Low Energy and No Sex Drive
Q. I am a 44 year old woman, who has noticed a significant decrease in my energy and sexual desire. Both my husband and I work long hours and find it hard to rekindle the passion we once had. I often feel tired and weak, and my husband has recently started to have similar complaints. My doctor told me that it’s normal and that I am stressed. Is there any treatment that is safe to help us both?
A. Fatigue and low sexual desire are common complaints in both men and women. The complaints may initially be ignored, as they are often associated with other more prominent symptoms that include depressed physical, mental and emotional functions.
While the symptoms are typically seen with advanced age due to the natural decline in the measured levels of sex hormones, they may frequently appear at a younger age in association with imbalanced stress hormones that interfere with the body’s natural functions.
Joint Pain and Stiffness in Arthritis
Q. I am having painful, swollen joints with stiffness in the morning. My doctor says I have rheumatoid arthritis and placed me on medication. Are there natural solutions?
A. Stiff and painful joints often involve inflammation or destruction of tissues due to defective immune system or imbalances in gastrointestinal, physical detoxification, or hormonal functions.
With a goal to put out the “fire” causing the pain, and improve joint flexibility; an integrative approach to health focuses on listening to the body’s cry for help, while identifying and eliminating the possible offenders to the joints.
We eliminate potentially toxic substances from the diet and the environment, while adding anti-inflammatory nutrients. A mind/body medicine approach that incorporates gentle movement exercises to reduce the stress and inflammation associated with arthritis can support joint lubrication and optimize mobility and health.
Thyroid Issues
Q. I am a 38 year old woman and I have no energy, my hair is falling out, my memory is not good and I am so tired of feeling horrible. I have been doing some reading and I am wondering if I could have thyroid issues?
A. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, constipation, and changes in weight and appetite.
Many people have a low normal thyroid function that is missed with traditional testing. According to researchers treating such patients for thyroid dysfunction with natural supplementation may be better than traditional treatment and may not only improve mood and brain function, but also benefit cholesterol levels and heart disease, infertility, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and depression.
If you have hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function), and are not feeling optimal despite your treatment, you must address the underlying causes for the thyroid imbalance and incorporate a therapeutic lifestyle program.
Andropause & Mid-Life Slump
Q. My 47 year old husband seems to be going through a mid-life slump. Do men go through something like menopause?
A. Yes, in fact they do. Many men’s hormones start to decline after peak in their mid 20’s. It is called “hypogonadism” also known as Andropause. Common symptoms are decreased energy, muscle loss, loss of strength and endurance, memory loss, decreased enjoyment in life, having less ability to play sports, falling asleep after dinner, being sad or grumpy, decreased sexual drive, weight gain (especially fat around the middle) that can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risks of heart attack, stroke and much more. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of menopause in women and include difficulty concentrating and hot flashes.
After testing for hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and other markers, Dr. Shemesh and Staff create an individualized care plan that restores vibrant health using natural modalities that include natural hormones, diet, supplements, and stress coping tools that address the whole person.
Dr. Shemesh uses the latest science combining the best from both the conventional and complementary worlds of medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Board of Holistic Medicine, and the American Academy of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine.
