Declining Hormones

Imagine moving around and being able to do the things that you love to do. Perhaps, you are already feeling vital and strong, but perhaps you are like the majority of people out there who yearn for a body that serves them better. Are you feeling tired, achy, moody, flabby or just feel that you have passed your peak?? Declining hormones? Men and women both can feel this way and it is not the way that you have to age. Having a slow decline in your health is not your destiny—you can live with vitality and when it is your time to go, leave this earth quickly and not after a slow deterioration over 30, or more years.

Improving the Quality of Life As We Age

With modern sanitation, medicine, and an abundance of food we are living longer lives. Unfortunately with longer lives we are seeing a marked increase in the number of chronic illnesses and the number of years that an individual is alive but is in a deteriorating state. We can not avoid dying but we can shorten the dying process and increase the number of years that we live feeling younger. If you are all about the quality of life then continue reading.

Declining hormones, along with poor lifestyle choices, are largely responsible for the slow deterioration that we are seeing all around us. The good news is that we have the capability to prevent this slow deterioration, and even reverse some of it . This gives us the ability to live long AND vital lives, not just long lives.

What You Need To Know About Reversing The Years

Decreased levels of Testosterone, Thyroid, Estrogen (women only), Progesterone, and Growth Hormone are often experienced for years before a person seeks medical attention. The decline can be subtle, especially for men, and is often misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, the normal aging process, or simply that nothing is wrong with the person. The problem lies in the fact that the majority of doctors are not specially trained in detecting hormone imbalances as they are taught to look at normal values and they are not allowed the proper time to get to know you and your unique needs. Let’s face it–you do not want to be average, you want to be above average, right?? The “normal” values do not represent optimal.

Symptoms of Declining Hormones can Include:

  • Emotional changes
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of muscle strength
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Increased wrinkles
  • Loss of focus
  • Increased body fat
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Loss of vitality
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Osteoporosis
  • Brain fog or decreased memory
  • Increase in body aches/pains
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Decrease in morning erections for men

Can You Replace What’s Lost?

Replacing your declining hormones with bio-identical hormones is the best form of hormone replacement since it replaces your hormones with a man made bio-equivalent hormone. This means that your body sees these replacement hormones as if your body made it on its own. There is no chemical difference between what your body makes and the bio-identical hormones given to you. This is different than man made “synthetic” hormones that have chemical differences from the hormones that your body makes. These differences are so that the “synthetic” hormone can be patented. These chemical differences can result in dangerous side effects. Doesn’t it make sense to replace your hormones with bio-identical hormones that are exactly the same chemically as the ones that your body naturally makes?

Bio-Identical Hormones Explained

Pellets, capsules, creams, and gels are different ways that you may get your bio-identical hormones. Which form you use depends on the hormone(s) that you need as well as your personal preference. You can only decide this after an informed discussion about the pros and cons of each form.

Taking bio-identical hormones are an important piece of the optimal wellness pie, it is also important to make lifestyle changes that enable your body to function optimally. A healthy organic whole food based diet that is low in sugar, devoid of gluten (as much as possible), and with no (or very little) processed food is also an important piece. Regular exercise and regular sleep are two other very important pieces. Living a full and vital life is within your reach. You first have to decide that you wish to go down that path and then obtain the personalized guidance that you require. You can reach your goals one step at a time with the right guidance.

If you’re ready to add some quality back to your years, and you want to do it with bio-identical hormone therapy, call us!

Testosterone and Fatigue

Learn More about Testosterone and Fatigue

“Mark”, a 48 year old gentleman came to my office complaining of fatigue, an increase in aches/pains, an increase in irritability, and a decreased ability to build muscle. He still has a good libido but had noticed a decrease in morning erections. “Mark” had seen his regular doctor who told him his labs were normal and that he needed to exercise more but he was too tired to do that. He knew there was something else going on. When NLW doctor reviewed his symptoms and lab results, we both agreed that he suffered from low Testosterone. At first, “Mark” was concerned about the risks associated with replacing Testosterone based on recent news releases. We went over the study that the news was citing. The news reports were telling men that Testosterone replacement increased heart disease risk.

However, the study being cited had tested older, high heart disease risk men whose Testosterone level was never in an optimal range and they were treated for too short a time to even show a benefit. Optimal Testosterone levels are around 600-1400 depending on the male, men in this study were averaging levels in the 300 range. This was a poorly done study, and it is a shame that it was used to scare men away from seeking help.

More on Testosterone Studies

In fact, there are many studies showing that when Testosterone levels are optimized and given enough time to work, that Testosterone actually is protective for the heart as well as the brain. Remember that the normal Testosterone lab values are not optimal–they are simply the expected values based on testing the male population—both ill and healthy. You want optimal levels if you want a life of vitality.

Optimizing a man’s Testosterone level involves replacing his Testosterone along with starting healthy lifestyle changes. Testosterone is best replaced with bio-identical Testosterone–biologically identical to what your body is designed to respond to. Mark was given the choices on replacing his Testosterone. Creams which are applied twice a day. There are synthetic gels and patches on the market but they are not bio-identical-using them can cause unforeseen complications since they are chemically different from what your body is designed to work with. A compounding pharmacy makes the bio-identical Testosterone. You can not buy it at a regular pharmacy. A quality compounding pharmacy offers safe and effective bio-identical creams.

What Are Other Options?

Creams are painless but you do need to remember to apply them daily and there can be a pulse like absorption after application. In addition, you do need to be careful about getting the Testosterone cream on others. Testosterone injections are another possible form of Testosterone replacement, and they tend to be more effective than creams but your liver has to process it into a bio-identical Testosterone. There is also a pulse like absorption, and you need an injection once to twice a week. This mode of replacement requires the most monitoring by lab work.

Testosterone pellets are bio-identical and are absorbed on a more constant level with a natural increase when your cardiac input increases–similar to your natural physiology. They work very effectively. Testosterone pellets have been well documented to protect the heart, bones, and brain as well as resolve symptoms. It does involve an in office procedure where the pellets are inserted in the fatty tissue of your buttocks and it is the more costly of the three choices. Which form of Testosterone replacement a man chooses depends on the individual.

What about “Mark”?

“Mark” chose Testosterone pellets, and after about 2-3 weeks he felt better- he has energy, is able to build muscle, feels mentally balanced and can pole vault out of bed again. He also has the focus to get back into the gym and fine tune his diet to include more vegetables (organic) and less processed foods.

Do you have symptoms similar to Mark? Take our hormone health quiz for a quick, overall checkup! Click here > Hormone Health Test for Men

We also offer a Hormone Health Test for Women!

Bio-identical Hormone Pellets

Bio-identical Hormone Pellets

When replacing your hormones with bio-identical hormones you have several options: capsules, creams, troches, and pellets. Pellet therapy is not well known but has been around for decades. It is a safe and effective way to get Testosterone (for men and women) and Estrogen (for women). The dosage that you receive is customized based on your age, sex, weight, activity level, symptoms and lab work. Bio-identical hormone pellets are not a one size fit all solution.

Personalized Medicine

Bio-identical pellets are about the size of a tic-tac (but thinner)and are placed in the fat in the upper outer quadrant of your buttocks. This is done in an office setting after local anesthesia is applied. The procedure takes a mere minutes and is very well tolerated. The area is slightly sore for a few days for women and about a week for men. It is easily tolerated and the incision site is so small no sutures (stitches) are needed.

Message for Women…

For women, it is advised that for four days to avoid exercise that works the buttocks muscles and avoid baths and jacuzzi tubs. Basically, you are not to immerse your incision site in water or heavily work your buttocks for four days after the procedure. Walking and showering is fine.

For Men…

For men, we advise the same restrictions but for seven days. Men get more Testosterone pellets than women do which can be a little bit larger incision for additional pellets. So again, you are not to immerse your incision site in water or heavily work your buttocks for seven days after the procedure.

Could your hormone levels be off? Is that what is causing YOUR SYMPTOMS?

Find out now with our Hormone Health Test that provides immediate results!

Hormone Health Test- for Men

Hormone Health Test- for Women

For Everyone

The hormones in the pellets are released over time and most closely resemble the body’s natural hormone production. With initial pellet therapy, it may take one to three weeks to feel the effect of the hormones and then the results are maintained over a period of three to six months. If there is no effect four weeks after the initial pellet insertion then consult with your physician. Most individuals can start to feel a difference in a week. **Lab work and a possible booster may be in order if you are not seeing bodily changes after a month.

We have had the pleasure of working with thousands of individuals who like you are just searching to find something to feel better or on the verge of accepting these aging symptoms as the new quality of life, and we are here to share with you the thousands of people have chosen not to accept this as good as it gets. To read our testimonials from our patients, click here! 

Testimonials from Men

Testimonials from Women

Once your hormones balance, your physician will work with you individually to come up with an optimal time for you to re-pellet. This is dependent on your body’s needs and usage of Testosterone and/or Estrogen. Bio-identical hormone replacement is a customized therapy that is individualized to you! To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us today and start living a better life!

What You Can Expect as a New Patient

You’re tired of being at the mercy of your hormones. You’ve noticed all kinds of troubling symptoms since you reached middle-age. It’s the point when your reproductive system is getting ready to eventually shut down. As a result, your reproductive hormones are dropping. This can wreak havoc on your system. Fatigue, a loss of stamina, weakness and insomnia are only a few of the troubling symptoms that can come with hormonal fluctuations. Loss of libido and the inability to concentrate are common as well. Unexplained weight gain is another problem. If you’ve decided to take charge of your hormonal imbalance with hormone therapy, it is likely that you want to know what to expect as a new patient doing hormone therapy.

How Soon Will You See Results?

As a new patient, you need to understand that hormone therapy is going to make a difference in your life. However, these changes didn’t happen overnight to your body. As such, you can’t expect an instant fix. With consistent treatment, however, you will begin to see positive changes. In the first few weeks that you start your hormone therapy regimen, improvements should begin to happen. Your energy levels will go up. Your moods will become more balanced. You’ll find it easier to stay focused and get a good night’s rest. You’ll no longer be crushed by fatigue.

“[NLW Nurse Practitioner named] Angela was very informative and made me feel comfortable with moving forward. Can’t wait for the test results.”

– Kathryn, NLW Patient in Clive, Iowa

As time goes by and you continue with hormone therapy, your libido will make a comeback. You’ll be able to get your weight under control again and may even see those excess pounds melting away. Positive changes in your eating habits and exercise routines can also help you to have positive results.

Our Doctor Can Monitor Your Progress and Make Changes

Your hormone therapy program is going to be tailored to suit your needs. After a simple blood test to detect hormonal changes, our doctor can prescribe your hormone therapy, the dosage will meet your needs. Our team will monitor your progress as a new patient over the course of the coming months, note any concerns and make adjustments, if necessary. The main thing you need to remember is you have to be patient and stick with the program. You will gradually feel more like yourself as you continue with your hormone treatment.

“Where to start…Everything! New Leaf hormone replacement has changed my life! I have more romantic desire, no more hot flashes or night sweats and my focus and physical stamina is off the charts! I have been a client for over 2 years and my husband makes sure I get here for appointments as he does not want me to go back to the “old” me! Thank you New Leaf!”

– Jacquie, NLW Patient in Clive, Iowa

Learn More About Natural Hormone Therapy

The only way that you are going to restore balance to your hormones is to replace depleted levels. New Leaf Wellness providers can help you to get on the right track. Come to our office for an appointment to discuss your bothersome symptoms. As you begin your hormone replacement therapy, pay attention to the changes in your body. You are going to see a difference.

Contact us today to schedule a new patient appointment for natural hormone therapy!

How To Naturally Better Your Sex Life

Increase Your Sex Drive

A decreased sex drive can arise for many reasons and it can affect both women and men. A healthy sexual relationship with someone that you love is important. It is sometimes too easy to ignore this fact and let this part of your life slip away. But we want to help you learn how to naturally better your sex life!

Balancing your hormones is one part of having a healthy libido. Without a proper balance of Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone it is difficult to have a healthy sex drive. Our hormones get out of balance for many reasons and utilizing bio-identical hormones helps to fix that problem. Balancing your hormones is like putting gas into your car.

Just like there are many other parts to your car to make it run, there are also other things that affect your libido. Stress can greatly diminish your desire. Being unhappy in your relationship or being unhappy with yourself has a definite impact with sex drive. Medications can also have an affect.

I love New Leaf because it gives me more energy, my sex life is so much better. I could tell my joint pain in my shoulders does not hurt like it has before. All is so much better now. – Joyce D., Patient of New Leaf Wellness

Yoga + Your Partner

It is important to take time out to unplug and relax. Yoga is a great way to learn to relax and keep your body limber. Turn off the phone, TV, and computer and breathe deeply and clear your mind. Transformational breathing is a perfect to aide you in any relationship issues–with your partner and with yourself.

1. Get comfortable.

2. Let go of negativity.

3. Keep your mouth open at all times.

4. Don’t hold your breath.

5. Practice often.

6. Change positions…Once you’ve mastered lying down, try sitting up

7. Perfect the technique

Yoga alone and even with your partner can relax your body enough to deeper connect with your partner. The deeper connection allows for growth in your closeness and increasing your sex life.

No more hot flashes, enjoying making love to my husband what could be better. – Becky S., Patient of New Leaf Wellness

Having a healthy sex drive can make you feel better about yourself and can enhance your relationship. With a balanced Natural Hormone Program at New Leaf Wellness and a desire on your part to increase your libido, you should be able to regain your libido!

To learn more about our Natural Hormone services, contact us today at 888-728-7555 or email us.

Testosterone Series: Optimal Testosterone Levels

As people age they often find that they have past sports injuries that flare up. Men and women both notice an increase in their aches and pains, as well as an increased time to recover from workouts and a decreased ability to build muscle. While diet and your exercise regimen does play a role, a declining Testosterone level is a huge culprit. We’re sharing how to have optimal testosterone levels…

Testosterone is a hormone that performs numerous functions in the body for both men and women. It is critical in repairing injured musculoskeletal tissues and in building muscle. Testosterone also helps your memory and increases your energy level. It also helps you sleep better and improves your mood.Testosterone is not just a hormone for sex drive.

The normal values that laboratories list for Testosterone are sadly incorrect for both men and women. Optimal levels of Testosterone are the levels at which men and women feel great, think clearer, and have minimal, if any, side effects. Optimal levels of Testosterone are obtained by having your levels evaluated and treated by a physician specially trained in bio-identical hormones. If you rely on a regular physician, your symptoms will be ignored and the doctor will tell you your levels are fine because they fall in the “normal” range.

The question you must answer is this:Do you want to function in the average range (suffering from pain, poor energy, difficulty losing weight, etc.)?

Or do you want to function in the optimal range- able to build muscle and burn fat, having energy, less pain, and living a life of vitality?  If your answer is “Optimal”, contact New Leaf Wellness today!

Contact us to get started!

Call 888-728-7555 or e-mail us.

Want to quickly test your symptoms? We will send your results immediately to your email!

Hormone Quiz- FOR MEN

Hormone Quiz- FOR WOMEN

Testosterone Series: Low Testosterone & Sex

Males with Low Testosterone And How it Affects the Libido

Common Question: Can I have low Testosterone and still have a sex drive?

Men typically ignore their symptoms of low testosterone or often referred to as low-T. They think that if they have a sex drive and can still get an erection that they have a good Testosterone level. Things could not be further from the truth.

Common Myth: Your Testosterone levels are good if you still have a sex drive and can still get an erection.

Low Testosterone can show up in many ways. You can have low energy, poor focus, feel grumpy or irritable, and/or have trouble sleeping. You may have trouble recovering from workouts and have problems building muscle. There may be a general feeling of not being at your best. And yet, you may still be able to get erections and have a sex drive.

Common Signs of Low-T:

  • Low Energy
  • Lack of Focus
  • Just Not Feeling Normal
  • Irritability/Grumpy
  • The word testosterone written on a sticky noteSleep Apnea

At New Leaf Wellness, we have found that many men do not realize that a low Testosterone can be the cause of their symptoms. Optimal Testosterone levels are important for your overall health and vitality. Testosterone performs a wide variety of functions and you need an optimal level to function at your best. You can have sub-optimal Testosterone that is affecting your body and still be having erections and have a libido.

 

If you feel that you are not functioning at an optimal level you will want to get your hormones evaluated by your New Leaf Wellness Hormone Specialist.

 

Contact us to get started!

Call 888-728-7555 or e-mail us.

Testosterone Series: Lacking Testosterone?

As you are reading this and the words on this screen are going through your mind, you may be wondering if you or someone you know is suffering from a hormonal imbalance. If you are a man or woman over 35 years old the odds are that you do have a hormonal imbalance (and this can be the case even if you are younger).

A hormonal imbalance can present as fatigue, sleep issues, an inability to lose weight, depression, anxiety, a lack of vitality, an increase in aches and pains, difficulty healing and recovering, etc.

Hormone imbalances are not just about hot flashes and night sweats, and both men and women are affected by imbalances.

The symptoms can come up suddenly or gradually–everyone is different. If left untreated hormone imbalances can lead to osteoporosis, dementia, and other hormone related diseases including a frailty and decline of health in the last few decades of life.

Most people simply feel their slow deterioration is simply a part of aging and they settle for not feeling their best.

A great case showing this is the story of Brian. Brian’s wife had great success with Natural Hormone Therapy so, she sent her husband to the office.

BRIAN’S STORY:

Brian did not think anything was wrong with his hormones–a common issue.

Brian still had a good libido and was exercising. However, he was tired and did not want to do much outside of work. He was also slightly more irritable and grumpy. Upon further questioning, New Leaf Wellness’ physician found that he was not gaining muscle or recovering from workouts like he should. He was only 45 years old but was slowly losing vitality. He thought this was normal aging but it is not. His primary doctor had told him he was fine and he had accepted his symptoms as normal.

After a personalized evaluation of his symptoms and lab work, Brian was found to have sub-optimal testosterone and a few vitamin deficiencies. Testosterone replacement for men is safe and effective when the estrogen level is properly monitored. High estrogen and low testosterone is what poses dangers for a man’s health. Optimal testosterone levels and keeping estrogen levels low help to prevent certain diseases as well as eliminate symptoms for men.

After optimizing Brian’s testosterone and correcting his vitamin deficiencies, he finds himself having the energy to enjoy his family and life outside work. He is sleeping better and has improved memory, mood and focus. He runs his own business and has found his productivity and revenue have grown. Brian is saving time and money by functioning at a higher level. He is now living his life at an optimal level thanks to Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) at New Leaf Wellness.

Check your hormone levels with our quick quiz!

We will email you your results immediately!

Hormone Quiz- FOR MEN

Hormone Quiz- FOR WOMEN