For more than three decades, I’ve worked alongside women navigating the complex and often overlooked terrain of perimenopause and menopause. I’ve witnessed the life-altering improvements that hormone therapy can bring – clearer thinking, better sleep, stronger bones, restored sexual health, and a renewed sense of vitality. But I’ve also watched, with no small measure of frustration, as countless women were denied these benefits due to a single, outdated obstacle: the FDA’s black box warning on estrogen therapy. Today, I’m heartened to see the FDA finally reevaluating this position. A Longstanding Misstep The origin of this issue dates back to 2002, when the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study sent shockwaves through the medical community. The media seized on reports that hormone replacement therapy, particularly the combination of conjugated equine…

Millions of people struggle each night with insomnia – difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking too early, or experiencing poor quality rest. While medications are commonly prescribed, they come with risks like dependency, next-day grogginess, and long-term health concerns.  But what if the path to better sleep isn’t in a pill bottle, but on a yoga mat or walking trail? A newly published systematic review and network meta-analysis from researchers at institutions across China and Bangladesh shines a spotlight on the power of exercise to combat insomnia. Analyzing data from over 1,300 adults across 22 randomized controlled trials, this comprehensive review compared the effects of various exercise-based interventions – including yoga, Tai Chi, walking, strength training, and aerobics – on sleep quality and insomnia severity. The findings are…

Many well-known and long held beliefs regarding weight loss are untrue according to recent scientific research. Despite the popularity of some media and health-provider guidance, it appears much of this weight loss advice is presumptuous and unproven, or worse yet, persistent myths that have been proven wrong. Using Internet searches of popular media and scientific literature, authors Casazza et al, released a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, entitled “Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity”. They identified, reviewed, and classified obesity-related myths and presumptions. They also examined weight loss facts that are well proven by research, especially highlighting the facts that have practical implications for clinical recommendations as well as public health policies. The Myths Myth 1: Rapid weight loss has been vilified as an unhealthy…

Summertime in Western Colorado offers some of the best outside adventure in the world, whether it is cycling across desert slick rock or rafting raging rivers, hiking remote trails or golfing groomed links, we are blessed with an abundance of terrain that lures folks of all ages to the great outdoors.  But the summer heat can cause serious problems if you don’t use caution and it’s easy to get over-heated before you realize you are in real trouble.  If you want to both increase your performance and avoid heat related illness then try these tips when working or playing in the heat. Getting Overheated When the ambient temperature rises above about 84 degrees, humans can no longer get rid of excess heat by simply radiating heat to the…

These natural agents may help reduce side effects and protect healthy tissue during cancer treatment. Always consult your medical team before using supplements during therapy. Top Natural Substances and Their Effects Substance Mechanism of Action Evidence/Effectiveness Best Use Timing Notes/Cautions Curcumin Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, modulates signaling Protects normal cells, may sensitize tumors Avoid on chemo/XRT days Use bioavailable forms with piperine Melatonin Free radical scavenger, supports antioxidant enzymes Reduces treatment side effects in studies Bedtime daily Generally safe, also aids sleep NAC/Glutathione Boosts glutathione, reduces oxidative damage Bone marrow and liver protection Avoid on chemo/XRT days May protect tumor cells, use cautiously Resveratrol Antioxidant, supports DNA repair Radioprotective in preclinical studies Avoid on chemo/XRT days High doses may interfere with therapy Silymarin Liver protection, antioxidant Protects from chemo-induced hepatotoxicity…

The goal of anti-aging is to slow, stop, or even reverse many of the changes associated with aging.  This means staying healthy, active, and vibrant of body and mind, while avoiding the common diseases and infirmities of aging.  One cornerstone of anti-aging strategy is to replace the hormones that naturally decline with aging. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Hormones are chemical messengers that help the entire body function normally.   They work in concert with the nervous system by responding to neuronal commands that regulate everything from growth and development, to reproduction, to the aging process itself.  Hormones control metabolism, mood, energy, sleep, and sex drive.  Put simply, humans are designed to be healthy with optimal levels of hormones. Bioidentical means identical to our biology.  A bioidentical hormone has…

As a physician specializing in testosterone replacement therapy for men with hypogonadism, I am frequently asked whether TRT increases cardiovascular risk. This question has long been debated, and until recently, answers have been clouded by contradictory data and limited randomized trials. Fortunately, two major meta-analyses published in 2024 have brought welcome clarity. These studies provide compelling, evidence-based insights into the cardiovascular safety of TRT in men with confirmed low testosterone levels.  The Studies The first study, titled “Cardiovascular Outcomes of Hypogonadal Men Receiving Testosterone Replacement Therapy,” was published in Endocrine Practice in late 2024. This systematic review and meta-analysis focused exclusively on men with well-defined testosterone deficiency, pooling data from 26 randomized controlled trials and including over 10,000 patients. The researchers evaluated key cardiovascular endpoints including all-cause mortality,…

Autoimmune disease is caused by the immune system attacking one’s own body, instead of doing it’s normal job of defending against foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, etc.  For example, in rheumatoid arthritis the target is joints, in type 1 diabetes the target is the pancreas, in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis the target is the thyroid, and so on. How does autoimmune disease get started? Normally the immune system is balanced between attack and tolerance.  That is, it remains quiet until an invader poses a threat, then it attacks.  And it tolerates a variety of non-threats, such as the hundreds of species of normal bacteria that live in harmony within us, the foods we eat, and the surrounding environment. Our immune system has a built in regulation system in the…

In recent years, a growing body of nutritional science and ancestral wisdom has cast doubt on the healthfulness of a common component of the modern diet: seed oils. Once promoted as heart-healthy alternatives to saturated fats, oils like soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, and safflower are now under scrutiny for their potential role in chronic disease. Seed oils may represent a slippery slope for health, silently contributing to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and other degenerative conditions. The Origin of Seed Oils Seed oils, also called vegetable oils, are industrial products. Unlike olive oil or coconut oil, which can be mechanically pressed with minimal processing, seed oils require intense refinement. This process includes high-heat extraction, chemical solvents like hexane, deodorization, and bleaching. The result is a highly processed oil that is…

History of Methylene Blue Methylene blue (MB) has a rich and unusual history that spans over 140 years, transitioning from a textile dye to a widely used medical and scientific tool. It was first synthesized in 1876 by German chemist Heinrich Caro as one of the earliest synthetic dyes, part of the new wave of aniline dyes that revolutionized the textile industry. Its vivid blue color made it a popular choice for fabrics – but scientists quickly discovered that methylene blue had properties far beyond coloring cloth. By the late 19th century, researchers began experimenting with methylene blue in biology and medicine. It became one of the first synthetic drugs used in humans. In the 1890s, Nobel Prize-winning physician Paul Ehrlich used methylene blue to stain malaria parasites…

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most widely used medical imaging technologies today. Praised for its detailed images and non-invasive nature, MRI has become essential in diagnosing everything from brain tumors and spinal problems to ligament tears and heart conditions. But as with any medical procedure, it’s natural to wonder: Is your MRI safe? The short answer is:  Yes, MRIs are generally very safe – but like any medical tool, there are a few caveats worth knowing, especially when it comes to contrast agents like gadolinium. This article breaks down the facts, separating myth from medicine. MRI: A Radiation-Free Alternative One of the biggest safety advantages of MRI is that it does not use ionizing radiation. That’s a major difference compared to X-rays, CT scans, and…

Digestive health issues, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, are increasingly common. Many individuals suffer from these symptoms without understanding their causes or how to manage them effectively. One dietary approach that has gained significant attention in recent years is the low FODMAP diet, a structured eating plan designed to alleviate symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders. What is the FODMAP Diet? The FODMAP diet focuses on reducing the intake of foods that contain FODMAPs, a group of short-chain carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine. The acronym FODMAP stands for: Fermentable: These carbohydrates are broken down (fermented) by gut bacteria in the colon. Oligosaccharides:  A type of carbohydrate found in foods like wheat, rye, onions, and legumes (beans,…

For IV infusion, the preferred form is NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide in its oxidized form). Why is NAD⁺ Used for IV Therapy? Direct Bioavailability: NAD⁺ can be directly utilized by cells without requiring conversion from another form like NADH. Energy and Mitochondrial Support: Boosts ATP production, helping with energy metabolism, cognitive function, and cellular repair. Anti-Aging and Detoxification: Used in wellness clinics for potential benefits in aging, neuroprotection, and recovery from addiction or stress. Why Not NADH for IV? NADH is less stable and harder to administer effectively via IV. It must first be converted back into NAD⁺ before cells can efficiently use it in metabolic pathways. Potential Benefits of NAD⁺ IV Therapy Increased energy and reduced fatigue Improved mental clarity and cognitive function Enhanced cellular repair and…

NAD, NAD⁺, and NADH are essential molecules in cellular metabolism, particularly in energy production and redox reactions. Here’s a breakdown of each: NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) NAD is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a key role in redox (oxidation-reduction) reactions, transferring electrons between molecules. NAD exists in two forms: NAD⁺ (oxidized form) and NADH (reduced form). NAD⁺ (Oxidized Form of NAD) NAD⁺ is the electron-accepting form of NAD. It is crucial for energy metabolism, particularly in cellular respiration (glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation). In metabolism, NAD⁺ accepts electrons from food molecules and becomes NADH. NAD⁺ levels decline with age, and increasing NAD⁺ has been linked to potential benefits for aging, energy production, and cellular repair. NADH (Reduced Form of NAD) NADH…

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), and they are generally classified into three main types based on their source and chemical structure: phytocannabinoids (from plants), endocannabinoids (produced by the body), and synthetic cannabinoids (lab-made). Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring in the Cannabis sativa plant and include compounds like THC, which is psychoactive and known for pain relief and appetite stimulation, and CBD, which is non-psychoactive and often used for inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. Other notable phytocannabinoids include CBN (a sedative byproduct of THC), CBG (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory), CBC (neuroprotective), and THCV, which is psychoactive at high doses and may suppress appetite. Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, are produced within the human body and help regulate mood, sleep,…

Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients, alongside proteins and fats, that provide energy and are essential for the body’s proper function. While many people associate carbohydrates with weight gain and sugar-related health issues, they are actually a vital part of a balanced diet. Carbohydrates serve as the body’s primary and preferred source of energy. Understanding the different types of carbohydrates, their functions, sources, and how they affect the body can help you make better dietary choices. What Are Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They occur naturally in many foods and are broken down into glucose (a form of sugar) by the digestive system. Glucose is used by the body for energy, especially for the brain, muscles, and other…