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What Can We Do About Endocrine Disruption?

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in General Health, Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

What Can We Do About Endocrine Disruption?

A variety of symptoms occur when chemical exposures cause “endocrine disruption”

The following is a short list that can correlate with many different disorders: fatigue, pain, brain fog, weight gain, irritability, depression, anxiety, cancer, chemical sensitivity, numbness, tingling, ear ringing, memory loss, PMS, or premature menopause are just a few symptoms that can occur as a result.

Now that you know some of the things that can cause the body to lose balance, the more important thing to discuss is how do we get balance back?

Keeping our environment free of as many chemicals as possible is the first step. Eating organic can be very expensive and when you are trying to feed a large family it can feel impossible. A few tips for that are: purchase from the local farmers market or a local CSA allows you the opportunity to talk directly to the person growing your food. You can ask what chemicals they are using. Practice canning or freeze items for the winter. Pay particular attention to the “Dirty Dozen” this is a list of foods you should always eat organically. Here is a link that will provide you fantastic information on this topic: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php

Get your genetics tested you can use https://www.23andme.com it is inexpensive and your information can be used for research or kept private. I would caution you, do not ever let a health care provider keep a copy of this information because you can be denied life insurance or other health related insurance based on these results. Once these results are obtained you want to have an experienced person review these results so you can create a plan to support the genetic detox issues that you have. These treatment plans are usually life long because your genes do not change.

Use clean chemicals for house cleaning. There are good premade products that can be purchased in many stores or you can make your own with essential oils. Companies like Young Living Oils or doTerra are happy to share information on how to mix essential oils together. You can also use these in lotions instead of the chemical based products on the market. You can also make a Baking Soda scrub and vinegar and water great cleaning products.

Detox is Key

Practicing regular detox is key. Using sauna therapy Far Infarred is what we recommend by a company called https://www.hightechhealth.com/, (if you mention our name you can get a discount). I would recommend following instructions based on your health. Detox footbaths are another great source for cleansing the body of chemicals. If you can tolerate these you should use them a few times a week.

These various detox methods mentioned so far involve a series of enzymatic reactions that neutralize and solubilize toxins; homeopathic remedies can be added to assist in transporting the toxins to the secretory organs (like the liver or kidneys), so that they can be excreted from the body. These should be chosen individually based on your health. Sometimes we use products to move through the liver or kidneys and these organs have to be functioning properly before you start this process. Some people recommend Detox Programs with herbs; this can be helpful but again talk to your health care provider first. One tip: you may not feel well for the first few days; this is a good indication you are toxic.

Excess hormones, vitamins, inflammatory molecules, and signaling compounds, among others, are typically eliminated from the body by the same enzymatic detoxification systems that protect the body from environmental toxins, or clear prescription drugs from circulation. Metabolic detoxification reactions, therefore, are not only important for protection from the environment, but also central to homeostatic balance in the body.

In certain cases we need to eliminate more toxins because of illnesses like Parkinson’s disease. In those cases we will use IV amino acids to assist in more extensive detox methods. This can be used when people have bacterial overloads as well.

This information is not meant to cause fear but to provide a basic understanding of how the body can be affected and give you a basis for correcting the problems. Do some homework on what chemicals you have in your home that you are exposing your family to and make small changes to start with and grow your knowledge from there.

Infections and Endocrine Disruption

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in General Health, Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Infections & Endocrine Disruption

Various bacterial, fungal and viral infections can cause endocrine disruption and are not commonly evaluated.

I have encountered numerous women who experienced premature menopause or perimenopause because of exposures to bacterial infections like; Lyme disease, mycoplasma and mold toxicity. Rarely do I see any of these conditions evaluated in women who are experiencing hormonal imbalance.

Mold is especially toxic to the endocrine system and often times will cause thyroid disorders that can go undetected for years. Thyroid labs will often be normal, but the patient will be symptomatic. Evaluating for autoimmune thyroid disease can be helpful in identifying these patients and providing treatment. Unfortunately, for many people, they do not receive treatment until the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH is abnormal. Many people will suffer for 5-10 years before they receive treatment.

When autoimmune disease is an issue, it is a dysfunction of the immune system that is present and support to rebuild the immune system is necessary. Without support, the immune system can often attack another part of the body, such as developing Rheumatoid Arthritis years later.

Chronic bacterial infections cause both men and women to produce fewer hormones. Blood or saliva testing can identify this. A variety of symptoms occurs and both men and women share some; fatigue, decreased sex drive, hair loss, and irritability, loss of creativity and motivation or better put a zest for life! Men can experience loss of muscle tone and strength, erectile dysfunction and loss of their competitive drive. Women will experience irregular periods or loss of periods, PMS, weight gain, bloating, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats and loss of sexual desire and thinning of the skin. This certainly is not an exhaustive list of symptoms, but you can see the symptoms that can occur.

Functions of Female Hormones

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Functions of Female Hormones

Libido, Energy Levels, Mood & More

Some women are symptomatic and others feel no change during the hormonal shifts that occur during their lifetimes. To understand the significance of these changes, it’s important to understand the functions of female hormones. Dr. Muth and the team at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee are hormone experts. We take every factor of a woman’s lifestyle and her health concerns into consideration when treating symptoms caused by hormonal shifts.

Basics about female hormones and how they function

Many systems of a woman’s body are affected by the functions of female hormones. Hormones are chemical “notes” that are formed by an orchestra of eight glands. These are the biochemical “conductors” of the female body that communicate with neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, that are produced in the brain. Neurotransmitters affect a person’s mood, energy level, dietary cravings and sleep.

The functions of female hormones and their effects on the body change throughout a woman’s lifetime. Typically, hormones peak at age 20 and begin to fluctuate at approximately age 35. For example, at about age 40, estrogen levels begin to decrease as the body prepares for menopause.

If we think of hormones as an orchestra, then even one hormone that is out of balance will throw off the performance. Lifestyle, diet, toxic exposure and medications can all have direct effects on the functions of female hormones.

Functions of estrogen and progesterone

The functions of female hormones become very apparent when estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate.

Estrogen

  • Causes breast and uterine tissue to grow
  • Fortifies the collagen layer of the skin
  • Affects cognitive function and mood
  • Affects libido
  • Lubricates vaginal tissue
  • Affects energy

Progesterone

  • Balances estrogen
  • Maintains pregnancy
  • Bolsters fetal brain and nervous system development
  • Stimulates bone growth
  • Helps calm and focus the brain
  • Helps burn fat and energy

Hormone testing

When we investigate health issues, we always consider the functions of female hormones and their effects. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we often recommend hormone testing. We often test for estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (yes, women need this male hormone), DHEA-S and cortisol. We can also test melatonin, serotonin, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels.

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we use bioidentical hormones to treat imbalances and improve the functions of female hormones, especially during menopause and other transitional periods of life. We have the expertise and knowledge to address hormonal issues and other health problems that are affecting your quality of life. Contact us for an appointment.

Vitamin D and Bladder Cancer

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in General Health, Men's Health, Nutrition, Women's Health. No Comments on Vitamin D and Bladder Cancer

Linking low levels of vitamin D and bladder cancer

Many people know that they get vitamin D from milk and being outside in the sun, but what many people do not know is the potential health hazards of low levels of vitamin D in your body. At our natural medicine clinic in Milwaukee, we are proponents of nutritional health, so we were very interested in a recent study* that linked low vitamin D and bladder cancer.

The study found that vitamin D may help stimulate an immune response to bladder cancer

Researchers at the University of Warwick reviewed seven studies that investigated the role that vitamin D plays in bladder cancer. Five of the seven studies they reviewed did show a link to low levels of vitamin D and bladder cancer.

The researchers also conducted their own experiment investigating the cells that line the bladder, known as transitional epithelial cells. Their experiment showed that the transitional epithelial cells activated and responded to vitamin D. They believe that this response can stimulate an immune response.

This immune system response could potentially play an important role in cancer prevention. If the system can identify abnormal cells before they become cancer cells, it could prevent bladder cancer.

Vitamin D and bladder cancer – what’s the solution?

While researchers acknowledge that more studies need to be conducted before they can conclusively connect low levels of vitamin D and bladder cancer, they agree that the potential for vitamin D to prevent cancer is very promising and exciting, especially since vitamin D is inexpensive and readily available to the general public.

Vitamin D is an important vitamin that you can obtain through food sources, sunlight or supplements. Here are a few of the important roles that vitamin D plays in the body.

  • Vital for bone growth and strength
  • Helps the body properly absorb calcium
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Helps modulate cell growth

The integrative medicine team at our natural medicine clinic in Milwaukee can help you achieve your best health. For more information about low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of bladder cancer, contact us.

* https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161107110336.htm

Estrogen Dominance in Men

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Estrogen Dominance In Men

Many men may be surprised to learn that their bodies produce estrogen as well as testosterone. There are several factors that can lead to estrogen dominance in men, which means that the male’s body is producing too much estrogen and his hormones are out of balance. Our natural medicine clinic in Milwaukee will narrow down what is causing your hormones to be imbalanced and provide male hormone therapies as needed.

What are the symptoms of estrogen dominance in men?

There are a variety of signs and symptoms that a man’s estrogen levels may be too high. He may experience mood swings, depression or irritability. Some men are fatigued or have sleep disturbances. Other symptoms you may notice are short-term memory loss, sugar cravings, weight gain or water retention. It varies from man to man.

What causes the imbalance?

Several factors can cause estrogen dominance in men.

  • As a man ages, he produces less testosterone and estrogen levels rise.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Obesity
  • Exposure to xenoestrogens, or estrogens from a foreign source

Men are exposed to xenoestrogens every day from sources such as chicken, beef or pork; chemicals; spermicides; plastics; pesticides; and other substances.

How can it be prevented?

Take steps to avoid excess estrogen exposure that may lead to estrogen dominance in men.

  • Buy grass-fed, organic meat and chicken
  • Eat organic produce
  • Avoid spermicides in condoms
  • Avoid chemical cleaning products and detergents
  • Use glass containers
  • Don’t heat your food in plastic containers in the microwave
  • Avoid exposure to pesticides when doing yard work
  • Do not use excessive amounts of alcohol

Our natural medicine clinic in Milwaukee treats men with hormone therapy

One of the most important ways to deal with estrogen dominance in men is to seek treatment from an integrative medicine provider, such as our natural medicine clinic in Milwaukee. Our team will diagnose and pinpoint the reasons that your hormones are imbalanced and design a treatment protocol just for you. This is an individual problem that has to be treated in a way that is uniquely suited to your needs.

Estrogen dominance in men can make you feel unhealthy, and even the idea may make you uncomfortable. Our caring and knowledgeable integrative team will support you with compassion and expertise. Contact us to learn more.

Male Menopause

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Male Menopause

Male Menopause or andropause, results from aging and decreasing hormones

Men, like women, experience midlife changes caused by a shift in their hormonal balance. This condition that is often labelled male menopause is known in the medical community as andropause.

Symptoms of male menopause

Decreased hormone levels is a natural part of aging, but it may cause uncomfortable symptoms that affect a man’s quality of life. Male menopause symptoms appear more gradually and are less severe than female menopause, but are just as troubling.

Many health professionals in the traditional medical community ignore or dismiss these symptoms because they can be difficult to detect and quantify. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we not only address male menopause, but we also treat it. We care about quality-of-life issues! Men may experience some or all of the following symptoms.

  • Reduced libido
  • Difficulty with erections
  • Infertility
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Depression
  • Poor concentration
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Prostate enlargement
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability

Many men are reluctant to discuss these symptoms with their healthcare practitioners and are often sent by their wives or partners. It takes a keen ear and asking the right questions to obtain the pertinent information needed to safely and effectively treat male menopause.

Diagnosing male menopause

Male menopause, or andropause, is diagnosed through laboratory findings and clinical evaluation. We also look for physical signs during a medical examination, such as: decreased muscle strength and size; increased abdominal fat; small wrinkles around the forehead; fatty breast tissue; smaller penis and testes; and lack of body odor.

We begin our evaluation with a detailed questionnaire, which is a good jumping-off point to begin a productive dialogue about any problems or symptoms.

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we perform blood work to determine hormone levels for testosterone and estrogen. This is important because there are two particular problems that affect males: low T and estrogen dominance. We are experienced at diagnosing and treating both of these conditions. Dr. Debra Muth is a nationally recognized expert in hormone therapies.

We promote a healthy diet as a way of regulating hormone levels

We know that the symptoms of male menopause are caused by hormone imbalances. We also know that dietary deficiencies can contribute to this imbalance. For example, estrogen dominance may be caused by the following dietary substances:

  • Trans-fatty acid intake
  • Fluoridated water
  • Zinc, magnesium deficiency
  • Lack of sulfur-containing amino acids

Testosterone levels can also be affected by diet; for example, a diet high in sugar and fat may reduce testosterone levels. We encourage patients to eat an organic diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean protein.

Male menopause is not a figment of your imagination, and we treat it and you seriously and respectfully. If you are concerned about symptoms of male menopause, contact us.

Adrenal Fatigue Testing

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in General Health, Women's Health.

Adrenal Fatigue Testing

Simple Saliva Or Blood Test

The practitioners at our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee perform adrenal fatigue testing if they suspect a patient is suffering from adrenal fatigue syndrome. Adrenal fatigue can cause chronic fatigue, headaches, dizziness, anxiety and depression. Conventional medicine doesn’t acknowledge this syndrome, so patients may suffer for months or even years before receiving a diagnosis.

Cortisol levels should always be tested as part of adrenal fatigue testing

Cortisol is the most important hormone tested during adrenal fatigue testing. A simple saliva test performed at home can determine cortisol levels. Cortisol is controlled by the hypothalamus, adrenal glands and pituitary gland. Cortisol receptors exist on almost every cell in the body. This hormone controls several important bodily processes.

  • Balances blood sugar levels
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Produces lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell
  • Impacts central nervous system functions that affect behavior and mood
  • Contributes to weight gain
  • Influences sex drive

When the body produces too much or too little cortisol, people can develop the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

It’s helpful to test other hormone levels

Often, during adrenal fatigue testing, the practitioners at our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee suggest testing hormone levels, such as testosterone, DHEA, progesterone and aldosterone. Blood or saliva tests can also assess these hormone levels.

If cortisol or other hormone levels are abnormal, our practitioners can recommend hormone supplements. Our alternative medicine clinic provides patients with bioidentical hormones, which are molecularly identical to the hormones the body creates. The hormones are not synthetic because they are created from substances that exist in nature.

Lifestyle changes are also important

If adrenal fatigue testing results point to a diagnosis of adrenal fatigue, our practitioners recommend lifestyle changes to help patients improve their symptoms.

  • Stress relief is very important. Yoga, meditation or alternative therapies are helpful.
  • Improving nutrition habits can lead to symptom improvement.
  • Exercise is helpful for overall health, fitness and can help with weight loss.
  • A good night’s sleep is vital to recovery. In addition to taking hormone supplements, patients should avoid too much caffeine and develop a good sleep routine.

Adrenal fatigue testing is an important diagnostic tool. Unlike conventional medicine, our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee recognizes how adrenal fatigue affects patients’ quality of life. For testing, diagnosis and treatment, contact us

Happy Breast Clinic: Thermography and Myofascial Self-Care

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Thermography, Women's Health. No Comments on Happy Breast Clinic: Thermography and Myofascial Self-Care

Taking care of your breasts is important to your long-term health. That’s why we are hosting a breast clinic. Understanding breast disorders is vital for early detection. You need to know what feels or looks different from normal. Join our “Happy Breasts” clinic portion at Serenity Health Care in Waukesha so that you can give your breasts the best care.

Our “Happy Breasts” clinic will start with a breast thermogram. This procedure produces a regional temperature map of your breasts for early disease detection. Then, there will be instruction on Myofascial self-care for your breasts.

  • Thermography’s role in breast disorders is to help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology and the establishment of risk factors for the development or existence of disease. This non-invasive treatment can provide needed information in order for your provider to create a specific health plan to assist in preventing disease.
  • Myofascial Release self-care will teach you how you can positively change the breast tissue (improve mobility and decrease scarring). New studies are showing that “gentle mechanical forces alone can revert and stop the out-of-control growth of cancer cells”. Come and learn a noninvasive way to treat your breasts by giving them a healthy squeeze.

Breast Clinic Information 

Appointment required:

Call Jane at 262.746.9090 to reserve your time.

Looking forward to seeing you at our breast clinic!

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.

Weight Loss to Maintain Muscle Mass

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

Weight Loss

There are many reasons why it is harder to lose body fat and increase muscle mass as we age

The primary reason is the lack of testosterone and imbalance of other anabolic steroid hormones.  It is true that increasing your testosterone level can produce more lean muscle, but it is not the only answer to this well-known aging problem.

Nutritional support is key when trying to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat. It is my opinion that buying over the counter products that “claim” they will boost your testosterone level naturally is a complete waste of money.

Unlike muscle growth, researchers at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science did find that fluctuations of testosterone within the physiological normal range had significant effects on body fat percentage.

The higher the testosterone levels, the leaner subjects were. And conversely, the lower the testosterone levels, the fatter they were. When researcher’s decreased support and testosterone levels fell to 300 ng/dl they saw a 36% increase in body fat.

Certainly, there is more to increasing lean body mass than just using natural supplements or taking natural testosterone. It is important to have an appropriate individual training program in place as well.

If your weight or body mass index is higher than what you feel can be changed with reasonable diet and exercise, Serenity has dietary programs to help you reach your goal. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Debra Muth at 262-522-8640.