Mavrick Lobe | Santa Fe, New Mexico, Chinese, Medicine, Prolotherapy, Acupuncture, Injection Therapies, Biodentical Hormones, Bodywork, Detoxification, Chelation

Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone depletion is a major cause of aging. Despite the medical establishment’s recent stance against hormone replacement therapy, there are major benefits derived from the careful prescribing of bioidentical hormones.

Highly publicized adverse effects of hormone replacement relate to the use of synthetic, or non-bioidentical, formulations given via suboptimal routes of administration.

Dr. Lobe utilizes the following hormones:
• Estradiol
• Estriol
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Thyroid hormone

Estrogen & Menopause in Women
Menopause is defined as beginning with the last menstrual period. Blood tests will reveal low estradiol levels and high FSH. Many women are spared severe symptoms, but menopause can be characterized by hot flashes, night sweats, depression, insomnia, weight gain, reduced libido, vaginal dryness and atrophy, and skin changes.

Other medical conditions initiated with menopause can include osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease manifested by heart disease and stroke, and memory and cognitive loss.

Estrogen replacement resolves most menopausal symptoms, reduces osteoporosis, and in numerous studies has prevented cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

Estrogen increases bone density, maintains vascular elasticity, produces collagen in the skin to prevent wrinkles, and seems to supports cognitive function.

The slight increase in risk of breast cancer with estrogen therapy is reduced by using bioidentical formulations at a much lower dose. Indole 3 carbinol, and calcium D glucarate are nutrients that direct estrogen metabolism away from carcinogenic metabolites. Adding estriol to estradiol may also provide protection against breast malignancy.

Dr. Lobe does not prescribe oral estrogens because of evidence showing increased blood clotting factors with oral administration. Instead, estrogen is given through sublingual drops and transdermal creams or gels.

Compounding pharmacies can prepare formulations in a specific dosage. Initially, doses are prescribed for twice a day, but eventually can be taken once a day.

Testosterone in Men & Women
Testosterone declines in some women at the time of menopause, while in others the level is maintained by adrenal production. In men, testosterone declines gradually with age.

Testosterone replacement maintains bone density, increases libido in both men and women, raises the blood count, and increases muscle strength and athletic performance.

It is usually taken as a transdermal preparation, sublingual drops or an oral troche (a small medicated lozenge that dissolves in your mouth). Men often administer testosterone as an injection into the buttocks, given every 1-2 weeks.

Testosterone may not be used in men who have prostate cancer unless the cancer has been effectively treated. In some men Dr. Lobe has prescribed human chorionic gonadotropin, an injection that stimulates the testes to increase testosterone production.

DHEA
DHEA is a testosterone-related hormone that declines with age in both men and women. Levels decline further in people on steroids, or in patients with compromised immune systems.

DHEA increases libido, supports bone density, controls blood sugar, supports immune function and prevents depression. It is often taken as an oral supplement, 5-10 mg daily in women, and 25-50 mg in men. It is usually avoided in circumstances of prostate cancer.

Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid hormone levels are often low in both men and women, though it is seen more often in women. The thyroid gland is frequently involved in autoimmune processes, and is very sensitive to environmental toxins and to radiation.

Dr. Lobe provides thyroid in oral formulations combining T3 and T4, usually using the TSH level to guide the dosage.

Iodine deficiency is frequently present in patients with low thyroid. This can be diagnosed through a urine test to measure excretion of a known iodine dose. Iodine is given in oral dosage, about 12.5 mg daily.