Hormones are chemical messengers that stimulate body processes such as growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood. Hormones are very powerful and when levels are optimal, the body is balanced and healthy.  

But imbalances related to hormonal decline that occurs with age, compromise our health. Early signs may include weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, memory loss and low libido. With progressive decline, age-related disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritic conditions may emerge and persist.

Safe, effective hormone restoration is available for female menopause and male andropause in the form of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).  It is preventive and always customized to meet the needs of each patient because there is no “one size fits all” approach to truly safe, effective hormone replacement.

Is BHRT for you? The only way to find out is to get an expert assessment by a trained physician who does “whole person” evaluation, creates the right treatment plan and appropriately monitors your progress. 

With the exception of “surgical menopause” the average age for menopause is 52 in the U.S. It is preceded by a decade of peri-menopause during which, gradual hormonal decline leads to menstrual cessation. The menopause diagnosis is given after 12 consecutive months without a period.

A woman remains post menopausal for the rest of her life. Clearly, menopause is not a disease. However, the hormonal transition, continuous decline and resulting imbalances, impact a woman’s health with emerging complexities.

Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and sleep disturbances to name a few. Some of the more serious and debilitating age-related health conditions that follow hormonal decline and imbalances include heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and several chronic systemic disorders.  

But you don’t have to let these conditions steal your quality of life. You can stop menopausal symptoms and age-related illness in their tracks with a treatment regimen designed to meet your needs! To how to get started now, read more……

Yes, it’s 3:00am and your sleep is once again disrupted by hot flashes and night sweats. As we know, these common symptoms of menopause are caused by hormonal decline in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Most likely, you have experienced the discomfort of many other menopause symptoms as well.

Currently, nearly 45 million other postmenopausal women in the US empathize with you. Many of which, simultaneously suffer from accompanying hormonal imbalances of the thyroid and adrenal glands.  Both hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue are often under-diagnosed or mis-diagnosed. Interestingly, their symptoms mimic and or exacerbate those associated with menopause.

For example, imbalances in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone play a role in menopausal weight gain. And, when left untreated, thyroid dysfunction caused by or coupled with high cortisol and stress-related adrenal fatigue will impede weight loss efforts even in the presence of menopausal hormone restoration therapy, proper diet and exercise.  Both conditions disrupt metabolism, cause muscle wasting, increased fat and severe, chronic fatigue.

There is no “one size fits all approach” but, solutions for nearly every woman’s menopausal transition issues are available. The first step is to identify where you are in the menopausal transition continuum through a complete self assessment of your symptoms.  This will help your doctor develop the right treatment strategy for you.

In addition to hot flashes, night sweats, muscle loss, weight gain and fatigue, has your menstrual cycle become irregular or have you missed your period for twelve months? Do you have vaginal dryness, breast enlargement or tenderness before your period? 

Are you irritable? Do you have mood swings?  Do you find it hard to concentrate?  Forgetful?  Low or no sex drive?

And, what about that “crowning glory”? Are you losing it?

Distressed over dry skin, and brittle nails? Tortured by sweet and salty food cravings?

If you haven’t missed your period for twelve months, but have any of these symptoms, you may have entered perimenopause where, hormonal “ups and downs” and natural progression of hormonal decline gradually lead to postmenopause.

You may also have an underlying condition such as hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue which left untreated, will intensify symptoms and undermine your efforts to prevent age-related diseases throughout your menopause transition. 

Why suffer when safe, effective options for most women are available? Allow me to develop a personalized wellness plan to help you achieve “Hormonal Harmony” and optimal health.

A recent study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine, estimates that from 2002 – 2011, 50,000 premature deaths in postmenopausal women may have resulted from NOT replacing estrogen.

A data review and analysis of women 50 – 59 years old with hysterectomy during that period of time, revealed a 79% decline in estrogen replacement.

Although the data used involved only women with “surgically induced” menopause, research findings suggest that estrogen therapy in younger postmenopausal women (50-59 years old) plays a decisive role in decreasing all-cause mortality, with the greatest reduction in heart attack and breast cancer related deaths.   

Click here to go to the article. 

Has your menstrual cycle become irregular or have you missed your period for twelve months? Do you have hot flashes? Are you fatigued? Is your sleep interrupted? Do you have night sweats, vaginal dryness, breast enlargement or tenderness before your period? Have you experienced weight gain and muscle loss? Are you irritable? Do you have mood swings? Do you find it hard to concentrate? Have you experienced periods of forgetfulness? Have you lost interest in sex?

What do these symptoms indicate?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be one of the estimated 50 million postmenopausal women in the US. If you haven’t missed your period for twelve months, but have any of these symptoms, you may have entered the stage of perimenopause during which, the natural progression of hormonal decline gradually leads to postmenopause.   

In either case, your symptoms are the result of hormonal decline which can be safely and effectively reversed with personalized evaluation and tailored hormone replacement using natural, “custom compounded” Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

What are Bioidentical Hormones and How are They Used?

Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived (from yam and soy) and structurally identical to the hormones produced in a woman’s body, including the family of estrogens (estradiol, estrone and estriol), progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. The molecular structure of bioidentical hormones is a more natural fit for human cell receptors which promotes appropriate biological activity and physiological reactions; creating  hormonal balance with less stress on organs and body systems. Patients report relief of menopausal symptoms, optimized health, and quality of life improvements. BHRT may also reduce the risk of postmenopausal disorders such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

I treat menopausal hormone imbalances with physiological doses of bioidentical hormones; ranging   from a fraction to the maximum daily secretion of a hormone in young, healthy adults. This is accomplished through “custom compounding” which I prescribe according to the results of diagnostic testing. With “custom compounding” I can prescribe specific estrogen combinations, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA to meet individual patient needs. This enhances treatment effectiveness. By contrast, my prescribing flexibility is reduced with traditional MHT (Menopause Hormone Therapy formerly known as Hormone Replacement Therapy/HRT). The same holds true for prescription available BHRT products such as Estrace, Estraderm, Climara, Vivelle or Femring because they are all limited to only one form of estrogen (estradiol) and progesterone (sold only under the name of Prometrium).  

Compounded BHRT is administered via several routes: transdermal, oral, sublingual, nasal, vaginal, etc.. However, I prefer the transdermal route; using cream or gel applied to the skin. This maximizes the safety and efficacy of treatment through slow penetration, storage in fat cells and gradual release into the bloodstream.

How Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement  Therapy (BHRT) Differ From Traditional Menopause Hormone  Therapy (MHT/HRT)?  

 

The well known MHT/HRT or non-bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy utilizes synthetic or modified hormones that, while derived from natural sources such as conjugated estrogens from the urine of pregnant mares, do not biologically match the molecular structure of human hormones.

The unmatched molecular structure can cause excessive or unstable binding to cell receptor sites with undesirable effects. In addition, the liver has to work harder and requires more processing time for these hormones which promotes an unhealthy accumulation of hormonal by-products in the body. This leads to unpleasant side effects which ironically are similar to the symptoms of hormonal imbalances; clearly indicating that non-bioidentical  hormones are unsuitable for long-term use.

How to Determine if “Custom Compounded” Bioidentical  Hormones are for You.

The decision to use BHRT is extremely important and must not be taken lightly. Although most women experience many of the same menopausal symptoms, there is no “one size fits all” treatment protocol because no two human beings are exactly the same.

To ensure high quality individualized patient care, I require a minimum of two visits before treatment begins. The first consultation includes a physical examination, review of symptoms, medical history, dietary counseling and ordering laboratory tests. At the second visit, the customized treatment plan with written instructions is reviewed with the patient and follow-up visits are scheduled.  

You can safely and effectively end menopausal suffering! I urge you to explore the option of using “custom compounded” BHRT for symptomatic relief and to reduce your risk for other disorders related to hormonal deficiencies. You deserve good health and  improved quality of life. I am committed to helping you achieve those goals. So why wait?  Please call my office at (703) 349-2382 and schedule an appointment today.  

Most women want beautiful, radiant skin. And the majority will spend a great deal of time and money trying to achieve and preserve that all-significant aspect of their beauty profiles. 

But, other than genetics, what factors really influence the skin’s health, regenerative potency and ability to age gracefully?

A Look at Nutrition for Healthy Skin

In most instances, when we think and speak about the skin, our focus is on the face. However, with a conscious awareness of its many functions, we realize that beautiful, radiant skin is more than a pretty face. It is the outer reflection of a well-nourished, vibrant, healthy body.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It functions as a protective barrier, eliminates toxins through sweat, gives us the experience of touch sensation, regulates body temperature, stores water and synthesizes Vitamin D from UV light.

To perform well, as in the case with other organs and body systems, it must be properly nourished from the inside. And, the really great news is…. many foods that create beautiful skin also nourish vital organs, encourage detoxification, help prevent disease and slow down the aging process.

Some of the many foods that promote radiant, glowing skin are: blue berries, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, spinach, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, seafood including cold water fish and oysters, walnuts, almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and non-GMO whole grains. Food and substances to avoid include sugar, saturated and trans fats and alcohol.  

Hydration

The skin is a huge water reservoir. The dermis (deeper layers of the skin) contains about 70% of its water while only 13% is contained in the epidermis (the most superficial layer of the skin). Severe consequences resulting from the loss of just a trace amount of moisture from the epidermis include dryness, gray or tired looking skin, premature aging and ultimately, creases and wrinkle formation. Adequate, daily water intake is essential for overall health. It purifies the body, promotes cellular integrity, tissue regeneration and gives skin a clear, firm, youthful appearance.   

Environmental Factors and Lifestyle

When properly nourished and hydrated, the skin is very resilient. However, it must be protected from harsh environmental conditions such as sun, wind, extreme cold and heat. It is also seriously damaged from smoking. Daily skin care, proper rest including sufficient sound sleep and stress management are critical elements of a lifestyle that creates and sustains healthy, beautiful skin.

Minimizing the Appearance of Aging Skin

The healthy, youthful appearance we strive for must be a reflection of inner body, mind and spirit wellness. The most visible sign of that holistic wellness is glowing, healthy skin.

Although premature aging of the skin can be avoided, eventually facial wrinkles and creases start to appear. This occurs as the underlying collagen and elastic fibers break down and the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases with natural aging.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance; held primarily in the skin to provide volume and plasticity.   Although facial wrinkles and creases appear as hyaluronic acid levels decline, excessive squinting, frowning and smiling can contribute to their formation.    

Fortunately, aging skin’s appearance can be improved by softening wrinkles, plumping-up folds or with lip enhancements using dermal fillers. These products are made from synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid;   commonly used in moisturizers and other cosmetics. It binds with water and expands a thousand times its volume; becoming the ideal filler material for wrinkles and folds.

Several commonly used dermal fillers are gels. They are  

injected into the skin with a very fine needle and work with the body’s own hyaluronic acid; creating volume to lift up wrinkles and folds. The result is a healthy, youthful, vital appearance. They create a more natural, sensual look when injected into the lips.

Over time, the gels dissolve and completely exit the body.  Skin cells and tissues remain healthy due to free passage of important nutritive elements like oxygen and hormones. Dermal fillers can be used in conjunction with other skin rejuvenation treatments such as Botox injections.

Treatments are customized and results can be seen immediately. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (703) 349-2382. 

Worn out? Exhausted? Can’t restore your energy levels to normal no matter how many doctors you've seen? You may be suffering from adrenal fatigue.

Introduction

Your energy, resilience, endurance and your very life….depend on healthy, properly functioning adrenal glands. In fact, these tiny glands located on top of the kidneys, generate survival power; helping you cope with life stressors associated with work, financial pressures, relationships, busy family schedules, injury, disease and physiological changes such as those occurring with aging.  With persistent, long term stress, the adrenal glands become weak.

Weak adrenal function was described in medical texts as far back as the 1800s. Its prevalence has grown  in part, due to significant increases in modern-day lifestyle stressors. However, it is most unfortunate that the condition is rarely diagnosed by conventional physicians who are unaware that the problem exists.

Adrenal fatigue can be reversed and energy levels can be restored to normal. Recovery begins with the right diagnosis, identification of as many underlying causes as possible and the development and implementation of a personalized treatment plan.

What happens when adrenal function is weak?

 The adrenal glands play a major role in the body’s life support mechanisms. In addition to helping us cope with all types of stress, they secrete hormones that influence all of the body’s major physiological processes.

For example they:

• affect carbohydrate and fat utilization
  
• affect distribution of stored fat (particularly around the waist)
  
• support blood sugar regulation
  
• support proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal functions
  
• minimize allergic reactions through the protective activity of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant hormone secretions
  
• gradually become the major source of sex hormones in aging men and women
  
• significantly affect muscular strength and stamina in muscles of athletes (commonly known as natural steroids)
  

Weak adrenal function negatively affects all of the above processes; causing a wide range of symptoms, often without obvious signs of illness. However, those affected by this disorder live with a general sense of “unwellness” or “gray” feelings. They often turn to coffee, colas and other stimulants to get going in the morning and stay propped-up during the day.

In addition, weak adrenal function (hypoadrenia) increases susceptibility to allergies, infections due to impaired immunity and arthritic pain. Mental states are also affected; presenting symptoms including increased fears, anxiety and depression, intermittent confusion, poor concentration, impaired memory and insomnia. 

Signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue

• Low energy
• Inability to fall asleep normally and sleep through the night (insomnia)
• Constantly feeling unrested even with some sleep
• Salty and sweet food cravings
• Morning exhaustion with limited afternoon perk-up
• Weight gain
• Increased body fat (especially around the waist)
• Decreased muscle mass
• Irritability
• Stress intolerance or reduced stress tolerance
• Increasing lack of interest
• Decreased libido
• Joint pain or achy joints
• Emerging allergies
• Increase in infections
• Chemical sensitivities
• Forgetfulness
• Poor concentration
• Anxiety and depression

How can I find out if I have adrenal fatigue?

In most instances, your adrenal fatigue will be missed in traditional medical practice because results from some of the standard tests are unable to be interpreted with precision. Other tests used are designed to detect markers for Addison’s disease (extremely low adrenal function) or Cushing’s Syndrome (extremely high adrenal function). So, unless you meet the criteria for either of those diseases, chances are you will not receive treatment for your adrenal dysfunction.   

However, saliva hormone testing accurately measures adrenal hormone levels. It is the “diagnostic tool of choice” for confirming adrenal fatigue at Harmony Medica.

How will my Adrenal Fatigue be treated at Medica?

At Harmony Medica, your adrenal fatigue treatment will begin with a health history review, lab tests, personalized consultation and identification of underlying causes of your chief complaints.

An individualized recovery plan including bio-identical hormone support, dietary recommendations, nutritional supplements and a follow-up plan will be developed according to your needs. You can recover from adrenal fatigue and there is no better time to start than right now.  Please call us today at 703-349-2382 to schedule a consultation.

Please call us today at 703-349-2382 to schedule your consultation. 

Anti-aging medicine is a rapidly growing, scientifically-based, medical specialty that gives hope and holds promise for “slowing down” the aging process. It focuses on prevention of chronic, degenerative diseases; thereby promoting vibrant, healthy, productive longevity for humanity.

My interest in anti-aging medicine stems from a deep passion for educating patients and offering   individualized treatment according to their needs. I am also committed to helping them become empowered to take charge of their lives by creating and living healthy lifestyles that extend the healthspan as they age.

Anti-aging medicine research has already proven that positive behavioral changes in diet, enhanced nutrition, use of pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements, regular and appropriate exercise, stress reduction and advancements in age-related disease treatments can slow down the aging process.   

Furthermore, advancements are being made daily in prevention of aging-related disorders such as Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity, Type II Diabetes, Thyroid and Adrenal dysfunction, autoimmune and chronic, systemic conditions such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Radiant health and longevity for my patients are the  primary goals of my practice. I am committed to offering the highest quality patient care possible. To that end,   I provide customized wellness plans that focus on disease prevention and treatment as needed through:

• medical protocols to treat existing disorders as appropriate
  
• bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as appropriate
  
• adequate nutrition, proper rest and exercise 
  
• weight management including maintaining an appropriate Body Mass Index (BMI) to ensure balance between lean muscle, adequate body fat and proper hydration
  
• care and rejuvenation of the major detoxification organs, particularly the liver 
  
• identification of stressors, development and daily use of a stress management practice
  

Living longer and feeling better as we age is an incredibly joyful experience. As many patients begin to feel more vibrant and youthful due to their healthy lifestyles, they start exploring the aesthetic or cosmetic side of anti-aging medicine. I am also passionate about this aspect of health due to awareness of the positive affects that an improved appearance can have on an individual’s overall well-being.

My key objective in this area is to help my patients make informed choices about non-surgical, aesthetic procedures.  Again, patient education is a priority. I am trained to perform some of these procedures and treatments and offer them with an unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, integrity and, in accordance with every patient’s health status. Currently, I provide the following four non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

• Mesotherapy — An exciting approach to cellulite and “spot fat” reduction without surgery or scarring. Treatments involve the use of microinjections of natural plant extracts, vitamins and homeopathic medicines into the mesoderm (middle layer of skin). The injected nutrients dissolve fat deposits, and encourage lymphatic drainage. The process is similar to what occurs during typical weight loss when fat is broken down and toxic wastes are excreted by the kidneys and bowel.

• Dermal Fillers — Synthetic forms of biodegradable hyaluronic acid used to fill facial wrinkles, creases and for lip enhancements. They are safe, instant, long-lasting wrinkle correction alternatives to collagen fillers and dissolve naturally in the body over time.

• Botox — A quick, minimally invasive, treatment that blocks nerve impulses to reduce the movement of muscles; eventually allowing the skin surface to smoothe out. Botox is safe and effective when properly used.

• Spider Vein Therapy/Sclerotherapy — A safe, effective treatment for unwanted, visible blood vessels. Fine needle injection is used with a solution that eventually causes the blood vessel to fade and become barely noticeable.

Again, anti-aging medicine begins with disease prevention and can be enhanced with medical aesthetics. As a physician committed to providing the best for my patients, I encourage you to call my office at

703-349-2382 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Welcome to HarmonyMedica

I am Dr. Eva Coleman and I invite you to “join me in wellness” through a therapeutic, restorative approach, that works with the body’s natural tendency to create and maintain a lifetime of health.

For many years in my traditional medical practice, I witnessed the dismay of patients seeking reversal of fatigue, general physical discomforts, sleep disturbances, weight management issues, decreased libido and other conditions. They were basically being robbed of zestful, productive, joyful lives. 

Some may say that these are not real health concerns and that it’s just what happens to us while we age. But do we really have to feel this way? Are there ways to fight these trends? Can we put the balance and harmony back into our lives? While studying anti-aging medicine and hormone therapies I have discovered several treatments that have made a real difference in my own life and the lives of my patients. These therapies restore vitality and elevate the undesirable symptoms of aging.

For this reason, I have created Harmony Medica; an adjunct to my traditional medical practice. Here we focus on rejuvenation therapies including: Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Adrenal Fatigue Treatment, Weight Management using the HCG Weight Loss Plan and cosmetic procedures such as Botox Injections and Deep Fillers. You are invited to read more about these therapies on this website and, we look forward to scheduling your personal consultation. 

Please call us at 703-349 2382.

Sincerely,

Dr. Eva Coleman
Internal Medicine
Anti-Aging Medicine