One of the complaints I have heard from some women, is that when they go on hormone replacement therapy in menopause they start to gain weight. This complaint has been common enough that I decided to investigate it.  After evaluating the published research studies from 2005-2013, it became apparent to me that there appears to be what is called “estrogen dominance” in some postmenopausal women – yes AFTER menopause. Meaning that they preferentially absorb and metabolize hormones into estrogen.

When these women are given postmenopausal estrogens, it causes them to begin storing calories in their fat cells as if they were pregnant. Remember, estrogen and progesterone are primarily hormones of pregnancy. The entire biological purpose of the fluctuations of hormones during the menstrual cycle of “cycling females” or  premenopausal women, is to ensure that woman can effectively become pregnant. On a basic biological level, it is all about the survival of our human species.

Women are not naturally designed to continue having reproductive hormones after menopause. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. So for some women this translates into weight gain when they go on post menopausal hormones.

Are There Options for Hormone Replacement?

Yes!  There are many options to help ease the symptoms of menopause, and each woman needs to be individually evaluated. There is no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to hormone balancing. One option for women who tend to gain weight after menopause is to use small appropriate doses of testosterone. Dr Hoffman has found clinically that Testosterone is a very beneficial hormone for women,especially after menopause.

Testosterone for women?  What can it do for me?

1. It boosts metabolism to help women “lean out”
2. It helps build muscle
3. It increases bone density
4. It raises energy levels
5. It stimulates the libido
6. It supports brain function
7. Research shows that it down regulates estrogen receptors to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Estrogen in a woman’s body – How does it work?

Testosterone also gets aromatized in fat cells into estrogen. So for many women using testosterone alone can eliminate the night sweats and hot flashes, increase energy, promote weight loss and lower the risk of breast cancer with no vaginal bleeding. In one study 87% of women reported complete relief of all menopausal symptoms including anxiety and menstrual headache using testosterone alone.
Side effects are minor and are limited to an occasional facial hair or acne in women prone to it, and this can often be avoided with natural support from Dr Hoffman’s hormone repletion programs.
So if you are one of those women who does not seem to be doing well on the pregnancy based hormones, testosterone may be the answer for you.

If you are interested in learning more about Dr Hoffman’s cutting edge Hormone Support programs, call: 707-292-8882

Terms related to this article include: testosterone, hormones, BHRT, HRT, menopause, testosterone pellets, testosterone creams, hormone specialist, doctor, bioidentical. Dr Hoffman offers his bioidentical hormone programs in Santa Rosa at the offices of Tru Health Medicine.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.¹ It is one of the most common organ-specific autoimmune disorders of the thyroid, among Graves’ disease, trophic thyroiditis, primary myxedema, and postpartum thyroiditis. HT has characteristic features of lymphocytic infiltration along with the presence of serum anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) and/or anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb).²

The symptoms of a clinical hypothyroidism picture in HT are variable for a few reasons. First, there exists individual variance in thyroid gland destruction and disease manifestations. One study found that approximately 90% of the thyroid must be destroyed in order for the disease to display symptoms of hypothyroidism.³

In addition to gland destruction, the difference in circulating antibodies present is also a factor in HT symptomatology. There is a correlation between an increase in serum antibodies and development from a euthyroid to hypothyroid state. However, the rate at which those who progress to overt hypothyroidism is not dependent on specific levels or ranges of antibodies present.^3,4

Some studies have suggested that TPOAb, an immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is found in about 95% of cases of HT, is the result of an injury.^3,5 All 4 subclasses of IgG have been found in HT, with each subclass responsible for different biological functions. Therefore, studies on the IgG subclass distribution of TPOAb might provide clues to the mechanism of symptomatology expression in HT. For example, when a 2008 study compared the different subtypes of IgG in HT, the results indicated that IgG2 and IgG4 subclasses were highest in those with subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism as compared to the euthryoid patients.³

This lack of correlation between individuals, antibody levels, and disease manifestation is not limited to HT. Other autoimmune disorders have been studied in relation to the amount of antibodies present and disease manifestations.⁶ According to the 2003 New England Journal of Medicine’s finding on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoantibodies were typically present many years before diagnosis.⁷ These findings may warrant serum autoantibody screening tests in those who carry various risk factors for HT in order to prevent complete destruction of the thyroid gland.

A final reason why the clinical hypothyroidism picture in HT varies is that those diagnosed with HT have a higher incidence of comorbid autoimmune diseases. These include celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease, and pernicious anemia.^1,4,8,9

In fact, it has been stated that celiac disease^1,8-11 is 5 times more common in those with HT vs. the overall population and 57% of those diagnosed with pernicious anemia have thyroid antibodies. A further study in 2007 assessed 104 patients with HT and 184 patients with celiac and concluded that the association was bi-directional.⁹

A study in 2001 in the American Journal of Gastroenterologystated that it was probable that 21 out of 31 hypothyroid patients were not experiencing autoimmune regulation disorders, but rather a decreased thyroid hormone synthesis related to malnutrition or iodide organification defect.¹² (Iodine use has been shown in one study to suppress hyperthyroidism at the expense of hypothyroidism).¹³ Other studies have demonstrated how factors such as the presence of bacterial antigens and intestinal permeability issues link to HT.^1,8,10,11,14 These studies provide evidence that hypothyroidism could potentially be misdiagnosed as an etiological factor of an existing immune dysfunction or vice versa.

Although the exact mechanism of the cause of HT is still unclear,³ the implications for discovering the etiology could provide useful information for prognosis. Several theories have been suggested in the pathogenesis of HT. One study showed that HT demonstrated an increase of CD8+ cells initiated by CD4+ cell activation and resulting B cells.⁵ Furthermore, a recent 2009 study linked the pathogenesis of HT to the presence of TgAb and its resultant monocolonal B cell proliferation. The authors of the later study concluded that this proliferation in B cells created an increased risk to the development of thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.¹⁵

Genetics may also play in a role in determining the pathogenesis and mechanism of HT. Various genetic markers have been linked to HT. These markers include human leukocyte antigen class II, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 h (PTPN-22). The mechanisms behind these genetic variations vary and are as follows: CTLA-4 suppresses T-cell function by either competing with CD28 activity during T-cell activation or suppressing the T-cell receptor. PTPN-22 acts as a powerful T cell receptor signaling inhibitor.

Still, all of the above theories ultimately trace the mechanism of HT to T and B cell expression with resulting antibody production. Furthermore, one study found that human leukocyte antigen class II, CTLA-4, and PTPN-22 was common in those with both HT and type 1 diabetes. This genetic link could provide additional evidence for a contributing mechanism to comorbid autoimmune disorders and provide clues to diagnosis and prognosis of certain autoimmune conditions.¹⁶

Other risk factors associated with HT include female gender and family associations. Epidemiological studies have revealed increased incidence with family associations to other thyroid and organ-specific autoimmune conditions.^13,16,17

To find out more about how Dr. Kimberly Hoffman can help you with your Thyroid,

please call: 707-292-8882

Reference:

1. Baskin HJ, Cobin RH, Duick DS, et al, for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. AACE Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6):457-469.

2. Desailloud R, Hober D. Viruses and thyroiditis: an update. Viro J. 2009;6:5.

3. Xie LD, Gao Y, Li MR, Lu GZ, Guo XH. Distribution of immunoglobulin G subclasses of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in sera from patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with different thyroid functional status. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008;154(2):172-176.

4. Orgentec Diagnostika GmbH. Immunometric Enzyme Immunoassay for the quantitative determination of antibodies against thyroglobulin (TG). http://www.orgentec.com/user_images/73/307576124_502e.pdf. Updated August 2005. Accessed February 11, 2010.

5. Aksoy DY, Kerimoglu U, Okur H, et al. Effects of prophylactic thyroid hormone replacement in euthyroid Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Endocr J. 2005;52(3):337-343.

6. Betterle C, Zanchetta R. Update of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS). Acta Biomed. 2003;74(1):9-33.

7. Arbuckle MR, McClain MT, Rubertone MV, et al. Development of autoantibodies before the clinical onset of systemic lupus erythematosus. N Engl J Med. 2003;349(16):1526-1533.

8. Calgar E, Ugurlu S, Ozenoglu A, Can G, Kadioglu P, Dobrucali A. Autoantibody frequency in celiac disease. Clinics (Sao Paolo). 2009;64(12):1195-1200.

9. Hadithi M, de Boer H, Meijer JW, et al. Coeliac disease in Dutch patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and vice versa. World J Gastroenterol. 2007;13(11):1715-1722.

10. Duntas LH. Does celiac disease trigger autoimmune thyroiditis? Nat Rev Endocrinol.  2009;5(4):190-191.

11. Kon YC, DeGroot LJ. Painful Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as an indication for thyroidectomy: clinical characteristics and outcome in seven patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88(6):2667-2672.

12. Sategna-Guidetti C, Volta U, Ciacci C, et al. Prevalence of thyroid disorders in untreated adult celiac disease patients and effect of gluten withdrawal: an Italian multicenter study. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;96(3):751-757.

13. Strieder TG, Tijssen JG, Wenzel BE, Endert E, Wiersinga WM. Prediction of progression to overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in female relatives of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease using the Thyroid Events Amsterdam (THEA) score. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(15):1657-1663.

14. Harkiolaki M, Holmes SL, Svendsen P, et al. T cell-mediated autoimmune disease due to low-affinity crossreactivity to common microbial peptides. Immunity. 2009;30(3):348-357.

15. Munemasa M, Yoshino T, Kobayashi K, et al. Expression of thyroglobulin on follicular dendritic cells of thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Acta Med Okayama. 2009;63(2):71-78.

16. Huber A, Menconi F, Corathers S, Jacobson EM, Tomer Y. Joint genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis: from epidemiology to mechanisms. Endocr Rev. 2008;29(6):697-725.

17. Wen WB, Lui FY. Autoantibodies highly increased in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Cell Mol Immunol. 2007;4(3):233-236.

Article from NDNR 2010

Biopuncture is a natural therapy consisting of injecting natural biological products (like herbs and homeopathic products, vitamins, etc) in Acupuncture points or specific spots (originated from: biotherapeutics [bio-] with acupuncture [-puncture]).

Biopuncture is a therapy whereby specific body locations are injected with biologically active substances which are physiologically regulating. These substances are used to treat pain, swelling, inflammation and toxin accumulation, among other problems. Most injections cause only minor discomfort because they are very shallow, given just under the skin or into the muscle.

What kinds of products are injected?

Products commonly used in Biopuncture are, for example Arnica, Echinacea, and Chamomile. Arnica is used for muscle pain and Echinacea is used to boost your body’s immune system. Biopuncturists usually inject a mixture of natural products.

Traumeel for example is used for inflammation in the setting of sports injuries and inflammation. Zeel is used for chronic joint pain. Spascupreel is used for muscle spasms/cramps. Lymphomyosot is utilized for lymphatic drainage in chronically swollen or congested tissues. These products are combined with a local anesthetic medicine like lidocaine. Other products used for Bio-Puncture include the following:

• Vitamins: B12, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 etc.
• Traumeel: Inflammations and sports injuriesZeel -tennis elbow, whiplash
• Balangen: anti-viral/bacterial
• Echinacea:  immune boost
• Chamomilla: stress
• Nux vomica: digestive problems
• Restructa: rheumatic disorders
• Other homeopathics

Are products safe for me?

The solutions are not in high concentration. They contain diluted products. Therefore, toxic side effects are very unlikely. The medications used in Biopuncture are manufactured by companies that guarantee the production quality of their products. Most of the solutions are made in Germany, under strict quality control regulations. Clinical studies on thousands of patients have confirmed the safety of solutions like Traumeel and Zeel.

How can these dilutions actually have an effect on my body?

The fact that most solutions contain low concentrations of plant extracts is often a reason for conventional doctors to criticize the possible effects of these products. Products used in Biopuncture are not diluted to the extent that the solution contains no active product (as in homeopathy). That’s why we call them “micro-doses.” How does this small dose influence the body? A good example is to think of a tetanus vaccination – only small amounts of the product are necessary to stimulate your immune system (= your defense system) against lockjaw. A few injections can protect your body for several years against this serious disease. Biopuncture injections are not vaccinations of course; however, the mechanism is similar: small doses of the right product can have a strong effect. Biopuncture produces its clinical effects because it stimulates your own immune system and restarts your healing capacity. (The medications used in Biopuncture have no relation whatsoever to the current controversy over childhood immunizations).

Has it been proven that Biopuncture works by stimulating my immune system?

Anecdotally, Biopuncturists have experienced the effects of these injections for decades. Recent research on Biopuncture has revealed new insights into the mechanism of how these products work. In June 2004, in the medical journal, Clinical and Developmental Immunology – a peer-reviewed, conventional medical journal – researchers showed that Traumeel inhibited IL-1ß and TNF-alpha secretion. Both of these immune mediators are associated with increased inflammation and tissue damage. Traumeel has also been shown to shorten recovery time for acute sports injuries. (Orizola A et al. 2007).

Will Biopuncture help me as quickly as conventional therapies?

It’s obvious that injections of micro-doses are less powerful than for example cortisone injections. The dose used is too small to immediately suppress inflammation. But that’s not the goal of Biopuncture! We consider inflammation as an important element of true and lasting healing. The goal of Biopuncture is to stimulate the natural inflammatory processes in order to get a complete and natural healing of the injured tissues. So, we do exactly the opposite of conventional drugs. As a result, the symptomatic relief may take longer, especially for chronic cases. But when approaching acute injuries, such as sports injuries or whiplash, the effects of the injections are apparent almost immediately.

Where are these injections given?

Most people – especially those who are apprehensive about needles and injections because they have had bad experiences – are surprised how easily and quickly these injections are given. In fact, these injections cannot be compared to the “usual” injections given in conventional medicine. They are not as painful used to draw blood or given a knee or shoulder joint injection. The needle is very fine and the quantity injected is very small. In fact, the injection sites look more like little pinpricks. Most of them are given into or just under the skin; others are given into specific muscle points or into ligaments. Your doctor does not give the injections arbitrarily; the injections are administered in carefully chosen locations. The place where the doctor puts the product injects the product is as important as the product itself. It’s different for each patient and each type of problem.

How many injections will I receive each session?

A lot of these injections are given at more than one spot during each session. For example, if your doctor wants to work on your liver to help with detoxification, he or she will give about 7 little injections just under the skin on your abdomen. When you have pain in the elbow, your doctor will inject several painful spots in your arm muscles or elbow ligaments. In such a case, you may receive an average of three to 10 injections in your elbow, neck or back. In most cases, injections are given in the specific pain zone.

What are the risks of the treatment?

It is clear that the doctor who decides to use Biopuncture will always do so according to the latest technical and therapeutic standards. This includes correct injection technique and appropriate infectious precautions with disposable one-time use needles. The most common adverse effects after treatment are a small red area after injection or small bruise. Serious side effects are rare.

What is a “detox” treatment?

In addition to treating painful areas, detoxification of the body is one of the keys to success. Detoxification refers to “cleaning the body” of toxins that may have accumulated in your body, for example from the environment, poor nutrition, certain medications, smoking or alcohol use. These toxins can interfere with your body’s normal healing response and optimal functioning of your immune system. They can disturb the reflex responses of your nervous system. Elimination of these toxins is important, particularly in the case of chronic pain, but also in cases of optimizing peak performance. Some injections work specifically on the liver, kidney and/or lymphatic system. Improving the function of the lymphatic system with Lymphomyosot is considered very important in Biopuncture.

When should my doctor suggest Biopuncture?

Biopuncture cannot heal all of your medical problems. It is not a miracle therapy. It is up to your doctor work with you to decide what conditions can and cannot be treated. The majority of patients choose Biopuncture because they are in pain which has not responded to treatment with conventional medications (i.e. NSAIDS like Advil, steroids or opiate pain-killers) or they prefer to treat their conditions with complementary medicine approaches. It is critical to recognize that Biopuncture is not designed to “take away the pain” as with conventional pain killers. Pain is seen as an important ‘signal’ from your body that something is going wrong. It is like the warning light on your dashboard of your car: the goal is not just to relieve the pain and restore function, but to treat the deeper cause. This means that if pain can be alleviated with Biopuncture – without prescription or over-the-counter medications – there is good reason to conclude that the deeper cause of that particular pain has been eliminated.

I’ve heard that things can get worse immediately after my first treatment. Is this correct?

Every case is different. Some patients improve immediately after the injection, sometimes within minutes. Critics sometimes describe this phenomenon as a “placebo effect” by saying that you feel better because you believe you should feel better. In Biopuncture, such an immediate improvement is most common with acute soft-tissue injuries, such as an ankle sprain or acute neck or back strain. Chronic problems which have been present for many months or years need more time to heal. Some patients report feeling a little worse (especially the day after the first treatment) – this is the exact opposite of the placebo effect. A temporary worsening is generally considered to mean that the healing process has been activated. In Biopuncture we call this the “reaction phase.” When you understand that this means that healing is underway, most patients find these reactions to be minor and acceptable.

When should I consider Biopuncture?

Most doctors use Biopuncture for minor orthopedic problems. Biopuncture would not be a considered a treatment for a fracture, large herniated disc with neurologic weakness or serious underlying medical illness. Common indications for Biopuncture include: neck, mid back, lower back and sacro-iliac pain; various tendon problems (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patellar tendonitis); shoulder pain; knee pain, tension headache etc. Biopuncture is very successful for treating sports injuries. The use of biotherapeutic injections can benefit patients who have tried conventional medicine but have had no success, or for those who have had to stop taking conventional medication because of side effects. Some Biopuncturists specialize in treating patients with bronchitis, sinusitis, hay fever, eczema and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Can Biopuncture be combined with other treatments?

Some people believe that one has to stop conventional treatments when choosing natural medicine, this is not true. For many patients it may be best to combine treatments. When you are being treated with Biopuncture, you can continue the medications you already take. Your treating MD can discuss the specifics of your situation with you. For orthopedic problems, it is often recommended that patients receive physical therapy or exercise regularly to achieve optimal results. Often patients are in a very weakened and deconditioned state and they benefit tremendously from a progressive strengthening program. Biopuncture can also be combined with chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation and other techniques. Often nutritional status is a key component to recovery. Your doctor  may inquire about your diet and supplements regime to optimize healing.

When is Biopuncture not appropriate?

Let us be very clear. Biopuncture cannot heal cancer, diabetes, a heart attack or AIDS, among other serious conditions. Nor is it an appropriate treatment for high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disorder, depression, significant organ failure (emphysema, kidney disease) or epilepsy. You doctor will help you determine if you are a candidate for biopuncture. In many patients, the disease is too serious or too aggressive, and can only be treated through conventional medications, radiation therapy or surgery. It is critical to have a diagnosis from a doctor before starting with Biopuncture.

Conclusion

Biopuncture is a safe and effective technique in complementary and integrative medicine. It uses biotherapeutic injections to stimulate the natural self-healing capacities of your body. It is worth considering if it can help with your personal health problems. Consult your medical professional for more information about Biopuncture.

Heavy Metal Toxicty Test measures the retention of toxic metals in the body.

The test measures aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, bismuth, cadmium, cesium, gadolinium, gallium, lead, mercury, nickel, niobium, platinum, rubidium, thallium, thorium, tin, tungsten, and uranium.

Heavy Metals can affect virtually every tissue and organ system in the body.  While the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity can vary widely, some of the symptoms may include:

• Chronic muscle and or tendon pain
• Chronic soft tissue pain in the body and Fibromyalgia
• Chronic malaise – general feeling of discomfort,
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Weight gain
• Recurring illness
• Brain fog – state of forgetfulness and confusion or impaired cognitive function
• Chronic yeast infections such as Candida
• Gastrointestinal complaints, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn, and indigestion
• Food allergies
• Dizziness
• Migraines and/or headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Mood swings, depression, and/or anxiety
• Nervous system malfunctions – burning feeling in extremities, numbness, tingling, paralysis, and/or an electrifying feeling throughout the body
• Hormone imbalances and endocrine disruption

If you would like to be tested for heavy metal toxicity or if you would like to learn more about heavy metal testing, contact us at 707-292-8882

Safety of Estrogen in Menopause

Women who initiated hormone replacement therapy (HRT) soon after beginning menopause and who continued treatment for 10 years had significantly reduced risk of myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, or death with no increased risk of cancer, venous thromboembolism, or stroke, according to findings from a randomized controlled trial conducted using data from the Danish Osteoporosis Prevention Study (DOPS).¹

Since the primary results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study were presented in 2002,² controversy has surrounded the use of HRT in postmenopausal women. Before 2002, HRT was characterized as having significant cardiovascular and skeletal benefits, with any adverse effects being offset by its benefits. However, the WHI study findings showed that HRT not only had no cardiovascular benefits but also modestly increased the risk of stroke, venous thromboembolism, and breast cancer.² These conflicting findings have caused speculation about whether the timing of HRT initiation affects cardiovascular risk

In this latest DOPS study, 1006 healthy women aged 45 to 58 years who were recently postmenopausal or who had perimenopausal symptoms confirmed by postmenopausal serum follicle stimulating hormone values were randomized to either HRT or no treatment.¹ Twenty years of treatment was planned, but after publication of the WHI study results, researchers advised participants to discontinue HRT. The primary endpoint encompassed a trio of factors—death, MI, or heart failure.

During 10 years of randomized treatment plus 6 years of follow-up, death, MI, or heart failure occurred in 33 women who received HRT and 53 women who had no treatment. Of these 86 women, 11 had heart failure (3, HRT group; 8, control group), 16 had MI (5, HRT group; 11, control group), and 67 died (27, HRT group; 40, control group). There was no difference between the HRT and the control groups in the number of women who had a stroke (19 vs 21, respectively), venous thromboembolism (4 vs 5, respectively), or pulmonary embolism (1 vs 3, respectively). The rates of breast cancer were also similar between groups (24, HRT group; 26, control group), but women younger than 50 who received HRT had a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer.

According to the study authors, these results imply that long-term use of HRT, when started soon after menopause, does not increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, specifically death, MI, or heart failure. In this study, however, synthetic 17-beta-estradiol was used; in the WHI study, conjugated equine estrogen was used. This difference in medication, along with variations in patient characteristics, may account for the disparities in results between this DOPS study and the WHI study, suggested the study authors.¹

Pertinent Points:
- Beginning HRT soon after menopause significantly reduced the risk of the combined endpoint of mortality, myocardial infarction, or heart failure.
- Early initiation and prolonged use (> 10 years) of HRT was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer or stroke.

If you are interested in testing your hormones

Dr. Hoffman formulates B vitamin injections for each patient according to their unique needs as an individual.  B vitamins are crucial for optimal health and well being.  Below you will find a list of the B Vitamins and their qualities as well as their clinical applications.

VITAMIN B1: THIAMINE

Vitamin B1 supports cellular energy production and nerve conduction. Restricted diets, excessive alcohol intake, malnutrition, and malabsorption syndromes are some of the common causes of vitamin B1 deficiency that can lead to irritability, depression, nausea, peripheral neuropathy, constipation, loss of appetite, mental confusion, loss of fine motor control, and muscle weakness. A component of B-Complex.

VITAMIN B2: RIBOFLAVIN

Vitamin B2 is essential for cellular energy production and respiration. Deficiency may cause depression, dizziness, photophobia, and dermatitis. It may be beneficial in relieving headache, migraine, and acne rosacea. A component of B-Complex.

VITAMIN B3: NIACINAMIDE

Vitamin B3 is needed for cellular energy. It helps release energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Clinical signs of early deficiency include muscle fatigue, indigestion, depression, insomnia, headache, and skin issues. Contraindicated in liver failure. A component of B-Complex.

VITAMIN B5: DEXPANTHENOL

Dexpanthenol acts as a precursor to coenzyme A. It supports adrenal function, stimulates wound healing, and may help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lower cholesterol, and reduce platelet stickiness. It is contraindicated with hemophilia as it may exacerbate bleeding. A component of B-Complex.

VITAMIN B6: PYRIDOXINE

This “anti-stress vitamin” is important for a healthy immune system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. It aids in metabolism, heme (blood) synthesis, and neurotransmitter production. Supplementation may benefit learning disorders including ADHD, aid in weight loss, stabilize blood sugar, promote healthy skin, balance the mood (as it is needed in the formation of serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters), prevent kidney stone formation, atherosclerosis and fatigue, alleviate nausea due to pregnancy and menopause, and reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, as well as PMS including breast tenderness, cramps, anxiety and depression. It is especially indicated for athletes — pre-exercise for an energy boost or post-exercise for its anti-inflammatory effects — and women with PMS symptoms, as it helps alleviate cramps and menstrual migraines quickly. Some research suggests that B6 may lower the risk of colon cancer. Together with vitamin B12 and Folic Acid, it may help reduce homocysteine levels (elevated levels can lead to cardiovascular disease and is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease). Deficiency can be caused by excessive alcohol intake and use of birth control pills. High dose vitamin B6 should be combined with synergistic B vitamins to ensure adequate levels of all the B vitamins, preventing imbalances or deficiencies in any one of the B vitamins. Greater than 250-300 mg per day may eventually cause sensory nerve damage leading to numbness in the hands and feet as well as walking difficulties. Its use is contraindicated with the medication L-Dopa (Levodopa) in patients with Parkinson’s Disease, as it may diminish the effectiveness of the medication.

VITAMIN B7: BIOTIN

Biotin is also known as vitamin H or coenzyme R. It is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrate and fat and can help address high blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and may be helpful in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. Biotin plays a role in energy metabolism and has been used to treat alopecia (hair loss), cancer Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, seborrheic dermatitis, and vaginal candidiasis. No toxicity has been reported with biotin intake.

VITAMIN B8: INOSITOL

Inositol is sometimes known as vitamin B-8, although its status as a B vitamin is unclear. It is a naturally occurring nutrient usually classified as a carbocyclic polyol. It plays a major role in preventing the collection of fats in the liver, as well as promoting healthy hair growth. It aids in efficient processing of nutrients into the conversion of energy, which in turn helps the body to maintain a healthy metabolism. It may help serotonin production, which controls mood and appetite, and may help with stress and conditions such as panic disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), psoriasis, insomnia, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). There are no reports of inositol induced toxicity. Caution in people with bipolar depression.

VITAMIN B9: FOLIC ACID / FOLATE

This B vitamin is needed to produce blood cells and other new tissue cells. Folate function is necessary to help prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy and accumulation of homocysteine, which is a toxic metabolic byproduct linked to cardiovascular disease and connective tissue abnormalities.

VITAMIN B12: METHYLCOBALAMIN / HYDROXOCOBALAMIN

We use only bioactive vitamin B12, meaning that the body doesn’t have to convert it to a form that’s available for the body to utilize. Bioactive B12 crosses the blood brain barrier to affect brain function directly. B12 plays an important role in red blood cell formation, brain and nervous system function, and immune system regulation. It’s known to help increase energy, boost metabolism, support weight loss, lower homocysteine levels (elevated levels can lead to cardiovascular disease and is linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease), enhance mood, support the immune system, provide mental clarity, promote deeper sleep, and improve stamina. It may benefit pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis, diabetic nerve damage, alcoholic polyneuropathy, neurological disorders, peripheral neuropathy, shingles, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, headache, migraine, and hangover. Vegans and Vegetarians, or those who don’t eat much red meat, people with inflammatory intestinal conditions, those who have had intestinal resection at the terminal ileum, and people who have used medications such as antibiotics, Metformin, H2 blockers (acid blockers), and PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are the most likely to be deficient in vitamin B12. Deficiency symptoms may include megaloblastic anemia, peripheral neuropathy, irritability, dementia, depression, psychosis, and increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Injections of B12 act better therapeutically than oral supplementation (which relies on healthy gut tissue for absorption at the terminal ileum) and IV solutions (where much of B12 gets excreted quickly by the kidneys).

B-COMPLEX: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6

This is a combination of vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (dexpanthenol), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). All B vitamins help the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is “burned” to produce energy. B vitamins are essential in the breakdown of fats and protein in food, and play an important role in maintaining muscle tone lining the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. Caution should be taken for those with liver disease and those taking the medication L-Dopa (Levodopa) due to vitamin B3 and B6 respectively.

To learn more about Dr. Hoffman’s B vitamin injections, call: 707-292-8882

B12 Injections give you a boost!

The effects of B vitamin injections are often immediate and many patients report that they feel better right away!  B12 is necessary in the human body for a wide variety of functions, including helping to produce all of the red blood cells.  B12 also is vital for supporting a healthy and functioning nervous system.

B12 Injections can also:

• Boost energy levels
• Boost metabolism
• Improve chronic fatigue
• Lessen the feelings of depression
• Enhances weight loss
• Decreases systemic inflammation (lowers homocysteine – a cardiovascular risk marker)
• Improves mood
• Supports immune function
• Decreases headaches
• Corrects B12 deficiencies caused by many common medications (H2 blockers, metformin, antibiotics and Proton Pump Inhibitors)

Call our office for details: 707-292-8882

No doubt about it, it’s a bad flu year. Health officials are calling it the worst flu season in over a decade. The virus is worse than usual, more people are getting sick than usual, there is less than a 10% chance that the vaccine is target correctly for this years virus, some are unable to get it because of vaccine shortages, and many folks decline the vaccine because of safety concerns.

Interested in knowing 8 of Dr Hoffman’s natural Flu prevention tips?

Tip Number 1

• Dr. Hoffman’s Natural flu prevention shot – a mix of powerful and therapeutic vitamins, amino acids and nutrients designed to give your body a strong defense against the Flu!

Tip Number 2

• Probiotics help improve immunity and prevent infection.  Probiotics by Klaire Labs Therbiotic Complete, 25B CFU per day mixed strains.

Tip Number 3

• Wash your hands before anything goes into your mouth. Hand washing with soap that contains a natural, essential oil based hand sanitizer of : cinnamon, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon oils with pure aloe vera gel and water). This is something that you can easily make at home!

Tip Number 4

Dr Hoffman’s Flu Prevention Tea 

• Yarrow (1 part)
• Elder flowers (1 part)
• Peppermint (1 part)
• Rose Hips (1/4 part)

To prepare: Mix equal parts of the dried herbs. Pour 2 cups of near boiling water over 2 Tbsp herbs. Steep 10 minutes. Strain. Add some honey or maple syrup – lowers the fever, makes you sweat, eases headache and joint pain.  Dr Hoffman has seen this help to decrease the severity and duration of Flu infections.  Drink 1/4 cup every hour, while awake.

Tip Number 5

• Vitamin D3 to keep blood test levels above 50 ng/dl.  Dr. Hoffman can easily test your Vit D levels to make sure you are getting the correct dose to optimize your blood levels.

Tip Number 6

Hydrotherapy

• Finally when someone comes down with the first flu symptoms – headache, scratchy throat, malaise.
• What to do- Put on flannel PJ’s, drink the hot tea mentioned earlier (8-12 oz), get under the covers and sweat yourself to sleep. This can help you get back on your feet.

Tip Number 7

Homeopathic Remedies

• Mucococccinum and Oscillococcinum – taken together once a day for 14 days at the first sign of any symptoms, or if exposed to others with the flu.

 Tip Number 8

• Plenty of Echinacea root. Dr Hoffman uses a product with Echinacea and two other flu specific herbs to help improve immune function.  Dr. Hoffman’s initial dose is 2.5 g/day in tablet form, or 5 mL of liquid. This year, due to the virulent strain that is moving around the country, Dr. Hoffman doubles that baseline dose throughout the duration of threat for prevention. Then the trick is to temporarily double or triple this if you feel an infection coming on to ward it off. This works for our patients much of the time.

**Although there are many general approaches that one can take to avoid the flu, the best preparation plan requires an individualized approach to keeping the flu at bay.  Everyone is different and the plans that Dr. Hoffman designs will vary from person to person.

To learn more about natural Flu prevention call: 707-292-8882

The information contained in this post is not meant to be construed as medical advice and is not intended to cure or treat any disease or condition.  Please seek the advice of your Naturopathic Doctor before initiating any treatments.  This post is for educational purposes only.

The doctors at Tru Health Medicine have designed a natural immune boosting, anti-flu program to help you get through the flu season naturally.  The Anti-Flu injection is comprised of a therapeutic and concentrated dose of Vitamin C, B Complex vitamins as other liver specific vitamins and amino acids to assist in liver detoxification.

Over the years our patients have found that they are able to stay well through the flu season without the need for pharmaceutical flu vaccines, when they get regular Anti Flu injections.  Mention this article to receive 10% off your first injection!

Mention this coupon for 10% off your first Anti-Flu shot at Tru Health Medicine

Low T and men

Testosterone is something that has been getting a lot of attention over the last several years.

Many studies suggest that it is common for men with low testosterone to go untreated. Bioidentical hormone therapies can help to raise testosterone levels and make a difference in a man’s quality of life.

Around the age of 35, men begin a gradual and steady decline in to hormone depletion.

This is a gradual process and most men don’t notice the effects until their testosterone is very low.

Some of the common symptoms that men may experience include the following:

• weight gain
• fatigue
• muscle loss
• depression
• decreased sex drive
• low self confidence
• apathy
• less motivation
• less interest in or excitement for life
• irritability
• decrease in muscle tome or strength

There is strong evidence suggesting that low testosterone can contribute to several chronic medical conditions such as:

• obesity
• diabetes
• depression
• erectile dysfunction
• and possibly cardiovascular disease

Building bones and muscles, is something testosterone is needed for.  Healthy bones and toned muscles is something that is important for men as they age. Hormone replacement therapy can be very helpful in revitalizing your sex life.  Replenishing testosterone back to the body’s ideal physiologic levels, may help to decrease the likelihood of developing these conditions.  Low testosterone levels can be corrected in most cases with either gels, creams, pellets, or injections. Dr Hoffman personalizes each treatment for the patients specific needs and closely monitors for efficacy and response to treatment.

Generally speaking, most men report improvements in energy, mood, sexual performance, confidence, self-esteem, and an overall sense of well-being within three to six weeks of testosterone therapy. Other benefits of hormone therapy include:

• Increased mental & physical energy
• A decrease in feelings of irritability, sadness, nervousness
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved sex drive & sexual performance
• Increased lean body mass
• A decrease in fat mass
• Increased muscle strength & endurance

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of decreasing testosterone, hormone replacement therapy could help you get your life back.

At Tru Health Medicine, we are medical professionals who specialize in anti-aging and hormone therapy. Dr Hoffman is an age management specialist  that has taken a personal interest in the treatment of andropause and menopause patients. Through a detailed consultation and laboratory testing Dr. Hoffman  will design a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

To learn more, or to schedule a 10 minute consultation with the doctor, please call:707-292-8882