Often referred to as chemical messengers, hormones carry information and instructions from one group of cells to another. In the human body, hormones influence almost every cell, organ and function. They regulate growth, development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function, stress responses and even moods. As women age, the production of certain hormones fluctuates, causing unpleasant or uncomfortable results. Two of the most severe effects of hormonal decline may be loss of libido (sex drive) and vaginal health. This often leads to a decreased ability to enjoy sex. GyneShape realizes that restoring a more youthful vaginal with laser vaginal rejuvenation surgery is not always enough to bring pleasure back into a woman's life. That is why we have formed an alliance with The Fountain of You (FOY). The Fountain of You is one of the nation's largest and most respected anti-aging health spas. The Fountain of You is a renowned authority on anti-aging medicine and offers the full spectrum of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as well as comprehensive educational services for patients and physicians.
Bioidentical hormones mirror the elaborate chemical and molecular structures of our body and its naturally occurring hormones. As a result, these prescribed hormones metabolize with ease. FOY coordinates with a highly regarded compound pharmacy that specializes in finding dosages and delivery methods appropriate for each individual.
Estrogen is an ovarian hormone that comes in three forms that all have similar characteristics. With the transition of perimenopause and menopause, women begin to lack sufficient estrogen levels. With fluctuating estrogen levels, women may experience a variety of symptoms including decreased libido, vaginal dryness, loss of vaginal sensation, bone loss, irregular menstrual cycles, breast tenderness, migraines, and mood swings.
Progesterone is also produced by the ovaries and in small amounts by the adrenal glands. Progesterone levels rise and fall during the monthly cycle. Production starts before ovulation each month and rapidly increases after ovulation. It is what enables the fertilized egg to survive. Monthly, our bodies must keep a delicate balance between the production of progesterone and estrogen. This balance is crucial to our sense of well-being.
Testosterone, also known as androgen, plays an important physiological and psychological role in women. Women produce testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone influences a woman’s sexual feelings and behavior, including arousal, orgasm and pleasure. Additionally, testosterone positively impacts the brain, muscles, bones, liver and blood vessels. As women grow older, their bodies produce less testosterone. By age 40, the female body produces about half the testosterone it did in the 20s and commonly begin to notice substantial losses of muscle mass, increased fat, decreased libido, decreased sexual pleasure and orgasm, and loss of energy.
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone promotes tissue repair and cell regeneration in the bones, muscles and vital organs and also supports the immune system in combating infection and disease. Medical evidence indicates a direct relationship between low HGH levels and rapid aging. In other words, the lower your HGH level, the more you feel the effects of aging. However, clinical evidence demonstrates that enhancing HGH levels can dramatically reverse the signs of aging. A substantial body of credible, medical evidence now indicates increasing HGH levels can positively change people's lives. As we age, our HGH levels decline to a small percentage of the levels of our youth. Supplementing with HGH has proven to be an effective way to avoid the diseases and conditions associated with aging, while improving vitality and appearance. The Fountain of You can evaluate your current levels with their comprehensive lab work to see if this may be an appropriate therapy for you.
DHEA is the most common steroid hormone in the body. It is produced mainly by the adrenal glands and to a lesser extent elsewhere in the body (including fat cells). DHEA is the body's master hormone. DHEA can be metabolized into other sex hormones, including testosterone and the estrogens.
Hormone replacement therapy strives to recreate the youthful balance of hormones in the body and this is where DHEA's value truly lies. Because it is metabolized into other hormones, supplementing with DHEA may allow the body to choose which hormone is needed. Then, DHEA is synthesized into that hormone which is lacking, helping return the body’s hormones to a normal level. This may account for the astonishing range of benefits many researchers attribute to this hormone. DHEA has also been shown to have individual benefits, including lowering cholesterol, burning fat and boosting the immune system.
As one of our comprehensive approaches to fighting the aging process, the Fountain of You recommends monitoring blood levels of DHEA, then working to reproduce the hormone levels that replicate youthful age
The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in our bodies. It controls how fast we burn energy and how we make proteins. This gland regulates metabolism, while influencing the rate and growth of other systems in our body through the production of the hormones Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland also produces the hormone Calcitonin and aids in the role of calcium homeostasis. The thyroid gland is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary. Thyroid dysfunctions include hyperthyroidism (overactivity) and hypothyroidism (underactivity).
Women may experience thyroid dysfunctions more frequently as a result of the intricacies of the reproductive system and the enormous hormonal fluctuations we endure. The Fountain of You can distinguish whether your hormonal deficiencies are affecting the way your thyroid is functioning. Our thorough initial evaluation will help you identify ways to balance your body and help you feel your best.
