Tag: health benefits

Bio-identical Hormones, what are they, and why should you use them?

Written by Tami Oberbroeckling, PA-C on August 14, 2023. Posted in Bio-identical Hormone Replacement. No Comments on Bio-identical Hormones, what are they, and why should you use them?

Bio-identical hormones are hormones that have a molecular structure identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. These hormones are often derived from plant sources and are designed to mimic the body’s own hormones. Common sources include yams and soybeans. These plants contain compounds that can be converted into hormones with a molecular structure identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Once extracted and processed, these hormones can be used in hormone replacement therapy to address hormonal imbalances.

Some common bio-identical hormones used in hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) include:

Estradiol: A type of estrogen, commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms in women.

Progesterone: A hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. It is often used in combination with estrogen in BHRT for menopausal women.

Testosterone: A hormone primarily associated with male development, but also present in females. It may be used in hormone replacement therapy for women with testosterone deficiencies.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): A hormone produced by the adrenal glands and a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone. DHEA supplements are sometimes used in BHRT.

These hormones can be prescribed in various forms, such as pellets, creams, gels, patches, pills, or injections, depending on the individual’s needs and the healthcare provider’s recommendations.

The Benefits of Bio-identical hormones are.

Symptom Relief: Bio-identical hormones can alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Individualized Treatment: Bio-identical hormones can be customized to an individual’s unique hormone needs, which may lead to more personalized and effective treatment.

Mimicking Natural Hormones: Since bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the body’s natural hormones, they may be better tolerated and more easily processed by the body compared to synthetic hormones.

Lower Risk: Bio-identical hormones carry a lower risk of side effects and adverse reactions compared to synthetic hormones.

Bone Health: Hormone replacement therapy, including bio-identical hormones, may help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women.

Cardiovascular Health: BHRT may positively impact cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease in certain individuals.

It’s important to note that while bio-identical hormones have potential benefits, their use and effectiveness may vary from person to person. Hormone therapy should be carefully considered, and its risks and benefits should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional to make an informed decision tailored to individual health needs and conditions.

5 Health Benefits of Semaglutide

Written by Tami Oberbroeckling, PA-C on May 22, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss. No Comments on 5 Health Benefits of Semaglutide

Weight loss
Reduced risk of diabetes
Lowered risk of heart attack and stroke
Improved kidney function
Improved liver function

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) is a medicine used for weight loss in specific patients, and to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke in type two diabetes patients. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist and works by increasing insulin release, lowering the amount of glucagon released, delaying gastric emptying and reducing appetite.

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide works to lower high blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin that is released, lowering the amount of glucagon released and by delaying gastric emptying. Semaglutide also controls appetite and so helps you reduce the amount of food that you want to eat. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a type of hormone known as an incretin that’s lower than normal in people with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 receptor agonists belongs to a class of medications known as incretin mimetics.

Added health benefits of Semaglutide

In addition to weight loss these types of medications can reverse pre-diabetic elevations in Hgba1-c and correct type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 receptor agoinists are very effective at lowering blood sugar levels, both after meals and during periods of fasting. Unlike some medications for type 2 diabetes, they’re unlikely to cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Although more research is needed, some GLP-1 receptor agonists also been shown to have benefits for heart health and kidney function in people with diabetes.

For example, research has shown that treatment with Semaglutide is linked to significant reduction in major heart problems, such as heart attacks, and stroke, in people with diabetes and existing heart disease.

Studies have also found that people who took certain GLP-1 receptor agonists had better kidney outcomes than people who took a placebo.

Conclusion

Patients who have been on the medication after one year noted improved findings on their routine blood work. Many reporting lower cholesterol numbers, decrease in the HgbA1-c, lower cardiac risk factors and improved liver function studies.

Semaglutide and other similar class medications have hit the market by storm but offer a safe and effective solution for obesity and the complications of obesity. We haven’t had a weight loss solution with such a low risk profile and such a tremendous overall health benefits.