Ah, menopause.

Whether we like it or not, all women go through it.

As you age, your levels of hormones fluctuate, which causes uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating symptoms, like hot flashes and weight gain.

Sure, you can eat right, exercise more, and reduce stress to help minimize symptoms (which we highly recommend). But without proper hormone balance, it’s difficult to eliminate them.

That’s where bio-identical hormones come in. They replace the hormones you’ve lost, restore balance and bring zest back to your life.

But how do you know if hormone therapy is right for you? Or if it is, what dosage you need to feel healthy again?

In this article, we’ll explain how we test your hormone levels and create a custom therapy plan.

First, We Get to Know You

During our consultation, we talk about the symptoms you’re experiencing, your current lifestyle, and what lab work we need to create a therapy plan.

We check the baseline level of some important hormones, including levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2-a particular type of estrogen), Testosterone (T), and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

The FSH level and estradiol level tell us how much, if any, your ovaries are functioning. Or, in other words, they help us understand if you’re in early, mid, or late menopause.

While TSH doesn’t affect your hormone therapy plan, it can cause some symptoms that are similar to menopause. This helps us eliminate the possibility of thyroid complications.

And did you know women also produce testosterone? While men produce about 10 times more, a woman’s adequate testosterone levels are essential for daily life stamina, the ability to create muscle mass through exercise and sex drive.

Of course, since we customize your therapy, we may request additional tests to address your specific needs.

Then, We Schedule Lab Work

For most people, insurance will cover lab work. But, if you don’t have health insurance or coverage for laboratory services, we can help you find a lab that’s budget-friendly.

Once we’ve determined the tests you need, we fax the order to your lab. At most labs, you can just drop in at your convenience to have your blood drawn, and at a few you can schedule an appointment online. The lab sends the results directly to us—this means you can visit any lab in your network, anywhere in the country.

This initial set of lab work helps us understand where you are now, so as we move forward we can track your progress.

For example, there is a range of normal hormone levels. What a normal level is depends upon the person’s age, body mass, genetic factors, current medications, dietary and exercise patterns, and many other factors.

But, while your best gal pal may feel great on the lower end of normal, you may need to reach the higher end to feel the benefits of hormone therapy.

Lab work helps us fine tune that therapy, so we can help you function at your best.

Finally, We Create Your Therapy Plan

As soon as the lab work is delivered and evaluated, we start your therapy.

For new patients, we may start with a moderate dose. This dosage comes in the form of a pellet, so your hormone levels are consistent throughout the day. Unlike a pill, patch, or cream where your levels may fluctuate.

In 4 to 6 weeks, we’ll test your levels again to see if you need a higher dosage or lower dosage. But once your levels look right, we won’t need lab work until your next dose.

For women, this is every 3 to 4 months. And for men, it’s usually 5 to 6 months.

But, why do we need lab work before each new dose? The reason is simple. Accuracy. We want to know where you are before giving you more bio-identical hormones.

For patients who have taken therapy for a long time, this might not be necessary. But in the beginning, we want to understand exactly how your body interacts with therapy.

Hormone therapy is the best way to get the vitality, energy, and life you used to have. And while we provide comprehensive, specialized services, our process is simple and easy to understand.

If you want to learn more about this process, schedule your own free, 15-minute consultation here.

Energy—a word that’s more elusive than your teenage grandkids. It’s also an essential component to living strong and living long, but as you age it’s difficult to find and even harder to keep.

While menopause and andropause can deplete your energy, they aren’t the only cause of your lack of oomph and zest.

Do you exercise? Eat right? Sleep through the night? Of course you do! Your doctor and every over-50 magazine at the cash register reminds you that it’s important for healthy aging.

But did you know those energy-boosters could also be energy-zappers? We found 3 of the most common energy-boosting tips seniors use but are doing wrong. While there’s no magic recipe for regaining the energy you had in your 20’s, these changes will leave you refreshed and ready to seize the day, all day.

Exercise, but not too much

Fitness–most people don’t push hard enough, but others push too hard. It’s no secret that exercising helps you lose weight, combat health conditions, improve your mood, and boost your energy.

But if you don’t let your body recover, you can feel exhausted yet unable to sleep. Studies also show it weakens your immune system, which makes recovering from winter colds more difficult.

As your age increases, your strength and energy decrease. So you might not be able to work out as hard as you once did. Listen to your body. If you feel moody, tired, or sick after working out, cut back and give yourself a break.

Eat high protein foods, but watch your cholesterol

Protein aids digestion, balances hormones, gives you an upbeat mood, and helps you maintain muscle and bone health. The Institute of Medicine recommends men over 50 eat at least 56 grams of protein, and women over 50 should eat at least 46 grams of protein every day.

But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death for women over 65 is heart disease and cholesterol is a significant factor in that.

Often people eat meats to get their extra protein, but these also contain saturated fats which can elevate cholesterol levels (LDL).

Stick to lean meats, like chicken, turkey without skin, and healthy fish. You can also substitute nuts, soy, and legumes. If you insist on having a fatty steak, skip the fried egg for breakfast and eat an extra serving of vegetables.

Sleep well, but don’t sleep in

You understand the dangers of too little sleep, but sleeping too much can have a negative effect on your life too.

Oversleeping can cause depression, cognitive impairment, and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The National Sleep Foundation states that between 7 to 9 hours is normal and healthy for most adults between 18 and 64 years of age. But to find your sweet spot, set your alarm clock to wake you in 7.5 hours. After a few days, you can increase or decrease that time depending on if you wake up before your alarm or if you find it difficult to get out of bed.

Increasing your energy won’t happen overnight. It takes dedication, a willingness to change, and a drive to gain knowledge about what works and what doesn’t. Want to learn more? Check out our other post on boosting energy.

If you’re a male over 40, you’re probably aware that your body is changing.

Wrinkles are forming around your eyes and on your forehead—all those years of glaring at your rebellious teenagers are taking their toll.

But, of course, you know wrinkles aren’t the only change you’re experiencing.

Maybe your belly is a little bigger, or you have a lower sex drive in bed. These symptoms could be a sign that you’re experiencing male menopause or andropause.

Andropause is androgen deficiency or lower levels of sex hormones in men. As you age, your testosterone levels in your body and the production of sperm gradually become lower, and the levels of another hormone called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) increases.

SHBG binds with some of the available testosterone in the blood and the testosterone that isn’t bound are available for use by your body. As a result of low testosterone and lower availability, you may experience physical and psychological symptoms.

This decrease in testosterone is a natural aging process, and it’s estimated that testosterone levels drop about 10 percent every decade after the age of 30. But not all men experience the same levels of reduction as others.

Your father who’s 80 years old can have a testosterone level of 600 g/dl, while your son, who’s 30 years old, can have a level of 150 g/dl. There is also no clear-cut sign of andropause like there’s the cessation of menstruation for women.

To add more variables to the mix, many of the symptoms associated with andropause are simply a normal part of aging and may not be reversible with treatment.

So, what do you do?

If you’re experiencing andropause, it can be treated safely and effectively. Your doctor should ask questions about how you’re feeling, your current lifestyle, and perform a blood test to check testosterone levels.

For those who qualify for treatment, you’ll be given a hormone replacement therapy plan and lifestyle plan to start getting your vitality, libido, and strong brute back.

Here’s some information about the symptoms of andropause and what you can do about it.

Symptoms of Andropause

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms below? If so, you may have andropause. Always consult with a doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.

increased body fat

gynecomastia, or development of breasts

lowered self-confidence

depression or sadness

reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness

decreased bone density

insomnia or difficulty sleeping

infertility

reduced libido

erectile dysfunction

low energy

decreased motivation

difficulty concentrating

Treatment of Andropause

Doctors treat andropause by replacing the testosterone in the blood. But, as mentioned above, you’ll also need to make adjustments to your overall lifestyle to ensure the best results.

We’ve discussed numerous times here on our blog about the two types of hormone replacement therapy (it’s that important). One is a synthetic replacement, and the other is a bioidentical replacement. You can learn more about both here.

But, the bottom line is bioidentical hormone replacement replaces missing sex hormones with formulations that are identical to the ones in your body. They increase your energy levels and libido and decrease your body fat and physical weakness.

For the best results, you need a customized plan that addresses your individual needs. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of andropause, you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation, and we’ll show you what your customized plan might be.

Did you know women, on average, gain ten pounds during menopause?

Because mood swings, fatigue and hot flashes aren’t enough to worry about, right?

When your estrogen levels dip, you experience an accumulation of belly fat, bone loss and muscle atrophy. And, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you’re at more risk for weight gain than women who are active.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and two or more days of strength training each week.

That may sound overwhelming, but in the same amount of time it takes for you to watch two romantic comedies, you can relieve stress, enhance your quality of life, and stave off weight gain and bone and muscle loss.

While any general activity is helpful, here are 6 exercises you can do at home that will build strength and burn fat at the same time.

Before you begin: First, you should always seek your doctor’s advice before starting an exercise routine or diet. Second, warming up loosens the body, prepares the mind for action and prevents injury. So, before you start exercising, spend five to ten minutes stretching your muscles and getting your heart pumping. You can do this by moving your arms in circles, jump roping or running in place. Or, you can relieve some stress and stretch out by having a short yoga session, like the one in this video here.

1. Alternating Dumbbell Lunges

Hold dumbbells in each hand at your sides, and stand with your feet about hip-width apart. Take one long stride forward with your right leg. Inhale while lowering your rear left knee to the floor.

Return to starting position by straightening your rear leg, and then exhale as you push up from the heel of your front foot. Repeat with the left leg.

Suggestion: Perform 10-15 reps, three times, with a break in between sets.

2. Squat to Overhead Press

Hold the dumbbells in each hand at your shoulders with your elbows bent. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

Sit back and down (as if you’re sitting in an imaginary chair), then bend your knees and lower your thighs until they reach parallel with the floor. Press your weight back into your heels.

As you stand, press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are straight. Return to start and repeat.

Suggestion: Perform 10-15 reps, three times, with a break in between sets.

3. Triceps Dips

Sit on a secure bench. Place one hand on each side of your hip and grip the edge.

Use your arms to push your butt up and off the bench. Walk your legs out until your knees are no longer bent and your butt is in front of the bench. This is your starting position.

Slowly lower your body by bending the elbows and stop once your arms are parallel to the floor. Push yourself back up to the starting position.

Suggestion: Perform 10-15 reps, three times, with a break in between sets.

4. Step Up with Dumbbells

Stand in front of a secure box or bench. With a dumbbell in each hand, place your right foot onto the bench and push up through your heel to lift your whole body up. Step down with your left foot and repeat on the opposite side.

Suggestion: Perform 10-15 reps, three times, with a break in between sets.

5. Plank

Get into a push up position, but rest your forearms on the ground instead of your hands. Keep your back straight and tighten your abs and glutes. Hold the position without letting your hips sag.

Suggestion: Hold for 30 seconds, three times, with a break in between sets.

6. Farmer’s Walk

With a dumbbell in each hand, stand up tall with your shoulders back. Walk forward as quickly as you can with short steps. You can do this around your neighborhood as an alternative to brisk walking.

Suggestion: Walk for as long as you can, but aim for 15-30 minutes.

Alleviating the symptoms of menopause requires treating the whole body—not just the hormones. That’s why having a regular exercise routine is important. The exercises above are just a few ways you can accomplish this.

And, if you’re interested in learning more about combining hormone therapy with an exercise routine, give us a call.

As you age, maintaining your energy is like climbing a mountain.

At ground zero, you’re full of zest. But as you climb, your muscles become fatigued, your joints ache and your interest in reaching the peak wanes.

But when you look around, you see other men scaling the side of that mountain, almost effortlessly.

What do they have that you don’t?

Testosterone.

Okay, you have testosterone. But, you know that your testosterone levels decrease as you age.

That’s nothing new.

Young men usually have levels of testosterone exceeding 1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). When they reach 40, those levels begin to drop about one percent a year.

The drop is imperceptible at first, but when men reach their 80s, the average level of testosterone is 200 ng/dl.

This gradual decline in testosterone levels is called andropause. So, yes, you can blame “male menopause” when you don’t have energy to mow the lawn.

But, andropause is different from menopause in that it’s a gradual decrease in hormones, while women experience a sudden decrease.

Some men experience symptoms and some don’t.

What you may not know is that andropause doesn’t just affect your energy and sex drive. Andropause symptoms range from depression and irritability to increased body fat and a general lack of motivation.

Here are a few more facts about andropause you may not know:

1. Testosterone can lower your risk of heart disease.

In a 2014 study, researchers found that men who increased their levels of testosterone through hormone replacement therapy had a 55 percent reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

This was also the case with men who had pre-existing heart disease.

But, that doesn’t mean you should head to your nearest testosterone shot clinic. Higher-than-normal testosterone levels can put men at risk for heart attack or stroke.

Instead, you should have your levels tested by a medical professional and discuss treatment options that evaluate your lifestyle as a whole, including your diet, exercise and sleep routine.

As our Dr. Richard Pearson says, “When you just take testosterone and don’t change anything else, it’s like buying a muscle car, then just keeping it in neutral so you can listen to the radio.”

2. Testosterone helps you lose weight and gain muscle.

Speaking of muscles, a simple and well-known fact is that testosterone helps men build muscle mass.

When there are low levels of testosterone, estrogen effects kick in and put fat in the least desirable locations, for example your chest and belly.

As your weight increases, you’re also more at risk for type 2 diabetes, and men with diabetes are twice as likely to have lower levels of testosterone than men without diabetes.

Testosterone plays a part in increasing insulin sensitivity. Or, in other words, improves the ability of insulin to get into your cells.

3. Once deficient in testosterone, always deficient.

Testosterone therapy is a lifetime commitment. When your testosterone levels drop, your body isn’t able to naturally replenish them.

Which is why it’s important for you to find a medical professional you trust with a treatment that fits you as a whole.

With hormone therapy, you have two options: synthetic hormones or bioidentical hormones. Synthetic hormones are chemically modified hormones, which creates a greater risk of toxicity and side effects. And most men can’t handle the side effects long-term.

Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are natural. Your body recognizes the hormones and uses them as it would its own.

You can learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy here. Or you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss options that give your life more vigor and vitality.