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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.

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.

Menopause in Women

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

Menopause in Women

Menopause is a time of change that actually begins with perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transitional period that can last between eight and 12 years before menopause, the time when a woman stops menstruating. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we help women make this important transition, so they can enjoy a good quality of life.

We think it’s important to listen to women – to let them tell us their story – so we can work with them to heal their body and offer a natural way to help them feel better.

Symptoms of menopause

Menopause is different for every woman. Some women experience severe symptoms, while others notice little change after a shift in hormone balance. A woman may experience one or more of the symptoms listed below, particularly after having a drop in estrogen.

  • Hot flashes, which can be brief or long, and may occur as often as several times a day.
  • Sleep issues, including insomnia and night sweats
  • Emotional issues, including brain fog and mood swings
  • Issues with sex, including reduced libido and vaginal dryness
  • Weight gain

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we treat every woman as an individual and tailor our therapy to treat her menopausal symptoms.

We take an individualized approach to hormone therapy for menopause

Since the 1930s, hormone therapy has been recommended as a treatment for menopause, particularly during the past 30 years. The hormones that physicians in conventional medicine use are synthetic hormones, which have presented problems.

  • In the 1970s, researchers discovered that the synthetic estrogen physicians were using to treat menopause increased a woman’s risk for uterine cancer.
  • In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative study of combined synthetic hormone therapy (combining estrogen and progestin), was shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. As a result, many women shied away from hormone therapy altogether, which caused many of them to suffer a decreased quality of life.

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we use bioidentical hormones, instead of synthetic hormones, to treat the symptoms of menopause. These hormones are made from wild yam and are chemically the same as what your own body produces. These natural hormones help prevent many side effects that women experience when taking synthetics. They also allow for a flexible application of doses, which are individualized for each patient.

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we have the tools and the skills needed to help you make the transition to menopause and beyond. There’s no need to suffer through this natural transitional phase of life. Contact us today for an appointment.

Low T

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

Low Testosterone or Low T

1.  Have you lost your stamina?  Have you lost your motivation, strength and sexual desire? You are not alone!

“Low T” also known as andropause or male menopause, low testosterone happens to many men both young and old. Low T can occur from too much stress in your life, chronic pain, or just plan genetics.

2. Are you not feeling like yourself? Does your wife tell you, you need some help?

When that begins, we need can help you identify how to reach optimal performance and health at the same time.  Low T can be the cause for your irritability, mood changes and lack of desire.

3. Has your body changed? Have you lost muscle mass?

Low T decreases muscle mass, leading to increased body fat. Studies have also shown that proper testosterone levels are necessary to have proper blood sugar control.

If you answered yes to these questions, you can be helped with male hormonal therapy.

What Is Low T?

All hormones are made from cholesterol, this is why it is important to have healthy levels of cholesterol, and without them the body cannot make any hormone. Testosterone is a male hormone (androgen) made by the testes and adrenal glands.

A man is diagnosed with low T, by either a blood or saliva test, or when his testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. A man can also have subclinical low T when the testosterone level is less than 600 ng/dl. Testosterone levels peak at age 20, but rarely do people measure hormone levels at the peak of performance. Because we do not know where a man was at during peak performance, it can be hard to know if you are low simply based on a number. At Serenity Health Care Center, we do not order testosterone therapy based solely on lab values.

How do you treat Low T?

  • Gels/Creams

Bio-identical hormones can be compounded into many forms commonly, Testosterone gels and solutions are applied daily to a thin skin area.

  • Injections
    FDA approved Testosterone injections are often given intramuscular into the arm or upper buttock, and administered every 1-2 weeks.
  • Rapid Dissolve Tablets
    These are bio-identical hormones made in a sublingual form that is placed in the buccal membrane of the mouth, where testosterone is absorbed within about 20 minutes

At Serenity Health Center, we employ various treatment options for treating Low T. These therapies include:

  • Evaluating all hormone levels for optimal balance
  • We evaluate for low growth hormone levels if necessary and amino acid imbalance that can contribute to symptoms of low T.

If you would like to be evaluated for low T, please call and schedule a consultation at 262-522-8640.

PMS

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

Premenstrual Syndrome – PMS

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term used to describe a group of symptoms that women may experience about 7-14 days before their period (menstruation). The symptoms usually stop soon after your period starts. For some women the symptoms can be debilitating and can cause lost time from work or school and even can land them in bed for days.

What are some of the common symptoms of PMS?

At Serenity Health Care Center, we often find that women are confused about the symptoms of PMS.  This is because there are 150+ symptoms that can be associated with PMS.  Some of the more commonly noted are:

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Bloating (water retention)
  • Depression (mild to moderate)
  • Food cravings, especially sugar and carbohydrates
  • Weight gain
  • Breast tenderness

This is quite a list that can and does affect a woman’s quality of life.  There is no need to continue to struggle with PMS, month after month.  Help is available!

What is the difference between mild to moderate to severe PMS?

There are two medically defined categories for PMS.   Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe case of PMS. PMDD can cause extreme mood shifts and a majority of the symptoms note above are heightened. For women suffering with PMDD, at least one of the following emotional symptoms is present:

  • Extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness
  • Heightened tension and anxiety
  • Marked moodiness
  • Marked anger and irritability

Why do PMS symptoms occur?

Dr. Debra Muth explains that there are two main reasons why PMS symptoms occur; the first and commonly recognized in mainstream medicine is hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal imbalance can easily be evaluated by either saliva or blood testing. What is often found is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, two major players in the regulation of the menstrual cycle

The second, less commonly known, is hormone allergies. Hormone allergies are not recognized in mainstream medicine due to the fact that allergies occur after long term low grade exposure to an agent.

Are there any tests that can be used to measure my hormonal imbalance?

At Serenity Health Care Center, we employ a number of tests that are extremely helpful in measuring your hormone levels.  Salvia testing is conducted on day 21 of the menstrual cycle from the comfort of your home, or blood testing can be done.

What treatments are available for PMS?

Treatment for PMS at Serenity Health Care Center are customized for our patients and focused on preventing and minimizing PMS symptoms.  These include a combination of:

  • Evaluation and regulation of birth control pills and contraception
  • Dietary evaluation and nutritional supplementation
  • Herbal remedies
  • Lifestyle changes and adjustments