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Author: Serenity Health Care Center

Hormone Therapies

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Hormone Therapies

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, our hormone experts design individualized plans for hormone therapies. Each patient has different needs that are evaluated by our highly trained practitioners, Debra Muth ND and Amy Hoffman NP. Our team offers therapies for women’s health concerns that include menopause, PMS, anti-aging and preconception. We also have programs for men’s health issues, including Low-T, male menopause, estrogen dominance in men and male infertility.

Bioidentical hormones vs. synthetic hormones for hormone therapies

Our experienced hormone providers prefer bioidentical hormones to synthetic ones for our hormone therapies. Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived hormones that are chemically extracted from soy or yams. They have the same molecular structure as the hormones that our bodies make.

Traditional medicine often uses synthetic hormones for their hormone therapies. These hormones are produced from products that are not natural. In addition, they are not molecularly identical to natural hormones. Synthetic hormones also have additives and coatings that can cause side effects, including burning in the urinary tract, allergies, joint aches and pains. For these reasons, our experts believe that bioidentical hormones are best for the hormone therapies we provide.

How we administer our hormone therapies

Would you benefit from bioidentical hormone therapies?

Take our Hormone Imbalance Questionnaire.

You can also watch Dr. Muth’s lecture,
“Who Should Use BioResourcesidentical Hormones.”

Hormone therapies can be administered several different ways, but our hormone experts do not recommend pellets. Pellets have several disadvantages, including expense and side effects. Our patients respond very well to the transdermal method of delivering hormones. It has several advantages over pellets because it is less expensive and easier to adjust. Other patients may get their bioidenticals in the form of injections, creams, gels or oral medications.

Who benefits from bioidentical hormones?

The bioidentical hormones that the providers at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee use for hormone therapies benefit women and men with a wide array of symptoms.

Women’s symptoms

  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Pain during sex
  • Sleep problems
  • Night sweats
  • Weight gain
  • Mood changes
  • Memory loss or foggy thinking
  • Energy loss and fatigue

Men’s symptoms

  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Weight gain
  • Erectile dysfunction and lower sex drive
  • Hair loss
  • Sleep problems and fatigue
  • Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts

What patients can expect from hormone therapies

Here is a typical example of how patients may respond to hormone therapies, but results vary from patient to patient.

  • Week 1: Patients experience a reduction in anxiety and insomnia.
  • Week 2: Women experience a reduction in vaginal symptoms and hot flashes.
  • Week 3: Women and men may have increased energy and better cognitive skills.

Most people experience approximately 80% symptom relief in six to eight weeks when all endocrine systems are addressed. Each individual must work with our expert providers to decide how long to continue with hormone therapies

The experienced hormone providers at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee provide patients with reliable and trusted hormone therapies. It’s time to feel better.

Speak with our patient care expert today

Hypothyroidism

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in General Health, Thyroid.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms

  • Have you approached your doctor, complained of fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, high cholesterol, depression, hair loss, dry skin, hair and nails, menstrual abnormalities and a loss of libido?
  • Have you tried to tell your doctor that you think you have a thyroid imbalance?
  • Have you had a blood test only to be told that your results were within the “normal range”?

At Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin, we use a multi-tiered approach to treating hypothyroidism. We will perform a blood test to measure all the thyroid hormones as well as thyroid antibodies to determine if you have an autoimmune condition.

We look at total cholesterol and LDL levels because these are often elevated in patients with hypothyroidism. However, our primary criteria for diagnosis and evaluating the effects of hypothyroidism treatment are how the patient feels.

Your history combined with our medical examination and tests determine if thyroid supplementation may be of benefit to you. If this is the case, then we will recommend desiccated thyroid, known as Armour thyroid, a well-established, safe and effective thyroid medication, rather than synthetic thyroid drugs that contain only T4, the inactive form of the thyroid hormone.

If you experience clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism, we may recommend a therapeutic trial of desiccated thyroid, unless you have a health condition that prevents the use of this medication. We will monitor you and incrementally adjust your dose, checking your thyroid lab values, until your hypothyroid symptoms are resolved.

For additional information on hypothyroidism and low thyroid, click here.

Get tested to help determine if you may need treatment for hypothyroidism.

Speak with our patient care expert today

Male Hormone Therapies

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health.

Male Hormone Therapies

“The United States is home to 147.5 million adult men, who report their health status is fair or poor. Indeed, 32% of men ages 20 and up are obese, and 31%in that same age group have hypertension. Among adult American men, heart disease, cancer, and accidents are the three leading causes of death.” (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention) It is reported that 13 million men have low testosterone levels, but only 5-10% will ever seek treatment. Testosterone levels peak at age 20 and gradually decline throughout life. Low testosterone can be a reason for cognitive decline and be part of the problem with Alzheimer’s disease.

As men grow older, their free testosterone level decreased and estrogen levels rise. The average 60-year-old man has more circulating estrogen than testosterone levels. Recent research shows that incremental levels of estrogen have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system.

As estrogen levels increase, they become increasing prone to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer. It is important to measure estrogen levels, primarily Estradiol, but also Estrone.

What are some of the symptoms of low testosterone (Low T)?

  • Foggy thinking
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Decreased Stamina
  • Anxiety and Irritability
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
  • Decreased mental status
  • Elevated Cholesterol
  • Depression
  • Night Sweats/heart palpitations
  • Nervousness
  • Decreased erections
  • Increased abdominal fat
  • Decreased urine flow
  • Fatigue and exhaustion

What are the symptoms of estrogen dominance?

  • Irritability/Mood Swings
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Short term memory loss
  • Water retention
  • Weight Gain
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Cravings for Sweets

Can testosterone levels be increased without testosterone supplementation?

First you reduce estrogen levels, increase testicular output and provide androgen supplementation. Amino Acids can be used along with hormone precursors like (DHEA) Dehydroepiandrosterone. Herbs can also be used to assist in supporting a healthy prostate and enhance hormone levels naturally.

What can I expect to see if I use testosterone therapy?

  • Improved brain function
  • Reduced prostate size
  • Improved mood
  • Improved sexual function
  • Improved bone health
  • Improved body mass

If you feel like your hormones are out of balance, get in touch or call Serenity Health Care Center at 262-522-8640 to schedule an appointment.

Brain Health

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in General Health.

Brain Health

Serenity Health Care Center treats a variety of brain health issues and their symptoms. We utilize a holistic approach, focused on treating the whole person and dedicated to improving our patient’s quality of life, relationships, focus and productivity.

What Can Cause Brain Health Issues?

There are a variety of conditions that cause mild to severe cognitive decline. Inflammation is a contributing factor. Neurodegenerative conditions can be caused by environmental toxins, infection, diet, and genetics.

What Brain Health Issues Does Serenity Treat?

  • Brain Fog
  • Memory Loss
  • ADHD/Attention & Focus
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Mood Swings/Oppositional Defiance
  • Addiction
  • Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (past and current)
  • Insomnia
  • Poor Focus
  • Impulsiveness
  • Irritability
  • Mood Swings
  • Migraines

What Treatment Is Available?

  • Neurotransmitter Testing
  • Medications & Supplements
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • IV Therapies
  • SPECT Scan Analysis

Mind Your Memory – Cognitive Screening Test

Serenity Health Care Center is an official testing center for Mind Your Memory cognitive screening test. Mind Your Memory is a simple, computer-based test that can be completed in about 30 minutes. No computer skills are required— this is an interactive test program.

Brain Neurotransmitter Lab

Brain Neurotransmitter Lab testing can identify the reason your symptoms are present. By knowing what neurotransmitters are high or low natural or specific approaches can be implemented.

Gut Health

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in General Health.

Gut Health

Serenity Health Care Center treats a variety of gastrointestinal issues and symptoms, ranging from leaky gut and IBS, to small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) and abdominal pain.

Our providers utilize a holistic approach looking to treat the whole body, by utilizing detoxification, nutrition, stool and food sensitivity testing, alongside supplements and vitamins, to restore gut health, eliminate harmful bacteria, reduce pain, regulate bowel movements and optimize digestive function.

What Can Cause GI Issues?

Gut health is the number one cause of systemic illness. There are few key components that lead to imbalance, which can cause major disruption in function. Bacterial overload such as SIBO, IBS or IBD are the result. Improper function with digestive enzymes can cause GERD, Ulcers or stomach pain. 

Types of GI Issues Serenity Treats

  • Overall Gut Health
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • IBS
  • Food Allergies
  • Food Sensitivities
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)
  • APOE
  • Acid Reflux
  • Skin Rashes
  • Gut Dysbiosis
  • Candida/Yeast Overgrowth
  • Parasite Cleanse
  • Digestion
  • Absorption of Nutrients

How Does Serenity Treat GI Issues?

  • Nutrition & Dietary Changes
  • Detoxification
  • Supplements, Medications & Vitamins
  • Stool Testing
  • Food Sensitivity Testing
  • ONDAMED Biofeedback

Labs & Panels

Stool testing is the window into your entire body and immune system. The microbiome is everything to a healthy body. Stool testing can tell us how many good and bad bacteria is present. With GI testing we can see the immune markers, inflammation and if the tight junctions are a problem. Not all stool testing is the same; in order to really determine what is going on in the intestinal tract, you need a test that is sensitive and specific.

Food sensitivities occur in so many fashions. They can be delayed or immediate. Our immediate foods we recognize, but it is the delayed foods that are harder to identify. Getting food sensitivity testing can finally give you the answers about what foods cause problems for you.

Have you ever wondered if the supplements you are taking are really being absorbed? Once you have micronutrient testing done, it can tell you exactly what supplements you need. What form is best for you. We know if you have an absorption issue from the GI tract.

Chemical Sensitivity

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in General Health.

Chemical Sensitivity

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is also called “environmental illness” or “sick building syndrome.” It refers to a variety of non-specific symptoms reported by people after exposure to chemical, biologic, or physical agents, including electromagnetic field.

What are the symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity?

The symptoms are wide-ranging and typically include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Congestion
  • Itching
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Chest pain
  • Changes in heart rhythm
  • Breathing problems
  • Muscle pain or stiffness
  • Skin rash
  • Diarrhea, bloating and gas
  • Confusion, trouble concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes.

There is not one good treatment for MCS. A multifaceted approach is necessary to reduce the symptoms. This approach includes; allergy treatment, immune support, genetic support, and reduction of exposure.

Contact Serenity Health Care Center at 262-522-8640 to schedule an appointment to learn more about multiple chemical sensitivity.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE)

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in General Health.

APOLIPOPROTEIN E – ApoE Gene

What is the ApoE gene?

The official name of this gene is “apolipoprotein E.” ApoE is the gene’s official symbol.

What is the normal function of the ApoE gene?

The ApoE gene provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E. This protein combines with fats (lipids) in the body to form molecules called lipoproteins. Apolipoprotein E is a major component of a specific type of lipoprotein called very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs).

What are ApoE gene combinations?

There are at least three slightly different versions (alleles) of the ApoE gene. The major alleles are called e2, e3, and e4. The most common allele is e3, which is found in more than half of the general population.

Alzheimer disease – increased risk from variations of the ApoE gene.

The e4 version of the ApoE gene increases an individual’s risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer disease. People who inherit one copy of the ApoE e4 allele have an increased chance of developing the disease; those who inherit two copies of the allele are at even greater risk. The ApoE e4 allele may also be associated with an earlier onset of memory loss and other symptoms.

What are variants of apolipoprotein E?

The variations of apolipoprotein E have been studied extensively as risk factors for many different conditions. For example, ApoE alleles have been shown to influence the risk of cardiovascular diseases. People who carry at least one copy of the ApoE e4 allele have an increased chance of developing atherosclerosis, which is an accumulation of fatty deposits and scar-like tissue in the lining of the arteries. This progressive narrowing of the arteries increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The ApoE e2 allele has been shown to greatly increase the risk of a rare condition called hyperlipoproteinemia type III. Most people with this disorder have two copies of the ApoE e2 allele, leading researchers to conclude that the e2 allele plays a critical role in the development of the condition.

ApoE gene variants have also been studied as a potential risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that is a leading cause of vision loss among older people worldwide. Some studies have suggested that having at least one copy of the ApoE e4 allele may help protect against this disease or delay the onset of vision loss, while having at least one copy of the ApoE e2 allele may increase the risk of this disease or cause symptoms to appear earlier. However, other studies have not found these associations. More research is needed to clarify what role, if any, ApoE gene variants play in the development of age-related macular degeneration.

To schedule an appointment to learn more about genetic testing, call 262.522.8640

Sports Medicine Thermography

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Thermography.

Sports Medicine Thermography helps diagnose injuries and track your recovery

People who incur an acute or chronic sports injury benefit from a thermogram. 

The procedure helps our practitioners confirm the diagnosis of an injury or chronic problem. It can also help our Functional Medicine staff clinically assess your progress and treatment response.

photo of two legs and hands holding the left leg that is swollen in pain

Full body Thermography can detect pain and inflammation caused by an injury

Infrared imaging technology can map the location of bleeding, inflammation, and muscle strains. 

The color image of your body is usually symmetrical. Healthy limbs and organs have the same skin temperature on both sides equally usually.

Temperature differences indicate trauma, which helps your Serenity provider pinpoint the degree of your injury. 

If you are serious about your sports training, start an athletic thermal training profile

Regular thermography scans help athletes calibrate optimal training goals by tracking weaknesses to decrease the chances of injury and overload that will take you out of the game.

Infrared technology allows sports professionals to examine local temperature variations to assess how training sessions affect joints and muscles. They can also see the changes that take place during the recovery process after an injury.

What types of sports injuries can Thermography detect?

Both soft tissue & nerve damage are visible in medical thermal imaging. 

Soft tissue injuries affect ligaments, muscles, and tendons. These are the most common injuries during sports and exercise, but sometimes simple everyday activities can also cause damage. 

If you are an active individual or have been an athlete in the past, you have likely endured tendinitis, sprains, bursitis, strains, and bruises at some point. 

A broken bone often heals more successfully because a cast completely immobilizes the body part. In contrast, people often lack patience with soft tissue injuries, so there is only partial healing or reinjury, which causes future pain or reduces movement range.

Tracking your recuperation progress 

a thermogram of the right thigh. Serenity health care center for thermography

If your Thermography results continue to show a higher skin temperature, you are probably still undergoing an internal recovery process. With this in mind, you can avoid reinjury by not returning to regular activity until your healing process has completely finished. 

Thermography offers essential feedback for you to responsibly manage your expectations about your mobility and training goals.

To track your sports injury recovery book a Thermography scan here.

Debilitating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Thermography

Thermography detects pain. CRPS can be continuous generalized pain, but it is usually in just one limb. 

An injury usually triggers CRPS symptoms that include: inexplicable stinging, fiery, penetrating, and severe pain. The syndrome will ebb and flow with intense painful episodes. 

One telltale sign of CRPS is that you may be particularly sensitive to accidental touch and be overly responsive to gentle pressure or temperatures. 

The symptoms spiral into difficulty sleeping, reduced mobility, and strange changes to the appearance and functionality of the affected limb. 

Serenity Health Care Center uses Thermography to help determine the focal point of the injury to get to the root cause of the CRPS.

Detecting nerve dysfunction with Thermography

Cool areas on a scan can indicate nerve damage, and the technology documents spinal injury caused by disc compression. 

Back issues, for example, can be misleading. 

The strain felt in one area might be caused by overcompensating for the actual target area, which can be on the opposite side of the pain point or higher or lower. Again, heat patterns can help us determine what is really going on with regard to your back pain.

Also, tracking your disability level over time caused by neuro-muscular-skeletal issues can help you to avoid invasive surgery because improvements are visible.

9 benefits of Sports Medicine Thermography

Thermography imaging is: 

1. Non-invasive

The device captures the external heat emanating from your body; nothing touches your skin or penetrates your system. Therefore, there is no need to ingest dye or any substance.

2. Painless

Thermography is like a photo session. We will ask you to stay still, but the procedure does not require numbing or anaesthesia. 

3. Accurate

To ensure accurate results, you will be asked to refrain from exercise, hot showers, shaving, stimulants including caffeine and nicotine, and using a bra 4 hours before your testing.

4. Radiation-free

Many data points can be gathered in a healthy individual using medical thermal imaging. However, repeated x-ray radiation damages cells, while Thermography offers an alternative diagnostic and prognostic imaging option to monitor your body’s injury.

5. Economical

Although Thermography is conducted by certified professionals only and results interpretations require ten years of training, the technology is accessible to a larger population than many other medical imaging options.

6. Safe and FDA-approved

Major universities such as Duke University and scientific teams continue to conduct studies that Thermography is safe and provides essential diagnostic and prognostic data points. 

7. A complementary diagnostic tool to x-rays, MRI, etc.

While x-rays show structural injuries, Thermography can complete the diagnostic process by showing the real-time functional process.

8. A useful prognostic technology to assist recovery

Thermography can be repeated as there are no harmful side effects. As a result, the first session sets a baseline, while recovery subsequent Thermography scans track positive or negative changes.  

9. A tool for preventative medicine

The inflammation detected by a scan will alert your provider of weakness or excess blood flow, indicating an imbalance in your system that may be asymptomatic.  

Our experienced Functional Medicine staff know the signs of disease in the making and will prescribe preventative lifestyle changes, including diet, supplementation, exercise, herbs, or the need for further testing.

Book your full body Sports Medicine Thermography Scan today

Preconception Program

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Preconception Program

Serenity Health Care Center is concerned about the increased risk in the U.S. of babies being born in birth defects, preterm, or low birth weight. Currently, 1 out 8 children are born with Autism, this number is so incredible high and our own Dr. Greg Brown knows all too well the effects this has on the parents, families and children themselves.

In 2008, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 6.61 per 1,000 live births. In the 2005 international rankings, the United States ranked 30th in infant mortality, behind other developed countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and most European countries. We want to assist women in preparing the bodies for a healthy pregnancy and give them the best opportunity for a healthy child.

How long is Serenity Health’s Preconception Program?

Our program is in depth and the length of the program can vary based on your current health. It is important to have a healthy diet, start a good exercise program, and take the appropriate dietary supplements. Optimally, we recommend that you plan to participate in the program for 1-2 years prior to conceiving.

What is included in the Preconception Program?

Serenity Health Care Center will perform various blood tests, salivary testing, metabolic testing and heavy metal testing are just a few tests that are obtained. If you have specific genetic issues, further testing may be explored.

How do I get started in the  preconception program?

To get started with the preconception program at Serenity Health Care Center, you will first have a consultation. We will assist you in providing an in depth history and create an individual plan that best fits your situation. Once the consultation is complete, an individualized program will be set up. You will have the opportunity to participant in any testing or chose to opt out of the recommended testing.

If you would like to get your body into the best shape possible prior to pregnancy, call Serenity Health Care Center today to schedule an appointment at 262-522-8640.

Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Wraps

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Recipes.

Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Wraps

Loaded with flavor and antioxidants, this wrap has it all!

Don’t like or can’t eat a certain vegetable? Substitute your favorite alternative.
For a sweeter variation, try it with your favorite barbeque sauce; add sliced red onions and shredded lettuce for extra crunch.

Serves 6

  • 1 whole precooked chicken, deboned and sliced or shredded to equal 4 cups
  • ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium cucumber, cut into matchsticks
  • 3 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks
  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free vinaigrette
  • Wrap ingredients in Gluten Free tortilla – my favorite are French Meadow wraps, or make your own with this great recipe for Gluten Free Tortillas!