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



Raffle benefiting the Children's Tumor Foundation


As many of you know I run on the NF Endurance Team for the Children's Tumor Foundation. Our mission is to raise awareness of NF (neurofibromatosis) and raise research funds for NF research. NF occurs in 1:3000 births and causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. Some tumors become cancerous and there is no cure. I will be running the Big Sur International Marathon in 2015. I am doing a raffle (see below) to support the Foundation. 1st prize valued at $2000!! Tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5, or 20 for $10. (cash or check only)

FDA Approves New Weight Loss Drug.....Contrave.

The FDA has just approved another weight loss medication called Contrave.  It is a combination of buproprion (an antidepressant) and naloxone  (an anti-addiction drug). This is the third medication for weight loss approved by the FDA since 2012, behind Qsymia and Belviq.

Contrave works by taking away hunger and cravings for food, but the manufacturer, Orexigen, isn't exactly sure how this combination works for weight loss. The medication is approved for patients with a BMI of 30 (by definition this is obese), or a BMI of 27 (which is overweight) and comorbid conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated cholesterol which put patients at higher risk of stroke or heart attack.


So who CAN NOT take Contrave? No one with a seizure disorder; those who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breast feeding; anyone with bulimia or anorexia; anyone who is already on a buproprion containing medication (like Wellbutrin); those who take opiates (such as hydrocodone or oxycodone and some others; those who are being treated for addiction with buprenorophine (Suboxone, Zubsolv, or Subutex for example) or methadone. Alcoholics may not take Contrave either.

How much weight can you expect to lose? First let me say that as with all weight loss medications, you absolutely MUST modify your diet and start exercising. No excuses....you CAN eat better and you CAN do some type of activity. At Sei Bella we will soon have a certified nutrition coach who can help you with meal plans. With that said, studies show the average weight loss is 5-10% of body weight. And Contrave helped patients keep the weight off up to a year.



And what about side effects? In clinical trials, nausea was the most common side effect, reported in 34% of people. Other side effects that were reported in much lower percentages included headache, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth and dizziness. The FDA has also required post marketing research to look at heart and stroke outcomes and potential for interaction with any other drugs.

The cost is expected to be $180 to $210 per month retail. This will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. It is likely the marketing company, Takeda, will provide coupons to offset the price. It's not known yet if any insurance companies will have it on their formularies.

Call today to make your weight loss consultation appointment and we can help determine which medication my be right for you!.......501-228-6237

Anne R Trussell MD
owner/physician

Nutraceuticals...Where Do I Start?

     In this busy, fast-paced world we don't always eat right. Many of us struggle with weight and fatigue, skin issues or fears of cancer. The right nutraceutical can help balance our system while we try to live a healthier lifestyle running between ballgames, dance lessons, school and work. Below are the current nutraceuticals we offer. This list will be expanding soon!



1. Detox Pack- This can be used as part of a 30 day detoxification program. These packs contain ingredients carefully selected to synergistically support the body's normal detoxification process. Taken once a day. A properly done detox program can increase your energy, get rid of excess waste, help with weight loss, and improve your skin.   $60                                                                

2. Executive Stress Formula- a comprehensive combination of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbals and other nutrients carefully formulated and specifically designed to support and boost the body's defenses against stress. This proprietary blend includes ginkgo biloba, silymarin, Co Q-10, L-glycine , L-methionine and other beneficial ingredients.  $35

3. De-Mer-Tox- contains several vitamins and other dietary supplements that support heavy metal detoxification and may protect against the toxic results of amalgam filling removal. Local fish often has high levels of mercury and arsenic also.   $29

4. Ultra HNS (Hair, Nails and Skin Formula)- supplies high dose biotin, vitamin C, zinc, and Cynatine HNS, a patented solubilized keratin clinically shown to support the strength, brightness and appearance of healthy hair, nails and skin.    $38                  

5. Brain Energy- supplies essential nutrients carefully formulated to provide nutritional support for increased brain energy. Contains DL-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, Rhodiola rosea, L-methionine, and Octacosanol.  $28

6. Nopal Cactus- the leaves of nopal cactus have the unique ability to bind and trap fat and certain sugars you eat in a meal and prevent their absorption in the body. Reducing the amount of fat and sugar absorbed during a meal may play a key role in cholesterol metabolism as well as weight reduction. Chitosan, a common dietary supplement, exhibits similar actions, but is derived from shellfish. Nopal cactus offers vegetarians and those allergic to shellfish an effective alternative to chitosan.  $23

7. BioTE Iodine Plus- 74% of healthy adults do not consume enough iodine. Iodine regulates cortisol and contributes to normal immune function. It is necessary for proper thyroid function as well. Iodine deficiency is rapidly emerging as a major risk factor of breast cancer. $49

8. DIM- Diindolylmethane makes estrogen metabolize down a safer pathway which has a lower risk of breast, uterine and prostate cancer. It frees up bound testosterone and acts as a natural aromatase inhibitor balancing estrogen and testosterone. Good for everyone but specially formulated to go with our BioTE bio-identical hormone replacement pellets.   $64.82

9. A-D-K 10- All three vitamins are essential for bone structure, density and integrity, proper bone remodeling, calcium utilization, and cardiovascular function.   $31

10. BioTE Evening Primrose Oil- often thought to just relieve the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease, evening primrose oil is also being used to treat chronic headaches due to its phenylalanine component. It also contains a fatty acid called GLA which is essential for cell structure and skin elasticity. Also supports nerve health and premenstrual needs.  $30