BHRT – What to Expect with the First Insertion
I went for my first ‘insertion’ and it went well. I was nervous. The nurse I met with called me back and explained my lab results to me. I believe that she used the description ‘bone dry’ to describe my hormone levels. She explained that I would be getting two pellets, one with estradiol and one with testosterone. I would also take a dissolvable tablet at night before bed, this [...]
What is BHRT?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy addresses treatment options to alleviate the symptoms caused by imbalanced hormones or a natural drop in hormone production due to aging. Treatments are often called “bioidentical” or sometimes “natural” because the types of hormones used are biologically identical on a molecular level to those produced in the body. Some of the hormones that BHRT works to balance include those associated with youth and fertility, such as estrogen, progesterone, [...]
There’s No Such Thing as Over-Reacting When It Comes to Your Health – Know When to Get a Second Opinion
I am a healthy 42 year old woman. I had one child when I was young. I am not overweight, I have no underlying health issues and take no medication. I only go the doctor once per year for my annual checkup and of course my mammogram. I did everything I was supposed to do. So why out of the clear blue did I start skipping some of my periods, [...]
Menopause: How it Impacts You and Your Hormones – BHRT Can Help You!
Declining hormones due to menopause or peri-menopause are responsible for a host of symptoms and life changing issues. The result is like a chain reaction starting with night sweats, weight gain and lack of sleep to dulled libido and depression. When you begin to experience symptoms of low and/or imbalanced hormones it can feel like you are spinning out of control rather quickly. It is easy to become agitated and [...]
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Dealing with Menopause
The symptoms of menopause are a direct response to declining hormones, specifically estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This can occur naturally or it can occur surgically via oophorectomy (ovary removal). The decrease in hormone levels will likely bring on symptoms like night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, irritability and hot flashes. Many women notice an increase in vaginal dryness causing painful intercourse as well as dry skin as hormone [...]
Hormone Therapy?
Hormone Therapy Hormone replacement might make you think of over-sized athletes and sweaty team jerseys. The stigma of hormone therapy or rather, hormone abuse, tends to often circle back to testosterone. Much of what we hear about in the media are the highly exaggerated extreme cases; we all know this, but we still listen as if it were the gospel truth. The bottom line is that the answer to [...]
BHRT for women-The Basics
BHRT for Women-The Basics One thing is inevitable, we are all aging. We all age at the exact same pace, and there is no stopping it. As a woman continues to age, she will likely start having symptoms of hormonal imbalances indicative of menopause. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are the reproductive hormones that when imbalanced can cause a plethora of symptoms. A hormonal imbalance is ultimately when your hormones are [...]
4 Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
Health Benefits of Pet Ownership If you have a furry family member – or one with scales or feathers – then you might already suspect that your four-legged charge offers a bevy of emotional benefits. Research backs up your hunch. In fact, there are a wide number of benefits to keeping a family pet from both a physical and emotional standpoint. Whether you have a pet right now or [...]
Drink to Your Health: Better Beverage Alternatives to Soda
Beverage Alternatives to Soda Sunny days might make you reach for a frosty soda, but before you grab another soft drink from the cooler, think about the nutritional impact of your favorite sugary beverage. Sodas are packed with sugar, and while your body needs some amount of sugar for energy, a single can of regular cola contains nearly an entire day's worth of the recommended daily allotment. Instead of [...]
Building Stronger Bones as You Age
Building Stronger Bones as You Age Starting at age 50, men and women start to lose bone density at a rate of around 0.5 percent each year. For women, the loss is more noticeable since women tend to have thinner and smaller bones than men. Despite what you might think, however, osteoporosis, which is a condition marked by brittle and fragile bones, isn't a natural part of the aging [...]
Hold that Hot Dog: 6 Tips for a Healthy Cookout
Hold that Hot Dog: 6 Tips for a Healthy Cookout Processed red meat and salty, greasy side dishes dominate the cookout landscape. From burgers to hot dogs and all the heavy sides that go with them, eating well during the summer can seem like a challenge. Rest assured that you can still host your annual barbecue without serving up a platter of danger foods. Before you fire up the grill [...]
Healthy Eating on the Go – How to Eat Well on Vacation
Healthy Eating on the Go – How to Eat Well on Vacation The rules don't apply on vacation, right? Unfortunately, calories, fat, carbs and sugar still count whether you're at home or on the beach. It's easy to fall into the trap of eating poorly when you're taking a much-needed vacation, but proper planning can help you avoid gaining weight and ruining your diet. If you're traveling this summer and [...]
4 Great Benefits of Getting Out in the Sun
4 Great Benefits of Getting Out in the Sun For decades, medical advice has been fairly set in stone when it comes to the sun: Stay inside, and lather up with sunscreen if you're going out. But recent research suggests that getting more sun, not less, could have positive benefits on more than just your skin tone. As it turns out, there are a host of benefits to getting out [...]
Why You Need Preventive Care
Why You Need Preventive Care Do you know what kind of preventive screenings you need as an adult? If you're a parent, then you probably know all about your child's next trip to the doctor, where he'll get his next round of shots and learn about screenings necessary for his age. Unfortunately, adults don't always take as much care with their own health. Preventive care is essential to [...]
Pro Probiotics: Could Bacteria Improve Your Health?
Could Bacteria Improve Your Health? With so many health tends out there, it can be tough to separate fact from fiction. One of the latest nutrition crazes sweeping the industry is probiotics. You might have heard high praise for probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts designed to clean up your gut, but does the product live up to the hype? In short, yes, probiotics can alleviate pain [...]
Not Just for Kids: Adults Need Vaccines, Too
Adults Need Vaccines, Too If you're a parent, then you know that your kids need routine vaccines throughout their childhood to protect against specific diseases and illnesses. Did you know that adults need vaccines, too? Aside from an annual flu shot, adults need a series of vaccines as they age to ward off viruses, diseases and deadly illnesses. Not only will you need boosters for immunizations you received [...]
Low-impact Activities for High-impact Calorie Burn
Low-impact Activities, High-impact Calorie Burn When it comes to physical fitness, your mind may be willing, but your body can protest to the point of holding you back. From weak knees to aching joints, aging bodies keep millions of people stuck in a rut. Instead of letting your sore joints and muscles stand in your way, let them lead the workout. Low-impact activities can be just as beneficial [...]
How Much Caffeine Should You Have?
How Much Caffeine Should You Have? Your daily jolt of java keeps you functioning as you work, drop the kids off at school and hit the gym. Unfortunately, there's a limit to how much caffeine you should consume each day, and exceeding that limit can negatively impact your health. Caffeine is found naturally in tea, coffee and chocolate, but it's also an added ingredient in sodas and energy [...]
Got a Bug Bite? When to See a Doctor
Got a Bug Bite? When to See a Doctor As the weather heats up for spring and summer, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, April showers also bring showers of bugs. From spiders to mosquitoes, these tiny critters can ruin a good picnic and derail your plans for adventure if you let them. You may be tempted to ignore the occasional bite or [...]
Drink in Moderation: How and Why to Limit Alcohol Consumption
How and Why to Limit Alcohol Consumption When you go in for a routine physical, your doctor might ask about your social habits, including smoking and drinking. Throwing back a few beers with your friends on the weekend might not sound like a big deal, but a regular pattern of moderate to heavy drinking can negatively impact your overall health, especially if you have specific medical conditions. Unless [...]
Annual Checkup? The Doctor is Out
Annual Checkup? The Doctor is Out If you're like many adults, then you probably schedule a yearly checkup with your doctor. These visits might include a brief physical exam and an interview about how you're doing, mentally and physically. In the past, medical professionals fully supported the idea of annual wellness visits because they typically helped doctors identify problems early. However, opinion on the benefits of annual checkups [...]
7 Natural Remedies for Soothing an Upset Stomach
Natural Remedies for an Upset Stomach Whether you've been battling pregnancy-induced morning sickness or a bad stomach flu, nausea can derail your day in an instant. It's difficult enough to deal with a persistent queasiness without worrying over how to treat it. Some conditions require only time to heal the wounds, but nausea can be treated naturally with things you've probably got in your kitchen already. Here are [...]
5 Common Misconceptions about Stress
Misconceptions about Stress Stress has become such a dominant part of everyday life that most people assume it's just a natural condition. From busy work lives to hectic family schedules, we deal with stressful situations so regularly that it's become commonplace. Did you know that stress doesn't have to interfere with your life? There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to stress. Here are five of the most [...]
4 Unique Ways to Relax
4 Unique Ways to Relax For many people today, the always-on approach to life can be physically and emotionally taxing. Whether it's a high-stress job in the corporate world or being a stay-at-home parent to an active toddler, stress can create a barrier to truly enjoying life. It can also affect your health. You're more likely to overeat, gain weight, feel depressed and even develop other medical problems if you're [...]
4 Simple Ways to Enjoy a Healthy Pregnancy
4 Simple Ways to Enjoy a Healthy Pregnancy When you're pregnant, the list of dos and don'ts can feel like a mile long, and while most of the advice you receive is meant to help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy, it might feel overwhelming. Rest assured that you can enjoy a healthier, less stressful pregnancy by taking care of your mind and body. Here are four simple ways to [...]
The Dangerous Side Effects of Too Much Sugar
With so many conflicting advice about sugar, you might wonder about the truth behind your favorite sweet snacks. Is sugar really bad for you? If so, how bad is it? As with most elements of the modern diet, sugar consumed in moderation poses little threat to an otherwise healthy, active person. The occasional piece of birthday cake or celebratory cocktail won't cause significant long-term damage. However, consistent consumption of added [...]
Do You Really Need Vitamin Supplements?
Dozens of vitamin supplement bottles line your local pharmacy's shelves, and as you stand in front of them, overwhelmed by the options, you start to wonder if you need any of them at all. In fact, many people don't need supplemental vitamins and minerals because a rounded diet offers sufficient nutritional benefits. Your body gets what it needs from the foods you eat as long as you're eating what you [...]
Do You Need a Flu Shot? CDC Says Yes
Flu season in the U.S. typically runs throughout winter, but the epidemic season can start as early as October and last all the way through May, peaking from December to March. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC recommends that everyone ages six months or older get a flu shot each year, usually by October if possible. However, it's not too late to get a flu shot if [...]
Allergies, Cold or Flu: How to Tell the Difference
Allergies, Cold or Flu: How to Tell the Difference If you've been fighting a runny nose, sore throat and general discomfort for the last few days, you may be tempted to pass it off as just a cold. While the common cold is aptly named, it's not the only reason you might be suffering. Early spring offers a perfect storm of conditions that make colds, allergies and even [...]
Enjoy a Healthier, Happier Smile
If you suffer from dry mouth, sensitive teeth and other dental problems, then you may attribute these conditions to aging, and you may be right. Adults over the age of 65 are more likely to experience a wide range of dental issues, from sensitivity to cavities. This is partly due to fluctuating hormones, partly from concurrent medical problems, like diabetes or heart disease, and partly from increased medications. Your teeth [...]
The Benefits of Regular Exercise
You know that exercise plays a critical role in healthy weight loss, but if you're like many Americans, you may not be getting what you need to stay fit. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that most healthy adults get 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Ideally, you'll get a combination of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity and strength [...]
Andropause: A Man’s Transition Period
Men and women age differently, but age-related hormone fluctuations affect men and women in similar ways. Did you know that men can go through a type of menopause? Labeled "andropause" because it is not as defined as female menopause, male menopause affects a small portion of the aging male population. Andropause shares similar features with menopause, but it is not as severe as what some women experience once their reproductive [...]
10 Foods to Help You Destress
If you're stressed, then the best way to boost your mood and relax your mind is to engage in a calming physical activity. Unfortunately, your schedule may not allow it. How can you de-stress when you're short on time? Food is the answer. Eating the right kind of food can actually help you calm down, think more clearly and eliminate stress from your life. Let's take a look at 10 [...]
5 Ways to Promote Better Brain Health
Like any other part of your body, your brain changes as you age. You may forget the name of someone you met a few weeks ago, or walk into a room without knowing why. These are common signs of aging, but a pattern of forgetful behavior can evolve into medical problems, such as dementia or Alzheimer's. About 1 to 2 percent of aging adults develop dementia each year. Causes for [...]
5 Common Problems with Perimenopause
5 Common Problems with Perimenopause Menopause starts for most women during middle age, but symptoms of age-related hormone changes can start well before the official end of your reproductive years. If you're in your 30s or 40s and already experiencing unusual symptoms, then you may be dealing with perimenopause. Plenty of changes take place as women age, from graying hair to looser skin, but perimenopause can be one of [...]
No Quick Fix for Weightloss
When it comes to losing weight, many people are looking for a quick fix to shed pounds. While dozens of fad diets promise fast results, few can help you stick with a healthy figure long term. There's no quick fix for weight loss because weight gain doesn't happen overnight. However, there are simple, straightforward changes that you can make over time to help the pounds come off and stay [...]
4 Natural Ways to Fight Seasonal Allergies
If spring flowers bring you nothing but itchy eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat, then you're probably familiar with the irritating effects of seasonal allergies. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, affects nearly 8 percent of the American population. Worldwide, it's one of the most common medical problems, affecting between 10 and 30 percent of the population. You may reach for your tried-and-true bottle of over-the-counter medication [...]
How to Manage Stress
From getting stuck in traffic to giving a big presentation at work, stress takes shape in a variety of forms. When we're stressed, our bodies release cortisol, the fight-or-flight hormone. It's thought that cortisol used to serve a specific purpose in early humans, warning our ancestors of impending danger, like attacks from predators. Absent the threat of predators, cortisol now kicks in whether we're worried about our finances, running into [...]
Drink Up: Tips for Staying Hydrated
After a long workout routine, you probably reach for your water bottle without hesitation, but do you guzzle enough H2O on a regular basis? If you're like most people, the answer is no. Americans are woefully under-hydrated. A CDC survey reported that 7 percent of respondents drank no water at all on a day-to-day basis. Only 22 percent of adults drink more than eight cups per day. Staying hydrated can [...]
Is Sunscreen Worth Applying?
Over the last 30 years, more people have gotten skin cancer than every other kind of cancer combined. Approximately 3.3 million people in the U.S. are treated for nonmelanoma skin cancer each year, and about 20 percent of Americans will develop the disease at some point in their lives. You might be tempted to limit your trips outside after hearing these statistics, but sunshine and fresh air offer a variety [...]
How Your Hormones Affect Weight Loss
Losing or maintaining weight as you age might seem harder than it was when you were in your twenties. That's because it is. Hormones, which are responsible for a wide range of body processes, including metabolism, can affect your ability to slim down and keep weight off long term. As you get older, hormone production can slow down and become erratic, leading to a host of physical and emotional changes. [...]
7 Simple Ways for Getting Rid of Belly Fat
If you've resolved to get in shape and lose some extra weight this year, then you already know that belly fat can stand in the way of your ideal figure. Excess fat around your midsection isn't just embarrassing. It's called "visceral" fat, and it can create long-term health problems, from heart disease to type 2 diabetes. Visceral fat forms for a lot of reasons, so there are several things you [...]
5 Ways to Get Better Sleep
Sleep plays a critical role in everyday function, from making decisions to interacting with people. You may know that getting a good night's sleep can help you feel better about life, but did you know that not getting enough sleep is linked to physical and mental problems over time? In 2015, the National Sleep Foundation updated its sleep recommendations based on age. Adults up to age 65 need between seven [...]
