melissa Dean directly to schedule an appointment at (772) 567-1500.

References

-  Wikapedia. Hormone Therapy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormone_therapy. Accessed Mar. 4, 2011.

-  Wikapedia. Menopause. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menopause. Accessed Apr. 4, 2011=

- Wikapedia. Andropause. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andropause. Accessed Apr. 4, 2011.

- Martin KA. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: Benefits and risks. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 22, 2009.

- Questions and answers about the WHI postmenopausal hormone therapy trials. National Institutes of Health. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/whi_faq.htm. Accessed Dec. 22, 2009.

- Mayo Clinic. Hormone Therapy for Women, Neither All Good or All Bad. http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2009-mchi/5206.html. Accessed Mar. 10, 2009.