Feel, Look, and Live Your BEST!
Continue reading “Hormone Replacement Therapy with Lisa Sykes”
Tag: #hormonalimbalance
Hormone Replacement Therapy with Lindsey
Feel, Look, and Live Your BEST!
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?
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:
- Bone Density Loss: Particularly noticeable in the facial area, resulting in a more sunken appearance.
- Diminished Sexual Function: A decrease in physical vitality and performance.
- Weight Gain: Often concentrated around the midsection.
- Cognitive Changes: Including a potential decline in mental acuity.
- 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.
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:
- Stimulating collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production helps the skin to stay plump and firm.
- Development of reproductive organs
- Growth of the uterine lining (endometrium)
- Sexual and reproductive function
- 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:
- Enhanced Hyaluronic Acid Production: Maintaining skin hydration.
- Preservation of Collagen and Elastin: Essential for skin elasticity.
- 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
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
Supporting Nad+ at New Leaf Wellness
WHY IS NAD+ IMPORTANT, AND WHY YOU MIGHT WISH TO CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTING YOU NAD LEVELS AS YOU AGE?
So, first up, what is it?
NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and it’s a molecule found in everything. From simple organisms like bacteria to the most complex organisms like humans.
WHAT DOES NAD DO? THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS A LOT.
Furthermore, researchers believe NAD is involved in over 300 cellular processes, from regulating cellular health to DNA repair, and energy production.
Without NAD, our bodies wouldn’t be able to make energy, and we would die within seconds… so, you could say it’s pretty important!
When it comes to energy production, you can think of NAD as a molecular Robin Hood, because it steals electrons and protons from energy-rich molecules (like glucose) and gives them to needy mitochondria so they can do their crucial job of being the “powerhouse of the cell”.
Unfortunately, as we get older, our NAD levels steadily decline. For example, between the ages of 45 and 60, we lose approximately 30% of our NAD.
Scientists have found that, by middle age, people have around half the NAD of when they were in their 20s, and this creates knock-on effects for the important longevity pathways that rely on NAD.
When there’s not enough NAD present for these pathways to function at their best, nasty feedback loops can be created that actually speed up cellular aging. They can be linked to an increased risk of things like cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more.
NAD decline can be affected by lifestyle choices, too. For those of us who enjoy a drink – studies show NAD decline can even be sped up by alcohol consumption and over-nutrition, as well as overexposure to UV rays.
SO, WITH THE BAD NEWS OUR OF THE WAY, IT’S TIME FOR THE GOOD NEWS!
Various studies in animal models have shown that restoring NAD to youthful levels protects against age-associated decline in mitochondrial function, muscle regeneration, insulin sensitivity, and more. Researchers have some very impressive results in increased endurance and extended lifespan, too.
Additionally, human studies are now emerging showing many of the same benefits. Activities like intense exercise, fasting, and being in a caloric deficit all help to naturally restore your NAD levels. Additionally, this is why researchers often talk about doing things that put your body into “survival mode.”
On top of these healthy (but admittedly hard) measures, many people choose to supplement with oral NAD precursors like NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). Furthermore, the human data on these supplements is looking very promising.
For example, a recent study out of China found that NMN increased the aerobic capacity of middle-aged runners. Japan had a study (2022) and found that afternoon intake of NMN improved lower limb function and reduced drowsiness in older adults.
These outcomes align with the animal studies supporting NAD restoration. NAD can help to improve the robustness of the circadian rhythm, which is the major driver of our sleep cycle. We all know how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep!
While popular oral precursors like NR and NMN are promising, you can also support NAD+ levels by supplementing directly with the real thing.
- To learn more about prescription-grade supplementation options, such as NAD injections and NAD patches, talk to your provider at New Leaf Wellness in Omaha, NE, and in the other New Leaf Wellness clinics.
Click for more information on NAD+: For Women | For Men
menopause, Tictoc, BioTe
Clearing Digestive Issues in Omaha
Patients are clearing digestive Issues in Omaha, NE. DIGESTIVE issues are NOT OK (even though they’re common). Additionally, they affect the balance of your HORMONES.
Moreover, these digestive symptoms may also be signals that you’re suffering from Estrogen Dominance:
-
Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Gas
- Burping
- Acid reflux
As human beings, our bodies are complex systems that are constantly working together to maintain optimal health. One essential aspect of our health that is often overlooked is the role of our digestive system in hormonal balance. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of how clearing digestive issues can be a key factor in achieving hormonal balance. In this blog, I will delve deeper into this topic and explore why having a healthy digestive system is crucial for hormonal health.
The Gut-Hormone Connection
The gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” is home to trillions of bacteria that make up our gut microbiome. These bacteria play a role in our overall health, including hormonal balance. The gut and hormones connect through a bidirectional communication system also known as the gut-hormone axis. Hormones secreted by various glands in the body can affect the gut. In return, the gut can influence hormone production and balance.
One of the most well-known hormones affected by the gut is serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. Serotonin is primarily produced in the gut and is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Furthermore, an unhealthy gut can disrupt serotonin production, leading to imbalances. The imbalance can result in mood swings, food cravings, and sleep disturbances.
Additionally, the gut produces hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger and satiety. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to overeating or poor appetite regulation, contributing to weight gain or loss, and disrupting hormonal balance.
The Gut-Hormone Conclusion
Furthermore, the gut is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen from the body. Estrogen dominance is a condition where estrogen levels are elevated. In relation to other hormones, this can occur when the gut is unable to properly metabolize and excrete estrogen. In consequence, this can lead to a hormonal imbalance and result in symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and bloating.
Common Digestive Issues and Hormonal Imbalances
Several common digestive issues can disrupt hormonal balance. Let’s explore some of them:
- Leaky gut syndrome: Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition where the gut lining becomes compromised, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. Consequently, this can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Chronic inflammation in the gut can disrupt hormonal signaling, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and other hormonal issues.
- Dysbiosis: Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. In other words, Dysbiosis can disrupt the production and metabolism of hormones in the gut, leading to hormonal imbalances. For example, imbalances in gut bacteria can impair the production of serotonin, affecting mood and appetite regulation.
- Constipation: Chronic constipation can lead to hormonal imbalances by disrupting the elimination of waste products and toxins from the body. Consequently, this can result in increased reabsorption of estrogen in the gut, leading to estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalances.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: A healthy gut is crucial for absorption and utilization of nutrients, including those that are essential for hormone production and balance. Nutrient deficiencies, often caused by poor gut health, can lead to hormonal imbalances.
Clearing Digestive Issues for Hormonal Balance
Furthermore, achieving hormonal balance starts with improving gut health. Here are some strategies for clearing digestive issues and promoting hormonal balance:
- Start with taking the Food Sensitivity Test!
- Secondly, Eat a healthy, balanced diet: A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, can support a healthy gut and hormonal balance. Avoid processed foods.
- Lastly, talk to your provider at New Leaf Wellness, Omaha, NE, and the other New Leaf Wellness clinics. Start with taking the Food Sensitivity Test!
Menopause RELIEF in Omaha, NE
Menopause is a natural biological process that happens in women and her hormone levels, specifically estrogen, progesterone and testosterone decline. The transition to menopause can take several years for women everywhere including in Omaha, NE, and the symptoms associated with it can vary greatly from woman to woman.
Symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are caused by the decrease in estrogen levels and can last for several years. Some women experience more severe symptoms than others, and the duration of symptoms can vary as well. Other symptoms are low libido and loss of muscle mass caused by the decrease of testosterone. And the reduced level of progesterone can cause loss of sleep and mood swings just to name a few!
While menopause is a natural part of the aging process, it can be challenging for many women to navigate. It can also have an impact on a woman’s overall health. Estrogen plays a role in bone health, and the decline in estrogen levels can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Women also have an increased risk of heart disease after menopause. Testosterone plays a role in sex drive, muscle mass, energy and mood and progesterone plays a role irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and bloating. So all 3 of these hormones are important for females to keep healthy even through menopause.
There are several treatment options available for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (NHT) is one option that involves taking estrogen, testosterone and progesterone to replace the hormones that are no longer being produced by the ovaries. NHT can help alleviate symptoms.
Non-hormonal treatments are also available for menopausal symptoms. These include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. There are also NLRX Nutrition Supplements & compounding formulations from New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy available that can help with specific symptoms, such as Stress Reset for mood changes and low-dose vaginal estrogen for vaginal dryness.
It’s essential for women to talk to the provider at New Leaf Wellness about their symptoms and treatment options. Each woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and treatment should be tailored to her individual needs and health history.
In conclusion, menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women. While it can be challenging to navigate, there are treatment options available to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of health complications. Women should talk to their provider at New Leaf Wellness, Omaha, NE and the other New Leaf Wellness clinics about their options and develop a plan that is right for them.
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
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF BURNOUT IS HAPPENING TO YOU?
We’re all susceptible to burnout. One day, you’re on top of the world! Crossing tasks off your to-do lists, working out regularly, eating right. Then suddenly, you have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, need more coffee, and start reaching for sweet treats. In your haze, you notice you’ve been more jumpy, jittery, and exhausted, but you can’t sleep and little stressors fluster you. Life has become overwhelming…
If any of this sounds like you, you might be experiencing burnout! It may feel like this new norm is irreparable but with these seven minor lifestyle adjustments, you can get yourself back on track and feel incredible again!
Step 1: Metabolic Diet & Lifestyle Plan
Unfortunately, that means you’re going to have to cut the sweet treats and midnight fridge raids. The first step to feeling better is reducing blood glucose spikes and dips. Your meals should contain lean proteins (chicken, turkey), healthy fats (avocado, coconut, nuts), and fibrous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts). Lean proteins help clear brain fog and improve memory and focus. Healthy fats provide you with energy, increase vitamin absorption, and encourage hormone production. Fibrous vegetables keep you feeling full longer and stave away afternoon cravings.
Research suggests that intermittent fasting has many benefits for the body, including boosting your metabolism and allowing your body to burn calories and fat between meals! You are allotted an 8-10 hour window in which you can eat, discouraging you from those late-night treats.
Step 2: Take Stress Reset
The adrenal glands are responsible for regulating metabolism, responding to stressors, and supporting the immune system. They do this by producing cortisol and other adrenal hormones. When you’re stressed, your body goes into fight or flight mode. The key to maintaining your cool and fighting off illness is to support your adrenal glands with Stress Reset. Click to ORDER.
Step 3: EXERCISE
Exercise releases endorphins that help improve your mood. It also gets the blood flowing, improving brain function and clearing brain fog. Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and light strength training benefit your body more than extreme exercises, like high-intensity cycling, because they don’t overwork your stress glands. Over-exercising, over-thinking, and over-indulging all tax your body and ultimately have no benefits, especially when you’re burnt out.
Step 4: Drink Water
The human body is 60% water so it’s no wonder that dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue and decreased brain function. Drinking water with lemon or trace minerals like Celtic or Himalayan sea salt helps with absorption and can be a great pick-me-up when you’re starting to feel sluggish.
Step 5: Find Peace and Quiet in a Private Spot
Just 10 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time can reset your mind, body, and soul. You don’t have to meditate in a cross-legged position. Lying in bed, going for a walk, or even sitting in your car with the seat reclined and your eyes closed will work just as well! Couple this quiet time with some deep, cleansing breaths. You can even make up a mantra to help you get into the mindset like: “Breathe in love, breathe out stress.” Think of this as your time to ground yourself. It should be spent without your cellphone or any other distractions.
Step 6: Prioritize Sleep
Research shows that the body requires a minimum of 7-8 hours of deep, restorative sleep per day, and more when we are stressed. Between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., the body produces the vital hormones that are responsible for recovery. By staying up late and ignoring your internal body clock, you’re overwhelming your brain, nervous system, hormonal system, and physical body. This prevents your body from properly recovering and stunting its ability to produce necessary hormones to get you through the next day.
Sleep begets sleep! The less you sleep, the harder it is to fall asleep. Create a healthy bedtime routine and enjoy how incredible it feels to wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
Step 7: Balance Your Hormones
Hormones play an important role in the balance of our lives. The fact is, most adults begin significant loss of hormones after their early 20′s. In some people, the depletion is so severe there is no measurable amount of hormones detected in their blood tests. Basically, they are empty.
Options for Treating Hormone Depletion
What do we do about it? Is there a way to restart the engine that keeps our hormones balanced in our bodies? Yes, with our Bio-identical hormone treatment!
Our therapy is personally designed to restore and rebalance your hormones to the levels appropriate for your life and health.
We always ask each patient to self-report their symptoms before and after each treatment to let us know how they are progressing. You are unique – and your journey to better health must be your own!
You have the tools for recovery from burnout and it’s never too soon to take the first steps down the road to optimal health. Start your journey today!
Schedule a FREE consultation to learn more about Bio-identical Hormone Optimization Therapy.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
