Calling All Men – Get Help With Your Hormones During The Holidays

Dr. Gino Tutera

Often, during a hectic holiday season, men will suffer in silence with baffling symptoms they don’t understand.  As men age, certain symptoms may be signs of hormone imbalance due to andropause. It’s important to remind men that they can seek help and that Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy, The SottoPelle® Method can help them.

The following are six common signs we have visited before on our Blog but a reminder is so crucial during the chaotic days and nights over the Holidays.  The below could indicate a hormonal deficiency.

1.      Thinning of Hair & Loss of Body Hair

Decreased testosterone levels leads to loss of scalp and body hair because an imbalance of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exists.  DHT inhibits the growth of new hair cells and hair cells are not replaced after they fall out when DHT activity is higher than testosterone activity.

2.      Weight Gain

Weight gain is commonly reported by men during andropause. The decrease in testosterone levels leads to higher insulin and cortisol levels. When men have high cortisol levels, their bodies can increase the production of fat cells and increases appetite. High levels of insulin and cortisol also decreases metabolism and continues to decrease testosterone. The combination of these effects leads to weight gain.

3.      Decreased Libido 

As energy decreases with lower testosterone levels, men’s sex drive often follows. The libido is considered highly dependent on hormone levels and is affected by the changes in hormones as men enter andropause. The loss of energy and strength during this time in a man’s life also plays into a lowered libido, as does less stimulation of the libido center in the brain.

4.      Trouble sleeping

Low testosterone and heightened cortisol levels can lead to sleep apnea. Because human growth hormones are made during the first ninety minutes of sleep, interrupted sleep leads to the disruption of hormone production. When sleep is interrupted it can lead to worsened fatigue and insomnia, as well as, reduce insulin sensitivity.

5.      Depression

Depression is a common side effect of decreased testosterone. Decreased testosterone leads to lower serotonin levels in the brain. Often times, men are not accustomed to being vocal about their emotions, but it is important for them to share these feelings with a medical professional as it may be a symptom of low testosterone.

6.      Muscle Loss

Testosterone is a major component in the production of strong muscles in men. As the testosterone decreases in men, their muscle strength can also decrease as they lose energy and their bodies begin turning muscle fibers into fat.

Remember: Don’t try to  fight these symptoms yourself.  The great gift of the SottoPelle Therapy can have you on your way to looking and feeling young again.  You deserve to get the most out of life and enjoy your holidays. 

www.sottopelletherapy.com/doctors/enrique-jacome-md

Tips For A Healthy & Happy Thanksgiving

Dr. Enrique Jacome

Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year. There is no better excuse to express gratitude for those that you love the most and open your heart and your home to spread the love.  Although some people look forward to, literally, pigging out all day, there is a better and healthier way to enjoy Thanksgiving without the proverbial hangover that comes from overindulging (whether that be food, alcohol, or both). Here are five tips to make the most out of this wonderful holiday:

1. Be sure to eat a healthy and hearty breakfast. Don’t be fooled into thinking that by skipping out on breakfast you have license to eat that much more during the Thanksgiving feast. It’s never fun to feel overstuffed. Eating a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein (eggs or egg whites, salmon, protein-enhanced smoothie, Greek yogurt) and fresh fruit (apples, pears, berries) or vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, broccoli) will get the day started on the right track and help keep you satisfied and less likely to binge or “pick” throughout the day. Take it from a seasoned Thanksgiving cook, there’s nothing quite as annoying as the person who is constantly in the kitchen picking at all the food one is meticulously putting out on serving trays.

2. Get some vigorous exercise first thing in the morning. Get outdoors for a hike, brisk walk, bike ride or run. The outdoors is invigorating and you’ll take in some needed vitamin D. You’ll also set your metabolism in gear as you prepare to potentially take in a few more calories than normal.

3. Start small. If offered, always choose the smaller plate size. We are less likely to overindulge when we use smaller plates. Why? Smaller plates equals smaller portions. Go generous on the vegetables. Say yes to soup.

4. Take your time. Although it is tempting to dive right in and (pardon the pun) gobble everything down so you can be first at seconds, taking the time to chew, breathe, and put the fork and knife down between bites will actually result in less chance of overeating. It takes the brain a little bit of time to register satiety (the feeling of fullness) after the food hits the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. When you plow through your food without taking time to pause, you’ll likely be that person who ends up having to loosen that top button on his pants or leaning way back in your chair because your trying to create space for your diaphragm to expand and contract.

5. Make the best choices. There are some stellar superfoods available this time of year and they often show up on the Thanksgiving table. Sweet potatoes are fabulous on their own – they don’t need extra butter and sugar. As a superfood, they are loaded with carotenoids, fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. So definitely say yes to sweet potatoes. Cranberries are also a definite yes. Say no to ham, which is usually loaded with sodium and nitrites but yes to turkey breast. Limit the amount of gravy you use, especially if it has been prepared with excess fat drippings or tons of butter. Pescatarians (vegetarians who also eat fish) may chose poached salmon for their main dish. Vegans may chose Tofurkey, a tofu-based dish with imitation turkey flavor. Say yes to winter green salad made with spinach, beats, pears and slivered almonds. I suggest skipping the stuffing altogether (you have enough starch from the sweet potatoes). Try alternatives to stuffing, such as wild rice or quinoa pilaf. For dessert, say yes to pumpkin pie but pass on the pecan pie. Although we love pecans, pecan pie is typically loaded with excess fat and sugar.

More than anything this Thanksgiving, be grateful for the table set before you! Give thanks for all who came together to make the feast possible. And if you’re looking for extra credit or at least a good excuse to burn a few extra calories, put on some great music after your meal and dance the Thanksgiving night away.

www.sottopelletherapy.com/doctors/enrique-jacome-md

What Is The Thyroid Gland?

Dr. Gino Tutera

The thyroid gland is a small organ within the endocrine system.  It weighs a merely 20 grams, or less than an ounce, and it is found in the neck beneath the Adam’s Apple.  Despite its small size, it is one of the most important hormone-secreting organs in the body.  Your thyroid provides a vital hormone to maintain and function the entire body.  When this vital hormone is deficient, even in small amounts, it often results in a multitude of symptoms and conditions affecting every organ in your body.

One of the important organs in the body that often undergoes changes before, during and after menopause is the thyroid gland.  In fact, studies show that hypothyroidism is far more common in women, especially women of menopausal age or who has a family history of hypothyroidism.  The following are a few basic facts about hypothyroidism:

·         Hypothyroidism affects 20 million Americans, or 1 in every 10 people.

·         Hypothyroidism runs in families, specifically among other females

·         Hypothyroidism is up to 8x more common in women than men.

·         By the age 50, 1 out of 12 women has some level of hypothyroidism

The following list of symptoms is consistent with hypothyroidism.  If you are suffering from any of these, please speak with your family physician regarding treatment.  (These are only a few of the most common symptoms).

·         Weakness

·         Fatigue

·         Constipation

·         Weight gain

·         Depression

·         Paleness

·         Dry flaky skin

·         Hoarseness

·         Abnormal menstrual periods

·         Muscle pain

·         Thin brittle hair and fingernails

There are several blood tests that can be performed to accurately assess thyroid function.  If your physician is attempting to determine your thyroid status, the blood test panel should consist of the following:

·         TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

·         Total T 4 or T4

·         Total T3

·         Free T4

·         Free T3

·         Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg Antibodies

If your healthcare provider has determined that you present clinically with hypothyroidism, a likely course of action will be to offer thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

www.sottopelletherapy.com/doctors/enrique-jacome-md

Hormone Pellet Therapy – Give Yourself This Gift Before The Holiday Rush Starts

Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy, The SottoPelle® Method is the superior choice for hormone issues.  Last week we reviewed the signs of a Hormone Imbalance and the below outlines why the Pellet is superior than creams, gels or shots.

Benefits of Hormone Pellets:

• The only method that allows the body to control the release of hormone—raising levels when more hormone is needed and decreasing it when requiring less
• Delivers a low dose of hormones continuously, 24/7
• Release of hormones directly into the bloodstream, thereby bypassing the gastrointestinal system and liver
• Consistently proven more effective than oral, injected, or topical methods with regard to sexual function, mood and cognitive function, metabolic function, bone density, urinary and vaginal problems, lipid profiles, breast health and hormone ratios
• Can last up to 6 months
• Gels or Creams can rub on others/clothes/skin

Gift yourself an early gift this holiday season with The SottoPelle Method.

www.sottopelletherapy.com/doctors/enrique-jacome-md