Since the Women's Health Initiative Study in 2003, which reported that there were more risks than benefits for hormone therapy, women have been left scared and vulnerable after menopause. The study revealed a significant increase in cancer, cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) with hormone therapy. However, the study used combined estrogen-progestin (Prempro) and estrogen alone (Premarin). These synthetic hormones are derived from pregnant mare (horse) urine that cause an increase in inflammation in the body that leads to these serious health risks.
Bio-identical estrogen and progesterone are far superior, natural, healthy and safe. Bio-identical estrogen mimics what the body makes. It is essential for muscle tone, skin smoothness hair texture and sex drive. Dr. Banyas uses a compounded form of two plant-based, bio-identical estrogens called BI-Est (estradiol E2 and Estriol E3) in a cream applied on the skin combined with natural bio-identical progesterone that is safe from unwanted complicated side effects.
TESTOSTERONE
Between the ages of 40 to 55, men can experience a phenomenon similar to female menopause, called andropause. Unlike women, men do not have a clear cut sign to mark the transition. It is more subtle and symptoms creep up over a period of 20 years.. They experience changes in mood, decreased energy levels, decreased sex drive and functioning and decreased energy and physical stamina.
Starting around age 30, testosterone levels drop 2-3% per year. More importantly, studies show that this decline in testosterone can actually put one at risk for significant health problems as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Andropause was first described in the medical literature in the 1940's, however it has been under diagnosed and under treated. Some men find it difficult to admit that there is a problem. Symptoms are often vague and can vary. These symptoms come along before the male loses his sex drive. Often times, physicians will diagnose this as depression and prescribe antidepressants which can cause further problems with energy and sex drive.
In the female decreasing estrogen and progesterone levels after entering menopause are compounded by falling testosterone levels. Like men, women need adequate testosterone for peak mental acuity, health bone density and muscle tissue, as well as prevention of unwanted body fat, heart disease and cognitive decline. Women without supplementation have a 50% chance of experiencing a fracture of the hip or vertebra at some point in their lives.
Testosterone supplementation enhances sex drive, improves erectile dysfunction, builds muscle, elevates mood, prevents osteoporosis, improves memory, lowers cholesterol, protects against heart disease, reduces urinary obstruction of the prostate gland, decreases fasting blood glucose, decreases diastolic blood pressure and decreases visceral adipose tissue (organ fat).
DHEA:
The adrenal glands, located on top of the kidney makes DHEA which undergo a decrease in secretion as a person ages and can impact the immune system. Supplementation has a beneficial effect on immune response, sex drive, metabolism and emotional stability. It modulates stress hormones and is a powerful antioxidant. Other health related benefits include support of cognitive function, helps the body cope with stress, slows progression of diabetes, favorably impacts arthritis, lowers cholesterol and improves heart health.
THYROID:
Secreted by the thyroid gland, this regulates temperature, metabolism, brain function. As we age, thyroid levels can sometimes decrease. 25% of post menopausal women have either clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism. Low levels can cause slowed metabolism and heart rate, intolerance to heat and cold, fluid retention, fatigue, dry eyes and hair, constipation, low sexual desire, PMS, aching bones and muscles, memory problems, increased cholesterol and risk of coronary artery disease. Natural thyroid supplementation can improve and reverse many of these symptoms.
PREGNENOLONE:
Failure of memory and lack of mental clarity can be among the most frustrating aspects of aging. Studies indicate that pregnenolone might be beneficial against age-related cognitive decline. Often termed the "grandmother hormone," pregnenolone is a precursor and necessary building block to DHEA, which in turn can convert to testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.
MELATONIN:
Melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm as well as the deep stages of sleep. Studies suggest that the immune system is stimulated during these periods of deep rest. It is known for its powerful antioxidant effects and is a scavenger of free radicals. In the January, 1977 issue of the the New England Journal of Medicine, melatonin was extolled as a potential anti-cancer agent.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE:
Somatopause is the decline in human growth hormone (HGH, somatatropin) that occurs gradually from young adulthood throughout life and it occurs in both sexes at roughly the the same rate. HGH decreases approximately 14% per decade starting in the mid-twenties. By age 60, levels of growth hormone are 1/4 of their youthful levels. Declines in growth hormone leads to increased body fat, particularly around the waistline, and increased risk of heart disease. Low levels can also lead to decreased lean muscle mass and reduced exercise and strength capacity. In addition, there is decreased bone density leading to osteoporosis, decreased collagen and thin, wrinkled skin. There are also sleep pattern abnormalities and a decrease in quality of life, energy, mood and vitality.
Human Growth Hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is often referred to as the "master hormone" or "healing hormone." It is necessary for repair and restorative abilities at the cellular level, and its positive effects are beyond those of any other hormone. It often enhances the effects of testosterone and estrogen therapy.
Human Growth Hormone is prescribed when a comprehensive evaluation reveals an adult growth hormone deficiency. In 1994, the FDA authorized the use of HGH for adults through FDA approved pharmacies.
The benefits of supplementation are numerous and include increase in lean muscle mass and decreased total body fat, increase of overall energy levels, improved quality of life, improved skin tone, improved skin thickness, improved cognitive performance, improved sleep, improved cardiac and lung function and improved cholesterol profile with a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase in HDL (good) cholesterol.
The only safe, accurately assembled HGH is one using recombinant DNA technology. This hormone is administered by injection only.