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Semaglutide for Weight Loss: Facts, Benefits, and Risks

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Weight is a common concern and struggle in modern-day society, with many people trying to lose weight but making no progress despite their best efforts. In addition to the impact excess weight leaves on your self-esteem, it is also a common contributing factor to many health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

It can be frustrating to follow specific guidelines only to see no results, but there are weight-loss aids that can help. For those categorized as obese or those with an overweight BMI and a weight-associated health condition, semaglutide may help with your weight loss efforts.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) is a medicine used in two primary demographics. Its first purpose is to help certain individuals lose weight, and its second purpose is to reduce blood sugar levels and the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., stroke, heart attack) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

As a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist, semaglutide works by:

  • lowering the amount of glucagon released
  • increasing insulin resistance
  • delaying gastric emptying
  • reducing appetite.

GLP-1 is a hormone primarily produced by the gut, but it also is produced by the pancreas and nervous system. It works by targeting the brain to regulate appetite, especially after eating. It also slows how quickly the stomach empties, which helps you feel fuller for longer and reduces how much you feel the need to eat.

Since semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, it mimics the actions of GLP-1, producing these same effects.

Semaglutide Uses

There are three brands of semaglutide, and each one is FDA approved for a specific condition.

Ozempic: a subcutaneous injection used to lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. It is intended to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise and may also be used for patients with cardiovascular disease to help lower the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Wegovy: a subcutaneous injection used for weight management of a specific population.

Rybelsus: a tablet taken once a day to help lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.

For those looking to lose weight through the use of semaglutide, it will be with Wegovy, which helps with long-term weight loss by regulating the body’s appetite and the number of calories consumed.

Who Can Use Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

Wegovy is intended for a specific population, which includes adults with either a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher and a health condition related to weight.

Applicable health conditions can include:

  • type 2 diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol

Semaglutide for Weight Loss Benefits

Research into semaglutide for weight loss has shown many benefits.

As for GLP-1 agonists in general, they have been researched for over 16 years, consistently showing results for reducing body weight in patients with and without diabetes.

Semaglutide has been shown to be superior in promoting bodyweight reduction compared to other GLP-1 agonists, though, with the participants in a 2018 study using semaglutide exhibiting weight loss of more than 5%.

When approving Wegovy, the FDA referenced a clinical trial where those who received Wegovy lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight, with an average BMI of 38 in the participants.

Another trial cited by the FDA showed that those who took Wegovy lost 6.2% of their body weight compared to participants who were only given a placebo.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss Risks

There is a boxed warning for semaglutide regarding its ability to increase the risk of developing thyroid gland tumors, which can include the development of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). This warning is based on the observance in animal studies of the development of tumors upon administration of semaglutide, but it is unknown if this same complication will affect humans.

Because of this warning, it is often not recommended to use semaglutide if you or anyone in your family has a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), which is a condition that causes tumors to develop in more than one gland in the body.

It is also important to contact your doctor immediately if, while taking semaglutide, you experience:

  • hoarseness
  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty swallowing
  • a lump or swelling in the neck

Indications

Having certain health conditions may affect how well semaglutide works, so it is important to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, but especially:

  • diabetic retinopathy
  • depression
  • kidney disease
  • digestion problems
  • type 1 diabetes
  • type 2 diabetes (if using Wegovy)
  • thyroid cancer
  • diabetic ketoacidosis
  • pancreatitis

Side Effects of Wegovy

Some of the mild and common side effects associated with Wegovy include:

  • burping
  • bloating or pain in the abdomen
  • gas
  • indigestion or heartburn
  • dizziness
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • fatigue
  • stomach flu

These mild side effects often go away within a few days to a couple of weeks, but be sure to talk to your doctor if they become bothersome or worsen.

While there are some potentially severe side effects of Wegovy, they are not common. However, they can include the following:

  • low blood sugar
  • gallbladder problems
  • allergic reaction
  • increased heart rate
  • pancreatitis

Improving Weight Loss Results

While semaglutide can help with weight loss, the greatest results are seen when combining it with other lifestyle changes, namely, reduced calorie intake, regular exercise, and behavioral therapy.

When examining the benefits offered by calorie reduction and semaglutide co-use, a 2021 study included 611 randomized participants to test semaglutide vs. placebo over 68 weeks, with them following a low-calorie diet for the first 8. The study found that more individuals who took semaglutide obtained bodyweight decreases of at least 5% compared to placebo, and more people from the semaglutide group obtained weight losses of 10% or 15%.

This same trial also used semaglutide as an adjunct to behavioral therapy. The researchers concluded that using semaglutide to supplement behavioral therapy may help more patients achieve more than the 5% or 10% weight loss typically seen solely through behavioral interventions at 6 to 12 months.

Calorie Reduction

Discuss with your doctor what type of calorie reduction you should follow to see results while still ensuring you are providing your body with enough fuel. Finding the correct calorie range to aim for is crucial for weight loss success, as aiming for a daily calorie amount that is too low is difficult to sustain, leading many to discontinue weight loss efforts completely.

Another way to promote weight loss is to be mindful of the food you receive these calories from. For example, it is better to meet your calorie count by consuming fruits, veggies, and whole grains than by eating only processed foods. This is because, when eating whole foods, you can consume more food, feel fuller for longer, and provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals.

Regular Exercise

Yet another critical component of reaching a healthy body weight is regular exercise. For those who are overweight, this may seem challenging because of the strain placed on the body through their excess weight, which can make exercise seem impossible.

Your doctor can discuss with you some low-impact exercises that are a great place to start, with examples that include walking, cycling, or swimming. Despite being low impact, these exercises are still a great way to get moving, nurture your body, and promote weight loss.

Behavioral Therapy

Our eating habits are primarily based on pre-set behaviors, which is why behavioral therapy can help us break these habits and forge newer and healthier habits. Behavioral therapy can consist of counseling about exercises and nutrition or education on self-monitoring these areas.

Therapy may also help someone identify their mental barriers to weight loss and help them address these challenges. When you have the tools needed to mentally face these challenges, you can see better success with your weight loss efforts.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss

For those struggling with their weight, many weight loss aides offering quick results are viewed as too good to be true, and for a good reason. Most methods touting quick results also result in fast weight regain once the diet is stopped, placing you back where you started. However, semaglutide does not promise quick and drastic results, which is one way in which it is different.

While semaglutide can help with weight loss through its modification of hormones controlling appetite, the best results are seen when it is combined with healthy lifestyle changes, such as calorie reduction, regular exercise, and behavioral therapy. When taking semaglutide, the ultimate goal is forging a healthier life, and semaglutide helps give a boost when these good habits are already in place.

If you fit the criteria for Wegovy and are interested in this medication for weight loss, reach out to our clinic today to begin making a positive change in your health.

References

Singh, G., Krauthamer, M., & Bjalme-Evans, M. (2021). Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal Of Investigative Medicine, 70(1), 5-13. doi: 10.1136/jim-2021-001952

Ahrén, B., Atkin, S. L., Charpentier, G., Warren, M. L., Wilding, J., Birch, S., Holst, A. G., & Leiter, L. A. (2018). Semaglutide induces weight loss in subjects with type 2 diabetes regardless of baseline BMI or gastrointestinal adverse events in the SUSTAIN 1 to 5 trials. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 20(9), 2210–2219. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.13353

FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. (2021). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014

Wadden, T. A., Bailey, T. S., Billings, L. K., Davies, M., Frias, J. P., Koroleva, A., Lingvay, I., O’Neil, P. M., Rubino, D. M., Skovgaard, D., Wallenstein, S., Garvey, W. T., & STEP 3 Investigators (2021). Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1403–1413. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.1831

Semaglutide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (2022). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618008.html

 

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
/by

Vitamins And Supplements That Increase Vaginal Lubrication

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Vaginal dryness is an unpleasant condition, and while it is most often associated with menopausal women, it can affect women at any age, with anxiety, stress, and dehydration common factors causing decreased lubrication.

In addition to being uncomfortable, vaginal dryness can negatively affect a woman’s sex life while also increasing the risk of vaginal infection, proving just how important it is to increase vaginal lubrication.

While external methods of increasing vaginal lubrication, such as with the use of lube, are available, specific vitamins and supplements may help the body increase natural lubrication, easing any discomfort caused by vaginal dryness.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often considered for its role in bone health, but studies have shown that it can also help increase vaginal lubrication.

A review of six studies found that whether vitamin D is taken orally as a supplement or through a suppository, it can help decrease dryness affecting women during menopause.

Yet another study containing 200 older women found that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood led to higher levels of vaginal lubrication and greater consistency in vaginal moisture.

Vitamin E

Another type of vitamin that can help vaginal lubrication is vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin often lauded for its antioxidant abilities, although its benefits extend further than that. A study on 52 women who used a vitamin E suppository found that 12 weeks of use improved symptoms of vaginal atrophy, one of which was vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness is also an often-unknown symptom affecting women undergoing cancer treatment. A study on suppositories containing vitamin E, vitamin D, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin A showed promise for improving symptoms of vaginal dryness for women in this population.

However, one thing to keep in mind about vitamin E is that research surrounding its benefits for vaginal dryness has primarily used suppositories as the method of supplementation, and more research is needed to see if oral vitamin E can provide these same benefits.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skincare for its ability to increase and preserves skin hydration. As an added bonus, hyaluronic acid may be able to provide these same benefits to the vaginal lining.

Studies have shown that suppositories and topical gels containing hyaluronic acid helped to increase vaginal lubrication. These results were also observed in suppositories and topical gels with only hyaluronic acid or when combined with vitamins E and A.

Hyaluronic acid may also show promise for improving vaginal dryness when used as a supplement, especially when combined with alpha-lipoic acid, glucosamine sulfate, and vitamins A, C, and E. However, more research into hyaluronic acid as an oral supplement is needed to confirm that it is beneficial for vaginal wellness when taken this way.

DHEA

Hormones play an essential role in the state of the vagina, including its dryness or lubrication. While estrogen is the primary female sex hormone and important in regulating the female reproductive system, most of its productions would not occur without dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

DHEA is produced by the body and is an essential source of estrogen. However, DHEA levels peak in your 20s and then gradually decline, leading to lower estrogen levels and vaginal dryness.

Supplementing DHEA levels may help regulate estrogen levels and reverse vaginal dryness, though, with a 2016 study finding that a daily suppository of DHEA increased vaginal lubrication after just 12 weeks.

Low libido can also contribute to vaginal dryness, as sex drive is vital in stimulating the body for natural lubrication. However, for those with low libido, DHEA may help address this, potentially increasing vaginal lubrication.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the proper functioning of the endocrine system, or the system in the body responsible for your hormones.

A study in 2019 found that increasing the intake of two types of omega-3s (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) relieved menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness.

Looking at the effect of omega-3 supplementation on hormone levels, a study found that estradiol levels increased in those who took a supplement combo of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 for eight weeks. Estradiol is a form of estrogen and often drops during menopause, contributing to vaginal dryness.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

The high fatty acid content of sea buckthorn oil, a supplement that comes from the seeds, leaves, and berries of the sea buckthorn plant, can help strengthen your skin barrier and prevent water loss in the skin.

Research regarding this oil for vaginal lubrication is limited. Still, one small study did see promising results in the ability of oral sea buckthorn oil supplementation to improve mucus quality in women suffering from vaginal atrophy, which is one contributor to vaginal dryness.

Alternative Ways to Address Vaginal Dryness

In addition to trying the above supplements, there are other actions you can take to help address your vaginal dryness.

First and foremost, avoid soaps and feminine hygiene products containing fragrances and dyes, as these can mess with the good bacteria found in the vagina, leading to an out-of-balance pH, irritation, and dryness. The vagina is self-cleaning, so allow it to work on its own.

Additionally, for those experiencing vaginal dryness during sex, make sure you are doing plenty of foreplay, which may be all that is needed to increase lubrication.

In some cases, it may be your hormonal birth control causing your vaginal dryness. Discussing this with your doctor can help determine if this is the cause and what alternatives there are.

Vitamins and Supplements for Vaginal Dryness

There are many vitamins and supplements that may be able to increase vaginal lubrication. Many of these supplements have been studied in suppository form, which involves placing them directly in the vagina, but some also show benefits when taken orally.

As with any new vitamin or supplement, it is always recommended to speak with a doctor before beginning, as they may interact with medications you already take or a health condition that you have.

For those looking to correct the imbalance in their body causing vaginal dryness, supplements and vitamins are a natural way to support your body and increase lubrication, easing discomfort. Whether they are increasing hormone production or supplementing a vitamin needed for vaginal lining integrity, vitamins and supplements can help address vaginal dryness due to a myriad of causes.

 

References

Goncharenko, V., Bubnov, R., Polivka, J., Zubor, P., Biringer, K., & Bielik, T. et al. (2019). Vaginal dryness: individualised patient profiles, risks and mitigating measures. EPMA Journal, 10(1), 73-79. doi: 10.1007/s13167-019-00164-3

Riazi, H., Ghazanfarpour, M., Taebi, M., & Abdolahian, S. (2019). Effect of Vitamin D on the Vaginal Health of Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Journal Of Menopausal Medicine, 25(3), 109. doi: 10.6118/jmm.19194

Bala, R., Kaur, H., & Nagpal, M. (2016). Authenticity of vitamin D in modified vaginal health index in geriatric subjects. International Journal Of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics And Gynecology, 4119-4122. doi: 10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20164067

Golmakani, N., Emamverdikhan, A., Tabassi, S., Hassanzadeh, M., Sharifi, N., & Shakeri, M. (2016). A survey of the therapeutic effects of Vitamin E suppositories on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Iranian Journal Of Nursing And Midwifery Research, 21(5), 475. doi: 10.4103/1735-9066.193393

Dinicola, S., Pasta, V., Costantino, D., Guaraldi, C., & Bizzarri, M. (2015). Hyaluronic acid and vitamins are effective in reducing vaginal atrophy in women receiving radiotherapy. Minerva ginecologica, 67(6), 523–531.

Dos Santos, C., Uggioni, M., Colonetti, T., Colonetti, L., Grande, A. J., & Da Rosa, M. I. (2021). Hyaluronic Acid in Postmenopause Vaginal Atrophy: A Systematic Review. The journal of sexual medicine, 18(1), 156–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.016

Angelucci, Michela & Federica, Frascani & Garo, Maria. (2019). Efficacy of an oral supplement containing hyaluronic acid, collagen, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, alpha-lipoic acid, methylsulfonylmethane and vitamins on vaginal dryness in young women.. Nutrafoods. 1. 58-67. 10.17470/NF-019-0009.

Labrie, F., Archer, D. F., Koltun, W., Vachon, A., Young, D., Frenette, L., Portman, D., Montesino, M., Côté, I., Parent, J., Lavoie, L., Beauregard, A., Martel, C., Vaillancourt, M., Balser, J., Moyneur, É., & VVA Prasterone Research Group (2016). Efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on moderate to severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, and of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 23(3), 243–256. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000571

Vegunta, S., Kling, J. M., & Kapoor, E. (2020). Androgen Therapy in Women. Journal of women’s health (2002), 29(1), 57–64. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.7494

Abshirini, M., Siassi, F., Koohdani, F., Qorbani, M., Khosravi, S., Aslani, Z., Pak, N., & Sotoudeh, G. (2019). Higher intake of dietary n-3 PUFA and lower MUFA are associated with fewer menopausal symptoms. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 22(2), 195–201. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2018.1547700

Al-Shaer, A., Abu-Samak, M., Hasoun, L., Mohammad, B., & Basheti, I. (2019). <p>Assessing the effect of omega-3 fatty acid combined with vitamin D3 versus vitamin D3 alone on estradiol levels: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in females with vitamin D deficiency</p>. Clinical Pharmacology: Advances And Applications, Volume 11, 25-37. doi: 10.2147/cpaa.s182927

Larmo, P. S., Yang, B., Hyssälä, J., Kallio, H. P., & Erkkola, R. (2014). Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Maturitas, 79(3), 316–321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.07.010

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
/by

Unmasking Testosterone

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Testosterone replacement therapy, a vital treatment for restoring balance to declining hormone levels, is being vastly underused. Besides the stigma surrounding hormone replacement therapy, one of the primary reasons for this is that many people have undiagnosed low testosterone levels because their doctors fail to run all the important tests.

The traditional method for detecting testosterone levels measures the total testosterone in the blood. However, this provides only a portion of the information about testosterone and, therefore, provides only a tiny snippet of information about someone’s health.

In order to fully understand someone’s hormone levels, it’s important to look deeper than the total testosterone level, especially if their symptoms suggest there’s something that you’re missing.

Total Testosterone Vs. Free Testosterone

Your total testosterone levels are the amount of testosterone found in the blood. However, this can be broken up further.

Around 98% of testosterone is bound to albumin or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and these are called “bound testosterone.”

The remaining 2% of testosterone is referred to as “free testosterone” because it is unbound. It is this free testosterone that is responsible for many of the actions we associate with testosterone, including secondary sex characteristics like a deep voice and body hair.

Free testosterone is also what enters specific cells and promotes reproduction, such as in the muscles and bones.

The Problem with Total Testosterone

Most providers will use a total testosterone test to gauge testosterone levels in the body, but this doesn’t consider that only the free testosterone is what contributes to the symptoms commonly associated with low testosterone. Those with excessive bondage to albumin or SHBG may show normal total testosterone levels, but low free testosterone.

For example, a young male patient with total testosterone levels of 300-500 may be brushed aside since their testosterone levels fall within the normal range. Yet, a closer investigation shows that their free testosterone is below 10 when most men thrive on levels well into the double digits.

The same is shown with women, who have normal total testosterone of 20, but may have free testosterone as low as 0.01.

When doctors fail to listen to their patient’s symptoms and further explore their hormone levels, patients continue struggling to accomplish their everyday tasks.

It comes as no surprise that sleep problems, anxiety, depression, low energy, low libido, brain fog/difficulty concentrating, weight gain, and mood changes are becoming more common. These symptoms result from hormone imbalances, and too many doctors are not adequately measuring hormone levels.

A Rise in Symptoms

As doctors continue to avoid addressing hormone levels, there has been an understandable rise in preventable symptoms.

Just looking at testosterone, low levels have been reported with symptoms such as:

  • anger
  • anxiety
  • hostility
  • overall irritability
  • depression

Low testosterone can also increase stress levels, which then impacts cardiovascular health.

These symptoms make it challenging to enjoy daily life, vastly decreasing someone’s quality of life.

By remedying low testosterone levels, we not only improve those characteristics that we typically associate with testosterone, such as libido, muscle mass, and bone mass, but we also have a way to improve the well-being of patients that are mentally suffering because their body cannot produce enough of the hormones that they need to be happy and calm.

These patients may find that they don’t need antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, but instead, an evaluation of their hormone levels to see if there are any imbalances.

Using Testosterone to Monitor Overall Health

Testosterone levels can also provide valuable insight into a patient’s health.

For example, testosterone levels can decrease for many reasons, not just age. In fact, in many cases, it might not be age itself that causes testosterone to decline, but the changes in health that occur with age.

Some whole-body factors that can cause a decrease in testosterone include:

  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol levels
  • using illegal drugs
  • being overweight or obese
  • using anabolic steroids
  • drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

By detecting low testosterone levels, a doctor may then be able to determine if it is caused by any of these conditions and what the patient can do to address it and improve their overall health. Hormones are interrelated with many body processes, and properly measuring hormones is the only way to take full advantage of this connection.

Hormone Therapy: Getting to the Root of The Problem

Hormone therapy is typically passed aside in favor of other medications.

However, patients may be prescribed multiple medications to address their symptoms, but they only act as a band-aid. To truly find relief and get off these unnecessary medications, it is necessary to address the root of the problem, which in many cases is hormonal.

Additionally, gaining control over someone’s hormones can help to prevent other health conditions from occurring. For example, having low testosterone increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. By balancing testosterone levels, the risk of developing this disease will lessen.

It’s important to look even further, too. A patient has low free testosterone, but why? Is it genetic, or is there an underlying medical condition? Asking these questions offers a way to determine what might be affecting someone’s hormone levels and can result in a solution that actually fixes the problem instead of mitigating symptoms.

An Individualized Approach

Your hormones are the most important players in regulating body processes, yet society has created a stigma surrounding hormone replacement therapy that labels it as dangerous and risky.

The problem isn’t hormone replacement therapy; the problem is the “one size fits all” mentality that has been applied to it.

Testosterone replacement therapy is becoming more popular but is also too “cookie cutter”; most people who are prescribed it are given similar dosages and treatments. However, hormones are not the same as antibiotics, they are much more individualized to the patient, and these treatments should reflect that.

When you give every patient similar hormone dosages, it’s understandable why some of these adverse side effects are happening. Doctors and scientists are trying to find a standard dosage amount, but there is nothing standard about the hormone levels in a patient’s body or how their body uses these hormones.

Some people might need more hormone therapy, while others need very little. Some patients’ bodies may quickly accept the hormone therapy, while others may not, requiring a higher dose or other intervention. As doctors, these are the consideration that must be made, yet too many are stuck on a one-path mind.

Addressing the Risks

For many doctors and patients, HRT is often seen as a risky and unfavorable option because of the adverse side effects that can occur, so let’s address this.

One of the most cited risks of HRT is the increased risk of cancer. However, research shows that this is not always the case, and for some patients, testosterone replacement therapy actually reduces cancer risk.

For example, in a 2019 study on trans men undergoing testosterone therapy, their risk of breast cancer was lower than the risk of breast cancer in cisgender women.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males, and in the past, research suggested that testosterone therapy increased the risk of prostate cancer. However, new research is showing that this relationship is more complex.

Studies have shown that a male’s baseline testosterone level can relate to the risk of prostate cancer, with some studies reporting that higher testosterone levels lead to higher risk and other studies saying the opposite. In short, other factors are likely at play here besides just testosterone levels.

Several trials regarding men on testosterone therapy also showed no higher risk of prostate cancer, and this was seen in studies that had follow-up times of 3 months, 3 years, and 20 years.

Even more, several studies have reported success in using testosterone replacement therapy as a treatment after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. They have shown no difference in recurrences between those on testosterone therapy and those without it.

This idea that HRT is a dangerous treatment that can cause cancer is an antiquated view that recent studies do not support. It is time to stop avoiding a treatment that can provide genuine benefits to patients because of outdated resources.

Even more, in studies where HRT may have increased cancer risk, the authors report that the increased risk is often very minimal, and the benefits offered by treatment far outweigh this slightly increased risk.

Making The Most of Testosterone

Considering how vital our hormones are for our body, they are often overlooked in regard to treatment. Testosterone, in particular, is a sex hormone that many do not realize plays a much larger role in both the male and female body, and its supplementation can help address many of the problems someone might be experiencing.

Not only that, but taking the time to fully understand a patient’s testosterone levels and going beyond “total testosterone” provides a clearer picture of their health. By ignoring a patient’s symptoms because the first blood test shows that everything is normal, the doctor is doing a disservice to their patient’s well-being.

Each patient is different, and because of this, their hormone levels (and what level produces certain side effects) are going to differ. It’s time that we stop chasing “normal” numbers because patients are more than a number, and they need doctors that look beyond the result of one test.

References

Johnson, J., Nachtigall, L., & Stern, T. (2013). The Effect of Testosterone Levels on Mood in Men: A Review. Psychosomatics, 54(6), 509-514. doi: 10.1016/j.psym.2013.06.018

Yao, Q., Wang, B., An, X., Zhang, J., & Ding, L. (2018). Testosterone level and risk of type 2 diabetes in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine Connections, 7(1), 220-231. doi: 10.1530/ec-17-0253

de Blok, C., Wiepjes, C., Nota, N., van Engelen, K., Adank, M., & Dreijerink, K. et al. (2019). Breast cancer risk in transgender people receiving hormone treatment: nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ, l1652. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l1652

Eisenberg, M. (2015). Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Prostate Cancer Incidence. The World Journal Of Men’s Health, 33(3), 125. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.2015.33.3.125

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
/by

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men Under 30

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The hormones in our body play a powerful role in many actions, but that doesn’t mean that they always stay at the level we need them. Some natural decline in hormones is expected as we age, but in some cases, this decline occurs sooner than expected.

Testosterone is one such example of this, which gradually starts declining at the age of 30. However, some men may suffer from low testosterone levels when under 30. To help support these cases, testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment option.

The Role of Testosterone

The most prominent sex hormone in men is testosterone, which is primarily produced by the testes with small quantities also produced by the adrenal glands.

Testosterone plays a prominent role in producing traditionally male characteristics, such as fat distribution, sperm production, body hair, muscle mass and strength, and a deeper voice.

However, testosterone is also crucial for other functions of the body, including regulating sex drive, bone mass, and the production of red blood cells.

Low Testosterone Levels: Signs and Potential Causes

Testosterone tends to peak during adolescence and early adulthood but then naturally declines with age, typically at a gradual rate of 1% to 2% each year starting at age 30. However, some men may find that their testosterone levels decrease more rapidly and dramatically at an earlier age, leaving younger men with low testosterone levels.

Some of the signs of testosterone deficiency in adult men include:

  • loss of muscle mass
  • reduced facial and body hair
  • hot flashes
  • low libido
  • infertility
  • small testicles
  • brittle bones
  • increased breast size
  • irritability
  • depression

Low testosterone levels can result from a range of conditions.

Some conditions affecting the testes include infection, direct injury, castration, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or tumors.

Conditions affecting the pituitary gland can also result in low testosterone levels, with these causes including:

  • medications (especially morphine, steroids, and major tranquilizers)
  • tumors
  • HIV/AIDS
  • certain autoimmune conditions and infections

Other factors affecting testosterone levels do not impact a single organ, but instead the whole body. These factors include:

  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol levels
  • using illegal drugs
  • being overweight or obese
  • using anabolic steroids
  • drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Some inherited diseases may also cause low testosterone levels in men under 30, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Kallman’s syndrome, Down syndrome, or Klinefelter syndrome.

Those with health conditions of liver disease or diabetes may also suffer from low testosterone.

Treating Low Testosterone Levels

If you are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone, it is important to see a doctor, especially one who specializes in hormones. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your low testosterone, which may be from an underlying medication condition requiring treatment or lifestyle habits that can be changed.

Once the cause is determined, your doctor can work with your to help address the cause and manage your symptoms through testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone replacement can also help improve some of the conditions resulting from low testosterone levels. For example, men with osteoporosis due to low testosterone may see an increase in bone strength (and reduced fracture risk).

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

If you have low testosterone levels, one of the most common forms of treatment, besides addressing the cause of these low levels, is testosterone replacement therapy, which restores testosterone levels in the blood.

It is prescribed to men with hypogonadism, diagnosed through a blood test that reads testosterone levels as below 300 nanograms per deciliter. In addition, you must have symptoms such as breast growth, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.

Testing Testosterone Levels

One problem with testing testosterone levels is that a man may appear to have normal testosterone levels, yet they still experience the symptoms of low testosterone. In these cases, measuring the amount of active (free) testosterone in the body is crucial.

Around 98% of the testosterone in the body is bound to albumin or sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This testosterone is referred to as “bound testosterone,” and the remaining 2% that is not bound is referred to as “free testosterone.”

This free testosterone is what connects to the testosterone receptors within the body’s cells, and it is the absorption of free testosterone that allows for certain cell functions, such as cell replication in the muscles and bones. Free testosterone is also responsible for creating secondary sexual characteristics.

Most testosterone tests account for “total testosterone,” which is all the testosterone found in the bloodstream. However, these tests do not account for cases of excessive bondage to albumin or SHBG, which can decrease the amount of free testosterone.

Testing for free testosterone may uncover low testosterone levels even if total testosterone appears normal.

Receiving Testosterone Therapy

Through this treatment, which is only available with a prescription, testosterone can be delivered in many ways, including

  • injections into the muscle every few weeks
  • a patch applied inside the mouth
  • gels or patches applied to the skin
  • pellets inserted under the skin of the buttocks

When starting testosterone replacement therapy, you will often notice improvements in blood testosterone levels within a week. Improvements in sexual function, alertness, mood, energy, and overall well-being can take longer to appear, anywhere from 4 weeks to several months.

Unless your low testosterone levels are due to a medical illness, testosterone replacement therapy is often a lifelong treatment. It also requires routine checkups with your doctor to assess your blood testosterone levels and ensure that the smallest dosage is used to still obtain results.

The Power of Testosterone

For men younger than 30 who display low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy is a way to restore blood testosterone levels and relieve symptoms that result from a low amount of this hormone.

Despite the many benefits of testosterone, there are some medical conditions that may make someone an unideal candidate, so it is important to discuss with your doctor if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.

When done correctly, testosterone replacement therapy can replace testosterone levels without raising them too high. Seeing a qualified doctor who closely monitors your hormone levels is vital to minimize potential risks and see the full-body benefits of testosterone replacement therapy.

References

Rastrelli, G., Guaraldi, F., Reismann, Y., Sforza, A., Isidori, A., Maggi, M., & Corona, G. (2019). Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Sexual Symptoms. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 7(3), 464-475. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.11.005

Miner, M., Canty, D., & Shabsigh, R. (2008). Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Hypogonadal Men: Assessing Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices. Postgraduate Medicine, 120(3), 130-153. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2008.09.1914

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
/by

COVID-19 And Its Potential Effect to Hormones

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After two years of COVID-19 exposure, many of us feel as though we know what happens with this infection. It attacks the respiratory system, causes a nasty-sounding cough, and can leave people unbelievably fatigued.

However, as research surrounding COVID-19 grows, scientists are finding that this virus may be affecting the body in more ways than we initially suspected, including an impact on our hormone levels.

COVID-19 is not the only infection to show a connection with hormones. For example, hormone dysfunction that results in menstruation abnormalities, early menopause, and miscarriage has also been documented with Hepatitis B and C and HIV infections.

It is suspected that this hormonal dysfunction occurs because the viruses cause multisystem disruption, although it may also result from organ-specific effects.

COVID-19’s Effect on the Endocrine System

The endocrine system consists of the glands that produce hormones responsible for tissue growth, metabolism, and reproduction, among many other roles. When the body needs a hormone for a specific function, the gland signals for the release of it.

However, COVID-19 may affect the endocrine system, disrupting hormone production. It can accomplish this by using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to infiltrate host cells. While COVID-19 most often penetrates cells in the lungs, it also shows the potential to enter any cell with ACE2 expression, which includes some endocrine glands.

There are five primary endocrine glands that may be susceptible to damage from COVID-19. Let’s discuss each gland and what its dysfunction means for your body.

Pancreas

The pancreas is the gland responsible for producing insulin, which helps the cells of the body take in and use blood sugar for energy. When insulin is not produced or does not work correctly, blood sugar levels can rise.

Any major illness can be associated with stress-related high blood sugar. Still, studies have reported that patients with SARS, a close variant of coronavirus, who had never received glucocorticoids showed significantly higher blood sugar levels than those with non-SARS pneumonia.

Additionally, studies have found that two out of five COVID-19 patients exhibit new-onset diabetes at admission into the hospital, and it is suspected that it occurs because of damage caused to the pancreatic ß-cells.

Studies have also found that COVID-19 may worsen insulin resistance in those who already have type 2 diabetes. This is because SARS-CoV-2 increases the serum levels of fetuin-A, which is a glycoprotein that has been linked with impaired insulin sensitivity.

Adrenal Gland

One of the primary strategies utilized by SARS-CoV-2, like other viruses such as influenza, to evade the immune system is knocking down the host’s cortisol stress response. It is suspected that this occurs through molecular mimicry. With this, the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are very similar to those of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which means the antibodies produced by the body against SARS-CoV-2 may inadvertently attack ACTH instead, blocking the stress-induced cortisol rise.

Hypothalamus – Pituitary

One neurological manifestation that can occur in those with COVID-19 is hyposmia, or a loss of smell. This is likely to occur because the cells responsible for your sense of smell express ACE2, and SARS-CoV-2 can invade these cells. Since hyposmia in COVID-19 is not associated with nasal obstruction, it becomes more like that it has a neurogenic origin.

Thyroid

The cells of the thyroid also express ACE2, which may be why hypothyroidism can result from COVID-19 infection, and why a COVID-19 infection can exacerbate an existing autoimmune thyroid disease.

On top of this, low thyroid hormones are associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, such as higher disease severity, ICU admission, hospitalization, and mortality.

Gonads

The testes show a high level of AE2 expression, and a study on 81 men with COVID-19 showed lower testosterone levels and significantly higher luteinizing hormone levels.

Acute COVID-19 infection can also affect the female sex hormones, with observations of menstruation abnormalities when infected. This may be because ACE2 receptor proteins are expressed in the ovaries, which supports the idea that COVID-19 temporarily disrupts ovarian hormone production.

The Effect of Hormones on COVID-19

Not only can COVID-19 infection affect the hormones produced in the body, but hormones can also affect the infection. Namely, sex hormones play a role.

Epidemiological evidence has shown a clear gender disparity regarding COVID-19 severity and fatality. While many factors can contribute to this, one is the differences in sex hormones, although it is an area still requiring more research.

While the risk of becoming infected by COVID-19 is the same for both genders, males are twice as likely as females to have a critical or fatal disease. However, these gender differences are not present in prepubescent individuals, which leads scientists to consider the effect of sex hormones on COVID-19 progression.

Differences exist between genders for those with long COVID as well, which is a condition that appears following acute COVID-19 infection. In particular, women appear to be at a greater risk of long COVID, with female gender and age under 50 as risk factors for long COVID.

Based on the differences in gender and age for long-COVID risk, it is suspected that sex hormone differences between males and females can play a role in the appearance of long COVID.

COVID-19 And Hormones: A Double-Sided Relationship

COVID-19 remains a rampant infection spreading from person to person, but our knowledge of it has risen significantly since its first introduction more than two years ago.

One observation is the way in which acute COVID-19 infection can affect the cells in many endocrine glands, including the pancreas, adrenal gland, hypothalamus/pituitary, thyroid, and gonads. This then has the potential to disrupt the hormones produced by these glands and cause a variety of symptoms.

However, this relationship goes both ways, and the hormones in the body can also affect COVID-19 severity. The differences primarily lie around gender and the difference in sex hormones. Men are twice as likely to experience a more severe acute infection, but women are more likely to suffer from long-COVID.

As more information is gained about COVID-19, we will learn more about the relationship between COVID-19 and hormones and how one affects the other.

References

Qadir, M., Bhondeley, M., Beatty, W., Gaupp, D., Doyle-Meyers, L., & Fischer, T. et al. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 infection of the pancreas promotes thrombofibrosis and is associated with new-onset diabetes. JCI Insight, 6(16). doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.151551

Yang, J., Feng, Y., Yuan, M., Yuan, S., Fu, H., & Wu, B. et al. (2006). Plasma glucose levels and diabetes are independent predictors for mortality and morbidity in patients with SARS. Diabetic Medicine, 23(6), 623-628. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2006.01861.x

Reiterer, M., Rajan, M., Gómez-Banoy, N., Lau, J., Gomez-Escobar, L., & Ma, L. et al. (2021). Hyperglycemia in acute COVID-19 is characterized by insulin resistance and adipose tissue infectivity by SARS-CoV-2. Cell Metabolism, 33(11), 2174-2188.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.09.009

Yapici-Eser, H., Koroglu, Y., Oztop-Cakmak, O., Keskin, O., Gursoy, A., & Gursoy-Ozdemir, Y. (2021). Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of COVID-19 Explained by SARS-CoV-2 Proteins’ Mimicry of Human Protein Interactions. Frontiers In Human Neuroscience, 15. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.656313

Bocksberger, S., Wagner, W., Hummel, T., Guggemos, W., Seilmaier, M., Hoelscher, M., & Wendtner, C. (2020). Temporäre Hyposmie bei COVID-19-Patienten. HNO, 68(6), 440-443. doi: 10.1007/s00106-020-00891-4

Tsivgoulis, G., Fragkou, P., Karofylakis, E., Paneta, M., Papathanasiou, K., & Palaiodimou, L. et al. (2021). Hypothyroidism is associated with prolonged COVID-19-induced anosmia: a case–control study. Journal Of Neurology, Neurosurgery &Amp; Psychiatry, 92(8), 911-912. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-326587

Damara, F., Muchamad, G., Ikhsani, R., Hendro, Syafiyah, A., & Bashari, M. (2021). Thyroid disease and hypothyroidism are associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Diabetes &Amp; Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research &Amp; Reviews, 15(6), 102312. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102312

Ma, L., Xie, W., Li, D., Shi, L., Mao, Y., & Xiong, Y. et al. (2020). Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection upon male gonadal function: A single center-based study. doi: 10.1101/2020.03.21.20037267

Stewart, S., Newson, L., Briggs, T., Grammatopoulos, D., Young, L., & Gill, P. (2021). Long COVID risk – a signal to address sex hormones and women’s health. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 11, 100242. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100242

Tramontana, F., Battisti, S., Napoli, N., & Strollo, R. (2021). Immuno-Endocrinology of COVID-19: The Key Role of Sex Hormones. Frontiers In Endocrinology, 12. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.726696

Stewart, S., Newson, L., Briggs, T., Grammatopoulos, D., Young, L., & Gill, P. (2021). Long COVID risk – a signal to address sex hormones and women’s health. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 11, 100242. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100242

Al-kuraishy, H., Al-Gareeb, A., Faidah, H., Al-Maiahy, T., Cruz-Martins, N., & Batiha, G. (2021). The Looming Effects of Estrogen in Covid-19: A Rocky Rollout. Frontiers In Nutrition, 8. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.649128

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
/by

The Relationship Between Inflammation and Sugar Consumption

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Inflammation is a natural component of the immune system that aids the body through its healing process. However, certain foods, such as sugar, can cause inflammation in the body. While this is normal, over-consumption of sugar can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to many different health problems.

Let’s further explore the relationship between sugar consumption and inflammation and what you can do to protect your health.

The Connection Between Sugar and Inflammation

When the body senses an injury or infection, it reacts by releasing chemicals that fight off the harmful antigens while also protecting it. This results in inflammation, which can cause warmth, redness, and swelling.

Like a virus or bacteria, sugar can also cause inflammation in the body. Scientists believe that this is because sugar stimulates the production of free fatty acids in the liver. The compounds that result as the body digests these free fatty acids can then trigger inflammatory processes.

In 2018, a systematic review found several studies that linked the consumption of more dietary sugar, primarily due to sugary drinks, with chronic inflammation. The studies found that those who had a higher sugar diet possessed more inflammatory markers in the blood, especially a marker called C-reactive protein.

Additionally, a 2014 study found that those who reduce their sugary drink intake experienced a decrease in inflammatory markers in the blood.

Findings such as this not only show that sugar can cause inflammation, but that the inflammation caused by sugar can be undone by decreasing sugar consumption. However, it is important to do this sooner than later since, while you can lower inflammatory markers, it is not possible to undo the damage already caused by chronic inflammation.

The Dangers of Chronic Inflammation

Some of the signs of chronic inflammation can include:

  • body pain
  • anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
  • weight gain
  • insomnia and constant fatigue
  • frequent infections
  • diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux

Chronic inflammation can also increase the risk of certain health conditions, including depression, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia.

Detecting Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can be gauged based on the presence of inflammatory markers, some of which include C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma viscosity (PV), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). These markers are measured through blood tests, and they serve an important role in helping doctors diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions.

Research has shown that sugar not only increases inflammatory markers but also increases LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance. A study on 29 healthy individuals saw these increases after the participants drank just one can of soda each day, consuming an additional 40 grams of added sugar.

Not only does sugar cause inflammatory markers to spike, but this effect lasts even after the food is consumed. For example, a study on fructose consumption found that a 50 g dose of fructose caused a spike in CRP 30 minutes later, and it remained high for more than two hours.

How Does Sugar Cause Inflammation?

We’ve seen the studies showing that eating sugar causes an increase in inflammatory markers, but why is it that this occurs?

There are many ways that sugar may affect the body and cause inflammation, such as:

Increased Gut Permeability

Consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, two conditions that can increase gut permeability.

 

The gut is a central part of the body, playing a significant role in the immune system. However, when gut permeability increases, toxins, bacteria, and undigested food can more easily move out of the gut and into the bloodstream. Your body then reacts to these foreign components with inflammation.

 

With high sugar consumption, the gut is continually “leaky,” leading to chronic low-grade inflammation.

Excess AGE Production

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are harmful compounds that can form when fat or protein combines with sugar in the bloodstream. The more sugar you consume, the more sugar in the bloodstream, and the greater chance of this happening.

When there are too many AGEs in the body, oxidative stress and inflammation can occur.

Weight Gain

One of the complications of excess sugar consumption is weight gain, which can lead to inflammation in two ways: excess fat can increase inflammatory markers and may lead to insulin resistance, increasing sugar levels in the bloodstream.

Higher LDL Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol in the body, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Despite there being two types of cholesterol, one is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol (LDL), while the other is referred to as “good” (HDL).

This is because LDL cholesterol contributes to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries. This then narrows the arteries and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular health concerns.

Excess LDL cholesterol has also been associated with higher levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).

Sugar can increase LDL cholesterol, which then increases inflammation.

Risks of Chronic Inflammation

While sugar is not the only cause of inflammation in the body, it is a contributor, and many health conditions can result from excess sugar consumption and the resultant chronic low-grade inflammation.

Diabetes

One effect that a diet high in added sugar can cause to the body is insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone responsible for turning blood sugar into energy for cells. However, with insulin resistance, the body is unable to use the sugar circulating in the blood, and this sugar can end up building up.

Over time, this insulin resistance can lead to diabetes, a comorbidity factor for many other health concerns.

Heart Disease

Multiple studies have reported a strong link between sugary drink consumption and heart disease risk. There are many ways in which sugar can lead to this increased risk, including the increase in LDL cholesterol, increased blood pressure, increased inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, and obesity.

The relationship between sugar and heart disease can be significant, with one study on more than 75,000 women finding that a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates resulted in a 98% greater risk of heart disease.

Cancer

Multiple studies have shown a relationship between sugar consumption and increased cancer risk.

More research is needed to further examine this relationship, but scientists suspect that the inflammatory nature of sugar is what causes the increased risk of cancer. This is because chronic inflammation may damage the cells of the body and their DNA.

Other scientists believe that chronically high insulin levels play a role in cancer development, something to which excess sugar consumption also contributes.

How to Reduce Inflammation Naturally

You can reduce inflammation in many ways, with one of the biggest being a reduction in sugar consumption. Multiple studies have shown that eating less sugar can decrease inflammation, so this should be a top priority.

As a guide, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that your sugar intake not exceed 10% of your daily energy intake, but aiming for a lower percentage may offer greater health benefits.

Another way to naturally reduce inflammation is by getting enough sleep. Studies have shown that inflammatory markers rise when you don’t get enough sleep. So, to help with your inflammation, make sure that you are spending enough time asleep each night.

To lower inflammation, it is also helpful to avoid other foods that commonly cause inflammation. While sugar can cause inflammation in the body, it is not the only food to be a culprit of this, with some other inflammatory foods including:

  • trans fats (fried foods, fast food, donuts, cookies)
  • saturated fats (red meat, decadent desserts, full-fat dairy products)
  • alcohol
  • excess omega-6 fatty acids (sunflower oil, corn oil, vegetable oil)
  • MSG (soy sauce, prepared soups, deli meats)
  • refined carbohydrates (white rice, bread, white potatoes)

Managing your weight is another important way to reduce the risk of inflammation since obesity is a risk factor for chronic inflammation. This is because excess fat in the body can increase inflammatory factors, so weight loss is the most effective strategy for reducing chronic inflammation.

A final way to address inflammation is by correcting any hormonal balances. The sex hormones of testosterone and estrogen can slow the production of inflammatory factors. So, if estrogen or testosterone levels are low, which can occur with age and certain life stages (i.e., menopause), the production of inflammatory factors may increase.

By working with a doctor to test your hormone levels and address any imbalances, you could reduce chronic inflammation.

 

Sugar and Inflammation

While sugar is a component of many tasty drinks and beverages, consuming it in excess can cause chronic inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Sugar is not the only thing to blame for chronic inflammation, but it does play a key role and limiting sugar consumption has shown significant improvements in inflammation levels.

Other ways to address inflammation and lower it include getting enough sleep and correcting hormonal imbalances. If you are concerned about inflammation in your body, reach out to your doctor to check your inflammatory markers and discuss how to lower them and protect your health.

 

References

Hert, K., Fisk, P., Rhee, Y., & Brunt, A. (2014). Decreased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages improved selected biomarkers of chronic disease risk among US adults: 1999 to 2010. Nutrition Research, 34(1), 58-65. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.10.005

Watson, J., Jones, H., Banks, J., Whiting, P., Salisbury, C., & Hamilton, W. (2019). Use of multiple inflammatory marker tests in primary care: using Clinical Practice Research Datalink to evaluate accuracy. British Journal Of General Practice, 69(684), e462-e469. doi: 10.3399/bjgp19x704309

Aeberli, I., Gerber, P., Hochuli, M., Kohler, S., Haile, S., & Gouni-Berthold, I. et al. (2011). Low to moderate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption impairs glucose and lipid metabolism and promotes inflammation in healthy young men: a randomized controlled trial. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 94(2), 479-485. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.013540

Jameel, F., Phang, M., Wood, L., & Garg, M. (2014). Acute effects of feeding fructose, glucose and sucrose on blood lipid levels and systemic inflammation. Lipids In Health And Disease, 13(1). doi: 10.1186/1476-511x-13-195

Frazier, T., DiBaise, J., & McClain, C. (2011). Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Permeability, Obesity-Induced Inflammation, and Liver Injury. Journal Of Parenteral And Enteral Nutrition, 35(5_suppl), 14S-20S. doi: 10.1177/0148607111413772

Scheithauer, T., Dallinga-Thie, G., de Vos, W., Nieuwdorp, M., & van Raalte, D. (2016). Causality of small and large intestinal microbiota in weight regulation and insulin resistance. Molecular Metabolism, 5(9), 759-770. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2016.06.002

Schmidt, A., Hori, O., Brett, J., Yan, S., Wautier, J., & Stern, D. (1994). Cellular receptors for advanced glycation end products. Implications for induction of oxidant stress and cellular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of vascular lesions. Arteriosclerosis And Thrombosis: A Journal Of Vascular Biology, 14(10), 1521-1528. doi: 10.1161/01.atv.14.10.1521

Bosma-den Boer, M., van Wetten, M., & Pruimboom, L. (2012). Chronic inflammatory diseases are stimulated by current lifestyle: how diet, stress levels and medication prevent our body from recovering. Nutrition &Amp; Metabolism, 9(1), 32. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-9-32

 

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
/by

Regenerative Medicine: Helping the Body Heal Itself

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Medicine and science are seeing a promising new addition to their field where cells, tissues, and organs that had once been damaged are undergoing regeneration and repair, making them functional once more.

With regenerative medicine, the damaged parts of the body are replaced or even stimulated to repair themselves, offering a reprieve from the symptoms associated with the damage.

What Is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine combines the principles of engineering and biology to create therapies for conditions that cause tissue loss, cell depletion, or damaged organs.

Regenerative medicine aims to replace tissues or organs that have become damaged due to trauma, disease, or a congenital issue. By replacing, or “regenerating,” these cells, tissues, or organs, normal function can be restored or established.

Some of the technologies used in regenerative medicine include 3D organ printing, tissue engineering, and organoids.

The appeal of regenerative medicine lies in its ability to treat chronic conditions that had previously been a cause of consistent suffering. For example, health conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s are, in some cases, treatable, but in many cases are something whose progress can only be slowed.

However, regenerative medicine may be able to address the root cause of a disease (instead of its symptoms), effectively treating it and preventing it from recurring.

While regenerative medicine is beneficial for any situation that results from cell depletion or damage, it is especially beneficial for chronic diseases. This is because many chronic diseases initially result from cell depletion. For example, heart disease is often characterized by a loss of healthy heart muscle, while Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the loss of brain cells.

Stem Cells: A Key Component of Regenerative Medicine

One of the most powerful tools utilized in regenerative medicine are stem cells, which act as a blank slate that can become any type of cell in the body. For example, the cells that make up the heart differ from those that make up the pancreas.

However, stem cells are unique because they have not yet become these specialized cells, so their possibilities are endless.

This makes stem cells especially appealing when conducting research in the field of regenerative medicine because scientists can test stem-cell-based therapies that regenerate lost tissue.

While the use of stem cells is still relatively new, some regenerative medicine methods, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, induce stem cells already in the body, still making use of these powerful cells.

Mechanisms of Regenerative Medicine

There are three main concentrations within regenerative medicine:

Cellular Therapies

This therapy revolves around stem cells and their ability to differentiate into different cells based on where they are injected.

The body already uses stem cells when repairing itself, so by injecting the stem cells into the damaged area or inducing stem cells to travel to a certain area of the body, regenerative medicine makes use of the body’s natural mechanisms.

Stem cells can be collected from fat, bone, dental pulp, bone marrow, cord blood, skeletal muscles, and other sources.

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

This concentration involves the creation and implantation of biologically compatible scaffolds. The scaffold acts as a support system that cells can grow around, and it helps to create new tissue at a specific site.

While there have been millions of patients treated with tissue-engineered devices, the field as a whole is still only in its beginning stages, and there is still much to come as it continues to grow and expand.

Currently, most of the success has been around soft tissue regeneration, such as cartilage, skin, tendon, and ligament.

Medical Devices and Artificial Organs

When an organ fails, the typical method of addressing this is through a transplant from an organ donor. However, there are many challenges associated with this, with the primary one being that there is a limit on the number of organs available for transplantation. In many cases, the need for organs is greater than the amount available, which results in many patients being unable to get the organs they need.

Additionally, when donating an organ, the donor must take immunosuppression drugs, which can have some side effects.

To combat these challenges, regenerative medicine has created many medical devices that supplement or replace the function of a failing organ or organ system, such as the lungs, heart, kidney, or liver.

Regenerative Medicine Applications

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

One area of regenerative medicine is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment method collects platelet-rich plasma from the patient and then injects it back into the target area.

To create PRP, the doctor collects a blood sample and then spins it in a centrifuge. Doing this separates the platelet-rich plasma from the other components of blood. The doctor then injects the platelet-rich plasma back into the body at the target locations.

Platelets are a component of the immune system and possess powerful healing properties. When injected into an area with damage, they target the body’s healing abilities to the specific site by drawing blood to the area. Specifically, platelets release growth factors when injected, which then stimulates growth and repair and activates the local stem cells.

Because of this, PRP therapy makes use of the stem cells already in the body, and simply directs them to a location in need of regeneration and repair.

Some uses for PRP therapy include erectile dysfunction, vaginal atrophy, and hair loss. PRP therapy can also be used on the face to restore youthfulness and address changes in skin that occur with aging.

Two types of PRP therapy are the V-shot and P-shot, which are administered to the vagina and penis, respectively. When injected into the damaged tissue of the sex organs, stem cells are stimulated to form new sensory cells and blood vessels. This then helps to improve function and increase sensitivity.

Cord Blood

One of the newer emergencies in the field of regenerative medicine is the use of cord blood stem cells for many different functions of the body.

One area of study involves seeing if cord blood stem cells can slow insulin production loss in children with type 1 diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the pancreatic ß-cells and keeps them from functioning. However, stem cells have been shown to preserve their function and modify immune tolerance, two roles that show potential in treating type 1 diabetes.

Cord blood stem cells have also been studied in the field of cardiology in regard to their ability to improve function and blood flow at injured sites in the cardiovascular system. Since cardiovascular problems can also cause erectile dysfunction, cord blood stem cells may be a future method of erectile dysfunction treatment.

The application of stem cells to the nervous system has also been observed, something which is important due to the slow, and often nonexistent, regeneration rate of nerve cells. Studies have shown that stem cells can migrate to injured areas of the brain to repair the damaged tissue and alleviate any symptoms associated with mobility.

One of the primary appeals of using cord blood stem cells is that the patient’s own stem cells are utilized, which means there is less risk of the body’s immune system rejecting the cells.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

For men and women with low sex hormone levels, hormone replacement therapy offers a way to naturally increase these levels and relieve the symptoms associated with low hormone production.

One common application of this is for menopausal women, where estrogen hormone therapy addresses the symptoms that can occur with low estrogen levels. In fact, hormone therapy is the most efficient treatment for the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, which occur, in part, when the vaginal tissue experiences cell loss and becomes thin and dry due to declining estrogen levels.

For men with low testosterone, erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems can occur, but hormone therapy offers a way to replenish testosterone levels and restore sexual function.

Hormones play a significant role in many body functions, so by supplementing low-hormone levels, you can address these deficiencies and help the body function more optimally.

Harnessing The Body’s Healing Abilities

Regenerative medicine offers an exciting new field of medicine, focusing on ways to stimulate the body’s own immune system and restore function that had been damaged. This provides a treatment method for many conditions which had previously been incurable.

While some areas of regenerative medicine, including stem cells, are still undergoing research regarding their capabilities, others have already shown immense improvement for those who use them.

Platelet-rich plasma and hormone replacement therapy are two forms of regenerative medicine that use the body’s own healing capabilities to address problem areas. Through these forms of regenerative medicine, the body can begin working as it should again, restoring balance and increasing function.

With regenerative medicine still having much to explore, it will be exciting to see where the advances continue to go and what condition regenerative medicine may be able to address next.

 

References

Bonferoni, M., Caramella, C., Catenacci, L., Conti, B., Dorati, R., & Ferrari, F. et al. (2021). Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Repair and Regeneration: A Focus on Italian Research in the Field. Pharmaceutics, 13(9), 13

Wan, X., Zhang, D., Khan, M., Zheng, S., Hu, X., & Zhang, Q. et al. (2022). Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: From Insulin Replacement to Beta-Cell Replacement. Frontiers In Endocrinology, 13. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.859638

Greco, N., & Laughlin, M. (2010). Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells for Myocardial Repair and Regeneration. Methods In Molecular Biology, 29-52. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-705-1_3

Ali, H., & Bahbahani, H. (2010). Umbilical cord blood stem cells – potential therapeutic tool for neural injuries and disorders. Acta neurobiologiae experimentalis, 70(3), 316–324.

Fait, T. (2019). Menopause hormone therapy: latest developments and clinical practice. Drugs In Context, 8, 1-9. doi: 10.7573/dic.212551

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
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Transgender Hormone Replacement Therapy

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It can be a distressing and confusing sensation when the physical features of your body do not match the gender you identify with. For those looking for a way to modify some of these features and feel greater peace with your body, transgender hormone replacement therapy is an option.

What Is Transgender Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Transgender hormone therapy, also known as gender affirming hormone therapy, offers a way to change your body’s physical characteristics to match the gender you identify with.

With sex hormone levels (including which hormone is the most prominent) a primary contributor to the features you develop, supplementing hormone levels helps in developing the physical characteristics that match your chosen gender.

Transgender hormone therapy primarily involves two hormones, estrogen and testosterone, which are the primary sex hormones for women and men, respectively.

Because these hormones produce different physical attributes, there are two forms of transgender hormone therapy, feminizing and masculinizing, depending on whether the identified gender is female or male.

Feminizing Hormone Therapy

For feminizing hormone therapy, medication is given to block the action of testosterone while the hormone estrogen is also supplemented. By blocking testosterone and increasing estrogen levels, feminine secondary sex characteristics are induced.

Masculinizing Hormone Therapy

With masculinizing hormone therapy, the male hormone testosterone is given, which decreases the production of estrogen while increasing the amount of testosterone in the body. This then induces physical changes that result from male hormones and suppresses menstrual cycles.

Who is Transgender Hormone Therapy For?

Transgender hormone therapy is intended for those whose physical characteristics do not match the gender with which they identify.

Through transgender hormone therapy, gender dysphoria can become less severe, and there may also be a reduction in psychological and emotional distress.

Transgender hormone therapy also offers many improvements to those who undergo it in areas such as quality of life, sexual satisfaction, and social functioning.

However, transgender hormone therapy is not for everyone, as it can affect fertility and sexual function. Additionally, it might be discouraged in those who have had hormone-sensitive cancer, such as prostate or breast cancer.

Because of this, it is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks of this treatment with your doctor before deciding if it is the right choice for you.

The Effect of Hormone Therapy

Transgender hormone replacement therapy blocks the production of the prominent sex hormone and then supplements with the primary sex hormone of the identifying gender. By doing this, it offers a way to match someone’s physical appearance with the gender they identify with.

For example, for those who identify as male, masculinizing hormone therapy suppresses estrogen production and supplements with testosterone, increasing testosterone levels. Over time, this results in the disappearance of certain female secondary characteristics and the emergence of specific male secondary characteristics.

Both feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapy can be completed on their own or combined with feminizing or masculinizing surgery.

Additionally, the changes that result from hormone therapy can be temporary or permanent.

What To Expect

Before beginning treatment, your doctor will perform a health evaluation to rule out any medical conditions that can affect or negatively interact with treatment.

This can include:

  • personal and family medical history review
  • lab tests for blood sugar, lipids, liver enzymes, blood count, and electrolytes
  • a pregnancy test (for those undergoing masculinizing therapy)
  • age- and sex-appropriate screenings
  • a physical exam
  • immunization review

Because transgender hormone therapy can affect fertility, your doctor will also discuss with you any future plans regarding children. The longer you are on hormone therapy, the higher the risk of permanent infertility, which is why this discussion is critical before starting treatment.

Additionally, testosterone might limit fertility for those undergoing masculinizing hormone therapy, but it is still possible to become pregnant if you have your ovaries and uterus. If pregnancy is something you want to avoid, it is essential to discuss with your doctor birth control methods.

Feminizing Hormone Therapy

When beginning feminizing hormone treatment, you often start with a medication that blocks the male sex hormone (androgen) receptors. This medication suppresses the primary hormones of the gender with which you do not identify.

After a few weeks of only taking this medication, you will then begin taking estrogen.

You will gradually notice the differences as the hormone begins to take effect. For those taking estrogen, this can include:

  • decreased spontaneous erections
  • softer, less oily skin
  • slowing of scalp hair loss
  • breast development
  • testicular atrophy
  • decrease muscle mass
  • redistribution of body fat
  • decreased facial and body hair growth

Masculinizing Hormone Therapy

For masculinizing hormone therapy, you will be prescribed testosterone, typically starting with a low dose that slowly increases over a few months.

For those taking testosterone, the changes that your body experiences can include:

  • stopping your period
  • body fat redistribution
  • facial and body hair growth
  • deeper voice
  • vaginal atrophy and clitoral enlargement
  • increase muscle mass and strength

For those with a persistent menstrual flow, your doctor may also recommend progesterone to help control it.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

When undergoing transgender hormone therapy, it is important to see your doctor regularly for checkups. Additionally, your doctor will see you whenever there has been a change to your hormone regimen. These appointments are essential to monitor behavioral health and ensure that the lowest dose that still achieves the desired effects is being used.

It is also important for those who have not had surgical interventions to undergo routine protective care.

For feminizing hormone therapy, this can include:

  • breast cancer screening
  • prostate cancer screening
  • supplementation (e.g., vitamin D, calcium)

For masculinizing hormone therapy, preventive care can include:

  • cervical cancer screening
  • breast cancer screening
  • supplementation (e.g., vitamin D, calcium)
  • vaginal bleeding evaluations

Transgender Hormone Replacement Therapy: Providing Peace

Transgender hormone replacement therapy offers a way to stimulate the body to produce the physical characteristics that match the gender you identify with. This can be a greatly rewarding treatment for those who are transgender to improve quality of life and reduce gender dysphoria.

However, it is important to remember that any long-term hormone therapy can have some risks, such as infertility, which is why discussing this treatment with your doctor is important. Additionally, regular checkups are essential to ensure that you remain in good health, and when monitored by a doctor, transgender hormone therapy can bring you the peace and comfort of a body that matches your gender identity.

References

Unger, C. (2016). Hormone therapy for transgender patients. Translational Andrology And Urology, 5(6), 877-884. doi: 10.21037/tau.2016.09.04

White Hughto, J., & Reisner, S. (2016). A Systematic Review of the Effects of Hormone Therapy on Psychological Functioning and Quality of Life in Transgender Individuals. Transgender Health, 1(1), 21-31. doi: 10.1089/trgh.2015.0008

Weinand, J., & Safer, J. (2015). Hormone therapy in transgender adults is safe with provider supervision; A review of hormone therapy sequelae for transgender individuals. Journal Of Clinical &Amp; Translational Endocrinology, 2(2), 55-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jcte.2015.02.003

Baker, K., Wilson, L., Sharma, R., Dukhanin, V., McArthur, K., & Robinson, K. (2021). Hormone Therapy, Mental Health, and Quality of Life Among Transgender People: A Systematic Review. Journal Of The Endocrine Society, 5(4). doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvab011

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness
/by

The Benefits of a Low Carbohydrate, High Fat Diet

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With the many different diets bouncing around these days, it can be hard to tell which ones are worth following, and which ones will only cause more harm to your body despite their promise of fast results.

However, one diet linked to a significant number of health benefits while also aiding weight loss is the low-carb, high-fat diet (LCHF) diet.

What Is the Low Carb, High Fat Diet?

The LCHF diet, much as its name suggests, prioritizes reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat intake.

Essentially, it is a diet that is high in fat, low in carbohydrates, and moderate in protein.

The LCHF diet also discourages processed foods and instead places an emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, and low-carb vegetables. It restricts the consumption of foods with added sugar or starchy foods such as pasta, bread, rice, and potatoes.

By replacing carbohydrate consumption with fat consumption, the body uses the ketones from fat for energy instead of the glucose from carbohydrates. Not only are ketones a better energy source, but many people feel fuller for longer when on an LCHF diet.

There is no specific macronutrient range to meet with this diet, and it instead focuses on lifestyle changes in terms of the foods you turn to. Because of this, it is a highly individualized plan that loosely follows the guidelines of low carb, high fat, and medium protein consumption.

However, there are diets that fall under the umbrella term of the LCHF diet that have set restrictions on carb consumption, such as the ketogenic or Atkins diet. These diets may be more restrictive, but it is not necessary to follow their rules to implement and benefit from an LCHF diet.

The Type of Fat Matters

When we hear the term “fat,” we don’t typically associate that with foods we should eat. However, there are different types of fats, which have varying effects on our bodies.

The fats prioritized in the LCHF diet are “healthy fats,” which include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In comparison, trans fats should be entirely avoided and saturated fats are best in moderation.

Unhealthy fats can cause clogged arteries, weight gain, and an increased risk of certain diseases. However, healthy fats have the opposite effect, and they can help fight fatigue, improve your moods, and maintain mental health.

Some examples of “healthy” fats include:

  • seeds
  • nuts
  • vegetable oils
  • fish
  • avocados

A specific type of unsaturated fat is omega-3 fats, which play essential roles in how our body functions but cannot be produced by the body. This means that you must get enough omega-3s from your diet.

Some foods that are high in omega-3s include:

  • fish oils
  • fatty fish
  • flaxseed oil
  • chia seeds
  • walnuts

Foods To Avoid on An LCHF Diet

When following a low-carb, high-fat diet, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of foods with high carbohydrates.

This list includes:

  • sugary drinks (e.g., smoothies, soda, sweet tea, juice, chocolate milk, sports drinks)
  • grain and starches (e.g., baked goods, breads, rice, cereals, pasta)
  • fruits
  • sweeteners (e.g., honey, sugar, maple syrup, agave)
  • alcoholic beverages
  • starchy vegetables (e.g., winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, beets)
  • highly processed foods
  • items labeled low-fat or “diet”

It is crucial to note that, when following an LCHF diet, it is important to reduce the above foods, but they should not all be cut out completely. Carbohydrates are still important for your body, they should just be limited when following this diet.

Foods To Eat on An LCHF Diet

Now that we have discussed the foods to avoid, let’s take a look at what your diet should primarily revolve around when on an LCHF diet:

  • fish (especially those high in fats, such as sardines, salmon, and trout)
  • meats and poultry
  • eggs
  • oils (some healthy choices include coconut, olive, and avocado oil)
  • berries
  • full-fat dairy
  • avocados
  • non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, greens, cauliflower, mushrooms, peppers)
  • nuts and seeds
  • condiments

The Health Benefits of An LCHF Diet

There are many health benefits observed by those who follow an LCHF diet, which can include:

Weight Loss

One of the most talked about health benefits of following the LCHF diet is weight loss, with many studies supporting that LCHF diets are effective in promoting weight loss.

Part of these results are due to the effect of the LCHF diet on hormones that regulate appetite. Namely, the LCHF diet may help to suppress appetite, helping to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

The LCHF diet also improves insulin sensitivity, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and better metabolizes blood sugar.

In addition to its effect on hormones, the LCHF diet also helps to promote fat loss, especially fat in the belly area. This fat, also known as visceral fat, can increase the risk of certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Studies have shown, though, that the LCHF diet helps people lose more weight in the belly area than those on a low-fat diet, and it also helps people keep the weight off.

Other studies found that when following an LCHF diet, obese adults not only lost more visceral fat, but also showed an improvement in cholesterol levels and a significant drop in insulin resistance.

Diabetes

As discussed, the LCHF diet can help to increase insulin sensitivity, which is very important for those with diabetes. This is because diabetes can occur due to insulin resistance, which hinders the metabolism of sugar and causes blood sugar levels to build up.

However, a study on obese adults with type 2 diabetes found that an LCHF diet resulted in a greater improvement in blood sugar control when compared to a high-carb diet. In addition, more of the study participants were able to reduce their diabetes medication because of the improvements in blood sugar control offered by the LCHF diet.

Even more promising is that, in one study, some participants assigned to a ketogenic diet could completely discontinue their diabetes medications.

Heart Disease

While it may seem counterintuitive, LCHF diets can lower body fat while also lowering inflammation and improving heart disease-related blood markers.

Some of these blood markers include HDL cholesterol, which LCHR diets have been shown to improve, and triglycerides, which they can reduce. Additionally, studies have seen a decrease in C-reactive proteins, which is an inflammation marker linked to heart disease.

Some other cardiovascular benefits of LCHF diets include reduced blood pressure and decreased LDL cholesterol.

Neurological Diseases

LCHF diets may also help with some neurological diseases. For instance, the ketogenic diet has long been used as a potential treatment for epilepsy, which is a neurological disorder that results in recurrent seizures.

Studies between the ketogenic diet and epilepsy have seen that this diet can decrease seizures by more than 50%. In addition, it can also be an effective treatment when the patient does not respond to antiepileptic drugs.

The LCHF diet may also help more than those with seizures. For example, a study between the ketogenic diet and Alzheimer’s disease found an improvement in cognitive functioning.

Additionally, diets high in carbs and processed sugars have been linked to increases in cognitive decline, whereas diets low in carbs show improvements in cognitive functioning.

Side Effects of The LCHF Diet

Suddenly cutting down on the number of carbohydrates you consume can cause some side effects, although they are usually only temporary.

These side effects can include:

  • muscle cramps
  • fatigue or weakness
  • skin rash
  • headache
  • bad breath
  • diarrhea or constipation

As your body gets used to the change in diet, these side effects typically disappear.

The Risks of The LCHF Diet

There are some risks with an LCHF diet, especially in those who are too extreme in their carbohydrate restriction. These complications can include cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

To protect yourself and avoid these risks, it is always best to discuss with your doctor any dietary changes so that they can ensure you are still getting the nutrients your body needs. Your doctor can also monitor for these factors to ensure they do not develop.

For those who follow restrictive LCHF diets, there is also an increased risk of not sticking to them, which then negates any potential benefits. To avoid this, it is best to ease into an LCHF diet and to keep it at a level that is more sustainable.

Final Remarks

The low-carb, high-fat diet is a nutrition plan that prioritizes reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake. This encourages the body to use ketones instead of glucose for energy.

This can contribute to many health benefits, including weight loss, diabetes management, and reduced cardiovascular risk. Some minor side effects may occur when starting an LCHF diet, but they typically go away within a few days as the body adjusts to the new diet.

Because there are potential risks with an LCHF diet, discussing this dietary change with your doctor is always recommended to determine if it is a good (and safe) choice for you. Your doctor can help you discuss the potential benefits and how you can gradually implement this type of diet.

When done correctly, the LCHF diet has the potential to significantly improve your life, but it is with the help of your doctor that you can see these benefits and stay safe.

Resources

Hu, T., Yao, L., Reynolds, K., Niu, T., Li, S., & Whelton, P. et al. (2016). Adherence to low‐carbohydrate and low‐fat diets in relation to weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors. Obesity Science &Amp; Practice, 2(1), 24-31. doi: 10.1002/osp4.23

Sumithran, P., Prendergast, L., Delbridge, E., Purcell, K., Shulkes, A., Kriketos, A., & Proietto, J. (2013). Ketosis and appetite-mediating nutrients and hormones after weight loss. European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 67(7), 759-764. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.90

Paoli, A., Grimaldi, K., Bianco, A., Lodi, A., Cenci, L., & Parmagnani, A. (2012). Medium term effects of a ketogenic diet and a Mediterranean diet on resting energy expenditure and respiratory ratio. BMC Proceedings, 6(S3). doi: 10.1186/1753-6561-6-s3-p37

NAKAO, Y., MIYAWAKI, T., YASUNO, S., NAKAO, K., TANAKA, S., & IDA, M. et al. (2012). Intra-abdominal fat area is a predictor for new onset of individual components of metabolic syndrome: MEtabolic syndRome and abdominaL ObesiTy (MERLOT study). Proceedings Of The Japan Academy, Series B, 88(8), 454-461. doi: 10.2183/pjab.88.454

Gower, B., & Goss, A. (2014). A Lower-Carbohydrate, Higher-Fat Diet Reduces Abdominal and Intermuscular Fat and Increases Insulin Sensitivity in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. The Journal Of Nutrition, 145(1), 177S-183S. doi: 10.3945/jn.114.195065

Bueno, N., de Melo, I., de Oliveira, S., & da Rocha Ataide, T. (2013). Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal Of Nutrition, 110(7), 1178-1187. doi: 10.1017/s0007114513000548

Tay, J., Luscombe-Marsh, N., Thompson, C., Noakes, M., Buckley, J., & Wittert, G. et al. (2015). Comparison of low- and high-carbohydrate diets for type 2 diabetes management: a randomized trial. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 102(4), 780-790. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.112581

Hussain, T., Mathew, T., Dashti, A., Asfar, S., Al-Zaid, N., & Dashti, H. (2012). Effect of low-calorie versus low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in type 2 diabetes. Nutrition, 28(10), 1016-1021. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2012.01.016

Ruth, M., Port, A., Shah, M., Bourland, A., Istfan, N., & Nelson, K. et al. (2013). Consuming a hypocaloric high fat low carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks lowers C-reactive protein, and raises serum adiponectin and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in obese subjects. Metabolism, 62(12), 1779-1787. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2013.07.006

Rogovik, A. L., & Goldman, R. D. (2010). Ketogenic diet for treatment of epilepsy. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 56(6), 540–542.

Henderson, S., Vogel, J., Barr, L., Garvin, F., Jones, J., & Costantini, L. (2009). Study of the ketogenic agent AC-1202 in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Nutrition &Amp; Metabolism, 6(1), 31. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-6-31

Beilharz, J., Maniam, J., & Morris, M. (2015). Diet-Induced Cognitive Deficits: The Role of Fat and Sugar, Potential Mechanisms and Nutritional Interventions. Nutrients, 7(8), 6719-6738. doi: 10.3390/nu7085307

Roberts, R., Roberts, L., Geda, Y., Cha, R., Pankratz, V., & O’Connor, H. et al. (2012). Relative Intake of Macronutrients Impacts Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia. Journal Of Alzheimer’s Disease, 32(2), 329-339. doi: 10.3233/jad-2012-120862

 

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Body Sculpting & Skin Tightening
HRT For Women Treatment Injectables & Neurotoxins Treatments
HRT For Men Treatment O-Shot™ Treatments
PRP Therapies for Beauty and Skin Services P-Shot™ Injection Treatments
InMode Microneedling Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Sexual Desire Treatment Options PRP Therapies for Sexual Wellness

 

/by

The Effect of Nutrition on Essential Hormones

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While we typically eat whatever foods seem the most appealing, the foods that we put into our body can significantly affect may aspects of our health, including hormonal balance.

Hormones are chemical messengers for the body and control almost every process that it completes, including:

  • immunity
  • metabolism
  • reproduction
  • menstrual cycle
  • mood

In order for these areas to operate as they should, your hormone levels need to be in the correct balance. However, certain things, such as the food you eat, can affect this.

Hormones Affected by Food

There are over 50 hormones that have been identified in the body, but there are a certain few that are consistently researched and referenced, especially in relation to food.

Estrogen

Estrogen is also known as the female sex hormone, although it is also present (and important) in men.

In women, estrogen is essential in developing pubic hair and breasts, and in causing the hips to widen. However, in both men and women, estrogen is also vital for blood clotting, bone formation, and skin and nail health.

Estrogen levels can become too low or too high, with low estrogen contributing to feelings of depression. However, when estrogen levels fluctuate, such as during menopause, symptoms such as low libido, hot flashes, and weight gain can occur.

Testosterone

While estrogen is the female sex hormone, testosterone is the male sex hormone. Besides contributing to the typical male attributes such as body hair and a deeper voice, testosterone is also important in both men and women for improving sexual function, gaining muscle mass, and boosting strength.

Changes in testosterone have also been associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart problems, and metabolic syndrome.

Many factors affect testosterone regulation, including diet, which can help keep testosterone levels from dropping too low.

Insulin

Most often associated with those who have diabetes, insulin is a hormone essential for regulating metabolic processes, including balancing blood sugar levels.

Insulin accomplishes this by allowing your liver, organs, and fat to absorb glucose. However, if the body does not generate enough insulin or if you have developed insulin resistance (making it difficult for your body to use insulin well), blood sugar levels can rise.

The foods you eat can affect how sensitive insulin is, with different foods causing insulin sensitivity to increase or decrease.

Cortisol

More commonly referred to as the stress hormone, cortisol plays a vital role in the fight-or-flight response. However, it can be dangerous if cortisol remains at high levels chronically.

Consistent high cortisol levels can cause:

  • weight gain
  • anxiety
  • heart problems
  • migraines
  • brain fog
  • sleep disturbances

While some of the most popular ways to control stress, and thus control cortisol, include regular exercise, removing the stressor, and breathing exercises such as meditation or yoga, diet can also affect cortisol levels.

Foods And Supplements to Eat

The following food and supplements have been shown to help balance certain hormone levels.

Protein

Protein is an important source of amino acids, which the body cannot make on its own. However, protein is also essential for making peptide hormones, which are protein-derived.

The endocrine gland makes peptide hormones from amino acids, and they play a crucial role in body processes such as:

  • appetite
  • energy metabolism
  • stress
  • growth
  • reproduction

For example, studies have shown that eating protein decreases ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone. Protein also helps to stimulate hormone production for glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY, which are two hormones that help you feel full.

Healthy Fats

Consuming healthy fats can help to reduce insulin resistance and appetite.

Healthy fats include medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and what makes them “healthy” fats is that they are more likely to be taken up by the liver for immediate energy usage versus being stored in the fat tissue.

Research has shown that MCTs are less likely to promote insulin resistance and can also help increase insulin sensitivity.

For those under chronic stress, research also suggests that omega-3s, a type of healthy fat, may help keep cortisol levels from increasing.

Fiber

Fiber is an essential part of your diet, and this includes its effect on hormones.

Studies have shown that fiber helps to increase insulin sensitivity.

Additionally, both soluble and insoluble fiber can help stimulate the production of hormones that increase feelings of fullness. This then helps to prevent overeating, which can lead to obesity.

Mediterranean Diet

As for specific diets, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce estrogen levels that can become too high when following the Western diet, which primarily consists of animal products and sugars. These higher estrogen levels are also listed as risk factors for ovarian and breast cancer.

While estrogen is an essential hormone for female and male reproductive health, bone and heart health, blood sugar balance, brain function, and immune health, too much of it can pose the risk of acute and chronic health conditions, such as metabolic disorders, obesity, and various cancers.

Because of this, it is crucial to keep estrogen levels within a normal range, and the Mediterranean diet can help with that.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on whole grains, fish, seeds, cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower), and legumes.

Soy Products

Soy products contain phytoestrogen, which is a bioactive substance that acts like estrogen in the body. For those who are suffering from low estrogen levels, such as those going through menopause, soy products may help to balance estrogen levels and relieve symptoms.

Soy has also shown promise in reducing the risk of certain health conditions that occur with menopause, such as improving blood cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of ischemic heart disease, and relieving hot flashes.

Research has also shown that soy products regularly can help reduce testosterone levels. The exact mechanism behind this is still under research, but scientists suspect that it is because the phytoestrogens it possesses can reduce testosterone levels.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables produce a phytochemical called indole-3-carbinol, which is important in promoting liver function. This then helps the liver support hormone balance by removing the waste products and “spent” hormones.

Because of this, cruciferous vegetables play an important role in balancing your hormonal system.

Some examples of cruciferous vegetables include:

  • broccoli
  • Bok choy
  • cauliflower
  • cabbage
  • brussels sprouts
  • kale
  • radish

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that can be found in food or taken as a supplement, and benefits those with hormone imbalance in many ways.

Magnesium helps to increase insulin sensitivity, which leads to lower blood sugar. It also helps to support quality sleep, which is an important component of finding hormonal balance.

Magnesium also helps to reduce excess cortisol production, effectively relaxing the nervous system. It also helps those with thyroid imbalances by decreasing inflammation that can cause this autoimmune response.

Some foods with magnesium include:

  • almonds
  • leafy greens
  • chocolate
  • sunflower seeds
  • sesame seeds

Foods to Avoid

Some of these foods should be avoided in general for hormone balance, but there are also some products that should only be avoided if your body overproduces or underproduces a hormone. For example, estrogen is one hormone that can be high or low in someone’s body, and what foods to avoid (or consume more of) will depend on your estrogen levels.

Sugar

Sugar doesn’t need to be cut entirely out of your diet, but it is important to minimize added sugar. This is because added sugar can negatively affect hormone function, which then contributes to diabetes and obesity.

Added sugar can promote insulin resistance, with insulin being an essential hormone for regulating blood sugar levels. If you develop insulin resistance, you can then develop diabetes.

Added sugar may also fail to stimulate leptin production, which is the fullness hormone. This can lead to decreased calorie burning, which can contribute to weight gain.

Red Meat

While protein helps regulate hormone levels, consuming too much red meat may increase your body’s estrogen production to abnormal levels. This is because red meat is rich in hydrogenated and saturated fats.

Dairy Products

Dairy products can result in inflammation in the gut, which can impact your hormone levels.

Soy Products

Soy products are one of those offerings that can benefit some but cause more severe symptoms in others. This is because they contain phytoestrogens, so if your estrogen levels are already high, soy products may raise them even further, which can impact your ovulation cycle and reproductive health.

Along those same lines, since phytoestrogens can decrease testosterone, soy products should be avoided in those who already have low testosterone levels.

Caffeine and Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can cause increases in cortisol secretion.

When cortisol levels are chronically high, it can increase your stress levels, visceral fat, and blood pressure. So, it’s best to keep cortisol levels low when you’re not in a stressful situation, and avoiding these two things can help.

Balancing Hormones: Nutrition is Just a Part

In addition to the food you eat, it is also crucial to only eat as much as your body needs to function optimally. Overeating can result in weight gain, which can cause all the problems associated with obesity.

Additionally, combining exercise with your nutrition can further help with hormone balance and return all hormones to a level that promotes optimal functioning.

Overall, having the correct balance of hormones in your body significantly contributes to how your body functions and, thus, how you feel. By giving your body the proper fuel, you can considerably improve how you feel, leading to a greater quality of life.

References

Rose, A. (2019). Role of Peptide Hormones in the Adaptation to Altered Dietary Protein Intake. Nutrients, 11(9), 1990. doi: 10.3390/nu11091990

de Carvalho, K., Pizato, N., Botelho, P., Dutra, E., & Gonçalves, V. (2020). Dietary protein and appetite sensations in individuals with overweight and obesity: a systematic review. European Journal Of Nutrition, 59(6), 2317-2332. doi: 10.1007/s00394-020-02321-1

Wang, S., Yang, L., Lu, J., & Mu, Y. (2014). High-Protein Breakfast Promotes Weight Loss by Suppressing Subsequent Food Intake and Regulating Appetite Hormones in Obese Chinese Adolescents. Hormone Research In Paediatrics, 83(1), 19-25. doi: 10.1159/000362168

DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O’Keefe, J. H. (2017). Good Fats versus Bad Fats: A Comparison of Fatty Acids in the Promotion of Insulin Resistance, Inflammation, and Obesity. Missouri medicine, 114(4), 303–307.

Hou, M., Zhou, W., Sun, L., Wang, B., Shen, J., Cao, L., & Lv, H. (2021). Effect of Fish Oil on Insulin Sensitivity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials. Canadian Journal Of Diabetes, 45(6), 531-538.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2020.11.004

Muscaritoli, M. (2021). The Impact of Nutrients on Mental Health and Well-Being: Insights From the Literature. Frontiers In Nutrition, 8. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.656290

Hervik, A., & Svihus, B. (2019). The Role of Fiber in Energy Balance. Journal Of Nutrition And Metabolism, 2019, 1-11. doi: 10.1155/2019/4983657

Rebello, C., O’Neil, C., & Greenway, F. (2016). Dietary fiber and satiety: the effects of oats on satiety. Nutrition Reviews, 74(2), 131-147. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuv063

Patel, S., Homaei, A., Raju, A., & Meher, B. (2018). Estrogen: The necessary evil for human health, and ways to tame it. Biomedicine &Amp; Pharmacotherapy, 102, 403-411. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.078

Wiggs, A., Chandler, J., Aktas, A., Sumner, S., & Stewart, D. (2021). The Effects of Diet and Exercise on Endogenous Estrogens and Subsequent Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women. Frontiers In Endocrinology, 12. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.732255

Wiggs, A., Chandler, J., Aktas, A., Sumner, S., & Stewart, D. (2021). The Effects of Diet and Exercise on Endogenous Estrogens and Subsequent Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women. Frontiers In Endocrinology, 12. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.732255

Dillingham, B., McVeigh, B., Lampe, J., & Duncan, A. (2005). Soy Protein Isolates of Varying Isoflavone Content Exert Minor Effects on Serum Reproductive Hormones in Healthy Young Men. The Journal Of Nutrition, 135(3), 584-591. doi: 10.1093/jn/135.3.584

Jargin S. V. (2014). Soy and phytoestrogens: possible side effects. German medical science : GMS e-journal, 12, Doc18. https://doi.org/10.3205/000203

Taskinen, Packard, & Borén. (2019). Dietary Fructose and the Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients, 11(9), 1987. doi: 10.3390/nu11091987

Stanhope, K. (2015). Sugar consumption, metabolic disease and obesity: The state of the controversy. Critical Reviews In Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 53(1), 52-67. doi: 10.3109/10408363.2015.1084990

 

 

 

About Dr. Mel Irvine

Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.

 


 

 

Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:

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