Hormone Therapy

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a disease which is characterized by a decrease in bone density, causing bones to become porous. In the body of the patient the amount of calcium reduces (provides support for the bones). Thus the bones of patients with osteoporosis are extremely fragile and susceptible to trauma, and prone to frequent fractures. This disease is common and usually affects older people, especially women (75%).

Symptoms

Unfortunately, osteoporosis usually has no symptoms that would make the patient suspect of disease, so it is often seen when the disease has already spread to the bone. Some patients have signs of disease like stoop (kyphosis), decreased height and back pain, but most patients gives credit for that to their age, so the disease is diagnosed most often after a fracture.

There are three different types of osteoporosis, and these are:

Postmenopausal type - occurs in women after menopause, but there is a case of this type of osteoporosis in men the same age. This type of disease is characterized by changes in the vertebrae, which leads to severe pain and even fractures.

Senile type - The type of disease occurs in people older than 75 years and it is caused by aging. It is characterized by frequent occurrence of hip fractures.

Secondary type - This type of osteoporosis is caused by endocrine (diabetes, hyperthyroidism,...) and systemic diseases (leukemia, malignant diseases,...) and different drug therapies (corticosteroids, anticonvulsants,...).

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is based on history, clinical presentation, patient examination and tests such as CT, densitometry, and detailed laboratory tests.

Any post-menopausal women should take hormone replacement therapy, consisting of estrogen and progestin. Estrogen reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, but also increases the risk of uterine cancer, so in women where the uterus is not removed it is combined with progestin to protect against uterine cancer.

For patients who for some reason can not take hormone therapy, it is necessary to treat with some other drugs. In that case most commonly bisphosphonates are used to prevent fractures, increase bone density and maintain bone mass.

Some of the drugs that are commonly used to treat osteoporosis: calcitonin, raloxifene and tamoxifen.

In any case, patients are recommended to prevent disease. If a person suspects that it might have osteoporosis you should firstly go visit your doctor and intake sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D supplements. The doctor will probably tell you to exercise as much as possible, use healthy diet and avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.

Acne is a common form of skin disorder. It can vary in severity, appearing as pimples, whiteheads or blackheads in its mild form or as cysts and pustules in its more severe form. The nodular form of acne is characterized by blocked oil glands that produce inflamed skin and tissue.

Unlike the simple pimple or whitehead, nodules form a dense, dome-like lesion or nodule which may also appear irregular. This lesion is red, swollen and usually affects not only the surrounding area of the skin but also deeper layers. If left unchecked, nodular acne can result to the destruction of tissue and produce scars.

Sometimes, nodules appear alongside cysts. When this happens, the condition is referred to as nodulocystic acne. Nodular acne is not only very unsightly, it can also be quite painful.

Treatments for nodular acne

People suffering from the nodular form of acne should not try self medication or self treatment. It is important that they seek the advice of a licensed dermatologist for proper diagnosis and prescription.

The best way to treat nodular acne is to address it immediately during its early stages. This is to prevent further infection and scarring. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help stop infection and prevent further break outs. Antibiotics also help minimize inflammations and ease the swelling of the skin.

If the patient does not respond to this treatment or if improvement is too slow, a doctor may prescribe a retinoid called isotretinoin. This is an oral medication that is usually required to be taken 1-2 times daily, with a course of treatment lasting anywhere from 15-20 weeks. Isotretinoin addresses the problem of excessive sebum production, effectively reducing the amount of oil produced by the skin and preventing clogged pores.

Isotretinoin, while quite effective, also has side effects. It is not prescribed to pregnant women because it has been known to cause birth defects. It also has certain contraindications such as itching, mouth and skin dryness, photosensitivity, muscle aches and nosebleeds. This explains why doctors often monitor their patients closely when administering this drug.

Hormonal treatment

Another method of treatment for nodular acne used exclusively for women is hormone therapy, usually in the form of low estrogen contraceptive pills and anti-androgen drugs like spironolactone. Like isotretinoin, these types of nodular acne treatments also help reduce the production of sebum.

Other forms of nodular acne treatment

A doctor may directly remove excess sebum and dead skin cells from the skin using sterile equipment. For enlarged lesions, an injection of cortisone may also be used. Cortisone works directly on the affected spot, minimizing the swelling and reducing the pain of the inflamed nodules.

During treatment for nodular acne, don't be impatient about the results. Nodular acne usually takes time to improve because the infection is found deeper in the skin and usually, the waste material produced is not readily discharged. Check with your doctor regularly and follow your treatment procedures faithfully.

Treating the scars

Once scarring has occurred, a doctor may recommend surgery or laser therapy. These can help minimize the appearance of scars and reduce the bumps. Sometimes, a treatment called dermabrasion may also be used in conjunction with laser treatment. In severe cases where scarring involves deep, depressed scars, fat transfer to the affected area may be performed.

Living with nodular acne

If you have nodular acne and are undergoing treatment for it, make sure to follow your doctor's recommendation for treatment, especially if it involves taking antibiotics. A complete course of treatment is essential to the success of a prescribed medication and therapy. If you must use a special diet or change some of your lifestyle and habits, do so.

Treatment for nodular acne may also involve a multi-pronged approach, using a main treatment (such as antibiotics or laser therapy) and supplementing it with a cleansing regimen. Specially formulated soaps and facial washes are commonly used to help reinforce the effect of the treatment.

The root cause of acne is still unknown, which makes a permanent cure highly unlikely. However, that doesn't mean that people who have nodular acne should allow themselves to be limited by this condition physically, mentally or socially. There are numerous options for the treatment of nodular acne and with the help of a doctor, it can be conquered.

Women experience many transformations throughout their lives. The pre-teen and teenage years present many challenges, both physical and emotional. Over time, bodies change. In what seems to be a blink of an eye, a girls grow into women. As life progresses, falling in love, pregnancy, and raising a family dominates. While busy earning a living and raising a family, menstruation ceases and perimenopause begins. Thereafter periods cease and women are considered to be in menopause. The next challenge is deciding whether to take on bioidentical hormone replacement or stick with synthetic hormones.

While many women may say, or may have said, that menopause is welcomed with open arms, there are other physical changes that may not always be so pleasant. This is when physicians may introduce the idea of estrogen replacement. During menopause, the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone, leading to a variety of changes that may not always be viewed as satisfactory.

A woman is said to be in menopause after she has not had a period for one straight year after the approximate age of forty-five. This stage of life may lead to hot flashes, moodiness, susceptibility to osteoporosis, heart palpitations and more. Symptoms vary from woman to woman. Traditionally, hormone replacement therapies were given to alleviate these symptoms. However, other unwanted symptoms and conditions arose as a result. Specifically, breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease increased. In an effort to find a better alternative, a system that was more suited to each woman's chemistry and less likely to cause unwanted effects was introduced.

In an effort to be open and fair, there are individuals who oppose this treatment and believe there is not enough evidence in support of it. On the other side of the coin, just as many people have benefited from it. Staying on the positive side, this form of natural hormone therapy makes use of hormones that are identical to those naturally produced by the human body. The alternative option, the traditional stand-by, is taking synthetic hormones which are made from horse urine.

During the past decade, the use of natural hormone therapy has become center stage though it has been around for much longer than ten or fifteen years. Television talk shows, books, and radio programs have highly advertised this topic as true pioneers are interested in sharing what they have learned.

Natural hormones are made in a laboratory. They are only administered after a hormone panel is done. Depending on the results, a certain amount of progesterone, estrogen, and DHEA or testosterone will be given. The most easily used form comes in a cream. With each pulse the topical hormones enter the bloodstream, circulating until next dosage time.

The processes of the human body are inter-connected. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle supports natural hormone treatment plans. A healthy lifestyle supports the endocrine system which in turn helps the replacement hormones work at their best.

Understanding menopause is a necessary step as it goes hand-in-hand with understanding how bioidentical hormone replacement therapies work. In many women, memory becomes sharper and energy levels increase. There are standard formulations available made by drug companies for doctor's to prescribe just as there are certified offices that will customize ingredient dosages to match a woman's exact needs. This is very exciting for women who do not do well with the synthetic version.

Small testicles are more than just a cosmetic issue. In many cases, it also signals inadequate production of testosterone and other androgens. If production of these essential hormones are not restored, sexual difficulties can result. Low levels of testosterone and other male hormones has been linked to impotence, erectile dysfunction, low libido and reduced sexual endurance and stamina.

Hormone replacement therapy can help encourage testicles to reach their full growth. However, the therapy can come with a lot of side effects. A better option is to supplement with one or more of the herbs that men have been using for ages to improve the function and appearance of their sexual organs.

Tongkat Ali

Men in Malaysia are well aware of the many benefits of tongkat ali. In lab studies, the herb elevated luteinizing hormone, the hormone responsible for stimulating the Leydig cells found in the testicles. The stimulation kicked up production of testosterone. Researchers noted a significant increase in testicle size and sperm production as a result. Many users report fuller, larger testicles within a couple weeks of starting to supplement with tongkat ali.

Tribulus Terrestris

A recent scientific study on tribulus terrestris examined the effects of the herb on endocrine-sensitive organs of castrated and uncastrated rats. The Brazilian researchers found that the herb showed a positive effect on sperm production. The study was epublished ahead of print in September 2009 for the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Tribulus terrestris is often used by steroid users to prevent or reverse testicle shrinkage that occurs with steroid usage.

Maca

There have been ten separate studies on the effects of maca on sperm production. It has been found that the herb increases sperm count. Some studies even found that it was capable of preventing testicular and spermatogenic disturbances that result from exposure to certain compounds or from high altitudes. One study indicated that the herb's effects on improving sperm motility resulted in larger litter size in animal studies.

A 2001 study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology found that maca also increased testicle weight. It is important to keep in mind that there are several varieties of the herb-black, red and yellow. While all three varieties do have some effect on the reproductive organs, studies indicate that the black variety is the best option for increasing sperm production.

Ashwagandha

In a 2001 Journal of Ethnopharmacology article, researchers shared the results of their study on the effects of ashwagandha and another herb, cynomorium coccineum, on testicle development and sperm production. They found that when either of the herbs were given to rats, testicle size increased significantly. Extracts of the herbs were also found to directly influence sperm production in the body.

How to Make Your Testicles Bigger!

I've been giving these herbs to my clients who suffer from low testosterone levels for quite some time now.

Many of these men have come to me and reported that they've experienced dramatic increases in ejaculation volume and testicle size as a result of taking these herbs.

Now that I've looked at all the research, I completely understand why.

The product that I use and recommend to my clients includes all the herbs discussed above as well as several more.

This supplement not only increases testicle size, and ejaculation volume, but also testosterone levels, energy, motivation, and sex drive.

When you are experiencing depression, you have little or no energy to get help for yourself. So many people think that if you just make up your mind to get over it, or start to think good thoughts, then the depression will go away but this just is not so. This is often the case with postpartum depression. The hormones are raging at this time putting the entire body out of balance.

Get a friend who will stay with you and give you encouragement, as this will definitely be a benefit to you, but many times you will need some help from a professional who is well versed at hormone therapy. Both of these will work together to help the new mom over this difficult time in her life.

There are so many different types of depression, so they will need all kinds of various types of therapy. All of them include a change in moods, or mood swings, apathy when they will have no interest in things or people. Thoughts of suicide, insomnia, a lower interest in sex, and having very little appetite and they can even have a tendency to self-mutilate themselves. There are many names for these types of depression: psychotic depression, manic depression, bi-polar depression etc.. In the case of new moms though it is usually postpartum depression and comes from all the recent stresses put upon the mother.

There are so many groups who will help, as they are or have been experiencing the same type of depression and it helps to talk to someone who has been through the same thing. You may be surprised to learn just how many moms suffer from postpartum depression and once the hormones are put into place again the depression leaves.

Postpartum depression is nothing to makes less of but sometimes something as simple as getting outside on a nice sunny day, will boost your mood. Above all else, take care of yourself.

When there is a physical problem, mostly with the hormone balance in your body, then you need some hormone therapy. Hormones are active in every cell of the body, in small amounts, but none the less of great importance. In a woman, there are hormones produced from the ovaries. These will work to keep her menstrual cycle happening during the years of reproduction. Menopause and puberty are the times when you will notice a definite change in the hormone balance.

After several visits to her physician, and two blood tests for Thyroid function my wife was very frustrated. She has almost every symptom of Hypothyroidism. Her tests both came back in the normal range for Thyroid. But very low in the normal range. These symptoms that she has would also indicate that her hormone levels have really gone out of wack the longer she has been perimenopausal. We have researched the Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) pros and cons and the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Treatments (BHRT) being used today by specialists groups, and we have questioned why her physician did not test her for hormone production levels in her body.

We have decided that many primary care physicians do not want to get "out of the box" concerning treatment of menopausal women, unless the situation is dire or dysfunctional. So, women are not getting the attention that they probably need to live a life more normal and similar to the way they were before starting the menopausal cycle.

She made two visits to a medical group that specializes in BHRT. The first was to do blood testing for hormone levels. She was way out of the range in all but one of 7 hormone categories. A series of capsules were prepared to be placed under her skin, in order to give her body a "time release" supplement of the hormones designed to balance her hormonal levels out. The very small capsules were placed under the skin of her buttocks. These capsules are designed to last one month. She will visit the clinic in one week to look for problems and then return for another round of treatment after the month is up.

We are researching now, what her levels show on the range of this medical group, and what it means. We are also going to research, what other medical groups consider "normal" and how these numbers all compare. Of course, we are also going to see if there is a good, bad or no reaction to how she feels and performs.

I plan to write weekly articles in EzineArticles over the next eight weeks to let women who are interested in this subject know how this treatment appears to be working for her. I will also tell you the costs of the program and how much of the cost, if any, is covered by our health insurance.

If you have wondered about the details of this treatment and how it might help you. Watch for the weekly reports under my name in EzineArticles.

The term androgenetic alopecia generally refers to the hereditary patterned hair loss in both men and women. Hair loss normally starts at the frontotemporal region and progresses to the vertex and crown. It affects over half of men and about the same percentage of menopausal women. Studies show that the condition is more prevalent among Caucasians than any other racial groups. Androgenetic alopecia is normally asymptomatic. The affected individuals hardly notice that they have lost 30 or 40 percent of their hair since hair loss occurs gradually. It is only after losing about 50 percent of hair in the affected region of the scalp that affected individuals become aware of the condition. By the time significant amount of hair was shed off, the affected individuals may suffer from psychological distress. In finding the right treatment for androgenetic alopecia, it is important that one understands it causes.

Causes

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by the interaction of genetic factors and male hormones. The gene responsible for the condition has not been identified, but it is said to be inherited via autosomal dominant pattern. Individuals with androgenetic alopecia possess the genes that predispose the condition, and thus they are likely to experience patterned hair loss any time in their lives. The genetic predisposition for androgenetic alopecia renders the affected individuals sensitive to the action of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The presence of high levels of DHT in the androgen-dependent regions of the scalp promotes hair loss and reduces hair growth. DHT readily binds with the receptors in the hair follicles and cause the hair follicles to shrink. Shrinkage of the hair follicles results in hair loss and miniaturization of hair. The susceptibility of genetically predisposed individuals is further increased by the presence of environmental influences such as hormone therapy, exposure to radiation and high stress levels.

Treatments

Androgenetic alopecia needs immediate treatment. Although the condition does not result in any serious health problem, it can badly affect the self-esteem and self-confidence of the affected individuals. Moreover, the condition is progressive. If left untreated, the condition may result in baldness. It is important to seek for the right treatment once the condition is diagnosed. Normally, doctors prescribe either minoxidil or finasteride, which are the only drugs approved for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil is topically applied while finasteride is taken orally. Both drugs are effective in stopping hair loss, but continuous use of these drugs is recommended to prevent resumption of hair loss.

If you are wary about the potential side effects of using drugs for a long period, then you should seek for other options. Some people with androgenetic alopecia resort to natural treatment methods such as rubbing olive oil, aloe vera extract and applying herb extracts on the affected region of the scalp. Natural methods are also effective, but you should stick with the regimen to see results. At present, there are also other natural treatments available on the market. These natural treatments come in several forms such as shampoo, conditioner, vitamins and supplements.

If you want more information about natural treatment methods for androgenetic alopecia, visit http://www.AndrogeneticAlopecia.org.

Medication has been around for centuries so it is not necessarily among the most current treatments of Depression. The current trend in medication is new classes of antidepressants. They have less toxicity and side effects than previous types. There are newer classes of medication and new ones are being discovered all the time.

The current trend in treating Depression is to prescribe a booster drug along with the primary antidepressant. The booster drugs are designed to enhance the effectiveness of the antidepressant. For example Cytonel, a thyroid stimulant is prescribed with an antidepressant. This approach works well about 50% of the time.

Hormone therapy is another of the current treatments of Depression. It is believed that many women become depressed because they have imbalance of progesterone or estrogen. Progesterone is about 7 times stronger than some Barbiturates and has a calming, sleepy effect.

Estrogen provides more energy and is said to be better than Prozac. The prescription of either Progesterone or Estrogen will depend on where the imbalance of the two hormones lies.

If you are agitated, you may be given more progesterone. If you are lethargic, you will likely get more Estrogen.

Vagal (Vagus) Nerve Stimulation - VNS is a procedure that is used to treat Epilepsy. In this procedure a tiny pacemaker type device is placed in the chest and directed to a nerve that runs from the neck to the brain and thought to manage depression. A pulse is delivered along the Vagal nerve at regular intervals to stimulate the brain and provide relief.

Magnetic Healing techniques also are used to stimulate the brains nerve cells. TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is performed by a doctor. A magnetic coil that is charged with electricity is passed over the scalp. The magnetic electric pulse passes through the skull and stimulates the brain as was previously mentioned. This is a rather new and still experimental procedure. It has enormous potential for become very precise in the future. It is possible according to some researchers that the TMS will replace the ECT - Electroconvulsive Therapy or shock treatments.

There is a trend now to turn to herbal treatments - typically in the form of supplements. Specific herbs such as Chamomile, Hops, and Milk Thistle among others are blended in a specific formula to address depression. In order to be sure the herbal supplements you are purchasing is of the highest quality possible, it should be made to pharmaceutical grade.
The metabolic pathways of the ingredients are examined at the molecular level and the interaction of the ingredients is also tested.

Be sure if you are considering using herbal supplements that you consult with your doctor especially if you are being treated for other health conditions with prescription medications. The herbal supplement could reduce how effective the prescription medication would be.

There is a variety of current treatments of depression. You and your doctor can decide together what protocol of treatment would best suit your particular needs. Depression is nothing you or anyone should be ashamed of; neither should you be ashamed of getting the help you need in the form of therapy, medication, or our route of choice - Natural supplementation with regular exercise and partaking in positive activates.

The challenge modern medical professionals face with chemotherapy is that the toxic chemicals attack both healthy cells and cancer cells, wreak havoc on the patient's immune system, and generally degrade the patient's quality of life. Often, patients find that the treatment is far worse than the disease. However, the cancer treatment alternative Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) offers a gentler alternative with targeted attacks on cancerous cells and enhanced patient comfort through low-dose chemotherapy.

As an alternative cancer treatment, Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) with low-dose chemotherapy is based on the theory that insulin increases the effectiveness of disease fighting drugs like chemotherapy. Here's the basic theory:

Insulin reacts with insulin receptors.

On every cell, there are receptors that react with insulin to regulate cell glucose (sugar) intake, to oversee gene reproduction and to promote cell growth. Insulin is one of the basic metabolic hormones in the body.

Insulin increases the uptake of medicines into cells.

Through significant research and study, insulin has been shown to increase concentrations of medications in cells, possibly by making the membrane more permeable or by carrying the medication into the cell in a process called endocytosis.

Cancer cells have more insulin receptors.

Insulin is a growth factor that increases the growth rate, division rate and proliferation of cells. Cancer cells proliferate uncontrollably, sometimes secreting growth hormones themselves to speed up the process. Cancer cells are believed to have more growth-hormone receptors than normal cells. Growing and dividing requires fuel - i.e. glucose. Because cancer cells grow more rapidly than normal cells, it follows that they have a greater ability to intake sugar. The intake of sugar is facilitated by insulin. Thus, cancer cells must have more insulin receptors.

Insulin stimulates cell division, making cancer cells more susceptible to toxic drugs.

It is known that insulin will stimulate other growth receptors on cells, increasing cell metabolism and stimulating cell division. During IPT, a patient is given a dose of insulin and it is believed that cancer cells will be trigged to go into the phase of cell division where they are more susceptible to toxic drugs. Because the cancer cells have more growth-hormone receptors, they will be triggered more than normal cells, therefore more cancer cells will be killed than normal cells.

Less chemotherapeutic drugs are needed.

IPT uses lower doses of chemotherapeutic drugs than standard chemotherapy because the added insulin targets cancer cells over healthy cells, making the process more efficient. As a result, patients do not experience as severely the negative side-effects of chemotherapy. Scientific research and individual case studies have shown a greater quality of life in patients who have undergone IPT.

Since the 1930s when IPT was first developed, there have been many studies to test the effectiveness of IPT. While the specifics of IPT are not completely proven, the evidence suggests benefits over traditional cancer treatments. As the research begins to grow, IPT may become a more mainstream cancer treatment.

At EuroMed, we have the largest number of IPT trained physicians in the world. We are devoted to holistic cancer treatment and recommend IPT to many of our patients because it allows them to focus on their health, without the debilitating effects of traditional chemotherapy.

There is no doubt that sex should still play an active role in your life no matter how old you are. A normal sex life is healthy and as we age, both men and women begin to have more difficulty with sex with regards to performance, energy, stamina, and drive. As men get older, they experience decreasing levels of hormones that commonly lead to impotence and performance issues. So, if sex is an integral part of our happiness and health, what options do men have to maintain optimal performance and physical levels as they get older? According to clinical experts, one very real solution lies in HGH treatment.

It is believed that over 75 percent of all cases of male impotence is caused by physical reasons, with more than half of those cases a result of arteriosclerosis of the penile arteries. Arteriosclerosis of the penile arteries is similar to the buildup in the body's arteries known to be responsible for heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiac disease. When the penile arteries are blocked, the penis will not be able to get an erection. It is important to note that erectile dysfunction has shown to be a risk factor for a heart attack or a stroke. Certain lifestyle factors can also lead to erectile dysfunction such as smoking, drinking, being overweight, and other underlying medical conditions. However, male impotence has been traditionally linked to physical causes.

Clinical studies have shown that men who are experiencing varying degrees of erectile dysfunction have shown dramatic improvement from human growth hormone therapy. Think back to your teenage years with raging hormones. That was due to the abundance of human growth hormone production from the pituitary gland. Unfortunately, as we age and starting as early as our twenties, levels of HGH produced from the pituitary gland steadily and aggressively decline. This led physicians to research the impact of HGH and the male sexuality. The clinical results determined that over 70 percent of men who participated in the studies were able to not only gain an erection, but could also maintain it for a much longer period of time. Over 75 percent of the study group also reported the strong urge and desire to have sex again. Men who increased bodily levels of HGH through clinical treatment reported an overall increase in sexual performance, stamina, desire, and energy.

Human growth hormone injections can be prescribed by a doctor and can assist in the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, such treatment plans require painful and costly injections with a monthly investment of up to $2,000. This approach is not convenient for most, requiring many doctor visits with upwards of 48 injections per month. For most potential candidates, this option is not affordable or feasible.

Because of the proven positive sexual and performance benefits of prescription human growth hormone, many individuals have sought out natural and homeopathic alternatives. Select homeopathic formulas in the marketplace contain a powerful and proprietary blend of natural ingredients designed to safely strengthen and empower the body's pituitary gland to operate at more youthful levels. The connection could be made that a stronger and more youthful functioning pituitary gland may offer increased levels of HGH into the body's bloodstream. This safe and natural alternative offers an affordable and convenient option when seeking to acquire similar benefits to those who seek out the cumbersome prescription human growth hormone protocol.