Heart disease in women is a complicated topic. More women than men die of heart disease each year!  A woman's  symptoms tend to be less prominent or atypical.  Sometimes women don't have chest pain as a symptom.   Since the symptoms may be less severe, women may downplay symptoms or delay seeking medical attention until heart damage has already  occurred. See your doctor to evaluate which risk factors you may have for developing heart disease.   … [Read more...]

To check the PSA or to not check the PSA, that is the question.  Annual PSA blood tests are ok as long as you don't rush into an invasive or aggressive treatment regiment that can lead to undesirable side effects down the road. … [Read more...]

Sleep is paramount for maintaining overall health.  It seems that many people don't put much effort into getting quality sleep on a consistent basis.  There are a myriad of causes for non restful sleep.  Chronic non restful sleep increases stress hormones, which contribute to obesity, mood issues and other chronic illnesses. … [Read more...]

Fatigue, joint and muscle pain,moodiness, weight gain, insomnia and hot flashes.  These are just a few symptoms that can be related to progesterone deficiency. This can occur long before menopause.  While these symptoms can be caused by other problems as well, it may be reasonable to get your levels checked. … [Read more...]

Liraglutide (Victoza) is an injectable medication used in the treatment of diabetes. It is currently being studied for weight loss by itself and in combination with Metformin, another diabetes medication. It is not FDA approved for weight loss but many physician are safely using it this way with positive results. … [Read more...]

Aging gracefully used to be an accepted life process.  Now people aren't going as quietly! The focus has been on cosmetic alterations.  Currently the push is for hormone optimization.  As we age our glands fail and the results are undesired. Returning estrogen,progesterone, testosterone and several other hormones to previous levels resolves many age related symptoms. … [Read more...]

L methyl folate is an enzyme in the serotonin production pathway.  As you know, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is believed to be deficient in depression.  L methyl folate can increase seotonin production in some people and has been used with some success in improving depression symptoms. This may be a way to avoid requiring an antidepressant or may allow someone to be on a lower dose. … [Read more...]

There are many causes of non restful sleep.  Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) is a common cause.  Iron deficiency is a common cause of RLS.  Discovering why you are iron deficient is important.  Once iron is started at a specific dose the symptoms of RLS usually resolve quickly. … [Read more...]

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten a protein found in wheat and other grains. It commonly causes intestinal problems like abdominal pain, weight loss bloating and diarrhea. It is connected to other autoimmune diseases also, like hypothyroidism.  It is difficult to diagnose with just a blood test and may require an intestinal biopsy. Ask your physician about the options for diagnosis. … [Read more...]

Colon cancer screening is recommended for age 50 and older. A lab test every year or a colonoscopy every 5-10 years will due. Screening earlier is recommended if you have a family history of colon cancer. … [Read more...]