HRT Update
Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get busy on that New Year's resolution to lose weight, especially if you are a menopausal woman. The loss of female hormones can produce major increases in weight unless a woman is using hormone replacement therapy. In a study by the Oregon Health & Science University, 47 adult female monkeys had their ovaries removed. The result was a 67% increase in food intake and a 5% increase in weight in a matter of weeks. Ugh. If you've tried dieting and exercise to no avail, ask your doctor if biologically identical hormone replacement therapy might help. Happy New Year.
Remember Sex?
Related to the topic of testosterone noted above, studies have shown that testosterone can help restore sexual vitality in menopausal men (Wright, J., & Lenard, L. (1999). Maximize your vitality & potency. Petaluma, CA: Smart Publications). The first systematic research occurred as long ago as 1944, when Dr. Carl G. Heller and Dr. Gordon B. Myers measured testosterone levels in 38 men complaining of symptoms including impotence. Of the 20 men with low testosterone levels who were treated, hormone therapy resulted in the "complete abolition of all vasomotor, psychic, constitutional, and urinary symptoms" in 17. Ask your doctor about biologically identical testosterone supplementation.
For Men Only
Recent headlines questioning the benefits of testosterone for aging men are misleading many who could benefit tremendously from hormone therapy. "When you look at the role of testosterone in the body, it would certainly appear that maintaining proper levels would be as beneficial for men as biologically identical hormone replacement therapy is for menopausal women," says Tom Bader, owner of College Pharmacy. Unlike the synthetic hormones often used in reported studies, biologically identical hormones are derived from plants and are chemically and functionally identical to human hormones. Adequate testosterone levels have been linked to improved blood flow, muscle mass, good cholesterol levels, bone health, memory, energy, and libido. "Male patients must be properly screened and monitored just as women are for breast cancer," agrees Bader. "Men, just like women, are entitled to the vast benefits of biologically identical hormone replacement therapy."
Quote of the Month
"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Letters
Just Wonderful
"College Pharmacy is just wonderful. First they called me when my prescription was ready and then they called to see if I needed a refill. That's personal service!"
"Mary"
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Q&A
Q: How much protein do I need if I'm very active?
A: If you engage in fairly intense physical workouts, such as running, you need between 1.2 and 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight per day. Good sources of protein include eggs, milk, lean meats, and soy.
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Healthy and Fit
The term "Syndrome X" has been used to describe health problems that include insulin resistance, abnormal blood fats, excess weight, and high blood pressure. New research shows that a combination of exercise and weight loss can be an effective solution. In a six-month Duke Medical Center study of 53 men and women, the best results were evident in the group employing both exercise and a weight-loss program.
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