Hormone Therapy with Serenity Wellness

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A diagnosis of testosterone deficiency may be more likely in men who present with lower than normal testosterone levels and all three of following symptoms: 

• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased libido
• Decreased frequency of morning erections

Studies have shown that total testosterone peaks at an average age of 19 years, and falls in the average case by age 40 years. Although there appears to be no precipitous drop in testosterone levels after the age of 40, there is an increased variation in total testosterone levels with advancing age after age 40 years, which may account for the observation that some men have symptoms of testosterone deficiency while others have no symptoms whatsoever.

Testosterone is the main sex hormone (androgen) in men. It is responsible for male physical characteristics.

Although it is considered to be a “male” sex hormone, it is present in the blood of both men and women. Testosterone levels in the blood can be conducted to detect an abnormal testosterone level in males and females. In males, these levels can be used to help diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction or the inability of the partner to become pregnant.

The test requires a blood sample drawn from a vein; a morning sample is preferred.

A formulation that has been used for many years is injectable testosterone esters, such as enanthate and cypionate. These are inexpensive but require frequent administration (every 1–3 weeks) because of their relatively short lifespan in the body. In addition, injectable formulations may result in transient levels above the physiologic range and can cause fluctuations in libido, mood, and energy, as serum testosterone concentrations vary over the injection intervals. 

Transdermal testosterone formulations (such as gels, creams, and solutions) are preferred by some patients and physicians as an alternative to injections. Stable physiological testosterone levels are achievable using these preparations but require daily application and may cause skin irritation. Men who use these topical (or transdermal) formulations must be careful not to transfer the drug to women or children by direct contact.

Currently, all topical preparations contain a warning for risk of transference. Other testosterone formulations that are used less frequently include testosterone patches, buccal tablets, and intranasal gel.

The desired effects of testosterone therapy in men include the following: 

• Increased lean body mass
• Decreased fat mass
• Increased bone mineral density
• Increased sexual functioning

Several studies have reported on the use of testosterone replacement  therapy in men with low testosterone levels. The treatments were  administered either by injections or using a scrotal patch. Most studies  have shown increases in lean body mass and bone mineral density and  decreases in fat mass. Accompanying the increase in muscle mass has been  an increase in either upper- or lower-extremity strength.

Declining estrogen levels have specific effects on women, including:

• Physical symptoms, such as vasomotor symptoms (night sweats, hot flashes and flushes) and vaginal dryness.
• Metabolic and structural changes such as bone loss, skin thinning,  fatty replacement of the breast, changes in blood lipids, and atrophy of  the bladder and urethra.
• Vasomotor symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, often considered to be the cardinal symptoms of menopause.

Hormone therapy is usually prescribed using the lowest effective dose  and for only the amount of time that is needed based on clinical  judgment and the needs of the individual patient.

The following tests can be used to evaluate for hormone imbalance:

Serum or Blood Testing: serum or blood can be used to test for hormone imbalance. 

The desired effect of BHRT in women includes:

• Decrease vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, often considered to be the cardinal symptoms of menopause
• Prevent osteoporosis
• Minimize physical symptoms, such as vasomotor symptoms (night sweats, hot flashes and flushes) and vaginal dryness
• Reduce metabolic and structural changes such as bone loss, skin  thinning, fatty replacement of the breast, changes in blood lipids, and  atrophy of the bladder and urethra

Progestin is a form of progesterone. Taking progestin helps reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus that occurs when estrogen is used alone. Estrogen plus progestin sometimes is called “combined  hormone therapy” or simply “hormone therapy.” Estrogen-only therapy  sometimes is called “estrogen therapy.”

Although the clinical effects of hormone optimization vary depending  on the patient and the type of treatment, the objective for many women  is to benefit from one or more of the following:

Protection from Osteoporosis: Studies have found  that estrogen has benefits for preventing bone loss and may defend  against problems like osteoporosis or hip fractures in some patients. 

Decreased hot flashes and night sweats: Clinical  studies have shown that oral hormone replacement therapy is effective in  alleviating hot flashes and night sweats, two of the most common  symptoms associated with menopause and sleep disturbances.

Improved sex drive and reduced vaginal dryness: Up  to 45 percent of menopause or postmenopausal women might be affected by  vaginal atrophy, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, pain during  sex, itching, irritation, burning and discharge. Hormone replacement  may be prescribed to alleviate these symptoms.

Women may also experience:

• Increased lean body mass
• Decreased fat mass
• Increased bone mineral density

The Re3 Advanced Pellet Delivery System for Men & Women is a novel, patented medical device created by a physician with over 20 years experience in Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to improve the pellet insertion process – making it easier, safer, and more reliable.

The current procedure most widely used for pellet insertion requires the healthcare provider to clean, autoclave, and reuse the instruments needed for pellet insertion. This method can be cumbersome and expensive and relies on non-standardized procedures at each provider. There are also plastic, single-use kits for pellet insertion, which are not widely used due to poor quality instruments.

For Men: A common form of hormone optimization in men is testosterone replacement therapy. This type of therapy is approved for men who have low levels of testosterone related to certain medical conditions. Examples of these conditions include genetic problems, chemotherapy, or infections that have damaged the testicles. 

For Women: Hormone optimization in women usually involves some formulation of estrogen, either alone or with progesterone. As with testosterone therapy, estrogen therapy is guided by certain limitations and restrictions. Hormone therapy with estrogens (with or without progesterone) is indicated only for treatment of vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy and for osteoporosis prevention or treatment.

Testosterone can also be beneficial for women, especially those experiencing depression and fatigue after surgically induced menopause. It may be a suitable option for women who haven’t found complete relief with estrogen therapy alone and need the additional benefits testosterone provides for the endocrine system and sexual function. Testosterone therapy comes in many forms, such as creams, gels, patches, or pills.

• Helps Maintain Healthy Thyroid Function
• Promotes the Synthesis of Thyroid Hormones
• Helps Support Conversion of T4 to T3
• Improves Cellular Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormones
• Supports a Healthy Inflammatory and Antioxidant Balance

• Multidimensional Support for Cardiometabolic Health
• Enhances Cell Signaling for Efficient ATP Production
• Supports Blood Sugar Balance Already Within Normal Levels
• Maintains Healthy Cholesterol Levels Already Within the Normal Range

• Provides Baseline Nutrition for a Variety of Protocols
• Builds Metabolic Reserve and Protects Against Dietary Deficiencies
• Protects Against Stress-Induced Nutrient Depletion
• Supports Healthy Metabolism.

• Provides Three Forms of Highly Absorbed Magnesium for a Variety of Protocols
• High-Concentration Magnesium for Cardiovascular Support
• Helps Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure and Glucose Levels
• Promotes Energy Production and Muscle Relaxation

• Helps Maintain Gastrointestinal Balance
• Increases Secretory IgA for Enhanced Gut Immunity
• Supports Bowel Regularity
• Supports Digestion and Micronutrient Absorption

• Supports Healthy Blood Circulation
• Promotes Bone Health and Proper Calcium Storage
• Maintains Healthy Cardiometabolic Function and Supports Blood Sugar Balance Already Within Normal Levels
• Boosts Immune Function

• Promotes Normal Hormonal Balance
• Helps Maintain Healthy Memory and Cognitive Function
• Supports Mood Regulation
• Supports the Stress Response System by Acting as Hormonal Precursor
• Supports Learning and Memory

• Supports healthy immune system function
• Supports the liver’s natural detoxification processes
• Neutralizes free radicals

• Promotes Healthy Hormonal Balance
• Supports Mood Regulation
• Balances the Stress Response System by Improving Cortisol-to-DHEA Ratios
• Maintains Healthy Aging and Normal Inflammatory Balance
• Supports Bone Health

• Supports Estrogen Balance
• Supports Proper Estrogen Metabolism for Women and Men •
• Improves Estrogen Detoxification Pathways
• Provides Cellular Antioxidant Support for DNA Stability