The Top 3 Answers to the Question “Why Should I Take Hormones?”

Recently during a patient’s visit, we were reviewing her most recent OB/GYN appointment. Her physician asked why she was taking hormones. Unable to offer a technical explanation, she simply stated that she felt much better than she did before she began her treatment program.

While the basic question of WHY is a good question by her physician, we actually need to answer three questions.

• What are my individual hormone levels?
• Are my hormones in appropriate balance?
• Is my body metabolizing those hormones in the right way?

The answers to these three questions will answer the one question: “Why should a patient take hormones?”

What are my individual hormone levels?

Contrary to what most think, hormones are not just about individual numbers. Instead, hormones work collectively as a means of communication within the body. I am amazed at the answers I get when I ask postmenopausal women, “Does your body still have or need hormones?”

The answer is a resounding YES, but most people seem to think otherwise. The body must have hormones to survive. For example, those who suffer from Addison’s Disease have a life-threatening deficiency of cortisol (one of the body’s many hormones).

Far too often I hear the comment, “I’ve had a hysterectomy, so I don’t need progesterone.” The truth is having a hysterectomy does not eliminate your body’s use or need for hormones. It just means you are missing your uterus. Hysterectomy or not, millions of cells throughout the body have progesterone receptors and those cells could care less if you’ve had a hysterectomy or what your OB/GYN thinks about progesterone. [Insert laugh here!] These organ systems throughout the body have receptors for progesterone because they need progesterone.

The aforementioned patient’s hormone therapy included progesterone cream and DHEA capsules. Testing results showed her to be deficient in both progesterone and DHEA (read about how we test hormones at Seasons), and thus replacement was needed. In addition to test results, the patient’s clinical symptom history warranted the replacement of these hormones.

So why was DHEA included in her treatment program? Two reasons. The first is that her DHEA levels were low in her testing results. The second reason? This patient had Type II Diabetes and, after some additional testing, was found to have chronic inflammation throughout her body. DHEA has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve insulin function, and reduce obesity, all of which are associated with diabetes. DHEA does this through a complex interaction with the hormones adiponectin and insulin. As insulin levels rise with insulin resistance, adiponectin falls. This hormone imbalance will result in Diabetes for many people.

Additionally, Type II Diabetes has been shown to be the result of chronic inflammation. What does that mean, you ask? Chronic, dysregulated inflammation causes insulin resistance. What is the source of this inflammation, you ask? Fat cells! The obesity epidemic is the root cause of our current healthcare crisis.

Let’s go back to the patient’s hormone therapy. Her test results showed her deficient in progesterone. Because progesterone is a natural anti-inflammatory, it is currently being used in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes. In addition, women with low progesterone tend to have significantly more menstrual cramps, the result of inflammatory signals called prostaglandins. Progesterone therapy has been shown to reduce those prostaglandins and thus reduce menstrual cramps.

Are my hormones in appropriate balance?

Hormones don’t exist in a vacuum, as many seem to think. Hormones exist in a delicate balance. The most well publicized imbalance is that of the estrogens and progesterone.  Imbalance of estrogen and progesterone have been linked to many health problems: fatigue, weight gain, headaches, and increased risk of breast cancer to name a few.

I often tell patients that with every cause there is an effect. You can’t give one hormone without affecting many others. The addition of progesterone to the body when it has been chronically low will not only restore progesterone to an appropriate physiologic level, but will also allow estrogen signals to work better. The balance of hormones allows each hormone to work as it was intended. Mind you, we are NOT talking about using synthetic hormones which are simply not what the body is looking for and contain harmful additives. We only treat with bioidentical hormones (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, also known as BHRT). 

Is my body metabolizing my hormones in the right way? 

The final key point is looking at how the body processes hormones (metabolism). Hormone metabolism is just as important as the individual hormone levels and the hormone balance. 

Let’s use estrogen metabolism, for example. Estrogens (there are actually three different types of estrogen) can be metabolized three ways: 2-hydroxy estrone, 4-hyroxy estrone, and 16-alpha-hydroxy estrone. Some of the risks associated with estrogen come from the body metabolizing estrogen utilizing the 4-hydoxy estrone pathway. This pathway results in many dangerous metabolites (break down products). Think of it as turning down the wrong road as you’re driving somewhere, and you end up in a briar patch!

Think about it. Many women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer don’t take bioidentical estrogen nor do they take synthetic estrogen. Their problem, as it relates to hormones, comes from endogenous hormone production (the body’s own hormone overproduction or underproduction), hormone metabolization, and the often undiscussed environmental xenoestrogens (from environmental toxin exposure). In lay terms, the body is metabolizing estrogen using the 4-hydoxy estrone pathway resulting in higher risk of cancer.

It has only been in the last 50 to 60 years that major hormonal imbalances in industrialized countries seem to have come to our attention. Before that, people and their hormones seemed to do just fine for thousands of years. We can attribute much of that to diminishing nutritional value in our foods and continually increasing exposure to toxins. Nutrition and toxins both have profound effects on the body, hormones included.

In conclusion, why should a patient take hormones (BHRT)?

The answer is a summary of the three points we’ve looked at here. By determining current hormone levels, restoring balance, and evaluating the body’s metabolic processes, the body can once again function as God intended it. Should a patient be on hormones? Well, only if you need them. But the truth is few of us have perfectly balanced hormones due to nutrition, toxin exposure, and prescription medication side effects.

At Seasons Wellness Clinic, we use state-of-the-art testing that reveals your body’s biochemistry. With our years of advanced training, we can carefully customize a treatment plan to restore your body, offsetting the damage of poor nutrition, toxins, and prescription drugs. Our goal is to eliminate any need for prescription medication! We want you to be HEALTHY!

WELLNESS IS POSSIBLE! You don’t have to settle for a body that is not working as it should. You can make a conscientious choice towards good health and a longer, happier life.

Other related posts:

Evidence and Crazy Talk, Part 1 of 3

Evidence and Crazy Talk, Part 2 of 3

Evidence and Crazy Talk, Part 3 of 3

 

The Paleo Diet: Back to Basics

My husband, Evan, and I live by the saying, “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” We believe good health requires a foundation of proper nutrition and we have found that foundation with the Paleolithic Diet. Because the name ‘Paleo Diet’ is new to many people, some consider it a “fad diet.” However, eating unprocessed foods as close as possible to their natural state is not a fad. It’s a concept that’s been around since the first humans walked the earth!

So what does it mean to eat Paleo? Paleo consists of meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, some fruit, limited starch, no sugar, no grains, and no alcohol. The first thing most people ask after hearing the do’s and don’ts is “How will I get the carbohydrates my body needs for energy?” And the answer is this: all vegetables and fruits are made of carbohydrates. The concept of the Paleo Diet is quality over quantity with the main goal of maximizing efficient macronutrient intake.

My husband was first introduced to the concept of eating Paleo at a CrossFit Trainer certification course in 2008. At that time we were following the standard American diet: high in processed foods, low in complex carbohydrates, low in plant-based foods, and high in simple carbohydrate sources. We were having difficulty reaching our weight loss goals and certain health conditions began to surface: high blood pressure, obesity, and inflammation. It seemed no matter how many calories we cut or how many additional hours of cardio we did, our weight loss goals were still unobtainable. Since we began eating Paleo exclusively in 2010, we have seen wonderful results in our overall health and positive body composition changes.

So how can you incorporate the Paleo Diet into your daily life? Surprisingly, it’s easier than you think. The following steps will make your chances for success greater.

• Don’t treat it like a transitory diet that you will quit after a few days or weeks. The success of this diet is changing your lifestyle. Think of food as a fuel that makes you better instead of treating it as a reward.
• Next, clean out your kitchen and pantry of all junk food and buy whole foods.
• Last, commit to this change for a lifetime of good health. You will be thrilled with the wonderful results!

There are lots of resources and recipes online. Here are two good websites to help you get started:

• www.robbwolf.com
• www.chriskresser.com

Related articles

• Paleo Diet: Blueberry Spinach Smoothie (mainebelle.com)

Get Your Body Back On Track With These 5 Points of Wellness

Featured Essential Oil: Orange

Orange, as a pure essential oil, not only relaxes the mind with its sweet citrus scent, but it is also great for the immune system. It aids as an anti-inflammatory, relieving inflammation caused by infection, fever and toxins. For both ladies and gentlemen, orange can promote good hormones and enzymes along with keeping your metabolism running smoothly.

Orange essential oils offer a magnitude of health benefits and therapeutic properties, including:

• Anti-depressant. Well-known for its uplifting properties, orange essential oil is soothing to the mind and helps to relieve stress. It is refreshing and relaxing and commonly used for the treatment of anxiety.
• Anti-inflammatory. It provides relief from both internal and external inflammation caused by infections. It is helpful in treating swollen tissue by stimulating blood circulation.
• Anti-septic. It inhibits microbial growth and can help ease a sore throat if used in a gargle. It also helps to heal mouth ulcers when used in a mouth wash.
• Improves Digestion. It is known to promote digestion, ease constipation and increase the absorption of vitamin C. Use as a massage oil in the abdominal area.
• Anti-Cancer. D-limonene is a super-nutrient that occurs in Orange essential oil. It has been studied extensively for its ability to prevent cellular mutations and combat cancer tumor growth.
• Encourages Detoxification. Orange essential oil encourages detoxification by acting as a diuretic. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, the bladder and kidneys. Increased urination assists in the elimination of toxins like uric acid, bile and excess salts and helps relieve fluid retention. Detox and cleansing properties help breakdown and eliminate cellulite.
• Skin Treatment. Orange essential oil is shown to promote the production of collagen as well as increase the blood flow to the skin. It is helpful at soothing dry, irritated skin as well as acne-prone skin. It is excellent for rubbing on calluses on the feet.

 

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Bethany Cox, LMT & Facial Reflexologist
A graduate of Cedar Creek School, Centenary College of LA (Health and Exercise Science) and Natural Health Institute in Nashville, TN (Massage Therapy), Bethany has many talents! Besides being a smartie (she has always made great grades) and a fabulous massage therapist, she is an accomplished pianist and golfer. She even played golf in college. Bethany enjoys setting goals for herself and achieving them. Her favorite moment? A hole-in-one! Her favorite way to decompress after a long day? Scrapbooking, exercising, and practicing deep breathing for relaxation.

Seasons Patient, Kathy Burns: “It is a whole new me!”

“My mother has osteoarthritis. When I began to hurt and swell, I just thought it had to be genetics – thanks, mom! I sought treatment for my pain so I went to a General Practitioner. As the pain progressed, I went to a Rheumatologist. The pain continued to grow and so did the amount of prescription pain medication I was taking. I was on my way to getting hooked on pain medicine, and I knew there had to be another way.”

“I asked my physical therapist about alternative ways to treat my pain. That’s when she told me that she was a patient of Dr. Nathan Goodyear at Seasons Wellness Clinic and referred me to him. I made an appointment with Dr. Goodyear and I’ll be honest, I was pleasantly surprised. Dr. Goodyear never herded me in and out like cattle. I would come in his office and we would talk, actually discuss things going on with my health. I could tell that he genuinely cared.”

“Dr. Goodyear designed a custom plan to get my health back on track. Throughout my visits we did blood work, testing, detoxification, and I had B vitamins through IV. Along with seeing Dr. Goodyear, I also saw Valerie Costanza, the Dietitian at Seasons. She taught me what and how to eat. And she taught me what would agree with my body. And as I began to follow what she was telling me, I saw almost immediate results. The swelling in my hands began to go down and my knees stopped aching. My shoulders and my lower back are almost pain-free. It is amazing what the right nutrition can do for you. And as an added plus, I lost weight!”

“I have been feeling better for 8 months now and it is just wonderful. It is a whole new me and a whole new way of life! I wanted to share my story because I know there are others out there that hurt just like I did. There are middle-aged women out there that think their pain is just a part of growing old. But you don’t have to put up with it. You don’t have to take pain medication to feel good. There is another way!” – Kathy Burns

 

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Our goal is to restore our patients’ health by offering a more holistic approach along with cutting edge advancements in traditional medicine all in a comfortable environment. We are dedicated to providing individualized treatment and improving our patient’s quality of life by providing the best complementary and integrative medical treatment available. Our mission is to transform lives, one patient at a time. For more information about becoming a patient at Seasons Wellness Clinic, visit our New Patient Page or contact our Patient Relations Specialists at 318-255-3223.

“Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills” video book review by Nathan Goodyear, MD

For more videos from Seasons, visit our YouTube channel.

Vaccinations and Autism – Is The Verdict In?

You might have heard the recent proclamation of the “end to the vaccination and autism link debate.” This proclamation comes from new light shed on one of the studies compiled by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British surgeon and medical researcher whose research indicated a link between autism and the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccination.

Dr. Wakefield is accused of falsifying some of the data to manipulate his statistics to show more significance, a claim Wakefield categorically denies. If this study from Wakefield et al. was the only study that showed evidence of the harm of vaccines, then I would join the chorus. However, the evidence supporting the harmful effects of vaccinations are not just present in one article. The evidence is present in many articles.

Manipulation of the statistics and fabrication of data is nothing new in science. But as I stated in my previous post, Is Medicine Losing Its Way?, with regard to vaccinations, medicine lost its way a long time ago. Because of this, I and many other physicians continue to push for a physiologic-based practice paradigm. Physiology can’t be manipulated like statistical studies can.

Let’s get a little perspective.

What do we know about some recent statistics surrounding vaccinations?

• First, in 1983, children only received 10 vaccinations before school. At that point the autism rate was 1:10,000. Currently, children receive 36 vaccinations before entry to school and the rate of autism has climbed to 1:150. Coincidence? Not if you look at the physiology.
• In 2010/2011, the flu vaccine was pulled from the market in Australia due to seizures in children. (Click here for more information.)
• Japan no longer requires the Hepatitis B vaccine.
• A recent verdict of $22.5 million was awarded to a man who contracted polio from a polio vaccine given to his daughter.

Second, what we do know about the negative effects of vaccinations.

• Vaccines create long-standing immune suppression.
• There is an increased risk of infection with vaccinations, further increasing brain inflammation and damage to the developing brain.
• Vaccinations cause a shift to the Th2 part of the immune system for much longer than normal, an abnormal response creating increased risk of autoimmune disease.
• A child’s brain reacts differently than an adult’s and is much more sensitive to inflammation.
• Toxins accumulate in the body from vaccines which contain ionic mercury and aluminum.
• Toxic exposure creates excitotoxicity, damage done by chronic microglial activation in the brain resulting in brain inflammation, damage to the developing brain, and increases risk of seizures.
• The aluminum found in vaccines is thought to cause macrophage myofasciitis which can result in severe brain injury, muscle aches and pains, and weakness.
• Vaccinations cause an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s, and dementia.
• Vaccinations cause increased destruction of the brain’s protection mechanism: catalase, glutathione, peroxidase, Super Oxide Dismutase.
• Vaccines can be contaminated, up to 60% according to studies.

First, do no harm.

Lost in the debate of vaccinations, is the “art of medicine.” As quoted by all physicians as they take the Hippocratic oath, “I will remember that there is art to medicine, as well as a science,” and “I will not give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect.”  By endorsing the use of vaccinations, are we creating a new problem (increasing cases of autism) while ending another problem (reduced cases of polio, measles, mumps, rubella)?

As physicians, our oath was, and still is, to “first, do no harm.” As logic, thought, debate and questions are critical to learning, so we must continue to ask the tough questions. And one of those questions will continue to be whether there is a connection between autism and vaccinations. We must fulfill our charge to do no harm. Perhaps we should take another look at whether vaccinations are truly doing no harm.

The Hippocratic Oath:

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

I will not be ashamed to say “I know not,” nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given to me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

And in case you are wondering, the answer to your question is no – my children no longer receive vaccinations.

For more insight into the autism debate, see Dr. Russell Blaylock’s court testimony on the dangers of vaccinations. Dr. Blaylock is a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner, author and lecturer. He is the leading authority on excitotoxins and their effects on the brain and author of three books: Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life, and Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients.

 

Sauna | eMPOWER

 

Seasons would like to give a warm welcome to it’s newest member of the team: The Sunlighten eMPOWER Infrared Sauna. This six-person infrared sauna is the ultimate escape. Whether looking for weight loss, blood pressure reduction, pain relief or simply relaxation, this is the perfect addition to help solve your health and wellness needs.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared Light
Infrared light is the natural radiant heat emitted by the sun. It is 100% safe and even used to warm premature babies. Picture yourself feeling the sun’s rays on a warm day. That is what it is like to be in a Sunlighten Sauna. This comforting heat warms you from the inside, for a deep and detoxifying sweat.

Sunlighten vs. Traditional Saunas
Sunlighten Saunas use infrared heat rays instead of steam, as is used in traditional saunas. Infrared gently heats the body from within instead of heating the air. It has the ability to penetrate the surface of the skin, which gives your body overall radiant warmth. Traditional heaters only heat the air, which can become extremely hot and uncomfortable in which to breathe.

Carbon vs. Ceramic Heaters
Sunlighten’s carbon-based heating technologies emit more infrared energy at a lower surface temperature. This leads to pain relief, better circulation and more effective detoxification, among several other benefits.

Carbon Surround, Solocarbon® and Solocarbon® Custom Spectrum
While Carbon Surround is the best infrared therapy in its class, Solocarbon® is the most advanced and beneficial technology available. In fact, Solocarbon has been clinically shown to raise core body temperature nearly 3o in a 30 min. session. This is important, because raising core body temperature is the catalyst for nearly all of the health benefits associated with infrared therapy. With the introduction of Solocarbon® Custom Spectrum, Sunlighten now offers a heating technology capable of delivering near, mid and far infrared to more precisely target a myriad of personalized health concerns.

What are the benefits of an Infrared Sauna?

 

 

 

Detoxification
Sweating is the body’s safe and natural way to heal, stay healthy and detoxify. In a Sunlighten Sauna, the average person sweats out 20% toxins and 80% water, while in a conventional sauna, the average person only sweats out 3% toxins and 97% water.

Weight Loss
Studies have shown a 30 minute infrared sauna session can burn upwards of 600 calories. As the body works to cool itself while using an infrared sauna, there is a substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate.

Relaxation
Sunlighten saunas deliver the ultimate experience in relaxation. With the most therapeutic infrared heat found in Solocarbon® heating technology, our saunas are guaranteed to help you relax in comfort with an invigorating sweat that will have you feeling stress-free with each session.

Pain Relief
Clinical research on pain has shown evidence of heat responsive pain or HRP, which encompasses several common pain conditions that can be specifically treated with the use of our infrared heat therapy.

Blood Pressure Reduction
Sunlighten’s Solocarbon® heaters were shown in a clinical study by the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2005 to lower blood pressure from a 30 minute infrared sauna session three times per week.

To learn more about the Sunlighten Infrared Saunas, visit their website: www.sunlighten.com or stop by our Ruston location in Northpointe Office Park. Pricing begins at $15 per session, or sign up for an unlimited month for $195. Call 255-1155 to schedule your sauna appointment today!

One Man’s Food is Another Man’s Poison

Sensitivity to certain foods can cause unwanted weight gain, migraines, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders and many more chronic problems. Food intolerance is not an immediate reaction, like a peanut allergy for example. Food intolerance occurs many hours after consumption. With delayed symptoms, it’s difficult to detect which food your body isn’t processing properly. You may be eating healthy food.  But it might NOT be the foods that are healthy for you.

The process of determining food sensitivities is as simple as a blood draw. The food sensitivity test screens for reactions to over 300 foods, chemicals and other substances associated with inflammation that are linked to chronic health problems. After identifying food sensitivities, you eliminate the trigger foods and get on the fast track to good health!

At Seasons, we are extremely pleased with the success stories from patients who have taken the test and eliminated trigger foods from their diet. One of our patients has lost a total of 60 lbs in 7 months since avoiding certain trigger foods. She had no idea that the food she was consuming was making her sick and keeping her from losing weight. Another patient had “excruciating migraines” and was looking for a solution. Since eliminating the foods that she is sensitive to, she has not had a migraine AND lost 20 lbs!

Take control of your health instead of taking medications to treat symptoms. Identifying and eliminating from your diet foods to which you are sensitive can help you shed pounds and feel better!

Food sensitivity testing – the how to.

The process starts with a referral from a doctor or a consultation with our nutritionist, Valerie Costanza, RD. The Seasons staff will verify insurance coverage for the test. Next, a simple blood test is performed and sent off for analysis. Results take approximately 3 weeks and come back on an easy-to-read, color-coded chart. You will meet with the Valerie to review the results and help you make a meal plan that incorporates the foods that are good for you and eliminates the ones that are making you sick. One nutritional consultation with Valerie is complimentary after having food sensitivity testing.

For more information about food sensitivities or to schedule an appointment, contact Seasons Wellness Clinic, Ruston, LA, at 318-255-3223 or Seasons Healthcare, Monroe, LA at 318-387-2828.