The Myths and the Truths about Testosterone Replacement

As I surf through the internet, which I frequently do when watching football and HGTV, I realize how much misinformation there is out there on hormone replacement, especially when it comes to replacing testosterone. If you've read my previous blogs (check out August 2014), newsletters or looked at our

Facebook page

, you know I am a proponent of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. I do not like synthetic hormones. I do not think they are safe. I will not take them myself. At Sei Bella I use BioTE bio-identical hormone replacement pellets. I have them myself and it has made a huge difference in my sleep quality, energy and muscle recovery after I do long runs.....

Let's start with some myths I can debunk about bio-identical testosterone replacement.

  • Testosterone is NOT just for men! Women need testosterone, too! It protects our bones, maintains our muscle mass, and drives our libido....just to name a few. Even women who have had breast cancer can be pelleted with testosterone (but not estrogen)!
  • Testosterone is NOT just for women's sex drive! Testosterone reduces insulin resistance which leads to diabetes, reduces cholesterol, reduces visceral fat and decreases risk of heart disease in addition to the benefits mentioned above.
  • Testosterone does NOT make women look like men! It would take 30 times the dose we give you in pellets to come remotely close to that.
  • Testosterone does NOT cause your voice to get deeper......that is only with anabolic steroids like the ones some athletes and wrestlers take.
  • Testosterone does NOT cause hair loss!
  • Testosterone is NOT unsafe for the heart!
  • Testosterone does NOT cause liver damage! There are three reported cases of hepatocellular carcinoma from oral synthetic testosterone.
  • Testosterone does NOT cause aggression.
  • Testosterone does NOT cause breast cancer. It is safe for women who have had breast cancer to be pelleted with testosterone.

So what are some of the truths?

  • Men age 30-70 will lose 1-3% of their total testosterone production per year.
  • Women age 20-40 lose 50% of their testosterone production.
  • LOW testosterone puts men and women at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, prostate cancer (men), and loss of muscle mass. 

Call today to schedule a consult about BioTE.

  501-228-6237.

We will also be having a free seminar on October 27, 2014 from 5:30-6:30 pm and you will have the opportunity to relax and ask me questions and have a little snack, too!!

Anne R Trussell MD

owner/physician

Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Protect Against Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's Disease. Parkinson's is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination. Much more research and awareness have evolved over the last decade thanks to the actor Michael J. Fox who has Parkinson's. The incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease is rising.  1.8% of people over age 60 develop Parkinson's disease. There are many inconclusive studies on prevention of Parkinson's disease.


We do know a few things about hormone replacement therapy and Parkinson's disease, though. Estrogen replacement is protective against the incidence of dementia which occurs in nearly 30% of Parkinson's Disease patients. Since Parkinson's is more common in men, it raises the suspicion that estrogen has a protective role. It appears that estrogen's antioxidant properties have a direct effect on the survival and recovery of dopamine neurons in early Parkinson's disease. Also the risk of Parkinson's Disease increases after therapy with tamoxifen which is an anti-estrogen drug given to some women after breast cancer. Testosterone replacement also improves the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.


The above pictures show Saint Pope John Paul II in the early years of his papacy and then after he was debilitated with Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's is not only disabling, it is frustrating to patients because most can think clearly but can't get their bodies to follow commands. Although there is no cure, there are plenty of medications to treat Parkinson's, two of which you make naturally.....estrogen and testosterone. Call today to schedule your consult about BioTE bio-identical hormone pellet replacement therapy.....501-228-6237

 Anne R Trussell MD

ArteFill for the Hands

When it comes to anti-aging, we often only focus on our faces and decolletage. However, you have to think about your hands as well. They will reveal your age in a heartbeat! I did this lady's hands today. She is slim and in her 50s. Her face looks more like early 40s. She wanted more youthful looking hands so I put a syringe of ArteFill in each. Painless, quick and instant results......


Which Thyroid Medication Do I Need?

There are many thyroid preparations available.......Synthroid, generic levothyroxine, Cytomel, Armour thyroid, Nature-Throid, WP Thyroid and several others. Depending on the reason for your thyroid replacement needs, your doctor may choose one or a combination of the ones above. With BioTE bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Trussell prefers Nature-Throid or WP Thyroid. Read below to discover the benefits of these two preparations.            




  •  Nature-Throid is a natural dessicated thyroid medication that contains both T4 (80%) and T3 (20%)
  • Nature-Throid only utilizes hypoallergenic inactive ingredients and is free of all dyes and coloring agents.
  • Nature-Throid also contains trace amounts of T1, T2, Iodine and Calcitonin because it is derived from a natural source (porcine thyroid).
  • A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, May 2013, revealed that 48.6% of people chose natural dessicated thyroid over synthetic T4 (Synthroid) and lost 4 lbs more during treatment AND reported significant reductions in their hypothyroid symptoms.
  • Nature-Throid is available in 13 different dosage strengths so you can have a dose tailored to your needs. 

  • WP Thyroid is a natural dessicated thyroid medication that also contains T4 (80%) and T3 (20%) hormone
  • WP Thyroid is formulated with only 2 inactive ingredients...inulin (from chicory root) and medium chain triglycerides (from coconut)
  • WP Thyroid is available in 8 strengths
Neither of these preparations have ever been recalled by the FDA or voluntarily recalled for inconsistent hormone content. Both are blended to meet a +/- 2% variance in hormone content instead of the +/- 10% variance the U.S. Pharmacopeia allows. Both are gluten free and hypoallergenic. Currently there are no synthetic thyroid medications that contain both T4 and T3.




This cartoon characterizes some of the symptoms you may have with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It is important to get a complete panel of thyroid lab, not just the TSH that so many doctors use to determine whether you need replacement. These labs are part of the endocrine panel with our BioTE program. The pictures below show what people, and a poor dog, may look like before and after treatment for hypothyoidism.
                                


So obviously treatment for hypothyroidism can make a big difference in the way you look AND definitely the way you feel. Your entire endocrine system works together, therefore it is important to have a complete panel of blood work. Call today if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Trussell to discuss  BioTE bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

501-228-6237