Internal Anti-Aging Services / Bio-Identical Hormones
- Is Anti-Aging medicine "alternative medicine"?
- What are the possible benefits I can expect from these treatments?
- What is the "hormonal balance" in anti-aging therapy? I am confused about the government's HRT study results. I am thinking about stopping my hormones.
- Can your programs prolong my life?
- Are there any side effects of these therapies?
- I am in my mid 40s and feel good. Can I still benefit from Innovative Directions in Health's programs?
- What does it cost to go through the Innovative Directions in Health Programs?
- Is there an age range for these programs?
- Why are your skin rejuvenation programs better than others?
Is Anti-Aging medicine "alternative medicine"?
Not quite. Alternative medicine focuses on treating and diagnosing established diseases using unconventional means, such as herbs, acupuncture, bio feedback, etc. Anti-Aging medicine, on the other hand, focuses more on the underlying processes of aging to improve vigor, vitality, and looks, and to prevent or delay the occurrences of episodes such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia and the like. As science and technology evolve, there is bound to be some dovetailing of these disciplines.
What are the possible benefits I can expect from these treatments?
There are many possible benefits that can be specifically targeted and achieved for different patients depending upon their individual needs. The following are many, but not all of the possible benefits of these treatments:
1. Anti-Aging
- improved muscle strength and/or mass
- decreased body fat
- sense of well being, better mood & mood stability
- more energy
- better sleep
- improved productivity
- improved cognition, memory, and alertness
- increased sexual energy
- decreased female hormonal symptoms
- younger looking skin
- younger overall appearance
2. Disease Risk Reduction
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Memory impairment (dementia)
- Anxiety/depression
- Menopause and its consequences
What is the "hormonal balance" in anti-aging therapy? I am confused about the government's HRT study results. I am thinking about stopping my hormones.
Strictly speaking, the government's HRT study was not a hormone study; rather it was a "drug hormone" study. Real hormones should have the exact same chemical structure as those produced in the human body. The drugs studied here did not have that structure. One is derived from pregnant horse urine (Premerin) and the other is a synthetic progestin (Provera). These drugs have well documented side effects that have been known for some time. For example:
- Approximately 30% of Premarin is "Equilin"(a horse estrogen). Studies have shown that equilin blocks an important enzyme (Glutathione S Transferase) which normally protects us against cancer. Human, bio-identical estrogen does not have this negative effect.
- Estrogen taken by mouth passes from the intestine to the liver, where it causes multiple problems. First, it increases the levels of different clotting factors, hence the tendency to form blood clots. Secondly, it increases "C reactive protein," which increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack and has received much media attention. Third, it decreases IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) and increases thyroid binding protein, which leads to lower muscle mass and more body fat.
- The progestin used in this study is not the same as human progesterone. Human progesterone has a protective effect on the brain, uterus and the heart. The progestin used in this study actually interferes with the beneficial effects of human estrogen. [J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000 Dec;36(7):2154-9] It has been show to cause damage to the lining of blood vessels, create inflammation in the body. [ Circulation. 2002 Sep 24;106(13):1646-51]
As the subjects began suffering the consequences of these effects, the study had to be stopped.
At Innovative Directions in Health, we use only "bio-identical hormones" and administer these in natural ways. For example, we give estrogen as a skin cream or gel, which eliminates any direct entry into the liver. Studies have shown that transdermal (skin) route does not cause any of the above mentioned problems. Instead, it raises good cholesterol (HDL) and may lower C reactive protein. It is the human female hormones that protect women from heart attacks before menopause. After menopause, the incidence of heart attacks rises sharply. Similarly, we use other sex hormones (progesterone and testosterone) in more natural ways in order to produce the best possible effect. Studies have shown that female hormones are also protective against osteoporosis, depression, memory impairment, and promote healthy sexual function.
At Innovative Directions in Health, we prefer to check and
balance all hormones (not just female hormones). Elevated levels
of
certain hormones
can be harmful to health and should be kept at the lowest possible
levels
(such as insulin). Others are beneficial (thyroid, testosterone,
estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, growth hormone, etc.) and should be
maintained at optimal, but not excessive levels. These hormones are
important for metabolism, synthesis of protein, RNA, and DNA, for
damage repair in our cells, for our bones, minds, immune systems, and a
myriad of other important functions. Falling levels of beneficial
hormones is associated with aging and with age-related diseases, and
our philosophy is to slowly and precisely adjust, then maintain our
patients' hormones at optimal levels.
Can your programs prolong my life?
Our programs have improved quality of life amoung our patients and reduced risk factors for chronic diseases. It is very likely that these therapies will prolong human life - but it will take decades to prove it. The question is: "Can you wait that long?"
Are there any side effects of these therapies?
Because these therapies mostly rely on lifestyle modifications, and natural, rather than synthetic, substances, the chance for serious side effects is small. It is possible that a person could be allergic to some of these substances, just as he/she could be allergic to certain foods. In the A4M 2002 & 2005 meetings, several hundred physicians were asked if they had seen a serious/life threatening side effect to these therapies. The answer was an astounding "No."
I am in my mid 40s and feel good. Can I still benefit from Innovative Directions in Health's programs?
You may continue to feel good until underlying pathological processes have resulted in a disease episode or state that causes symptoms. It makes sense to uncover these processes early, and attempt to correct them.
What does it cost to go through the Innovative Directions in Health Programs?
We have looked at the charges/costs for similar services
elsewhere in the country and have established our fees extremely
competitively. Our programs are broadly divided into three
categories: Internal
Anti-Aging, Facial Anti-Aging (Facial LipoSculpture and Skin Rejuvenation) and Body Sculpting (LipoDissolve). Each category has several components
that can be
tailored to individual patients' needs. Therefore, the costs vary
widely for
different patients. Please CONTACT US today for your
initial consultation.
Is there an age range for these programs?
Most of our patients are between the ages of 40 and 60; however, we have had some younger and many in their 70s. We believe that even a 20 year old could benefit from going through the NuEx (nutrition and exercise) program to establish a healthy lifestyle.
Why are your skin rejuvenation programs better than others?
We are cognizant of the fact that skin deterioration is not only a result of external factors, such as sun damage, but quite importantly it is also related to internal deterioration from improper nutrition, hormonal changes, oxidative stress, glycation of proteins, underlying/unrecognized inflammation and the like. Our remedies are targeted at both external and internal factors.