Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Is BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy(BHRT) Right For You?

Estrogen decrease over our lifetime is a natural process of aging as we approach peri-menopause and enter menopause. Although a natural process, decreasing levels of estrogen can have less than desirable side effects, most importantly its effects on cardiovascular disease. Low estrogen in menopause leads to:

•         Cardiovascular Disease

•         Osteoporosis

•         Muscle Weakness/Fatigue

•         Insomnia/Foggy Thinking

•         Weight Gain

•         Decreased collagen/skin thickness

•         Decreased libido/vaginal dryness

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN WOMEN. It is important to have a comprehensive health workup when considering hormone replacement therapy. Creating complete health and balance in your life by fully evaluating cardiovascular health and risks, thyroid and adrenal function, breast/ovarian related cancers as well as dietary and lifestyle influences will ensure safe use of BHRT and the full benefit of anti-aging therapies. BHRT is most beneficial for women entering perimenopause and early menopause as the cardiovascular risks will be most reduced at this phase of life. Starting BHRT after the age of 65-70 years old is not recommended on the basis of increasing risk of stroke.

What is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormones are made from natural soy or yam components that are synthesized to be identical to the hormones that are made in your body.  Bioidentical hormone therapy is specifically created by a compounding pharmacy for your individual needs determined from thorough hormone testing. Proper estrogen and progesterone ratios can then be reestablished as well as uncovering testosterone, cortisol, and DHEA imbalances. Bioidentical hormones are used together with naturopathic therapeutics, exercise and nutritional therapies to increase health and vitality.

Who needs BHRT?

Pre-menopause:

Pre-menopausal women that are regularly cycling may have symptoms indicating hormone imbalance. Symptoms may include:

•  PMS(mood changes, acne, breast tenderness, painful cycles and irregular menses)

•  Migraines 

• Fatigue

• Anxiety 

• Miscarriage/Infertility

   

Peri-menopause:

Peri-menopausal woman will start to have changes in their menstrual cycle commonly skipping monthly cycles as the hormone levels start to decrease. Women with chronic illness, depletion, adrenal fatigue and long term use of oral contraceptives tend to notice peri-menopausal changes earlier than other women. The average woman enters perimenopause at 45 years old. Symptoms may include those above as well as:

• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Short term memory loss
• Heart palpitations
• Decreased sex drive
• Weight gain
• Hair loss

Menopause:

Woman that have entered menopause have not had a single menstrual cycle for an entire year. This symbolizes a drop in hormones that has consistently remained low over time unable to stimulate a menstrual cycle. Symptoms generally include the above mentioned as well as increased RISK FOR:

•  Cardiovascular disease

•  Osteopenia/osteoporosis

• Collagen changes and increased infection

 

Naturopathic Treatment Plan and Assessment includes:

• Salivary hormone testing to determine the actual hormone levels
• fasting blood work to assess nutrient levels, thyroid and adrenal function
• hormone balancing with customized herbal formulas specific to your condition
• medical nutrition assessment
• exercise protocols
• homeopathic medicine
• intramuscular vitamin injections
• natural hormone replacement if necessary

 Come in today for a comprehensive naturopathic wellness exam to create health and evaluate proper hormone balance that is right for you!

Receive $50 off your comprehensive hormone panel by booking now online:

http://book-online-now-dr-martin.genbook.com

CREATE HEALTH!

Dr. Hillary Martin, ND LMT
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor

13323 W. Washington Blvd Suite 202
Los Angeles, California 90066
www.drhillarymartin.com
310-691-6237

Feeling Your Best in 2012: CLEAN OUT THAT JUNK IN YOUR TRUNK!

Happy New Year!

Feeling Your Best in 2012: CLEAN OUT THAT JUNK IN YOUR TRUNK!
by Dr. Hillary Martin, N.D.

The new year is a great time to reflect….and a large part of that process offers you an opportunity to get out with the old and in with the new.  Symbolically this is the perfect time to clean out the old junk drawers, clean up old habits, get rid of old weight and stagnant thoughts. This is the time to enact the changes you have been aiming for and create the new you!

Detoxification: What is it and Why is it good for you?

Detoxification is the most exciting tool in natural medicine for its simplicity, low cost and superior therapeutic results. It's actually fun to participate and you'll feel results almost immediately.

Physical Detoxification:
Our bodies detox continuously as a natural function. It's only when our detox mechanisms
become overloaded that the process becomes less efficient and symptoms may occur. Toxins may be internal or external in origin. Pollution or pesticides in our food source put undue stress on our detox organs, the kidneys and liver. Improper digestion and imbalanced gut ecology provide internal forms of toxins in the way of metabolic by-products stemming from certain bacteria which have toxic side effects and therefore impact negatively on overall health by compromising detox pathways.

It has been suggested that toxic overload contributes to more serious conditions such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory/rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Mental Detoxification:
The cleansing of our mind of negative thought patterns is essential to health and physical
detoxification and can aid in this process. Emotionally, detoxification helps us uncover and express hidden frustrations, anger, resentments and fear and replace them with forgiveness, love, joy and hope.

Symptoms which may be relieved by following a detox program include:

 

• Digestive problems
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• General malaise
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Itchy skin
• Skin rashes
• Joint pain
• Weight loss resistance
• Poor concentration

What a carefully planned detoxification program can offer you:

 

• Anti-aging effects
• Weight loss
• Clearer skin and eyes
• Increased productivity
• Greater motivation and creativity
• Reduction of allergic symptoms

Join Dr. Martin in the 2012 Detoxification for
Physical and Spiritual Health.

It is simple, low cost and leads to superior therapeutic results. Call now for more details!

Centre for Life
Dr. Hillary Martin ND
13323 W.Washington Blvd
Suite 202
Los Angeles, CA 90066
www.drhillarymartin.com
contact@drhillarymartin.com
310 691 6237

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Educate and Optimize Your Health Today to Prevent Breast Cancer

            Breast cancer is at the top of the list for women's health risks. Over 95% of breast cancers are preventable with proper screening and education. Women with a family history of breast cancer and a genetic predisposition including BRCA1/BRCA 2 genes need breast health screening more often and sooner than the suggested annual mammogram at age 40. Although mammography is a useful screening tool, most breast cancers are found by the woman herself during monthly self-breast exams. Familiarizing yourself with the density and quality of your breast tissue is an invaluable way to personally screen breast tissue and breast health on a regular basis. In the United States today breast cancer is on the rise. Specific nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle practices have been linked to breast cancer and can be PREVENTED!

Iodine and Vitamin D deficiency have been specifically researched in clinical studies in relation to the hormone component of breast cancers. Iodine is no longer commonly included in dietary salts. Additionally, the soil is depleted of minerals. These facts along with reduced salt intake for cardiovascular health, women are unable to absorb the proper amounts of Iodine necessary for regulating proper hormone health, particularly regarding estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormones. If breast cancer runs in your family and you suspect that you have a thyroid or metabolic disorder, have your Iodine levels checked today to rule in or out a serious contributor to breast and overall wellness. Vitamin D, also a hormone, is an eclectic molecule that strongly participates in hormone regulation as well as immune modulation. Sunscreen use and the inappropriate latitude (creating the angle of the sun to the earth) in most regions of the U.S., including Southern California, make it difficult for us to absorb the necessary amounts of Vitamin D we need. Vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Get Screened Today!

• Iodine Deficiency and Breast Cancer Excerpt from Life Extension October 2011: Human breast tissue and breast milk contain higher concentrations of iodine than the thyroid gland itself, which contains just 30% of the body’s iodine stores. Breast tissue is rich in the same iodine-transporting proteins used by the thyroid gland to take up iodine from the blood. The evolutionary reasons for this are clear…Read More.

• Vitamin D Deficiency and Breast Cancer Risk: Clinical study shows Vitamin D is safe and effective in lowering breast cancer risk and as prevention.  Supplementation with Vitamin D in 6500 women with breast cancer and those without reduced the risk of breast cancer by 25%. …Read More

Early signs of breast cancer may include skin irritation, dimpling, swelling, a breast lump, tenderness, nipple changes or pain or a mammogram abnormality. Women should contact their health care provider if any of these symptoms appear and should follow guidelines for yearly breast health screenings.

When breast cancer is found early, your chances of survival are 96%!  This means that 96 out of 100 women survive for 5 or more years!  There are many options for treatment when breast cancer is found early.

Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts offers free breast exams and mammograms to women age 40 and older. To see if you qualify for these free tests call 1-800-511-2300 Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. We speak English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese.

Click Here for detailed information on how to perform a SELF-BREAST EXAM.

Pink Ribbon: One Click to Give A FREE Mammogram

Wellness Exam with Iodine & Vitamin D Testing $245(Regular $365)

Call Today for More Information

Dr. Hillary Martin
310 691 6237
www.drhillarymartin.com

Educate Before We Vaccinate

Don't Give This to Your Daughter - Despite What Your Doctor Says

It's been four years since Gardasil debuted as a blockbuster vaccine with sales that rocketed to over $1.1 billion in its first nine months.
Touted as a wonder vaccine that would end cervical cancer, it was supposed to be the savior of both mankind and Merck's Vioxx-damaged bottom line. But now, according to CNN Money, it's a dud.
It just posted $219 million in sales. But in the pharma world, that's a paltry pittance, nothing short of an in-flight explosion that's caused Merck stock to drop 3 percent, with analysts and investors scrambling to figure out what went wrong.
So what happened?
How did a vaccine that was supposed to be Merck's beacon for higher profits in the 21^st Century go from flagship to flop?

To read more click link below....
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/11/05/gardasil-vaccine-is-a-flop-for-good-reasons.aspx

Menopause Natural Supplements That Can Help

Menopause is a universal phase of life change that occurs naturally, and involves a woman's reproductive system. Just as at one point in time you celebrated menarche, there will be a time to celebrate the "pause" in ones menstrual cycle. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menses for a one year period, which is caused by the body's decreased production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, generally occurring around 50 years of age. Many women experience menstrual changes or irregularities, mood shifts that can involve irritability and feeling less optimistic, changes in vaginal discharge, a drier vaginal lining, "hot flashes", headaches, fatigue, weight changes, bone density changes and more susceptibility to urinary tract infections. Supplementation with vitamins, herbs and foods can help ease all of these symptoms and make for a much smoother transition.

Vitamins

Bioflavonoids, like rutin, hesperidin and quercetin, when taken with vitamin C can relieve hot flashes related to menopause.

Vitamin B6 supplementation can reduce levels of depression, insomnia and irritability, as it plays a major role in regulating the hormone serotonin and neurotransmitters.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) contains gamma linolenic acid, which can relieve the vasomotor changes leading to hot flashes. EPO may also help balance the ratio between estrogen and progesterone, which can reduce breast tenderness.

A vitamin E study done in the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" showed that 400 IU of Vitamin E per day relieved menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and vaginal dryness.


Calcium After 50, women need more calcium to maintain bone strength and prevent side effects of osteoporosis. Supplement daily in concert with vitamin D to increase absorption and improve bone health.

Herbs

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), as stated in Dr. Tori Hudson's "Womens Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," provides estrogen-like activity and has been compared to hormone replacement therapy in reducing hot flashes, night sweats, nervousness, headaches, heart palpitations, mood swings, insomnia and decreased vaginal dryness and loss in tone.

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) acts on communication between the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis. It can help keep the ratio of progesterone and estrogen in balance to address infrequent or excessive irregular bleeding.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has estrogenic affects that can regulate hot flashes and increase uterine contraction to bring on menses. If one is already having heavy and frequent menses, Ding quai is not recommended.

Gingko biloba contains active constituents that increase vascular blood flow to the brain that can act to improve memory loss, depression and cognition. Gingko has also been shown to increase libido.

Licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a phytoestrogen and can regulate hormone fluctuations as well as act as a powerful antimicrobial to fight recurrent infections.

St. Johns wort can relieve symptoms of depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Over 25 studies cited in Dr.Hudson's book back up this result, and although the studies were not specific to pre/post menopausal women, it is a remarkable botanical medicine to use simultaneously with other supplements.

Foods

Soy and flaxseeds can provide estrogenic and phytoestrogenic effects and can be supplemented into the diet. One of most important factors in the management of menopause is incorporating a diet to prevent osteoporosis. A diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat, protein, and sugar is generally recommended. High phosphorus-containing beverages like soda should be eliminated as they force the body to pull calcium from the bones to balance electrolyte levels. Dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, spinach, romaine lettuce and Swiss chard will provide a rich source of necessary vitamins and minerals. Calcium-rich foods like beans, sesame seeds, salmon, tofu and organic dairy products, should also be included.

• Christy C. "Vitamin E in Menopause; preliminary report in experimental and clinical study." Am J Obstet Gynec 1945; 50:84-87.
• Hudson, Tori, N.D., Womens Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Keats Publishing, 1999.
• Trickey, Ruth, Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle, Allen & Unwin, 1998.

About this Author

Dr. Hillary Martin is a licensed, primary care naturopathic doctor in Los Angeles. Her goal is to provide informative wellness articles to prevent illness, discover imbalances within the body and rebuild the foundation to create health.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/110490-natural-menopause-supplements/#ixzz1MZ8z56Sf

http://www.livestrong.com/article/110490-natural-menopause-supplements/

Acid Reflux

Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

DGL Licorice and Acid Reflux

Overview

Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid leaks through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The rise of acid can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat, and create trouble swallowing. Specific foods can increase acid and decrease the function of the LES. Excess acid irritates esophageal membranes and leads to more serious complications and cell damage. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) decreases occurrence of reflux and can soothe mucus membranes.

Identification

Licorice has been used for centuries as a healing elixir for numerous gastrointestinal problems. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) is a special extract of licorice where the glycyrrhizin component has been removed. According to the book "Medical Herbalism," glycyrrhizin can have hypertensive effects, or act as an antidiuretic or mineralocorticoid. Removing this component yields an effective plant remedy to decrease gastric inflammation and acid, heal esophageal membranes and decrease gastric spasms that are so common in acid reflux.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/110565-dgl-licorice-acid-reflux/#ixzz1LuhpKsOO

About this Author

Dr. Hillary Martin is a licensed, primary care naturopathic doctor in Los Angeles. Her goal is to provide informative wellness articles to prevent illness, discover imbalances within the body and rebuild the foundation to create health.

7 sessions for $77 Get Ready for Summer Special

GREAT MOTHERS DAY GIFT!!!! Summer is less than 8 weeks away! 7 week sessions for only $77. Get Fit- Fight Fatigue-Feel Great. Enroll by May 3rd to secure your spot. 7 weekly meetings in office or SKYPE sessions depending on location to address diet, lifestyle factors, exercise, mood, energy, detox and weight. Sessions can be extended for specific conditions. Therapeutic body work and Supplements not included 

Find out more: contact@drhillarymartin.com for additional information, intake forms and appointment slots.