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Year: 2016

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27Dec

Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women

What constitutes sexual dysfunction and what can be done about it?

Sexual dysfunction is a more common problem than our highly sexualized culture usually acknowledges. Since 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report some degree of difficulty in their sexual response and/or satisfaction, and since it can be assumed that such experience is underreported, a substantial portion of the population is having trouble with a form of natural behavior that should be a source of ongoing pleasure and gratification. If you or your partner suffers from some form of sexual dysfunction, you should not suffer in silence. Take the important step of consulting with a well-respected doctor who specializes in hormone replacement therapy to find out whether there is a simple medical cause for your difficulties that can be easily remedied.

What is sexual dysfunction?

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Sexual dysfunction is defined as a problem that occurs during any phase of the sexual response cycle. The sexual response cycle includes four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Desire and arousal are considered parts of the excitement phase. Difficulty during any one of these phases on the part of one partner typically affect both partners’ levels of satisfaction with the sexual experience and may not only lead to individual physical disappointment and emotional stress, but to disturbances in the couple’s relationship.

What are the types of sexual dysfunction?

Either partner may be troubled by lack of sexual desire, inability to become aroused, delay or disability in achieving orgasm, or pain during intercourse. Men may have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, a condition known as erectile dysfunction, may not be able to ejaculate even after sufficient sexual stimulation, or may ejaculate too early (premature ejaculation). Women, on the other hand, may lack adequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse, may be unable to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow penetration, or may be unable to achieve climax.

What puts you at risk for sexual dysfunction?

While sexual dysfunction can occur at any age, it shows up more frequently in individuals over the age of 40 when the body may begin to feel the effects of aging and when more health problems occur.

What causes sexual dysfunction?

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There are many causes of sexual dysfunction, including disease conditions, reactions to certain medications, alcohol or drug abuse, and psychological or relationship problems. More often than is usually presumed, a hormonal imbalance may be the underlying cause of sexual dysfunction. This is why it’s is important to be evaluated by a physician skilled in diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances.

What are treatments for sexual dysfunction?

There are many treatments for sexual dysfunction. In some cases, medications, medical devices, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and/or sex therapy may be helpful. In many circumstances, however, a hormone imbalance may be the underlying cause. This is why it’s essential to have proper diagnostic testing administered. If a hormonal imbalance it the problem, the administration of bioidentical hormones can be life-changing, restoring the patient’s revitalized, robust sex life.

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22Nov

15 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

by drjudigoldstone

Looking to avoid holiday weight gain? You’re not alone. The average American gains five pounds during the holiday season. This may seem inevitable with all those family gatherings, workplace events and other food- and drink-laden social engagements. However, with a little planning, adding those extra pounds can be avoided

Set realistic Weight Loss goals

Come holiday season, it’s easy to set lofty goals about weight loss. Write down your goals—keep them specific and attainable—and post them somewhere highly visible. If your goal is “stick to two cookies at every holiday party” seeing it periodically may help you commit.

Don’t starve yourself before a holiday meal or party.
- You’ll only show up hungry and eat too much. Keep your hunger in check with a few small meals throughout the day. Also, be sure to eat a small snack about 1 hr. before the holiday dinner.
Take snacks wherever you go

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Without snacks comes hunger that lead you right over to the hors d’oeuvre table, which is usually hunks of cheese and other high-fat, calorie-dense fare. Bring healthy snacks with you — in your glove compartment, purse, gym bag, and brief case. Whenever hunger hits, you’re ready. If you’re hungry at the party, reach for the vegetables, fruit or rye crackers.

Select low calorie density foods first

A huge green salad, a plate of fresh fruit, and a side of roasted vegetables add up to a lot of food, but not a lot of calories.

Don’t stand by the food at the party

You will be less likely to partake in unconscious snacking all night if you instead move, mingle and socialize with friends. The closer you are to the food, the more you will eat.
Face away from the dessert spread and listen to cues from your gut rather than your eyes.

MORE WEIGHT LOSS TIPS!

Eat and chew slowly

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It pays off to pace yourself. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to register a “full” sensation and signal the brain that it’s had enough. In addition, the quicker you eat, the less time the body has to register fullness. Thus, slow down and take a second to savor each bite of food.
It’s best to go for a walk or chat with friends before dishing up seconds.

Stick to a regular routine with sleep and exercise.

Many times, feeling tired or stressed is mistaken for hunger.

De-stress

The holiday season is full of cheer, but it can also be stressful keeping up with family get-togethers. Stress can trigger increased eating and cravings, especially for sugary carbohydrates. Thus, if the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed, try out one of these ways to reduce stress. Meditation—using techniques like muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and mindfulness may work wonders when attempting to avoid holiday weight gain.

Stay consistent with exercise routine

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Exercise is especially critical during this time of larger-than-usual meals. In addition to your regular exercise schedule, plan activities like walks, hikes, bicycle rides, and dances with family and friends. Seek out a professional to help you with your program if you need motivation.

Watch alcohol intake

Alcoholic beverages contain empty calories, offering little to no nutritional value and contributing to excess weight gain. Try having a seltzer with a lime twist or a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help cut calories and remain well hydrated. In addition, drinking too much alcohol can cause us to lose inhibitions around food and start eating irresponsibly.

OUR FINAL 5 WEIGHT LOSS TIPS =)

Use tall, thin glasses for drinks

People pour less liquid into tall glasses than into shorter glasses. With a taller glass, you’re likely to down less in one sitting (which is especially helpful when drinking booze).

Use smaller plates

Plate sizes have expanded significantly over the years. Whenever possible, choose the smaller salad plate instead of a large dinner one. Using smaller plates can make it seem like you are eating more than you are.

Dealing with Cravings

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It’s smart to acknowledge a few cravings instead of pushing them away completely. Forbidding a specific food or food group during the holiday season may only make it more attractive. Still want more of that apple pie after a couple of bites?

Wait before grabbing seconds.

Try thinking of a favorite holiday activity, like opening presents, watching Christmas movies, or playing in the snow. Daydreaming about pleasant activities or distracting yourself with just about any activity can reduce the intensity of food cravings. Try small tastes of the desserts you’re truly craving.

Drink water

Water helps people feel full, and therefore consume fewer calories. Rather than guzzling calorie- and sugar-laden sodas and juices (which are associated with increased body fat and blood pressure) treat yourself to a glass of wine with dinner and keep your allegiance to water for the rest of the day.

11Nov

The Benefits of Vitamin D

by drjudigoldstone

How important is the sunshine vitamin to our general health?

Vitamin D is called “the sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in the skin in response to sunlight. While we all learned in elementary school how important it is for developing strong bones and teeth, and most senior citizens are constantly reminded that they should take a vitamin D supplement (along with their calcium) to help prevent osteoporosis, vitamin D has many other important purposes.

Because of the complexity of substances (including vitamins, minerals, and hormones) that interact to make the body function at optimal levels, it is essential to have a board-certified physician who understands the myriad connections among them and who is able to administer the appropriate doses of each to keep your body in balance.

The Functions of Vitamin D

Apart from regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, which not only helps to prevent osteoporosis, but also the softening of bones (osteomalacia), vitamin D performs the following significant functions:

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Maintaining a normal immune system to help the body fight disease
Fighting depression and anxiety, regulating moods
Assisting in weight loss when taken with calcium
Helping to prevent heart disease

Several studies have attested to these benefits of vitamin D. In addition, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2006 points to evidence suggesting that vitamin D reduces your risk of developing multiple sclerosis, and findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2010 attest to the fact that vitamin D reduces your likelihood of developing the flu. Another interesting research study demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency was discernibly more common in fibromyalgia patients who were experiencing anxiety and depression.

How the Body Gets the Vitamin D It Needs

As mentioned, exposure to sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D. Only a small amount of exposure, about 10 minutes of mid-day sun, is necessary for individuals with fair skin. Dark-skinned people require more time in the sun to produce sufficient vitamin D.
Some food sources also provide vitamin D naturally, such as salmon, sardines, egg yolks, and shrimp. Other foods, such as milk, cereal, orange juice and yogurt, are fortified with vitamin D to help meet our dietary needs.

Reasons for Vitamin D Deficiency

Many factors of modern life tend to deprive of us our necessary quota of vitamin D. For one thing, our depleted ozone layer puts us at increased risk of skin cancer, which has wisely prompted the extensive use of sunscreen. While protecting us from skin cancer, however, sunscreen decreases our absorption of vitamin D. Also, the modern tendency to spend more time indoors and in urban environments in which tall buildings block sunlight makes us more prone to vitamin D deficiency.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

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Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:

Fatigue, aches and pains, malaise
Severe bone or muscle pain or weakness
Stress fractures, especially in the legs, hips, or pelvis

If you are experiencing such symptoms, it is important to have a full work-up, including blood tests for vitamin D deficiency and other abnormalities in order to get an accurate diagnosis, especially since these symptoms may be linked to other underlying causes. A knowledgeable clinician who works routinely to keep the body in balance for optimal health will be able to diagnose and treat any imbalances you may be suffering from.

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Functional Medicine Doctors

14Oct

Sleep Disturbances and Their Causes

by drjudigoldstone

Why can’t I sleep?
Millions of adults have sleep disturbances — problems falling asleep, interrupted sleep, awakening during the night unable to fall back to sleep. We all know that a good night’s sleep provides us with renewed energy, clear-headedness and a sense of well-being. If you are experiencing trouble sleeping, it’s important to track down the cause and break the destructive cycle. Contacting a board-certified physician who specializes in helping patients maximize their health by treating them with advanced medical approaches is a wise first step.
Reasons for Sleep Disturbances
There are a great many reasons that individuals may find themselves unable to sleep. Some are easily remedied, but some require medical intervention. Most people’s sleep can be affected by external factors, such as jet lag or uncomfortable environment (e.g. lumpy mattress, too much heat, cold, or noise), but for those who can’t trace their sleep troubles to such obvious reasons, let’s examine the following possibilities:
Too Much Caffeine

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Caffeine is a stimulant that can both interfere with your ability to fall asleep and awaken you in the middle of the night. Coffee, chocolate, cola, and energy drinks should, therefore, be avoided for about 6 hours before bedtime.
Stress
Stress of any kind — pressure, anger, frustration, worry — can lead to, or be the result of, lack of adequate sleep. According the American Psychological Association, those who don’t get eight hours of sleep nightly report higher levels of stress than those who are well-rested.
Aches and Pains
Any type of physical discomfort, from headache to backache to an ingrown toenail to the itching of poison ivy, can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep. Injuries, particularly those that keep you from sleeping in your usual position (if your leg is in a cast, for example) can be obstacles to relaxation and rest. As a matter of fact, anything that keeps you from altering your position easily, such as being pregnant or having a “bed hog” sleeping beside you, can be problematic.
Hormone Imbalance
Though often ignored as a cause of sleep disturbances, hormone imbalances can play a serious role in sleep dysfunction. While the obvious hormone imbalances we think of are reproductive ones like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, in reality many other hormone imbalances can affect sleep quality in both men and women. Hormonal replacement therapy or additional treatment may be a good option.
Alcohol Consumption

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While many people become drowsy after consuming alcohol, the substance actually interferes with the quality of your sleep. As the body metabolizes alcohol and its immediate effects wear off, alcohol causes restlessness and prevents deep sleep.
Eating Too Much or Too Late
Many people get into the unhealthy habit of eating heavy meals in the evening or snacking too close to bedtime. Either of these actions can result in acid reflux and/or general discomfort, interrupting a healthy repose.
If you have chronic sleep problems, you should definitely consult with a qualified physician, particularly because stress, aches and pains, over indulgence in food, caffeine and/or alcohol may all be related to general health problems. Such disorders may require nutritional changes or hormone replacements by a physician trained in evaluating and treating such conditions.

26Sep

Connection between metabolism and weight loss

by drjudigoldstone

The reasons for wanting to lose weight are vast and varied. Sometimes people feel self conscious about the way they look. In addition, excessive weight can be the link to significant health issues. Whether you are hoping to tighten and tone before you head out into to the SoCal sun or are searching for a dramatic change that will lead to better overall wellness, weight loss is an important step in getting there.
So it can be stressful when you’re trying to lose weight and having little to no luck. You might start to wonder if it’s even possible — or if you’ll need to resort to surgery or an extreme diet. What you might not know is that your metabolism can play a significant role in the rate at which you are able to shed pounds. As a recent article in Observer explains, many factors can influence your metabolic rate, including age (basal metabolic rate slows down as people get older) and body composition (more muscle mass often means increased BMR, which is why men who pack more muscle seem to lose weight faster than women who don’t). Super diets that cut caloric intake might be doing you more harm than good on your weight loss journey — fasting and malnutrition slow down BMR.

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While there are some things you can do to speed up your metabolism, such as routinely eating breakfast, working out, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated, there are also underlying hormonal situations that may need to be addressed. At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we can help you confront those underlying issues after thoroughly evaluating your medical status. Then a weight loss program can be created based on your individual needs. Sometimes human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is just the thing to kick start your body. If you’ve ever been pregnant, you might already be familiar with HCG because it is a natural hormone released by the human placenta. If a mother is not eating enough, HCG stimulates the release of fat from her body to provide fuel for the baby. Outside of pregnancy, HCG is believed to decrease or prevent hunger cravings while also sparing lean muscle. And don’t be fooled by the origins — HCG is not just for women. Men can also see the effects of HCG as it increases the levels of hormones that may increase metabolism.

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For your convenience, our clinic offers programs that feature a nutrition and exercise regimen, physician-prescribed HCG, amino acids injections, and weekly check-ins.
Another option for weight loss is the South Bay Diet, which is a customized plan with the proven combination of high-protein, low-fat, low-carb eating; exercise, behavior modification, including stress management techniques; nutritional supplements and, as needed, medication to control appetite.
Metabolism works in funny ways and trying to shed pounds can be frustrating. One of the best things you can do is get a team on your side as you work to shed weight. Come in and chat with us to see how. we can get your metabolism back on track. We’ll discuss your current practices, talk about your fitness goals, evaluate your hormonal health, and find a plan that is best for you.

29Aug

Let’s talk PMS!

by drjudigoldstone

During the Olympics, Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui made headlines from Beijing to California when she mentioned that her period threw her off during a race. Her less-than-perfect swim time wasn’t what put her in the spotlight, however. Instead, it was her monthly cycle that drew attention from the media, and all because discussing such matters is generally taboo. But why is that the case? Why do we shy away from discussing something that impacts up to 75 percent of all American women who menstruate?
If you’re a woman, you’ve no doubt experienced issues caused by your menstrual cycle. Indeed, premenstrual syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, is one of the most common forms of hormonal imbalance affecting women. While each body is different, cramping, bloating, strange food cravings, fatigue, nausea, sore breasts, and acne are all normal and common for women during that “time of the month” — not to mention the tension, anxiety, emotional outbursts, mood swings, and loss of confidence that can come with it. It might come as no surprise then, that a recent article from The Bristol Post cites that women in the UK miss more than six million days of work every year due to period-related symptoms. And I know women who have cancelled or avoided important activities — like first dates, beach outings, and athletic events — to avoid doing them with PMS issues.

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What causes PMS pains? Ultimately, the main underlying cause is a hormonal balance, specifically in levels of estrogen and progesterone. Furthermore, off levels of serotonin in the brain can lead to premenstrual depression and sleep problems. And don’t think that it’s going to get better as your body adjusts to regular menstrual cycles over time. As women near menopause, hormones decline, causing worsening symptoms with the passage of time.
Thankfully, you don’t have to live with the common symptoms of PMS. In fact, there are
several things that you can do to combat them. For starters, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both in general and in the days around your period. While you might feel like munching on greasy fast foods and sweets, caving into the cravings won’t do much for your wellness. To fight the temptation, keep your fridge stocked with fresh fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water to reduce bloating. Supplements like folic acid, vitamin B-6, calcium, and magnesium are also helpful for easing period woes.

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Rest and relaxation can also fight off PMS symptoms. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night (reducing caffeine and completing 30 minutes of aerobic movement can help you get the most out of your sleep cycle!) and try stress-reduction techniques, like yoga, massage, and deep-breathing exercises.
Of course, all of this is easier said than done. If you’re regularly struggling with PMS, it might be best to come in and discuss customized lifestyle plans and bioidentical hormone options. Together, we can determine what’s missing or off and form a customized plan to treat the cause of your PMS symptoms.