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What are bioidentical hormones? |
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Bioidentical hormones are exactly the same hormones, molecule per molecule that your body produces. They are made in a lab but are still considered natural to your body because they are identical.
Synthetic hormones are also made in a lab, but most importantly are not identical to your body. Bioidentical hormones are superior to types of synthetic hormones commonly prescribed.
Dr. Friedman may choose to prescribe estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, DHEA, melatonin, or growth hormone, or other supplements/treatments depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs.
Hormones accomplish their tasks through a delicate balancing act, working in harmony with each other at just the right levels. When these proportions are correct, the body responds with peak performance. When their balance is lost, however, a hormone deficiency or excess can cause health disorders, including a host of mental and physiological symptoms, and disease. |
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| What are the most common Causes of Hormone Imbalance? |
| As we get older, our various hormone production levels naturally decrease. This will happened at slightly different times, in different degrees, for different people. Aging, however, is only one of the factors affecting our hormonal production and balance. The food we eat, the exercise we give our bodies, the toxins we expose ourselves to, and the stress we live under all have a powerful influence on our hormonal systems. |
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| At what age should a person start treatment ? |
| A person doesn't need to begin hormone optimization therapy unless deficient. Standard practice recommends the initial baseline evaluation begin at the age of 35 years or older. It should be noted that individuals under 35 years facing developmental difficulties and the symptoms of a deficient adult could also be candidates. Comprehensive blood tests and assessments help us determine exactly where each individual is deficient-and how we can best help. |
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| What age is too old to start? |
| Age is not a barrier. Many people over 60 erroneously believe it's too late. On the contrary, older adults are likely to have greater deficiencies; therefore, the response to hormone optimization and supplementation is usually excellent and almost immediate. Early intervention can reduce rapid advancement of diseases, such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer's. Less progress is expected when such conditions are advanced. |
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| What happens if I stop the program? |
| The Preventive Medicine/ age management program improves health, vitality and vigor. Should you elect to stop, aging won't accelerate; the body will again begin to age at the normal rate. Initial benefits will fade over time; however, all is not lost because your body did benefit from the program to some degree. |
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| Will Dr. Friedman's medical care/treatments take over for my regular doctor and healthcare team? |
| We offer a wellness program, and are happy to communicate with your current healthcare team but do not take the place of your regular medical care. We encourage you to maintain your usual visits with your regular doctors. |
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| Will the treatment interfere with currently prescribed medications? |
| In some instances, medications may actually be reduced or no longer needed. Dr. Friedman will consider these issues and advise you, working with your personal physician, if you choose. |
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| Is hormone replacement therapy safe? |
| We use natural hormones, not the derivative of other substances, such as the popular 'Premarin" that is derived from pregnant mares urine. Secondly, we use replacement levels of hormones, i.e. levels the body was accustomed to in earlier years. Thirdly, reputable studies using these therapies have reported only positive results. |
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| Why does a woman need hormones during and after menopause? |
| No matter what your age, if your female hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) are unbalanced, you may suffer ill effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, depression, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and weight gain. |
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| What about women and testosterone? Isn't that a male hormone? |
| Testosterone is the third female hormone. Women need lower doses than men. Restoring testosterone in women increases libido, strength and muscle, bone density and well being. |
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| Why does a man need testosterone replacement? |
| As a man gets older, his testosterone declines. Testosterone is the hormone that maintains a man's mental focus, energy, sexual function, libido, metabolism, cardiovascular health, muscle mass, as well as minimizing fat and maintaining good bone density. There is often concern that testosterone therapy may cause prostate cancer. The majority of the medical literature does not support this claim and Dr. Friedman's close medical supervision takes these risks into account depending on each individual's personal health history. |
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| What are the side effects associated with bioidentical hormones? |
| Because bioidentical hormones are just like the ones made in your body, there are relatively few side effects. Side effects occur mainly when the dosage of hormone is too high for the individual. Dr. Friedman monitors and evaluates each patient consistently to assure balanced dosage. |
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| Is hormone replacement therapy safe for women? |
The Women's Health Initiative study show that traditional HRT with Premarin (made form pregnant mares urine) and Provera chemically synthesized artificial progesterone) are not safe. Bio-Identical hormone therapy with natural Estrogen and Progesterone is safe and does not have the adverse side effects of Premarin and Provera. Provera can increase the rate of breast cancer but natural Progesterone can decrease the rate by 10%
Fournier A et al. Breast cancer risk in relation to different types of hormone replacement therapy in the E3N-EPIC cohort. Int J Cancer. 2005 Apr 10;114(3):448-54.
There is no increase in the risk of cancer or heart disease. There is typically weight loss and improved well being and quality of life.
de Lignieres B et al. Combined hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175 women. Climacteric. 2002 Dec;5(4):332-40. |
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| Will this treatment interfere with my currently prescribed medications? |
| Generally not. Some medicines may actually be reduced or no longer needed. |
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| Can Dr. Friedman use lab work I have already had done? |
| Bring any lab work, bone density, mammograms, PAP smears or other diagnostic tests done in the past year to your visit with Dr. Friedman. We do not need the actual x-rays or ultrasounds, only the report. This will help us in deciding what further tests you need to start on your way to better health and hormonal balance. |
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| Is this covered by my health insurance? |
| No. Health insurance is actually disease insurance and will not cover this form of preventive medicine. In a way, it a good thing. We are able to focus our program entirely on you without considerations of third parties. We are able to maintain complete confidentiality and are not constrained by limits set to maximize insurance company profits. We are working for you, not them. |
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| Are all physicians and allied health practitioners qualified to practice Preventive/Anti-Aging Medicine? |
| No. We believe you deserve an M.D. and Medical Staff who are dedicated to a Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine practice, and who are on the cutting edge of treatment and research. |
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| Are these types of treatments considered 'alternative medicine'? |
| Dr. Friedman and his staff integrate the most effective therapies from traditional and holistic medicine. We have analyzed the data that is available on all methods of treatment and present our patients with the best of both worlds. While taking advantage of the latest research and innovations we insist on cautious and responsible practices that are backed up by published data. |
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| Can't I plan my own Preventive Medicine and Anti-Aging program by following a good diet, exercising, taking vitamins and reading articles? |
| To be most effective you need your program supervised by a physician (M.D.) who can prescribe the most effective and comprehensive diet plan, exercise regime, supplements and prescription medicines that have documented preventive health and anti-aging effects. |
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| What data is there in the medical literature that Anti-aging medicine is safe and effective? |
| Please see the Medical Literature tab on the Home Page |
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