San Diego Anti-Aging Specialists Say HRT Aids Muscle Function

    SAN DIEGO, CA, June 06, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A new study conducted on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women indicates that HRT treatment may minimize the impact that aging normally has on muscle strength and loss of muscle mass. Howard Rappaport, executive director of Pura Vida MD (http://www.puravida-md.com), an anti-aging and aesthetics practice in San Diego, has seen other positive changes in HRT in patients as well.

"The anti-aging doctors at our San Diego practice have seen significant emotional and physical improvements in patients undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy," says Rappaport. "It's surprising what a huge impact hormone imbalance can have on the body."

The new research study looked at several pairs of postmenopausal identical twins, only one of whom was undergoing HRT. The identical genetics of the research participants allowed for better clarity when comparing muscle biopsies. Although the individual muscle fibers were still the same size, the HRT users showed themselves capable of a higher maximum muscle force than non-HRT users, indicating greater strength. The conclusion is that HRT may reduce the modifications that normally occur in muscle contractile proteins as a result of aging.

HRT also appears to improve the protein transport that impacts muscle function. Future studies are planned to examine whether HRT may impact other age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, and could possibly reduce the number of fall-related injuries that are a major source of physical impairment among the elderly, thereby improving their quality of life.

"With the modern benefits of medical science at our fingertips, there's no need to dread growing older," says Rappaport. "That's one reason why Pura Vida focuses on bioidentical hormone treatment for San Diego men and women. With the hormones in proper alignment, older men and women can enter their next phase of life with more energy than ever before."

For men and women with hormone imbalance, a variety of physical and emotional symptoms may be present. Many of these are subtle and easily missed, causing frequent misdiagnoses among patients. Symptoms of hormone imbalance include lower energy, fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido (sex drive), problems with memory and concentration, issues with sexual function, anxiety, weight gain and headaches. Hormone testing and a thorough medical history can determine whether these issues are the result of hormone imbalance, or a sign that something else may be wrong. Through a combination of hormone therapy and nutritional guidance, patients are able to return their bodies back to a healthier state.

The science of anti-aging focuses on a combination of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), nutritional guidance and medically supervised weight loss programs. Studies show that patients in optimum health are at a lower risk of developing age-related medical conditions. BHRT has been shown to improve bone density as well as lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, both of which are considered important components of healthy aging.

The doctors at Pura Vida MD (http://www.puravida-md.com) develop customized treatment plans for every patient to meet their individual health needs, including resolving hormone imbalance as well as addressing systemic and nutritional needs, based on lab work and physical exams as well as the patient's reported symptoms. The concept of holistic health care, or treating multiple areas of physical and emotional health simultaneously by addressing the causes rather than just treating symptoms, is intended to bring patients into optimal wellness.

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