Do Men Age Better Than Women?

People often hold the belief that men age more gracefully than women. This perception is based on the idea that men tend to exude a sense of distinction as they grow older, while women are often perceived as looking aged. But are these notions merely old wives’ tales, or do they reflect genuine stereotypes about aging and gender?

men-aging

The differences between how men and women age are rooted in the intricate process of collagen loss. Collagen, a protein crucial for skin elasticity, experiences distinct patterns of decline in each gender. Males begin to lose collagen at an earlier stage in life and continue to do so consistently throughout their lifespan. In contrast, females retain most of their collagen until they enter the phase of hormone fluctuations associated with perimenopause and menopause. This biological phenomenon is supported by scientific evidence, underscoring the validity of these contrasting aging experiences.

The role of hormones in the aging process becomes even more evident when delving into the effects of specific hormones like androgen and estrogen. While traditionally associated with male characteristics, androgens also hold significance for women’s health. They are produced in the ovaries and adrenal cortex, eventually converting into estrogen.

Estrogen, a group of steroid hormones, plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining female body characteristics. A fascinating interplay between androgen and estrogen levels exists: declining androgen levels coincide with decreased estrogen production. This decline in estrogen is associated with a range of effects on the female aging journey:

  1. Bone Density Loss: Particularly noticeable in the facial area, resulting in a more sunken appearance.
  2. Diminished Sexual Function: A decrease in physical vitality and performance.
  3. Weight Gain: Often concentrated around the midsection.
  4. Cognitive Changes: Including a potential decline in mental acuity.
  5. Emotional Shifts: Alterations in emotional responses and behaviors.

Researchers are actively exploring the impact of androgens on aging skin, recognizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of how declining testosterone levels influence female health.

woman-aging-2

ESTROGEN

Turning our focus to estrogen, insufficient levels of this hormone diminish the body’s ability to counter oxidative stress. Consequently, the skin becomes thin, less elastic, and more prone to wrinkles, dryness, and reduced vascularity.

Interestingly, until the mid-30s, females possess around four times the amount of estrogen found in males. Estrogen contributes to:

  1. Stimulating collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production helps the skin to stay plump and firm.
  2. Development of reproductive organs
  3. Growth of the uterine lining (endometrium)
  4. Sexual and reproductive function
  5. The body’s use of carbohydrates and other fats

As estrogen production wanes, so do these vital functions. While the decline in males is gradual, females experience an approximately 80% reduction in estrogen production during the first year of menopause. This estrogen insufficiency leaves the skin more susceptible to oxidative stress, leading to thinness, reduced elasticity, heightened wrinkling, dryness, and decreased vascularity.

PROGESTERONE

Another hormone, progesterone, further shapes the skin’s youthfulness by influencing collagen preservation. However, as we age, progesterone levels dwindle. This decrease commences in the late 20s, accelerates after 30, and nearly disappears by menopause.

Progesterone contributes to:

  1. Enhanced Hyaluronic Acid Production: Maintaining skin hydration.
  2. Preservation of Collagen and Elastin: Essential for skin elasticity.
  3. Involvement in Reproductive Functions: Including ovulation, menstruation, conception, and pregnancy.

The decline in progesterone leads to:

  • Menstruation stops or is irregular
  • Infertility
  • Signs of low progesterone include adult on-set acne, nails cracking, splitting, peeling, and cracking skin on your heels and hands.
  • After age thirty, most of us experience a drop in progesterone. Progesterone is partly responsible for stabilizing mood. One of the first signs of this lowered level is a mood shift.
  • Low libido, fatigue, foggy thinking
  • Slow metabolism, weight gain around the midsection, sugar cravings
  • Migraines, headaches, also joint pain, and allergy symptoms

woman-skin

In Conclusion

In essence, numerous factors intertwine to shape the aging process. Hormones certainly play a pivotal role, yet external factors also exert considerable influence. Genetics and hormonal changes are beyond our control, but lifestyle choices can mitigate their effects. Nutrition, stress management, lifestyle habits, and protection from environmental stressors like smoking and sun exposure all contribute to the tapestry of aging.

In conclusion, debunking the notion that men age better than women involves a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between hormones and external factors. While hormones significantly impact the aging process, our choices and actions are equally instrumental in crafting our individual aging experiences.

menopause, Tictoc, BioTe

VIRTUAL HEALTH EVENT

DR. ROBERT SIEMAN VIRTUAL HEALTH EVENT
January 31, 20223 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm (CST)

Please join us for the first-ever Dr. Robert Sieman Virtual Health Event at New Leaf Wellness. Dr. Sieman had an incredible passion for overall wellness for everyone and we want to honor this! Use the form below to register for this Virtual Health Event on January 31st from 6  to 7 pm (CST) to receive the link to join from the comfort of your home! We will also send you a reminder so you don’t miss this incredible event!

Let New Leaf Wellness help support you in your journey for a healthier lifestyle as you deserve to feel confident, strong, and healthy. Dr. Robert Sieman was our Founding Medical Director guiding New Leaf Wellness for over 10 years and we will continue to follow his lead! Dr. Sieman was also instrumental in the addition of New Leaf Specialty Compounding Pharmacy, NLRX Nutrition, and JENLAB Diagnostics so we can provide quality care for all aspects of our patients. Our guest Hostess will be Loretta Sieman as she continues to support what her husband provided for years, dedicated patient care.

We want you to know how important you are to us – You are our mission! Our commitment is to heal, comfort, and support everyone we serve. We want to be your specialty healthcare partner throughout life. To convey this we will be gifting everyone who attends New Leaf Wellness bucks!*

MORE SPECIAL OFFERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED!

*Must meet with a consultant to confirm eligibility!

menopause, Tictoc, BioTe

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON…GIVE THE GIFT TO YOURSELF!

YOU’RE A SMART & BUSY PERSON…
a Mother, a Father, a Daughter, a Son a Co-worker!

On the outside, it looks like you’ve got it all together but on the inside, it’s a different story.

You’re exhausted.
Your life has been taken over by work.
You’re no longer present for the people you love,
And it feels like life is passing you by.

You know there has to be more than this,
but you have no idea what to do about it.
If you keep going like this, you’ll hit a breaking point.
You’ll either burn out or burn down what you’ve worked so hard to build.

There IS another way.

WE CAN HELP!

Our patients come to us often having tried to ignore this nagging feeling for far too long. They’ve changed jobs, gotten promotions, worked harder, met with life coaches, done wine therapy, talk therapy, shop therapy, taken anxiety medicine, sleeping pills, even done yoga and read self-help books…yet none of it worked long-term.

The reason none of those things work is that they don’t get to the root cause of why men and women seem to burn out.

If you don’t get to the underlying cause, then you’ll never find a lasting solution.

There IS another way.

We work with our patients to heal the underlying causes of burnout for good…and we give you the support necessary to have a fulfilling and meaningful life!

COULD IT BE YOUR HORMONES?

DEPRESSION…MEMORY…FOCUSING
Is it ADD…or could your hormones just be out of whack?

Are you feeling down and worried that you might have depression? Do you have memory problems or trouble focusing and are worried that you might have ADD? Are you gaining weight and don’t know why? It could be your hormones!

Hormones are chemical messengers produced in the body that control and regulate the activity of certain cells or organs. Neurohormones have an important impact on the brain. The human body produces hundreds of hormones, but the following four of them have a very direct influence on brain health/mental health:

  • Thyroid—energy regulation
  • Estrogen—mood modulator
  • Progesterone—nature’s anti-anxiety hormone
  • Testosterone—motivation, mood, sexuality, strength

NEUROHORMONES AND THE BRAIN

Communication between the brain and hormones goes both ways. The brain sends out signals that instruct your body’s glands to produce and release hormones, and hormones from within the body send messages back to the brain that influences its activity.

When hormones are healthy, you tend to feel vibrant and energetic. When the hormones that affect your brain neurohormones are off, you are off. You may experience symptoms that change the way you think, feel, and act in negative ways. It also makes you more vulnerable to conditions like anxiety, depression, and even psychosis. If nobody checks your hormone levels, you will never know the root cause of your issues. And if your hormones are the problem, no amount of psychiatric medications will get you right.

THYROID: THE MOOD AND ENERGY REGULATOR

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your lower neck that plays a powerful role in keeping your brain and body healthy. This gland regulates how your body uses energy, and it also has a strong impact on the brain because it controls the production of many neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Problems occur when thyroid dysfunction causes the gland to produce too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much hormone (hyperthyroidism).

Hypothyroidism: Brain SPECT scans of people with hypothyroidism show overall decreased brain activity, which often leads to depression, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and brain fog.

Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid produces too much hormone, making everything in your body work too fast. It can feel like you’re in hyper-drive—you feel jittery and edgy, as though you’ve had way too much caffeine.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION

Hypothyroidism

  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Attentional problems
  • Psychosis

Hyperthyroidism

  • Sleeplessness, restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Racing thoughts
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Mania
  • Psychosis

PELLET THERAPY CLINICAL STUDY

I am 59 years old and have been using hormone pellet therapy for over a decade. It has been a true life saver for me in more ways than anyone could imagine. About 9 months ago I started using pellets from New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy and my world got even better. I truly had no idea that there could be such a noticeable difference in the pellets themselves. I have always been a fan of this therapy, and moving forward I will only use New Leaf’s pellets. I only wish that I had the words to explain how amazing I feel. Thank you New Leaf!!

Jacksonville, FL Patient, Under Care of New Leaf Wellness Providers**

85% of all Patients report Hot Flashes or Night Sweats as a symptom. 94% report almost COMPLETE RELIEF of these symptoms within 4 weeks of PELLET therapy!

95% of all patients report SIGNIFICANT RELIEF of one or more symptom with PELLET therapy!

94% of all patients report IMPROVEMENT of LOW SEX DRIVE with PELLET therapy!

Using QUALITY MATERIALS and external testing for potency & sterility is all part of our PELLET compounding in our 503A STATE-OF-THE-ART facility for the SUCCESS and HEALTH of our patients at New Leaf Wellness.

ALSO:

  • Pellet implants deliver consistent, physiologic levels of hormones.
  • The consistent and physiologic dosing has been shown to maintain and improve bone density.
  • Pellet implants bypass the liver and don’t negatively impact clotting factors, blood pressure, lipid levels, glucose, or liver function.
  • Pellet implants have consistently been shown to improve:
    1. Cardiovascular Health
    2. Sex Drive and Libido
    3. Headaches and Migraines
    4.  Insomnia
 / Hot Flashes
    5. Mood and Depression
    6. Joint Aches and Pains 
along with many other symptoms!

An individualized approach to hormone replacement therapy, using biologically identical hormones, pinpoints a person’s exact hormone levels, and what hormones are needed to balance their hormone deficiency. The differences between synthetic and biologically identical hormones are in their chemical structures and functionality. Biologically identical hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones created naturally in the human body.

At New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy fused hormone pellet implants are compounded using biologically identical hormones. The hormones are pressed / fused into very small cylinders. New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy compounds Estradiol and Testosterone quality pellets.

Pellet insertion is a relatively simple in-office procedure. The pellets are inserted subcutaneously (under the fatty lining of skin), either in the lower abdomen or the upper buttocks through a very small incision. The incision is then closed with sterile-tape strips. Patients cannot feel the implants under their skin. Implants placed under the skin consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones, which have been shown to have many benefits including those listed above.

Fused Pellet Implants typically last between 3-4 months, depending on how rapidly the hormones are metabolized. After insertion of the pellets, vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 2-3 days, or as suggested by the provider. Some patients begin to feel symptom relief within 48 hours, while others may take up to two weeks to notice a marked difference or longer depending on a patients starting point. The pellets do not need to be removed, they are completely dissolved by the body.

Generally, there are minimal side-effects associated with the pellet implant procedure. Other than slight bruising, the other complications are very rare. Hormone “natural” side-effects vary and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Before starting any hormone replacement therapy, patients will work directly with a knowledgeable advisor to have hormone testing done to evaluate their personal hormone profile. Based on existing hormone levels and health history, the provider will make a hormone replacement recommendation. Once pellets have been inserted, hormone levels will be reevaluated prior to the insertion of the next round of pellets.

Pellet implants require a prescription from a provider. It is very important to work with a provider that is well versed in hormones as well as the actual pellet implant procedure and at New Leaf Wellness there is combined experience in this area of over 100 years. The placement of the pellet and the hormone dosing are extremely important in determining safety and efficacy. Pellets made by New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy follow strict United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines.

 

VIRTUAL LIFE

The “virtual life” looks like it is here to stay. Look at all the services we do so you look amazing on those calls!

LIP ENHANCEMENT Adding fullness to the lips can create a more youthful appearance both on and off camera. You can add fullness, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming…a little goes a long way.

PLASMA PEN LIFT If you have been staring down at your laptop, and gravity is starting to show…get Plasma Pen! It can tighten any area of the face, even the jowls!

EYELID PLASMA PEN Spending six hours in front of the computer doing Zoom calls and webinars has increased awareness of eyes. If you want to look younger and more awake get the Eyelid Plasma Pen Treatment or Plasma Pen blepharoplasty.

INJECTABLES We all know the benefits of relaxing the “11,” opening the eyes and raising the brows. Done properly, Botox can be a mini face lift.

FILLER Kiss those parentheses lines goodbye – filler instantly smooths out those parentheses lines along the sides of your nose and mouth.

HAIR RESTORATION Creating a hair line and adding fullness creates a more youthful look and increases confidence.

ELLIPSE IPL SKIN REJUVENATION Photo-rejuvenation skin treatments can improve the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.

MICRONEEDLING This minimally invasive treatment reduces the signs of aging and firms the skin.

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder you’ve been considering scheduling an aesthetic appointment of your own To find out which therapy is right for you, book an appointment online or by calling our office.

Five Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Even Many Doctors Don’t Know

As we age, we drop in essential hormones, such as Estrogen, Testosterone and Progesterone These hormones are not only responsible for your secondary sex characteristics, but also keep your body youthful and strong. As your hormones decrease, your tissues and bones begin to degrade. You may experience:

Vasomotor symptoms — hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, and migraines

Urogenital symptoms — stress incontinence, urge incontinence, dry vagina, uncomfortable sex, loss of libido (sexual desire)

Psychogenic symptoms — anger, irritability, insomnia, loss of self-esteem, brain fog, memory loss, global cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression

Accelerated Cardiovascular decline — menopause is associated with significant deterioration in cholesterol and other lipid and blood sugar control parameters that cause heart attacks, strokes, and vascular obstruction illnesses. A drop in these hormones is simultaneously associated with other increased risk factors including increased incidence of diabetes and obesity that are independent harbingers of heart attacks and strokes.

Here are five benefits of taking Hormones:

Natural Hormone Therapy or Low-T Therapy are an identical match to your body’s own hormones: Bioidentical hormones are created from plant sources such as soy and yam. The estrogens in the plants are synthesized so they have exactly the same chemical structures of hormones found in the human body. Because the structure of bioidentical hormones is the same as the chemical structure of your own hormones, your body identifies and accepts them more readily. You’re less likely to have side effects and can take them safely over the long term.

Natural Hormone Therapy or Low-T Therapy controls hot flashes and night sweats: Those uncomfortable surges of heat that make you peel off layers during the day or wake up sweating at night are caused by your hypothalamus, which is your body’s thermostat. When your hormones are out of balance, your hypothalamus overreacts to even slight changes in temperature. After starting treatment, your hormone levels stabilize, and your hypothalamus becomes less reactive.

Natural Hormone Therapy or Low-T Therapy makes sex fun again: The loss of interest in sexual activity (libido) will subside. You also might notice fewer urinary symptoms, too, such as leaking when you sneeze, cough, or laugh.

Natural Hormone Therapy or Low-T Therapy promotes better sleep and mood: Balanced hormones help your body and brain function optimally. Getting a good night’s sleep also helps improve your mood by giving your brain the restorative rest it needs.

Natural Hormone Therapy or Low-T Therapy gives you better skin, hair, and bones: You don’t feel old, so why should you look it? When you restore your body’s healthy hormonal balance, your skin starts to act younger again, too. Your body ramps up production of the proteins collagen and elastin, which give your skin support and flexibility.

Put aging biology, risks and symptoms behind you while preserving your cardiovascular health, brain health, bones, skin, and hair.

Our NATURAL HORMONE THERAPY comes with many added benefit programs. Whether you want Vitamin Cocktail Injections to boost your energy and overall health, discounted Weight Loss programs, or $9 Botox units–we have a monthly package perfect for your needs.

10 Benefits of IV Therapy

Intravenous (IV) therapy is the fastest way to give your body the nutrition it needs. The process allows the vitamins to go right into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive process, to give you faster, more effective results.

IV therapies have been used by hospitals for decades, treating people who are dehydrated or too sick to eat properly. Advancements in therapies now make it possible to quickly improve vitamin deficiencies, rehydrate your body, and revitalize how you feel.

Vitamin therapies are customized to meet your specific health needs and ensure you are completely satisfied with your results.  At New Leaf Wellness, we offer IV therapy to help restore your general health and well being. This therapy offers a number of other benefits, especially if you’re dealing with a chronic health condition that isn’t being helped by your regular diet.

If you’ve been wondering if IV therapy is right for you,
consider these 10 benefits of the treatment:

GUARANTEED VITAMIN ABSORPTION
Some medications and medical issues can interrupt your body’s ability to properly absorb the nutrients it needs to function correctly. With IV therapy, you can rest assured the vitamins are completely and quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, which allows your body to utilize them immediately.

BOOST YOUR ENERGY
If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, or even a common cold or respiratory illness, IV therapy can help boost your immune system to help you feel refreshed and energized.

INSTANT REHYDRATION
IV therapy is the most efficient way to provide your body with optimal hydration to support all vital organ functions. It can help prevent medical issues like kidney stones, constipation, and damage to your muscles.

FAST TREATMENT TIMES
You won’t have to spend a lot of time waiting for your treatment to be completed. Most IV vitamin therapies can be done in under an hour. You simply relax and enjoy the process in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

CUSTOMIZED TREATMENTS
There are several IV therapies available  At New Leaf Wellness, to meet your nutritional needs, including the popular Myers cocktail. This therapy is ideal if you are seeking relief from fatigue, allergies, or muscle spasms and contains important vitamins like calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B and C. Therapies are customized based on your nutritional deficiencies and treatment goals.

REDUCED RELIANCE ON PILLS
With customized IV therapy treatments. you can decrease the need for costly nutritional supplements you may be taking several times a day.

IDEAL PREVENTIVE THERAPY
IV therapy can be a successful step on the road of preventive healthcare. Therapeutic doses of vitamin C have been shown to be toxic to cancer cells and are well-known for their effectiveness in building immunity. Regular therapy can also help prevent the development of chronic conditions, like respiratory illnesses and migraines.

IMMEDIATE RESULTS
It can take up to two days to completely digest the foods you eat. With IV therapy, you can begin to feel the positive effects on your body almost instantly. Within several hours, you can feel the full effects of the IV nutrients, as you’ll have more energy, think more clearly, and enjoy an improved mood.

GREAT CHOICE FOR ATHLETES
People on the go often suffer with tired muscles, muscles spasms, and exhaustion. With IV therapy treatments, you can replenish lost vitamins and minerals to improve your recovery time from your workouts. IV treatments can also ensure you are properly hydrated after excessive sweating that accompanies many workouts.

FIGHTS THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS
Toxins in your everyday environment can take a toll on your health and your appearance. IV therapy supplies your body with the antioxidants it needs to fight off premature signs of aging and help your body flush harmful toxins out of your body more effectively.


With so many benefits, it’s no wonder you’ve been considering scheduling an IV therapy appointment of your own. To find out which therapy is right for you, book an appointment online or by calling our office.

Ask about the IV Vitamin Therapy Club Membership.

TESTOSTERONE: Moods, Motivation, And More…

Most people associate testosterone with men. It’s true that this vital hormone drives the development of the male brain and is responsible for the deep voice, facial hair, and many other features we associate with maleness. But women produce and need testosterone too (just as men have some estrogen), just in smaller amounts.

In both men and women, testosterone helps protect the nervous system and wards off depression, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. The aging process, however, can leave some men with low testosterone levels that have been shown to increase symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as a host of other issues.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE

  • Moodiness

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Lack of motivation

  • Low libido

  • Fatigue

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Erection problems

  • Increased body fat and reduced lean muscle

  • Low bone density

  • Hot flashes

  • Hair loss

PROGESTERONE: NATURE’S ANTI-ANXIETY HORMONE

Progesterone is the other major hormone in a woman’s monthly cycle. It affects the brain in the following ways:

  • Supports GABA, which helps the brain relax
  • Protects your nerves
  • Supports the myelin that “insulates” and protects neurons

When progesterone is in balance with estrogen, it calms you, brings feelings of peacefulness, and promotes sleep. But when they are imbalanced or when the relaxation hormone drops too dramatically, calmness can give way to irritability, anxiety, depression, sleepless nights, and brain fog. For some women, when progesterone and estrogen plummet right before menstruation starts, mood stability goes out the window.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW PROGESTERONE

  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fibrocystic breasts
  • PMS
  • Premenstrual headaches
  • Postpartum depression
  • Bone loss