Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

 

1.  Why do I need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

BHRT – Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (Estrogen, Testosterone, Pregnenolone, DHEA, Progesterone, Human Growth Hormone and Natural Thyroid) restores our hormones to levels we had in our youth. It regenerates our energy and zeal and is beneficial to both health and quality of life. BHRT is becoming the focus of mainstream medicine because of its efficacy in slowing down the aging process and achieving the prevention of illnesses (heart disease, stroke, cancer, and senility) as well as the symptoms of aging.  Look Better, Stay Healthier and Improve Your Quality of Life.

 

What Do Hormones Do?

Hormones are molecules that are released into the blood stream and exert biochemical effects on target cells and affect every organ in the body. By activating receptor sites, which enables protein synthesis to take place, hormones then serve as messengers from the central nervous system, telling internal organs how to function, heal, reproduce and regenerate. All the functions of the body including the reproductive, immune and metabolic systems are virtually controlled by hormones. 

 

2.  I am always tired and easily fatigued.  What will help me?

BHRT -- As we age, our hormone levels begin to decline. Hormonal imbalance can cause many bothersome symptoms such as fatigue and lack of energy. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy regenerates our energy and zeal, and is beneficial to both health and quality of life.  The solution: replace those missing hormones! Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can help restore your hormones and regain that youthful zest you thought was gone.

 

Vitamin B12 is a great energy booster. It works through the red blood cells, by enabling them to carry oxygen more efficiently. An oxygenated cell is a cell that is at its optimum, full of energy and won't tire easily. B12 is also great for the skin. These are just some of the benefits. Overall, it's an essential vitamin that the body must have to stay in balance. Vitamin B12 injections are a preferred option because of their direct and immediate absorption into the bloodstream.

 

3.  What can I do to boost my immune system?

Vitamin-Mineral Drip -- "Vitamin-Mineral Immune System IV Therapy Infusions"

Stress, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, pain, fatigue, acute or chronic illnesses, viral or bacterial infections, and surgical procedures are a few examples that are capable of diminishing the immune system.

 

The immune system needs the support of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other natural agents to protect, prevent, and fight illnesses.  Relying on oral supplementation may not be efficient or quick enough to treat the inadequacies and malfunctions that undermine our health.

 

Vitamin-Mineral Drips, IV Therapy Infusions, can nourish cells and tissues of the body of essential nutrients to obtain optimal nutrient levels necessary to resolve deficiencies and defects.  The IV Therapy Infusions of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients can go directly to where they are needed to feed the immune system in order for it to do its job more effectively.

 

Vitamin B12 Shots are also an excellent way to boost your immune system.

 

4.  I am under a great deal of stress.  What will help me?

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) --- DHEA

It is a good time to look at DHEA (Dihydroepiandrosterone), nicknamed the "Mother of all Hormones."  DHEA has the ability to convert into estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.  DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands and relieves stress.  The hormone enhances the immune system and decreases the unpleasant effects of aging such as fatigue and muscle weakness.  Patients with optimal levels of DHEA sleep better, have more energy, and are equipped to handle stress better compared to those who have low levels of DHEA.

 

Getting Technical:  DHEA's Relationship to Corticosteroids

The adrenal gland also produces corticosteroids to gear us up for emotional, mental, and physical strenuous activity.  It is the "STRESS" hormone that offers us the energy to fight or flight.  With their help, our blood sugar rises and our heartbeat increases.  Our energy level soars, supplying us with the zeal to make the deadline or handle the "STRESS."  Unfortunately, corticosteroids can wreak havoc on the immune system when chronic increased stress results in their constant elevation.  Too much cortisol can cause diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, fatigue, loss of energy, and aging.

 

Cortisol and DHEA are inversely related.  When cortisol rises, there is a compensating fall in DHEA.  When DHEA increases, there is a compensatory fall in cortisol.  DHEA is required to counter stress and thereby maintain a less detrimental cortisol level.  DHEA alters the way "STRESS" is handled internally and reflects how we handle "STRESS" externally.  Taking DHEA as well as other hormones better equips us to handle both physical and mental "STRESS."

 

Vitamin B12 and Stress, Depression, & Anxiety

Vitamin B12 injections are highly recommended mood boosters. B12 is essential for a properly functioning central nervous system – we know that dysfunction can lead to depression and anxiety. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, you can try a Vitamin B12 injection as a mood booster.

Vitamin B12 Injections will help to relieve stress, depression, and anxiety.

 

5.  I continue to gain weight despite repeated attempts at dieting and exercise?

An estimated two-thirds of Americans are currently overweight, and one-third of those are considered "obese" by carrying excess body fat to the extent where it has an adverse effect on overall health and life expectancy.

 

What are the Solutions?

 

HCG Diet

The HCG diet is a highly respected one that has been around for about 60 years, and it has been proven to work very effectively. The combination of the very low calorie diet and the injections of HCG are the solution to your weight loss problems.  So it’s worth considering the HCG diet if you’re serious about losing those undesirable pounds.

 

What are the positive side effects of HCG?

Commonly reported positive effects of the HCG Protocol include:

● By Women: Loss of 20 to 30 pounds in a 40-day round when the protocol is followed correctly.

● By Men: Loss of 30 to 40 pounds in a round when the protocol is followed correctly.

● Reduction in the amount of unhealthy cholesterol.

● Decrease and stabilization of blood sugar levels—reduction in insulin requirements.

● Dramatic reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

● Decrease in food cravings.

● Increase in desire for healthy food.

● Increase in energy levels.

● Decrease in blood pressure and, accordingly, decrease in need for medication.

● Reshaping of body.

● Improvement in overall health.

● Better, deeper sleep.

● An overall feeling of well-being.

 

 

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

If you have struggled to lose weight or keep it off, your hormones are likely to be a factor. Your hormones control every aspect of weight loss including your metabolism, where you store your fat, your appetite and even your cravings. This means any form of hormonal imbalance will sabotage your efforts – regardless of your diet and exercise habits.

 

Extra belly fat is a key indicator of a hormonal imbalance. It can indicate one or more of the following hormonal imbalances: thyroid imbalance, low growth hormone, high estrogen, low testosterone, low DHEA, and insulin resistance.

 

Healthy people, who gradually experience a decrease in energy levels, well-being, and general fatigue or lack of desire for even common daily activities,  are candidates for Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Symptoms such as a classic "pot belly", weight gain, loss of muscle tone, thinning hair and skin, and increased cholesterol are all symptoms that can be improved by restoring hormones to an optimal level.  Replacing hormone levels can vary widely from one individual to another.  Specific blood tests are performed and a personalized program of BHRT is prescribed for optimal results.

 

Acupuncture Weight Loss Treatment

Acupuncture has been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism.  All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.  It simultaneously addresses physiological and emotional imbalances by using ear and body acupuncture points. 

 

Nutraceuticals

Weight Loss Program – TheraSlim Pack and Chromium Picolinate Plus

TheraSlim Pack. A natural, non-stimulant weight management program. Vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids important to sound nutrition and efficient fat burning and storage mechanisms. Regulates appetite, inhibits fat production, increases metabolism, increases fat loss, and helps to preserve lean body mass. $50.

Chromium Picolinate Plus. Increases fat loss and helps to preserve lean body mass. $15

 

Vitamin B12 and Weight Loss

Vitamin B12 is vital for your metabolism and is great for weight loss. Metabolism functions include: nutrition, digestion, absorption, elimination, respiration, circulation, and temperature regulation. These are many functions necessary to losing weight. These are also benefits that can be improved by receiving Vitamin B12 injections.

 

6.  Will Hormone Replacement Therapy help improve sexual performance, low libido or decreased interest in sex?

Both men and women lose their libido and experience diminished sexual function with aging.  Restoring testosterone to youthful levels, or optimal levels, can reverse this situation.  Restoring healthy sexual desire and excitement will result in an improvement in mood and general well-being for an extended life span that we can experience with BHRT.

 

7.  Will Hormone Replacement Therapy help improve skin elasticity, thinning hair, brittle nails, and cold intolerance?

Optimal hormone replacement of Thyroid, Estrogen, and Testosterone can improve dry skin, skin elasticity and tone, hair loss and thinning, brittle nails, and cold intolerance.

 

People who suffer from low thyroid tend to experience thinning and loss of hair, brittle nails, dry skin, and a low metabolism that leaves you feeling cold.

 

As we age, the skin becomes dry, thin, and wrinkled.  The paper thin skin is due to the loss of collagen when estrogen and testosterone is not supplemented to maintain youthful levels.  Testosterone is the best hormone for the skin to prevent thinning and wrinkles, and to also increase the collagen and elastin.

 

8.  What can I do to protect myself against age-related heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol?

BHRT – Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (Estrogen, Testosterone, Pregnenolone, DHEA, Progesterone, Human Growth Hormone and Natural Thyroid) restores our hormones to levels we had in our youth.  BHRT is becoming the focus of mainstream medicine because of its efficacy in slowing down the aging process and achieving the prevention of illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and senility, as well as the symptoms of aging. 

 

9.  I would like to improve my cognitive function and think more clearly.  Will hormones help me?

People are no longer willing to accept the grim stereotype of aging as an unaltered process of decline and loss.  BHRT, with one or more hormones, can delay this aging process and allow us to live for a longer period of time in a relatively intact state.  Pregnenolone is a precursor to other hormones.  It functions as a memory enhancer and cellular repairer, particularly in the brain and nerve tissue.  It protects cerebral function and protects against neuronal injury.  Pregnenolone serves to enhance all our mental functions.

 

Balancing and optimizing all our hormones has tremendous health benefits and improves all aspects of the aging process.

 

10.  I have repetitive muscular injuries with a delayed healing process.  What will help me?

Re-evaluation of your exercise regimen is necessary by an expert.  Sometimes, changing something that is considered insignificant can change the results of the regimen.

 

Chiropractic evaluation to evaluate muscle strength and coordination, as well as acupuncture to assure a deficiency doesn't exist.

 

BHRT -- Evaluating the hormone levels and restoring the hormones to an optimal range will improve healing capacity.  Testosterone replacement increases muscle mass, strength and endurance, decreases fat, and increases exercise tolerance.  Testosterone prevents tendon and joint degeneration.

 

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in adults is a "healing hormone."  It is associated with preserved beneficial effects on body composition and physical performance.  Human Growth Hormone (HGH) increases bone density, stimulates bone turnover, decreases body fat, and increases lean mass.  HGH treatment increases maximal oxygen uptake and increases endurance.  HGH can increase muscle mass, improve exercise tolerance, and cause an enhanced sense of well-being.

 

Thyroid increases protein synthesis, regulates metabolism, and increases fat breakdown resulting in weight loss.  Evaluate all your hormones, and supplement your hormones to an optimal range to promote well-being and healthy aging.

 

IV Nutrient Therapy provides the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enhances muscular performance and healing.

 

Oxygen Therapy helps many people function better and be more active.  It also increases healing.

 

11.  What age should I start (BHRT) Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Many studies have shown that by 40 years old, your hormone levels are less than the optimum range, so 40 is the age that you should start asking questions.  The oldest patient I had that began BHRT was 99 years old and received many benefits from the bioidentical hormones.  Both males and females can take and benefit from BHRT.

 

We have also had a great deal of success in treating patient in their 20's and 30's for hormone deficiencies such as thyroid issues, insulin resistance, and low testosterone levels.  No matter what age you are, if you are having symptoms that make you feel less than optimal in health and performance, the best thing to do is to come in for a blood test and we can check to see where your levels are at.

 

12.  How long will it take for me to feel the benefits from Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Replacing hormone levels vary widely from one individual to another, so for optimal results hormone replacement should be carefully balanced and monitored. Physicians at PMC of Beverly Hills are trained and experienced in evaluating specific blood tests and prescribing a personalized program for BHRT.

 

13.  Why should I choose to take Bio-identical Hormones instead of synthetic hormones?

The Natural Biologically Identical Hormone is derived from plants, such as soy and yams, and are manufactured to be identical to the hormone molecule produced in the body. Natural bio-identical hormones should always be prescribed over chemically altered, problematic synthetic hormones. The potentially harmful effect of synthetic hormones has made natural bio-identical hormones the only safe alternative. Landmark research and well documented literature support the importance of BHRT as a therapy and should not be confused with the studies involving synthetic hormones.

 

Bio-identical hormones are hormones that begin with a soy base.  The molecule is then altered to be bio-identical to our natural hormone molecules.  In other words, the basic composition is exactly the same as what our body produces.  In comparison, a synthetic hormone contains components that will have a different breakdown from the natural hormones and this is what causes the side effects.  Bio-identical hormones are produced by a compounding pharmacy, which prepares the hormones and individualizes it into different dosage forms that meets the needs of the individual.

 

Synthetic hormones are entirely different than bio-identical hormones.  A multitude of studies have demonstrated many harmful effects of synthetic hormones, whereas the medical literature supports no harmful effects of natural hormones, only beneficial effects.  The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was published in 2002 and it sparked many safety questions and confusion.  It should be stressed that synthetic estrogen (Premarin) and synthetic progesterone (Provera) were used for this study.  It demonstrated increases in heart diseases, breast cancer, and blood clots.  Follow-up studies demonstrated synthetic progesterone (Provera) increases the risk of breast cancer.  Synthetic Provera is a chemically altered hormone and is a completely different molecule than a natural biologically identical hormone, progesterone.  Another problem with the WHI is the age group of the women studied.  The average age was 65 years old and never had hormone replacement therapy, and then was treated with synthetic hormones.  This age group is a risk factor for age related diseases.  Therefore, we should only use the bio-identical estrogen and bio-identical progesterone and avoid the problems associated with synthetic hormones, and we should begin BHRT early to achieve healthy aging and retard the age related diseases.

 

14.  Does my insurance cover Hormone Replacement Therapy?

We do not bill insurance companies for Hormone Replacement Therapy.  Upon request, we will gladly provide the patient with invoices that the patient can submit directly to their insurance company for possible reimbursement.  Lab fees are covered by insurance and the lab will bill your insurance directly.

 

Cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy

♦ First year of Hormone Replacement Therapy is $1,000. This includes all office visits and monitoring by our office and physicians.

♦ Lab fees are covered by insurance, or patients without insurance are given a discounted rate of $450. Prescriptions for bio-identical hormones are a separate cost, and may be covered by insurance.

♦ Subsequent years of Hormone Replacement Therapy costs $300 per year. This includes all office visits and monitoring by our office and physicians.

 

If you have any further questions, please contact our office at (310) 247-8045.