What would it take to live a longer healthier life? Here are a few common health practices which may stand in your way.
- Eat seafood for heart and brain health – Right? Not Always – While the USDA Economic Research Service publishes an article about how Americans need to eat seafood for brain and heart health, high levels of mercury (a carcinogen and a dangerous neurotoxin that can disrupt brain function and harm the nervous system), have been found in some fish. It truly depends on the kind of fish you eat. Older fish, like tuna, sea bass and swordfish, have the highest mercury. While younger fish, like salmon and flounder, have the least. (1)
- Eating fat makes you fat and causes heart disease – Right? It depends – For decades, we have been told that the fat we eat turns into fat in the body, contributing to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and generally poor health. Yet, as Mark Hyman, M.D. explains in Eat Fat, Get Thin, “A growing body of research reveals the immense health and weight loss benefits of a high fat diet rich in eggs, nuts, oils, avocados, coconut oil and other delicious super foods.” That’s right – as it turns out – one of the keys to losing weight, increasing overall energy, and achieving optimal wellness is eating the right type of fat, not less.
- Switching to diet soda will help me lose weight – Right? No – Everyone knows that drinking regular soda is bad for you – it’s full of sugar! But what about diet soda? It’s zero calories and tastes great, so it must be better for you – Well, not the case. Research has shown that artificial sweeteners are associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, which is a group of risk factors including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low levels of HDL/good cholesterol, and high fasting glucose levels. (2)
- Struggling with menopause – just toughen up – Right? No – Mood swings, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, physical degeneration ~ these symptoms are not in your head and you certainly don’t have to live with them. At The Renewal Point we offer safe and effective Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing. You can enjoy life just as much (or even more) in the second half of life as you did in the first!
- Conventional Resistance Training (weight lifting) can help me stay healthy and grow strong bones – Right? It depends – Many of the more common gym exercises can actually harm you. Right, only if it is the proper kind of resistance training. Dr. David Luedeka, DPT CSCS, explains, “Many patients come to me for injuries caused from working out with weights in the gym. For instance, bench pressing can cause significant shoulder pain and increased rotator cuff tears. Additionally, rather than strengthening the body, bar bell squats can increase back pain and lead to bulging or herniated discs.” The good news is, here at The Renewal Point, we teach our patients a better, more enjoyable way to exercise. One that not only builds the body but also slims the waistline and decreases injuries to the joints and spine.
References
1. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/mercury-guide
2. Lutsey, P. et al. Dietary Intake the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome. Circulation. 2008. 117:754-761.
Let’s take a closer look at your thyroid…beyond the routine screening tests!
When Ms. M. L., a 45-year-old mother of two, came to The Renewal Point for a consult, she asked if I could help her with a frustrating problem. “I’m so depressed and fatigued that I don’t feel like stepping outside my house. I feel cold all the time. I’ve gained twenty pounds around my middle in the last few months and haven’t changed anything. I exercise, eat well, and take supplements. What do you think is going on? I have all the symptoms of Hypothyroidism, yet my doctor tells me my lab tests are all normal.”
I explained to her that the thyroid gland acts like a set of internal batteries. When these “batteries” are fully-charged, your body works at peak efficiency to keep you slim and revitalized. However, when conditions such as aging, autoimmune problems, nutrient deficiency, or high stress come into the picture, the thyroid can fade ~ a condition called Hypothyroidism. When this happens, your “batteries” power down and lead to symptoms of low energy and weight gain.
This encounter with people like M. L. is actually not unusual at all. Quite often, I see patients who come to my office with “normal” lab screening results, yet they are still battling weight gain and all the other symptoms of Hypothyroidism.
A quick scan of their lab tests usually reveals their thyroid profile was not complete. After running a full panel on them, I find that they are indeed Hypothyroid.
In this day of nutrient-deficient diets and our “pedal to the metal” lifestyle with adrenal gland imbalances running amuck, your thyroid gland may not be able to convert enough T4 to T3, the active and fat-burning hormones. Without that conversion taking place, it’s nearly impossible to lose weight and feel better through diet and exercise alone. This is just one of the many subtleties that isn’t picked up in a routine screening panel.
But, what about M. L.? She got a new set of “batteries”! Within a few short months of treatment, her thyroid hormones returned to normal, her energy was restored, her cloud of depression disappeared, and she was able to lose the belly fat.
While the thyroid is one of the main culprits in weight loss struggles, there are a list of other hormones that can be holding you back from reaching your goals. We use precision and accuracy with our test and correct method of bio-identical hormone balancing, so that we are able to pinpoint the exact area that needs to be addressed and get you on track to reach your goals.
If you’ve been dieting and exercising with little or no results…or have just been too exhausted or depressed to even think about weight loss, I encourage you to call (941) 926-4905, email info@therenewalpoint.com, or visit one of our other webpages for additional information… https://www.therenewalpoint.com/education/blog/novel-approach-using-nutrigenomics-for-problematic-weight-loss/
References:
Leibel, R., Hirsch, J. Diminished energy requirements in reduced-obese patients. Metabolism. 33(2): 164-70.
Hage, M., Azar, Sami. The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression. Journal of Thyroid Research. Volume 2012. Article 590648.
Koulouri, O. et al. Pitfalls in the measurement and interpretation of thyroid function tests. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism. 27: 745-762.
When you think about testosterone, do you consider it for brain health in women and wonder about the power of balancing it?
At age 53, patient ‘L’ had it all together: two kids in college, married to the love of her life, and a successful real estate practice. Then menopause struck, and her world came tumbling down: sleep disturbance left her tired throughout most of the day with little energy for practically anything. Hot flashes were a constant bother, and she became irritated over even the most minor disturbance. As her desire for sex and love diminished to almost nothing, it caused marital problems, and she and her husband were seeing a marriage counselor. And, if that weren’t enough, she felt she could no longer perform at work. She told me, “My previously sharp brain simply cannot keep up with the younger women and men in my brokerage.”
“Plenty to worry about,” I concurred. “But your symptoms are most likely the result of hormone imbalances, especially the brain fog and lack of libido and we should be able to fix that,” I assured her.
‘The bodies and minds of both men and women change with age, and mental functions are no exception,’ says Harvard Medical School, “and memory is the most fragile mental function.” With menopause, new learning is slower, new information is processed less carefully, and details often slip. (1)
Harvard Health Publication writes, “As testosterone levels decline just when memory begins to slow, might falling testosterone levels account for some of the problem? Higher testosterone levels in midlife have been linked to better preservation of brain tissue and higher testosterone levels have been associated with better performance on cognitive tests.” (2)
“Within the brain, testosterone exhibits neuroprotective effects and potentially may exert favorable effects on blood vessel supply to the brain,” says Dr. Sonia Davidson of Monash University in Australia. Investigating the replacement of testosterone to a number of menopausal women, she found improved visual and verbal learning and memory. (3)
At The Renewal Point, memory and brain fog are one of the most prevailing complaints we hear associated with hormone imbalances. Thankfully, we have grown to expect these symptoms to improve with hormone optimization. In the case of Laura, within three months of a hormone balancing formula, her brain began to wake up. By six months, she felt “back in the game.” Hot flashes and sleepless nights were gone, her energy was back, and “Oh yes – sexuality returned!” She was happily back to her former self.
Testosterone is considered a hormone of virility, but ~ like most other brain and body hormones ~ is actually important to men and women.
TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENT TESTOSTERONE BALANCED
Low sexual desire Sharpness of mind
Irritability Stimulates libido
Brain fog Reduces risk of heart disease, angina
Fatigue Counters high cholesterol
Memory suffers Builds muscle
Lose competitiveness Tones body
Depression Reduces fat, obesity
Flabby muscles, bloating Stimulates hair growth
Soft appearance “hips and breasts” Prevents joint muscle pain
Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM is an expert in Bio-identical and NeuroAdrenal Hormone Balancing. With over 25 years experience in hormone balancing, a Post-doctoral Certification in Metabolic Endocrinology, and a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine, Dr. Watts has put together a Brain and Hormone Balancing Program that has helped thousands of patients renew their love and vigor for life. If you have any of the issues that were talked about or listed in this article, we recommend that you stop putting your life and happiness on hold and come see us ~ we can help! To schedule an appointment, ask questions, or get more information, you can call us at 941-926-4905 or email us at info@therenewalpoint.com.
References:
- Testosterone may improve mental function. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. January 1, 2008.
- Testosterone, aging, and the mind. Harvard Men’s Health Watch. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. January 2008.
- Can testosterone improve cognition in older women. Mary Panjari. Health & Wellbeing. Monash University Healthline Newsletter. February 18, 2011.
(As printed in West Coast Woman)
How Harmful Algal Blooms Affect Humans
“What’s going on with me?” I woke up several mornings ago, with a swimmy-like headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, extreme fatigue, brain fog and muscular weakness. While I generally wake up full of ‘vim and vigor,’ it felt like I had been run over by a Mack truck.
“A virus,” I first thought. But, there was no fever and the symptoms felt strangely familiar to the ones my wife and I experienced from black mold toxicity ten years ago. “There is no black mold in our new home,” I reassured myself.
That same morning, our medical office phone began ringing with a myriad of patients having similar symptoms. Interestingly, all had recently experienced a nagging dry cough and sinus problems. Additionally, most of the callers had a history of either mold toxicity or Lyme disease. Suddenly, I remembered being overcome by the same respiratory symptoms the night before on a walk around my neighborhood.
“What’s going on with everyone?”
“Were the neurological and respiratory symptoms and a susceptibility to mold and Lyme Disease correlated?”
When I heard about an outbreak of Red Tide along the gulf beaches with fish kills I suspected a possible link.
A literature search into the world of Biotoxins soon gave me an answer and the answer astounded me. As it turns out, the same gene called HLA DR that makes people susceptible to Mold illness and Lyme disease also makes us susceptible to Karenia brevis outbreaks (Red Tide). (1)
While most people experience only a noxious odor or mild respiratory cough during a Red Tide outbreak, some, according to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, Director of The Center for Research on Biotoxins and Associated Illness, suffer a much more severe illness, called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome-CIRS. (2)
“Bingo,” I told myself for I knew I carried that exact gene as well as did some of the patients calling into my office.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) are detrimental to people through their elaboration of a wide variety of very potent natural toxins. These toxins can be lethal and can cause a wide range of both acute and chronic health effects in certain genetically sensitive people including: bizarre behavior and short-term memory loss, neurologic, dermatologic, pulmonotoxic and immunotoxic illnesses including cancer. (3, 4)
Historically, the doctors and epidemiologists who first reported seeing patients complaining of bizarre neurologic symptoms associated with Red Tide outbreaks thought they were witnessing mass hysteria. These patients were simply sent home with a pill for ‘nerves’ and told to take it easy. When the NIH and CDC concluded Karenia brevis can cause serious human illness, these patients were finally given the credit they deserved and treatment they needed.
At The Renewal Point we offer an array of services to help eliminate all types of harmful toxins from the body. As always, we begin with testing and assessment to find out if toxins, heavy metals, chemicals or biotoxins are indeed present and then create an individual treatment plan specific to that patient’s situation. This approach helps to ensure that we are targeting not only the symptoms, but also the root cause of illness. And, of course, we are always happy to work in conjunction with our patients’ other healthcare providers. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 941-926-4905, email info@therenewalpoint.com, or come to one of our upcoming seminars.
References:
1. The Epidemiology of Human Illnesses Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms. Fleming, Backer, Rowan.
2. Southern Medical Journal Shoemaker, Collier, Burke-2002. Environmental Health Perspective-2007, March.
3. Pfiesteria Hysteria, Journal of Extension-Oct. 2006, Vol. 44, Number 5.
4. Handbook of Neurology, Vol. 1. E. J. Massaro, Humana Press Inc.
At The Renewal Point, we love all of the Osmosis MD and Colour Products, but this month we’d like to highlight the Osmosis TOP 10!
1) Catalyst AC-11 – This product is a gem! It supports collagen and elastin production and increases DNA repair by 33%…resulting in reduction of fine lines, pigmentation, wrinkles, skin tags, broken capillaries, and more! How does it do this exactly? By using a patented formula that activates Zinc Finger, which is a key part of DNA repair!
2) StemFactor – Treats damage, aging, texture, and overall appearance ~ all without irritating the skin! How? By using over 150 skin growth factors!
3) Correct – This is a protect and correct formula! Correct environmental damage, rejuvenate the skin, and protect your skin from new damage with this vital Vitamin A serum. Say “Adios” to acne, pigmentation, and fine lines!
4) Polish – A weekly treat for your skin! Providing a gentle exfoliation, this cranberry enzyme mask gently removes dead skin without damaging deeper layers, in order to reveal youthful, glowing skin!
5) Quench – An intense moisturizer without a greasy finish! Hyaluronic acid hydrates, while peptides aid in skin cell rejuvenation!
6) Clear Plus + – Get ready to firm, hydrate, and soothe skin! This mist adds an extra hydration boost whenever you need it and aids in serum activation when used after your serum application.
7) Purify – An SLS-Free cleanser with enzymes and essentials oils that leave your skin clean and senses invigorated!
8) Replenish – One word: ANTIOXIDANTS! Now for a few more words…Use this twice daily to boost your skin’s immunity to free-radical damage. Coupled with Protect (Osmosis sunscreen), your skin will have top notch protection from sun and environmental damage.
9) Rescue – With Trioxolane (found in ancient Oriental medicine) as the star ingredient, this patented serum aids in healing inflammation, acne, scars, and even discomforts like eczema and psoriasis. This formula helps neutralize daily toxins and improves the overall health of your skin!
10) Protect – Last but not least ~ protection from the sun! This is a NEW ultra-sheer formula that provides SPF 30 to nourish your skin while keeping the rays away. This is great for all skin types and ages and is chemical and dye-free.
Our Advanced Medical Aesthetician, Jenny Califano, is a Licensed Esthetician and Certified Holistic Skin Specialist with over 10 years of experience in this field. Additionally, she is an expert in the use of Osmosis products. Mention this article for a COMPLIMENTARY Skin Health Evaluation with Jenny!
It’s time to lose fat AND get your ‘Mojo’ back!
Just what is visceral fat and why is it so dangerous?
Most people think of fat as something we would rather have less of than more, but nevertheless, relatively harmless. However, did you know that those fats which are stored around your organs, called visceral fats, are actually deadly, and could contribute to: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, cancer, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction and many other evil maladies.
A longtime patient of mine, Allie B., was worried about her husband. She asked if I could see him in consult. “He just isn’t the man he used to be,” she told me with a look of concern.
To his friends, David B. appeared to ‘have it made.’ A professional, at 62 he was married to the woman of his dreams. With his kids out of college and considering early retirement, life was ready to pay him back for all his hard work. Unbeknownst to his friends, however, David’s health was beginning to falter. He lamented his life was “beginning to wind down.” His energy, sexuality, and ‘mojo’ had “run out.” He hurt all over. His internist had prescribed medication for hypertension, pre-diabetes, and high cholesterol. A past amateur athlete, he now could barely muster the energy for a slow walk around the neighborhood. He was frustrated, felt he was just getting older, and that nothing could be done about it.
When I pointed to David’s protruding abdomen and told him that ninety percent of his problem was right there, he looked somewhat surprised. I explained that his ‘beer belly’ look was actually caused by a deep type of fat wrapped around his major organs, including the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. He was curious as I went on to explain that this type of fat was not only causing his belt size to increase, but also causing inflammation and linked to all his medical problems.
At the core of controlling visceral fat is hormone balance: cortisol, insulin, leptin, testosterone, thyroid, blood sugar and estrogen. At my suggestion, David enrolled in The Renewal Point’s Metabolic Weight Loss Program. Not surprisingly, his lab tests demonstrated a metabolic syndrome and poor hormone regulation.
The good news, he was pleased to learn, was that once his belly fat went down, more than likely his health problems would subside AND his ‘mojo’ would return. And, that, it did!
Here are the 5 Steps David Followed to Reduce his Visceral Fat:
1. Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates
We changed David’s diet to delicious, high-nutrient rich, real foods: fats, proteins, and non-starchy vegetables.
2. Exercise regularly
Any exercise, from moderate intensity walking to high intensity resistance training can help blast belly fat, as long as it is part of a regular health schedule.
3. Hormone Balancing
With Testosterone and Thyroid replacement, David noticed an almost immediate surge of vitality. He found exercising fun again, and both he and his wife enjoyed the return of his libido. We placed David on a short course of Metformin for insulin control, and an FDA approved appetite suppressant for sugar addiction.
4. Adequate Sleep
Without at least seven to eight hours of sleep at night, David would have a hard time maintaining the energy needed for optimal thermogenesis (fat burning). He was only getting four to five hours.
5. Reduce Stress
David’s ‘pedal to the metal’ professional lifestyle had triggered abnormal cortisol. The high cortisol from acute stress had made him anxious and fat.
At The Renewal Point, we have helped thousands of patients get their health and ‘mojo’ (aka: happiness, energy, libido, etc) back. If you are looking for the return of yours, we invite you to come to one of our upcoming seminars/events.
Dear Santa,
I don’t know if you can remember me or not. It’s been ‘several years’ since I have written you – Susan McPherson from Sarasota, Florida, AKA Susie Lee Herndon from Stuttgart, Arkansas back then. First, I want to apologize for not staying in touch. I guess the transition from a little girl to a college student then to a married woman with a family of my own has kept me preoccupied.
Back then, my Christmas wish list was pretty simple: A talking Crissy doll, a pink Free Spirit bike, and a Mr. Potato Head would have made my day. Life back then seemed much more carefree. Suffice it to say – running a busy accounting firm, keeping up with my kids, social and other family responsibilities – it’s not easy . I find myself older, stressed out, irritable, not sleeping well, and overweight. Please help.
I need:
- A sprinkle of joy
- To lose weight around the middle
- A good night’s sleep
- More energy
Love,
Susan XOXO ♥♥
Dear Susan,
Ho-Ho-Ho! Happy to hear from you after all these years. Of course I remember you. How could I forget those fresh baked chocolate chip cookies left by the fireside or those cute hearts, hugs, and kisses at the end of every letter you wrote. I do agree, life seemed simpler back then.
Throughout these years, I have kept my eye on you and I’m pleased to report I am very proud of the woman you’ve become. It’s not easy, as you say, balancing all the many facets of adult life. Throw in trying to find time to take care of yourself and you’ve got a real quandary.
Rest assured, no need for an apology. It’s not unusual for my ‘adult children’ to touch base with me about this time of life. In this ‘pedal to the metal’ world of ours where there’s little time for yourself, your hormones and metabolism can be thrown off leaving it hard to find your way back to wellness without help.
Fortunately, I have just the right gift in mind. It’s in the form of advice.
Call the folks down at The Renewal Point on Clark Road. I’m sure they can get you on the road to a new you. You’ll find the staff and practitioners friendly, experienced, and passionate about helping patients reach their health goals.
The Renewal Point’s “Four Cornerstones” approach to wellness (Bio-identical Hormone Balancing, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Toxin Elimination) should be just the remedy you need to get your New Year started off with that ‘Sprinkle of Joy.’
So good hearing from you again. Must go now to attend to my reindeer. Stay in touch!
To Your Good Health!
Santa
“My libido has gone down so much”, “I’m not reaching orgasm”, “Sex is painful”…these are just a few of the statements we commonly hear from new patients at The Renewal Point.
Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) affects 48.2% of women but many of us have never heard of it.[i] We constantly hear of Viagra and Erectile Dysfunction through TV commercials and magazine ads, yet a healthy sex life is just as important for women and as it is for men. And, while it’s proven that women don’t think about sex as much as men, it certainly doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve the same attention when it comes to their sex life. So let’s break the silence and start talking about what’s standing in the way!
There are five main forms of sexual dysfunction: hypoactive sexual disorder (aka: low libido), dyspareunia (aka: painful sex), sexual arousal disorder (can originate in genitals or brain), aversion to sex (usually related to history of sexual abuse), and inability to achieve orgasm.[ii] While having just one of these issues is more than enough to deal with, 23.2% of women surveyed had two or more forms of sexual dysfunction.
These problems can arise from a number of issues including hormone imbalances, anatomical changes/anomalies, trauma/abuse, and medications (ie: anti-depressants, contraception, chemotherapy). Additionally, sexually transmitted infections/diseases can greatly interfere with a healthy sex life. The great news is that almost all of these problems can be addressed successfully!
The Renewal Point’s Nurse Practitioner, Helena Williams, specializes in Female Sexual Dysfunction. She wants women to know that they don’t need to feel embarrassed and that there are a full range of treatments available to help them. She utilizes physical exams, diagnostic tests, and lab work to determine the cause of their concerns and then formulates a plan of care to address their specific issues and medical needs.
Sometimes the treatment is as simple as prescribing therapies (hormones, libricants, scream creams, oxytocin troches, etc) or using trigger point injections; and, other times it may require addressing a physical condition or anomaly that they may have. Depending on the issue, the treatment may be fully completed in the office or we may work in conjunction with a counselor and/or specialty surgeon. Whatever the problem is, we are here to help and all patient care and correspondence is completed privately and confidentially.
Consider this common scenario:
A 63 year old female came to the office expressing concern about “decreased libido”. She had been placed on hormone replacement therapy by previous providers and lab values were within normal range; however, her libido had not improved and, in fact, it was affecting her relationship with her spouse and they had not had intercourse in over 6 months. A physical examination revealed that the patient not only suffered from severe vaginal atrophy but also significant clitoral retraction. (The clitoris is the female sexual appendage and thereby the equivalent to the penis in a male. If a woman does not have clitoral stimulation then it is often very difficult for her to achieve an orgasm.) A plan of care consisted of use of topical estrogens and testosterone vaginally. The patient was educated on how to appropriately apply this medication for 2 months and after 2 months the patient was happy to report that she is enjoying intercourse again with no further libido issue.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can email us at info@therenewalpoint.com or call 941-926-4905.
[i] Yale School of Medicine and Albert Einstein College of Medicine
[ii] Cleveland Clinic
With your skin being the largest organ of your body, it certainly justifies putting a fair amount of time and money into it ~ but unsafe, ineffective, and wrong products are big money wasters for a lot of people. We find that skin health money wasters fall into these 4 categories:
1) Harmful Products: Too many products out there today contain harsh chemicals and irritants. And, while they may provide a quick fix, they are only going to make your skin and body suffer in the long run. This means more and more treatments and money to repair the skin down the road.
2) Ineffective Products: On the other side of the spectrum are the products that are safe, but not effective. While, at least, they aren’t hurting the skin, they are aren’t helping it either ~ once again, sending your hard-earned money directly down the drain.
3) Wrong Products: Another money waster that we see people get into is blindly choosing products. While a product might be effective for one person, it might not be as effective for another person. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that a qualified aesthetician is providing you with consultation on what skin care products to use.
4) Wrong Product Use: Last, but not least, is the problem of using products improperly. You’ve made it so far as to find a safe, effective product that is specific to your skin type, but then you might not be applying the product correctly or you might be using it in the wrong order with your products.
At The Renewal Point, we want to make sure our patients are using safe, effective products that are specific to their health care needs ~ this is exactly why we carry Osmosis MD Skin Care Products and have Advanced Medical Aestheticians who specialize in creating an individualized and very specific plan of care for each patient. They will ensure that you are using the right products in the right way!
Our Aestheticians are able to help patients address a range of skin care issues such as: rebuilding collagen, transforming aging skin, calming acneic skin, and enhancing the natural beauty of skin. And they do this through an inside, out approach!
We invite you to schedule a Complimentary Consultation with one of our Advanced Medical Aestheticians. You can call 941-926-4905 or email medspa@therenewalpoint.com.
Hormone imbalances eventually come to all of us—men and women alike. These imbalances may burst through our front door like a lightning bolt of a summer storm or steal through the back like a thief in the night.
But a fact of life is, they come, and with their arrival come a group of not so welcome guests called Neuropsychiatric disorders. In fact, neuropsychiatric symptoms are the most prevalent complaints I hear from patients coming to my office for hormone balancing, nearing one hundred percent in some degree or other.
Neuropsychiatric conditions related to hormone imbalances:
- Sleep disorders
- Mood swings
- Memory decline
- Lack of self-confidence
- Irritability
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
Although complaints such as these may not evoke the chilling alarm of more life threatening conditions such as cancer or heart disease, their effect on our bodies can be very far reaching. Primarily, they affect our quality of life (QOL) and secondly they can lead to other more serious medical problems such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, etc. In fact, doctors report neuropsychiatric problems are risk factors contributing to over 70% of all diseases!
While the ‘root cause’ of neuropsychiatric disease is dependent on several factors, growing evidence now documents the profound effects hormone imbalances have as a main risk factor. Consider that as our life expectancy increases to 90 years, neuropsychiatric disorders will exponentially rise to become our nation’s #1 medical condition. Just memory disorders alone will reach a whopping 130 million, enough to break our Medicare bank!
According to a recent study from Harvard School of Medicine, women with hormone imbalances are twice as likely to experience significant depression as women with normal balance. Add a 40-50% increase in sleep disorders, a 50% increase in cognitive decline, and an overall exacerbation of OCD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and Panic disorder, and we begin to understand the overall breadth hormone imbalances have on neuropsychiatric conditions.
The good news is, at The Renewal Point we can help. Daily, our patients report a marked improvement in neuropsychiatric complaints from our Natural Hormone Balancing Program. At The Renewal Point, we expect the same overall improvement of QOL symptoms and disease prevention that has been reported in evidence-based scientific research conducted around the U.S. by several of the top universities such as, Princeton, Harvard, University of Miami, etc.
Let’s take a look at some cases:
Jackie recently came to my office with a myriad of symptoms: headache, breast tenderness, a ten-pound weight gain, bloating, swelling, and food cravings. She was 37 with two children (ages 8 & 10); she ate well, exercised, took vitamins, and had no alcohol or drug abuse. Her lifestyle choices were well enough, however she felt terrible and was experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, irritability, increased guilt, and low self-esteem. Lab tests proved a glaring hormonal imbalance called Estrogen Dominance. Fortunately, with a program of Natural Hormone Balancing, adrenal support, and counseling, she recovered.
Consider, also, Shelly: Shelly is a 55-yearold mother of two, grandmother of one, and recently widowed. She exercised three times a week and took multivitamins, however she was experiencing sleep difficulties, irritability, night sweats, carb cravings, hot flashes, decreased mental focus, and fatigue.Her lab tests revealed thyroid and ovarian hormonal imbalances. Three months following treatment with a natural thyroid and bio-identical hormones, Shelly says, “I feel like a new woman. I sleep eight hours a night, wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy. Hot flashes and night sweats gone!”
At The Renewal Point, we understand how neuropsychiatric conditions, and their related problems, can stand in the way of living the life you want and we are here to help! We can do testing to determine if the condition is related to hormonal and/or neuroadrenal imbalances, and then correct those imbalances. And, we are always happy to partner with a patient’s mental health professional. To find out more or schedule an appointment, call 941-926-4905, email (info@ therenewalpoint.com), visit us at www. therenewalpoint.com, or come to one of our upcoming seminars.
(as published in West Coast Woman, September 2016)