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When Sir Steve Redgrave started feeling tired, low and gaining weight around his middle, he put it down to getting older.

But the most successful male rower in Olympic history (Redgrave won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games between 1984 and 2000) wasnt just feeling the effects of age.

A friend pointed out his symptoms could be due to low testosterone, and tests have since shown he has borderline testosterone deficiency.

Since retiring from rowing, Ive experienced unexplained weight gain particularly around my belly, tiredness, and feeling low and a bit depressed, reveals Redgrave, who turns 61 later this month.

It was only after speaking with a friend that I learned these could be signs of testosterone deficiency, rather than just signs of getting older.

Recent results show I have borderline testosterone deficiency. Im working closely with my doctor to find a treatment that will work for me to overcome these symptoms, which may be testosterone replacement.

The father-of-three, who retired from rowing in 2000, had his levels checked by digital health company Teds Health, which says testosterone deficiency can cause both physical and mental symptoms, including depression, fatigue and sexual dysfunction.

Low testosterone is also linked to type 2 diabetes (which Redgrave also has), with studies suggesting men who have low testosterone are four times more likely to develop it. Yet, many people are unaware of these links, or even what low testosterone is and how it can affect people.

Ive been a diabetic for 26 years and know a lot about it, but it wasnt until quite recently that a friend of mine told me about testosterone and how it can affect diabetes, says Redgrave, who has becoming an ambassador for Teds Health to help raise awareness of low testosterone, and particularly the role in can play in the early stages of type 2 diabetes.

When Redgrave was diagnosed with diabetes in 1997, it was just a year after hed won his fourth Olympic gold and he was aiming to win his fifth at the 2000 Sydney Games.

I was an athlete at the time, and I carried on competing for the next three years with diabetes, he recalls.I was one of the fittest people in the country, and then youre told your body isnt doing what it was doing before. I honestly thought my rowing career would be over at that point, and it wasnt until I saw the specialist and he said he saw no reason why I couldnt carry on doing my sport.

There are certain areas in life you cant follow when youre diabetic, but you can still achieve most of your dreams, he stresses.

Redgrave now has an insulin pump to help control his diabetes, and he puts his blood sugar levels in twice a day compared with up to 10 times a day when he was competing. He says he eats what he wants to a degree these days, although its certainly far less than the 6,000-7,000 calories per day he was consuming during his Olympics days.

Hes also taking tablets to help improve his current health issues: Theyre trying to help with the tiredness and weight, and trying to give me more enthusiasm.

He may also get testosterone support, which can either be through an injection which lasts for a few months, or by rubbing a gel onto the skin. If I have to go down that avenue, I think Ill go for the injection, rather than a daily rub of gel the injection would be a lot more convenient for me, he says.

He does still try to keep fit too and has an extra-special reason to maintain his fitness now, he happily reveals.

I generally try to keep fit nothing compared to when I was an athlete, but I try to eat healthily and look after myself. My eldest daughter Natalie, whos a doctor, is pregnant, so Im going to be a grandfather in July, and I want to be healthy and fit for the grandchildren that are going to start coming along from now, he shares.

Its my first grandchild, and Im looking forward to being a grandfather. But it makes me feel old!

He admits he goes through different phases with fitness but says hes in a pretty good phase at the moment exercising about three times a week, doing plenty of static biking in the gym and going out on the roads as the weather improves. He also tries to play golf at least once a week and the way I play golf is not a straight walk, so I get lots of steps in on those days!

And what about rowing does one of the worlds best-ever rowers ever take to the water these days?

Very rarely, he admits. To me, rowing was an activity of competing, from when I went to my comprehensive school here in Marlow. I didnt really enjoy the training overly. But I enjoyed the success, and the harder you trained, the more success you had.

For most people, its about competing even the people taking the sport up quite late. Theres a whole circuit and races for almost any age group. Very few people do it as a leisurely activity, normally theres a goal at the end of it.

Redgrave admits he does miss the competition to a degree.

He adds: Im not very good at relaxing. I dont miss the amount of training we did, but I miss the camaraderie side. Its very much a team sport.

Sir Steve Redgrave is an ambassador for Teds Health (tedshealth.com)

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Sir Steve Redgrave on finding out low testosterone was behind his weight, energy and mood changes - The Independent

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The quest for longevity is going mainstream. People are taking ice baths, fasting, and undergoing hormone therapy to stave off aging. kentoh/ Getty Images

Source: Insider

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that supports cold exposure as an anti-aging hack.

Whether you take a plunge into a pool of ice cold water, or try cryotherapy which involves spending a few minutes in a below freezing chamber cold exposure has benefits that may help slow down the clock.

Dr. Anant Vinjamoori, Chief Medical Officer of Modern Age,aNew York-based healthcare company focused on longevity,told Insider that cold exposure produces effective results in the short and long term.

A plunge into an ice cold bath results in "a surge in the production of neurotransmitters such as epinephrine and dopamine" which have immediate rejuvenating and energizing effects, he said.

"Over the medium to long term, there is some evidence that cold exposure may reduce systemic inflammation, which is known to be a driver of many chronic diseases," Vinjamoori added.

In 2019, Jack Dorsey said that he only eats one meal a day and fasts all weekend which might be bordering on an eating disorder, experts say.

However, research does suggests that time-restricted eating patterns can result in health benefits for those with diabetes and obesity or even enhance the body's defenses against oxidative stress.

"For me, the primary benefit of time-restricted eating is regulating circadian rhythms. Sleep quality almost always improves by limiting the consumption of calories in the evening hours," said Modern Age's Dr. Vinjamoori.

Red light therapy uses LED lights or lasers to expose the body to red light the longest wavelength of light on the visible spectrum. There is research to suggest that exposing oneself to red light for 5 to 20 minutes may increase production of adenosine triphosphate, which is a compound that provides and stores energy for the cells.

"While more research is needed to understand the full benefits and mechanisms of red light therapy, there is evidence to suggest it may be beneficial in improving certain skin conditions including acne, aging, hair loss, wound care, and sun damage," dermatologistLaura Bufordpreviously told Insider.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, or NMN, is a supplement that can help boost levels of a criticalcoenzyme in the body called NAD+.

NAD+ plays an important role in facilitating metabolic processes and maintaining healthy cellular function.

Harvard Medical School professor David Sinclair who has studied the relationship between NAD+ and aging saidin an interview with the YouTube channel Reverse Aging Revolution that the human body uses NAD+ as "a measure of adversity."As humans get older, NAD+ levels decrease, which mean the body's defense enzymes and repair enzymes take a hit and humans "succumb to aging" Sinclair said.

Since NAD+ is a large molecule, it's difficult to take it directly. Sinclair recommends taking its building blocks like B3, Nicotinamide riboside (NR) or NMN.

"What we've discovered in people, in clinical trials, is that the closer you get to the NAD itself, the better the boost in NAD that you get," Sinclair said, which is why he recommends NMN.

Ashwagandha is an herb that's long been used for anti-aging in Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine originating in India.

The herb, often classified as an adaptogen, has a host of health benefits that range from easing anxiety and stress to soothing arthritis to boosting cognitive function. Modern Age's Dr. Vinjamoori said that ashwagandha has been shown in research studies to reduce cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, and improve sleep in people without insomnia.

Recent research has also shown that ashwagandha could be a promising agent in anti-aging treatments. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2020 found that ashwagandha may help maintain the length of the key proteins at end of chromosomes known as telomeres. Telomeres are often shortened in the process of DNA replication which has been pointed to as the main factor that "speeds up cell ageing and promotes degeneration processes" the study noted.

Metformin, a pill prescribed for diabetes, is increasingly being used by biohackers as a way to improve how humans age, and slow the onset of diseases like cancer, cognitive decline, and vision loss, Insider reported.

The drug helps regulate blood sugar and decrease appetite, essentially giving the metabolism a boost and stimulating a cellular clean-up process known as autophagy, Insider reported.

In his book Lifespan, Harvard professor David Sinclair, said he takesa gram of metformin every morning along with his yogurt in the hope that it will regulate his metabolism and help his organs remain younger and healthier, Insider reported.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also said his personal anti-aging regimen includes metformin.

The body's balance of hormones can shift with age and spur a variety of age-related conditions like weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, and lower sex drive, two longevity focused doctors told Insider.As a result, they've seen an increasing patient interest in hormone therapy.

Modern Age's Dr. Vinjamoori told Insider that testosterone replacement has gained popularity among men and women as its become clear that optimal testosterone levels can impact mood, libido, and even metabolism.

"The importance of testosterone for women, in particular, is underappreciated testosterone is actually the most abundant hormone in a woman's body and is the first hormone to decline with age," Vinjamoori told Insider.

It's not just testosterone, but also sex hormone like estrogen and progesterone that are being sought out by patients. Vinjamoori said the options for hormone therapy range from pills to creams to patches to pellets. "The approach can be highly personalized to you and your needs."

Rapamycin is immunosuppressive drug used to help treat some cancers. It's also used in kidney transplants to help the an organ recipient's body accept new kidneys, Insider reported.

The pill can slow down cellular growth and reproduction which means it might be a way for "aging bodies turn down troublesome age-related inflammation" which can contribute to age-related diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, Insider reported.

Insider reportedthat researchers have already seen rapamycin slow aging in flies, crustaceans, yeast, mice. In humans, studies have shown that it may help improve immune function, especially in older adults, Insider said.

Despite its potential to be a "fountain of youth" no one has really nailed down the right way to regulate the drug for aging, Insider said.

MattKaeberlein, a longevity researcher studying rapamycin's effects on humans, previously told Insider "the doses that people are taking off-label are all over the place," adding that, "it's the wild west."

Originally posted here:
Anti-aging trends are sweeping the nation: Experts weigh in - Business Insider

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HGTV star Tarek El Moussa looks the same in 2023 as when Flip or Flop, his home renovation show starring ex-wife Christina Hall, premiered in 2013. But has the TV personality ever undergone plastic surgery to keep looking so youthful? Tarek has never specifically addressed going under the knife, but he did recall an experience with a Botox doctor during "The Dr. Drew Podcast" in 2018. The Long Beach, California, native went to an anti-aging clinic after battling a myriad of health problems including thyroid cancer, testicular cancer and back surgery. It left him feeling weakened and he ended up getting treated with testosterone to help boost his energy. It was just my hormones were off. I was tired and I thought it was from the thyroid medication, but it wasnt, Tarek revealed. "I went to this Botox doctor and hormone clinic that my ex said to go check out," Tarek said, referring to Christina. "Next thing I know Im shoving a needle on my ass and taking steroids it was testosterone, he said, adding that he was given double the dose of his already normal hormone level. It was awful, the real estate investor recalled. I was completely on way too much testosterone, on top of that taking human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injections every day because I was told to. Tarek still continued to film Flip or Flop with Christina, whom he split from in 2016. Their divorce was finalized in 2018, and he went on to marry Selling Sunset star Heather Rae Young in October 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, son Tristan Jay, in January 2023. Tarek already shares two children with Christina: daughter Taylor, born in 2010, and son Brayden, who came along in 2015. Tarek revealed that he underwent a massive weight loss after injuring his back following his cancer battles. "I got back surgery I went from 230-pounds to 168-pounds," he told Dr. Drew. "So, I had the cancer and then I got the second cancer. And then four months after, I recovered from the second cancer, I hurt my back. Then I lost 60 pounds." "I was on like 10 Vicodin every day, and on top of that my meds are off, my hormones are off, I'm on pain meds and narcotics and I'm filming and I'm working. It was a really rough three, four years, he added." Thankfully Tarek is now in good health as of 2023 and enjoying his new life with Heather and their son. Scroll down to see Tarek's transformation over the years in photos.

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Has Tarek El Moussa Undergone Plastic Surgery? See the HGTV Stars Transformation Over the Years - Yahoo Entertainment

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When it comes to herbs with applications in sports nutrition, the skys the limit. However, given the plethora of options, Im going to limit my discussion to three evidence-based herbs: ashwagandha, citrus bergamot, and shilajit.

Ashwagandha Extract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an extremely popular adaptogenic herb in the dietary supplement industry and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine1 for over 3,000 years. Specific to sports applications, studies have shown that ashwagandha extract may be capable of increasing testosterone levels in men by about 15%-17%.2,3,4 This is significant given testosterones well-established role in building and maintaining muscle. Additional research has also shown that ashwagandha extract may increase muscle size and strength more than exercise alone, while helping to reduce body fat percentage by double compared to exercise alone.4 Likewise, ashwagandha extract has been successfully tested5 to enhance cardiorespiratory endurance (measured as maximal oxygen uptake, or VO2max) and improve self-assessed quality of life in healthy athletic adults. These cited benefits only scratch the surface of the expansive body of research on the health, wellness, and fitness value of ashwagandha extract.

Citrus Bergamot

Overwhelming scientific evidence indicates that bergamot polyphenolic fractions (BPF) from citrus bergamot fruit are responsible for the majority of the botanicals pharmacological effects.6 Among these effects is increasing nitric oxide (NO) levels which has value in the world of sports since NO can impact muscular pump, a term used in bodybuilding circles to describe the sensation of tight congestion, or swelling, of your muscles with blood coursing through them during weight-training sessions.7

A randomized, placebo-controlled study8 evaluated the effects of 4 weeks of BPF supplementation (650 mg twice a day for 4 weeks) on serum NO and other parameters. Results were that BPF significantly increased baseline NO levels and VO2max.

Shilajit

Also part of the Ayurvedic tradition, shilajit is an exudate secreted from sedimentary rocks (largely in the Himalayas) composed of rock humus and organic substances that have been compressed by layers of rock mixed with marine organisms and microbial metabolites.9 Shilajit has been shown in research10 to increase testosterone levels by 20.45% and free testosterone by 19.4%, increase exercise time by 9%-13%,11 and increase levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the bodys energy currency) by 14%12 in healthy active volunteers.

Conclusion

While there are many excellent herbs which can be used in sports nutrition, ashwagandha extract, citrus bergamot, and shilajit are three of the very best, with solid scientific evidence to support their benefits for promoting fitness applications.

About the author

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH (AHG), is a certified nutritionist and registered herbalist with more than 40 years of dietary supplement industry experience. With a masters degree in nutrition and a second masters degree in herbal medicine, he has a proven track record of formulating innovative, evidence-based dietary supplements. Bruno currently serves as both the vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at NutraScience Labs (Farmingdale, NY) and professor of nutraceutical science at Huntington University of Health Sciences.

References

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Top herbs in sports nutrition - Nutritional Outlook

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Androgen Replacement Therapy Market Analysis

Androgen replacement therapy or low testosterone therapy is commonly called as hormone replacement therapy for men.

Androgen Replacement Therapy Market Size is estimated to Reach US$ 3,317.6 Million at a CAGR of 7.8% by 2030

Androgen replacement therapy (ART), often referred to as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), is a form of hormone therapy, in which androgens, often testosterone, are replaced. ART is often prescribed to counter the effects of male hypogonadism.

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The report provides understandings regarding the beneficial opportunities in the Androgen Replacement Therapy Market at the country level. The report also includes a , , , , of the major key players globally for the projected period.

The inclusive report focuses on primary sections such as , , , . The segments provide details in terms of various viewpoints such as end-use industry, product or service type and any other relevant segmentation as per the markets current scenario which includes various aspects to perform further promotion activity.

Androgen Replacement Therapy Market Competitive Landscape

The market report lists the major players involved in the Androgen Replacement Therapy Market under the competitive landscape and company profile chapters. The major players in the market are evaluated based on their product and/or service offerings, financial statements, key developments, strategic approach to the market, position in the market, geographical saturation and other key landscapes. The chapter also highlights the , , ( ), winning imperatives, current focus and strategies, and threats from competition for the top players in the market.

Key Players in Androgen Replacement Therapy Market

AbbVie, Inc., Bayer AG, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Plc., Eli Lilly and Company, Kyowa Kirin International Plc., Novartis International AG, Pfizer Inc., Clarus Therapeutics, Inc., Perrigo Company Plc, Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Sawai pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Reddy's Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Simple Pharma.

Androgen Replacement Therapy Market Segmentation

By Product Type:Testosterone Creams/Gels, Testosterone Patches, Testosterone Injections, Testosterone Implants, Testosterone Tablets/Capsules/Gums

By Active Ingredient Type:Testosterone, Methyl Testosterone, Testosterone Undecanoate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Cypionate

By Distribution Channel:Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies

Research Methodology

The report includes first-hand information collected from key stakeholders through quantitative and qualitative analyses based on the parameters of the Porter Five Force model. The report highlights macroeconomic indicators, parent market trends and growth drivers. To gain a better understanding of the market, primary and secondary research has been conducted. The data used in the report were subjected to a multi-step check to ensure both the authenticity and quality of the information provided. Bottom-up and top-down approaches are also used to ensure the credibility of appraisals and market segments.

:

: It includes five chapters, details on the study's objectives, significant manufacturers covered, market segments, Androgen Replacement Therapy market segments, and years taken into account.

: The competition in the global Androgen Replacement Therapy market is assessed here in terms of price, turnover, revenues, and market share held by the organisation as well as market rate, competitive landscape, and most recent developments, transactions, growth, sales, and market positions of leading companies.

: On the basis of sales, primary products, gross profit margin, revenue, price, and growing production, the top players in the worldwide Androgen Replacement Therapy market are analysed.

: The report covers gross margin, sales, income, supply, market share, CAGR, and market size by region. Among the regions and countries thoroughly examined in this study are North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

: It includes a comprehensive analysis of the contributions made by various end-user, application, and type segments to the Androgen Replacement Therapy Market.

: Production Side: The authors of this section of the report have concentrated on forecasting production and production value, forecasting key producers, and forecasting production and production value by type.

: The research study's conclusion is presented in this section of the report, which is its final subsection.

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How big is the Androgen Replacement Therapy Market? Who are the major player in the Androgen Replacement Therapy Market? Which segments are covered in the report of Androgen Replacement Therapy Market? Which regions are covered in the report that having a potential scope for the Androgen Replacement Therapy Market? How can I get a sample report of statistical data for the Androgen Replacement Therapy Market?

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Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients.

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Androgen Replacement Therapy Market to Grow Massively at a CAGR of 7.8% by 2030: Coherent Market Insights | - EIN News

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A study based on self-reported answers to a questionnaire cross-referred to semen samples and hormone measurements has found that physically demanding jobs and rotating or evening shift working may be associated with higher testicular function in men as seen by higher sperm concentrations and counts as well as higher serum testosterone and estradiol levels.

Male factor infertility has become a 21st century global problem, not only because of its link with reproductive health but also with a general risk of chronic disease such as diabetes and cancer. Concerns over declining sperm count and quality have been fuelled largely by the meta-analysis of Levine et al which, in an update last year, presented salutary new evidence of an acceleration in pace of this downswing.(1,2)

Various factors have been analysed to establish why sperm counts and concentration appear to have more than halved in 40 years. Numerous studies have focused on lifestyle, BMI, environment including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and diet in the search for what might improve or impair sperm health. A recent RCT has even suggested that eating nuts might reduce sperm DNA fragmentation, a cause of reduced fertilisation rates and embryo quality.(3)

Now a new study suggests that mens occupations might be added to this long list of factors contributing to a decline in male reproductive health.(4) Observational data based on more than 300 participants show that sperm concentrations and serum testosterone levels among men who do physically demanding work are nearly double those of employees who never lift or move heavy objects. Certain work shift patterns also result in these positive associations. The findings are from the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study at Brigham and Womens Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

All participants in this latest EARTH study were also male partners of couples seeking fertility treatment, with a minority diagnosed with conditions such as cryptorchidism (5%) and varicocele (6%). The majority (87%) were of white ethnic background, with a median BMI of 27, and age ranging from 33 to 39 years. Enrolment took place between 2005 to 2019 with an aim of exploring the relationship between self-reported occupational factors and several markers of testicular function.

The men completed questionnaires about work shift patterns, how often they lifted or moved heavy objects, and physical level of exertion at work (eg, sitting, working in office etc); and were asked about lifestyle (eg, drug use, exposure to chemicals) and other factors such as diet. Semen samples were analysed following WHO guidelines, and multiple samples collected from most men. Of the 377 participants who completed the survey, 12% reported often lifting or moving heavy objects at work, 6% reported heavy physical exertion at work, and 9% reported evening or rotating shifts.

Overall, results showed most semen samples exceeded the WHO reference values. Men who reported often lifting/moving heavy objects at work had 46% higher sperm concentrations (P=0.01) and 44% higher total counts (P=0.01) than those who reported never lifting heavy objects. Results were similar for men on rotating shifts (defined as an alternating cycle of days/nights) compared to those on day shifts, and among men involved in heavy physical exertion compared to those engaged in light levels.

A subset of 145 participants had hormone measurements taken from blood samples. Of these workers, those involved in heavy/moderate levels of physical exertion in the workplace had higher circulating testosterone concentrations than those with lighter exertion, and men who often moved/lifted heavy objects had higher estradiol concentrations than those who never did. In addition, higher testosterone concentrations were observed among male workers on evening/rotating shifts: their levels were 24% greater than those of men on day shifts and estradiol concentrations 45% higher. No associations were observed for ejaculated volume, total motility, morphologically normal sperm, or serum FSH and LH concentrations.

The authors note that these results appear to conflict with earlier studies, which generally found work-related heavy exertion was linked to lower sperm concentration/total sperm count, with shift work not associated with semen quality. However, referring to a similar study reported in 2015, the authors note that participants here had generally higher median sperm concentrations/total sperm counts, and were younger but heavier than the men from the EARTH study.(5)

However, semen parameters among the EARTH study participants were comparable to those among young healthy men from the general US population, but the authors acknowledge a limiting factor in only sampling the male partners of couples having fertility treatment. It may not be possible to generalize our findings to men from the general population, they concede. However, they still propose that physically demanding jobs and rotating or evening shift occupations may be associated with higher testicular function in men as indicated by higher sperm concentrations and counts as well as higher serum testosterone and estradiol levels. But confirmation of these findings would only be derived from other non-fertility clinic study populations, and from subjects of different ethnic backgrounds.

1. Levine H, Jrgensen N, Anderson M-A, et al. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 23: 646-659.doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmx0222. Levine H, Jrgensen N, Anderson M-A, et al. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of samples collected globally in the 20th and 21st centuries. Hum Reprod Update 2022;doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmac0353. Salas-Huetos A, Moraleda R, Giardina S, et al. Effect of nut consumption on semen quality and functionality in healthy men consuming a Western-style diet: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2018; 108; 953-962. doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy181. PMID: 304759674. Mnguez-Alarcn L, Williams PL, Souter I, el al. Occupational factors and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center; Hum Reprod 2023; https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dead0275. Eisenberg ML, Chen Z, Ye A, et al. Relationship between physical occupational exposures and health on semen quality: data from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study. Fertil Steril 2015; 103; 1271-1277; doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.02.010

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Men with physically demanding jobs found to have higher sperm ... - ESHRE

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Republican lawmakers in Georgia are trying to change the law to stop transgender minors like Michael from receiving hormone replacement therapy or having surgery to help them physically align with their gender identity.

From birth, Michael was raised as a girl. But Michael said he knew for years that he was a boy. The pain of living his life in a body that didnt match his gender identity led him to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. He credits hormone treatment, in his case testosterone, with giving him a path to bringing his body and his identity into alignment.

Now, cases like Michaels have exploded into the political consciousness as some conservatives voice concern that such treatments are hasty. Legislatures in red states across the nation are proposing bills to intervene. In Georgia, versions of the bill have passed both chambers. It would apply to anyone under 18 years of age.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

The House on Thursday passed Senate Bill 140 largely on a party-line vote, with Republicans supporting the measure. Such party-line votes on the issue are the norm in the Republican-majority General Assembly. Since the bill was amended in the House, it will now go back to the Senate for its consideration.

Its not the first time transgender children felt like they were political targets in Georgia.

Last year, lawmakers passed a bill that allows any athletic association to ban transgender girls from competing on girls teams. A month later, the Georgia High School Association voted to require athletes to compete based on their biological sex.

This years bill would ban health care professionals from giving hormones such as estrogen or testosterone to transgender minors. Doctors also would not be allowed to perform surgeries on children seeking to align with their gender identity.

Treatment for transgender adolescents is a two-step process, first pausing hormones and puberty, and then giving new hormones to advance puberty in the target sex. If the bill becomes law, the second step would be banned for those under 18.

Medical professionals would still be allowed to prescribe a hormone treatment that aims to delay puberty or stop it from progressing under the proposal. Children who dont identify with their biological sex at a young age are often prescribed the puberty blockers.

Scientists who deal with such patients say a new, yearslong delay between pausing puberty and beginning hormone replacement therapy could lead to both physical and psychological issues.

The bill would also allow for minors to continue to receive hormone treatments if they began before July 1, when the bill, if signed into law, would take effect, so minors in Michaels situation wouldnt be affected.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

SB 140s sponsor, state Sen. Carden Summers, a Cordele Republican, says the legislation aims to stop parents from allowing their children to make permanent decisions about their gender identity before they are legal adults.

Its also been proven that children who have gender dysphoria issues sort of outgrow them as they mature. ... They should get a little bit more mature before they make a decision that is 100% irreversible, he told the House Public Health Committee on Tuesday. After (transgender children turn) 18 years old, whatever they decide to do is their business. This bill is simply to pause.

An AJC reporter contacted organizations more than a week ago that support the legislation in an attempt to speak with Georgians who received transgender treatment and regretted transitioning. The person whose information was provided did not respond to a request for comment.

Opponents of the legislation say bills such as SB 140, which are advancing across the country in Republican-controlled legislatures, are targeting a small, already vulnerable population. According to a 2022 study by the law school at the University of California, Los Angeles, about 1.2% of Georgians between the ages of 13 and 17 identify as transgender, or about 8,500 minors.

Studies have found that transgender youth, and adults, consider suicide at a rate exponentially higher than those who are not transgender.

Michael first told his mother that he was transgender when he was about 11 years old, but the family didnt immediately address it. Thats when Michael said he fell into a depression and began cutting his arms as a way to deal with what he was feeling. Cutting, or self-injury, is a nonsuicidal, yet harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress. Michael said he eventually considered suicide.

I didnt understand at the time, but seeing Michael in so much pain made it impossible not to address, his mother said. I needed Michael to be happy, and I was going to do whatever that took.

A study published in 2020 in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, a peer-reviewed publication that studies victims and perpetrators, found that 56% of transgender youth between ages 14 and 18 who were surveyed said they had tried to take their lives within the previous six months.

According to a 2019 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, 9% of high school students reported attempting suicide in the previous 12 months.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

The British journal The Lancet reported a risk of suicide in one U.S. study in 36% of patients of all ages with gender dysphoria the distress that comes from feeling youre one gender when you physically look like another. In contrast, risk of suicide was found in only 5% of the group without gender dysphoria.

Major scientific organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization say that medical and surgical care to transition genders is appropriate when properly administered.

Some dissenters have formed alternate groups, disagreeing with the organizations and calling for a halt to such treatments.

Erica Anderson, a California-based clinical psychologist and former board member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, told a reporter for the website the BMJ that she believes some kids are allowed to transition too fast.

We dont have lab tests that reveal if someone is trans nor not, Anderson told the BMJ. We have growing numbers of self-reported transitions that were very rapid in my opinion, too rapid getting on hormones right away, getting gender affirming surgery, and then shortly thereafter regretting it all.

Health care leaders in Finland and Sweden have slowed the administration of gender-affirming care in adolescents, recommending it only on a case-by-case basis.

In issuing the new Swedish guidelines, that countrys National Board of Health and Welfare cited the lack of new research and what it called the new knowledge that some young transition patients have regretted their transition and reversed their transition.

It also said that the number of young patients seeking to transition had significantly increased in recent years, especially among those seeking to transition from female to male, and that it wanted to better understand why.

Credit: Natrice Miller/AJC

Credit: Natrice Miller/AJC

To minimize the risk that a young person with gender incongruence later will regret a gender-affirming treatment, the Swedish guidelines were changed, it said. It added, Questions on how to ensure that all young people suffering from gender dysphoria be taken seriously and confirmed in their gender identity, well received and offered adequate care are becoming increasingly relevant, and will need to be answered.

Scientists say that some patients who transition end up stopping, and some end up reversing their transition. But they say the numbers are tiny compared with the numbers who transition.

However, many of those who specialize in transgender care say that careful psychological assessment is important.

Dr. Dane Whicker of Duke Universitys School of Medicine, a clinical psychologist who works with transgender patients, said hes had two or three kids in his decade-plus experience who didnt go through transitioning.

A key point is the concept of regret.

Stopping or reversing a transition doesnt mean the patient regretted the transition, said Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, a pediatrician and medical director of gender health at the Childrens Minnesota hospital system. Instead, she said, almost all of those who stop often adults do so because theyre getting backlash from their communities and families.

Theyre experiencing too much stigma, too much discrimination, and they just cant do it, Goepferd said. Its not that they want to stop, but they feel like thats the choice they have to make.

Dr. Izzy Lowell, who runs the Decatur-based gender transition practice Queer Med, said her clinic has about 4,000 active clients from across the South, and about 20% of them are under 18.

She has a handful of patients who are as young as 6 or 7 who only come in to her practice once a year and receive no medical treatment. The bulk of her patients that are under 18 are in their teens and usually have to have already started puberty before being treated with puberty blockers or other hormones. She does not do surgical treatment on minors, nor does she know anyone who does in Georgia.

Lowell said people who seek out her practice want medical treatment, though she partners with mental health providers for patients who want to undergo therapy.

In the best cases, the family has known theyre trans their whole life, they come in and, as soon as we can, we get them on treatments, everything goes smoothly and they never have to experience the wrong puberty and go through that terrible dysphoria, Lowell said. The worst cases, patients come to me after a suicide attempt and the family decides that theyll try anything not to have their child kill themselves. And thats far more common than it should be.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Families with transgender children who spoke with the AJC say that while it may have taken children a while before putting the feeling that they were transgender or nonbinary into words, it was always evident. Someone who is nonbinary doesnt identify as strictly male or female. Dare, a 16-year-old from Dacula who uses they as their pronoun, said they were about 10 when they started to think they may be nonbinary.

Ive always been gender neutral my whole life, Dare said. My mom talks about how, when I was really little, I would pick toys from the boys aisle and the girls aisle.

Dare and their sibling, a 13-year-old transgender boy named Jay, told their parents about their gender identities about the same time in 2020. Neither has been able to secure an appointment to get a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and begin medical treatment, so their transition has been social meaning changing their names and dressing in a way that more aligns with their gender identity.

Being nongender conforming isnt a decision thats made on a whim, Jay said. Theyve most likely known for a long time before they decided to tell anyone.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Jen Slipakoff, a Kennesaw resident, said her daughter first started talking about being transgender when she was 5. Up until then she had been raised as a boy. Shes 15 now.

We already knew exactly what was happening before she ever said anything, Slipakoff said. She has an older brother, so our house was full of traditional boys toys. And our daughter would play with those toys in a very different way than our son was. She would take her little soldiers shopping instead of putting them on the battlefield. She was always drawn to what we would consider traditional girls toys and traditional female clothing.

When she turned 5, she asked her mother to change her name.

She became more and more insistent, Slipakoff said. Thats when we realized like OK, this is something that we need to address.

During a Senate hearing last month, Slipakoff told lawmakers she was concerned that her teenage transgender daughter would be bullied by her classmates when she came out as trans.

Im happy to report, she has never been bullied by her classmates, Slipakoff said. Thats not to say she doesnt have bullies. Here in this room right now, they sponsored this bill and theyre the ones that are going to vote for it. ... She doesnt want and she doesnt need your protection. She wants you to leave her alone.

Democratic lawmakers and other opponents of SB 140 have also questioned how the same group of lawmakers could push legislation last year that allowed parents to opt their children out of school policies for things such as vaccines, masks and lessons and now say that parents shouldnt be able to make health decisions for their children.

During a House panel debating the legislation on Tuesday, state Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, a Snellville Democrat, read a series of arguments Republican lawmakers made in the media during those debates. Among them were comments such as parents have the right to make decisions about their childrens health care without interference from government.

At what point did Georgia shift from giving parents rights to taking away their rights for whatever medical treatment they deem appropriate with their doctors? she asked Summers.

Im just doing the bill to protect children, Summers said. Thats it, pure and simple.

Opponents of the bill say it would harm more children than it would help.

Michael, the 17-year-old Duluth resident, said if SB 140 was the law at the beginning of his transgender journey and banned him from receiving testosterone, he doesnt think he would still be living.

I most likely, honestly, would not be alive, he said. Thats what Im saying. Thats how much it affects me. Thats how much its changed my life. And I just couldnt imagine it because I know where I was, and I know I wouldnt be here without it.

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Trans kids say they have target on their back with GOP initiative - The Atlanta Journal Constitution

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What You Need to Know About the Relationship Between Sleep and Sex

Both sleep and sex are important for your health and well-being. But most people dont realize that one affects the other the quality of your sleep can determine the quality of your sex life, and vice-versa. For example, research shows that sleep disorders increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. And you know how having an orgasm can make you drowsy? Its due to the release of certain hormones.

Sleep and sex go hand in hand. Both are important for physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being, and problems in one often contribute to problems in the other, says Sarah Melancon, PhD, sociologist and clinical sexologist at Sex Toy Collective. Melancon previously worked in a sexual health clinic that included both sexual dysfunction and sleep programs. Frequently, sexual dysfunction patients also had sleep disturbances this is no coincidence.

RELATED:The Best Sleep Aids for aDeeper, Most Restful Sleep

Understanding the relationship between sleep and sex can help you improve your habits to optimize these two key areas of your lifestyle. Heres what you need to know.

Sleep is a restorative time that regulates the endocrine system, which produces our sex hormones, according to Melancon. For example, testosterone is an important sex hormone for men, fueling sex drive. Sleep affects the natural rhythm of your testosterone levels and can thus affect your sexual health and libido. Research has shown that sleep loss reduces testosterone levels in males. Testosterone works partly in alignment with our circadian rhythm, peaking in the morning and falling throughout the day. In particular, REM sleep is important for testosterone synthesis and appears associated with nocturnal erections, adds Melancon.

So, if you suffer from insomnia or dont get enough quality sleep, it can have an impact on your ability to crave sex and perform in the bedroom partly because of the link between sleep and testosterone, but also because of other factors. For instance, one study found a significant connection between insomnia and sexual dysfunction. According to the researchers behind the study, stress may be to blame, as being stressed may not only cause sleep disturbances, but can also negatively affect sexual function.

Sleep apnea is a potential disruptor as well: several studies have found a link between sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction. The takeaway? Sleep hygiene matters more than you think when it comes to your sex life.

Now that you understand how sleep can affect sex, lets consider how sex can affect sleep. The most important thing that you need to know is that an active sex life can improve the quality of your sleep.

If you have found yourself drowsy and uncontrollably sleepy after sex, it is normal. When a man reaches ejaculation, various chemicals are released from the brain, including prolactin, vasopressin and oxytocin. Prolactin is a hormone present in sleep and is also linked to sexual satisfaction in men. When you have sex, the orgasms from intercourse releases prolactin four times more than prolactin released during masturbation, according to Nicole Eichelberger, a BSM-certified sleep experts specializing in insomnia, apnea, and circadian rhythm disorders and a consultant at Mattressive. According to her, during sex, your levels of cortisol the stress hormone also drop. As she puts it, sex can positively affect a man's life, as a man with an active sex life sleeps better.

Theres an interesting other side of the coin sexual frustration, which can increase stress and interfere with a good night of sleep. Sexual frustration may be conceptualized as sexual tension plus a lack of satisfying release, accompanied by feelings of stress, anxiety, or even anger all of which interfere with sleep, says Melancon.

To recap the information above, sleep disturbances can cause problems in the bedroom, yet having sex can improve your sleep. Its a bit of a vicious cycle, but you can take steps to turn it into a virtuous one and improve both your sleep and sex life.

The first order of business is aiming to get a full nights sleep every night longer sleep is associated with healthy testosterone levels, according to Melancon, who recommends living in accordance with your natural circadian rhythm to help you get there. How? Go to bed early and awake around sunrise. Get early-morning and midday sunlight on your skin and in your eyes (without glasses). Use blue light-blocking glasses in the evening and red glasses an hour before bed to stimulate the release of melatonin, which helps you feel sleepy. TrueDark is a good brand, says Melancon.

Exercise is also crucial, as it improves both sleep and sexual function. Youll also want to take care of your mental wellbeing. Use mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, qigong, or related practices to relax and de-stress. Mindfulness has been found to improve erectile dysfunction, adds Melancon. Finally, as Philip Lindeman, MD, PhD, a physician and sleep specialist at GhostBed suggests, avoid excessive alcohol: It's not going to help sex or sleep.

If you adopt all the lifestyle changes above and still struggle with sleep and sex, talk to your doctor there may be underlying medical issues to address, such as getting treatment for sleep apnea. Great sex and sleep await.

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Understanding the Hidden Connection Between Sleep and Sex - AskMen

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It was early 2022 when friends here in LA first started sharing their peptide therapy experiences with me. One was on a regimen for fertility in preparation for banking her eggs, another for muscle gains, and yet another for weight loss. The Ozempic controversy had yet to swirl into mainstream consciousness, and I was amazed to hear about their results.

Initially, I spoke with Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Toni Tizon-Damiano of Roots Wellness who offers sermorelin, CJC1295, and semaglutide peptide injections in her practice. Through Toni, I began to learn about the growing promise of peptide therapies to target a wide range of needs from anti-aging to deepened sleep and improved brain health.

As I widened my research, I found that certain top biohackers had been quietly naming peptide injections as an exciting area of progress for years. Insulin, for example, is a peptide and has been around for over 100 years. As is nearly always the case, its taken time and possibly a bit of media controversy for many of the lesser known peptide treatments to become more accessible and better understood.

As the semaglutide (Ozempic) craze has grown, it has triggered valid concerns of a return to diet culture. That craze brought my research to a halt and I hesitated to cover the topic at all. Were on a positive trajectory of body positivity in this decade in a way I hope to see continue.

After polling our readers on Instagram, you let us know that the interest was there, and I decided to publish these insights from three pros, all of whom offer a wide variety of peptide therapies in their practices. Peptide therapies are so promising across an important cross-section of health concerns beyond just weight loss. Across the board, in my look at peptide therapy offerings, Ive found a wide-variety of therapies with claims related to all of the below:

+ Better sleep quality+ Improved immunity+ Improved bone density+ Reduction in body fat+ Increased metabolism+ Increased lean muscle mass+ Accelerated wound healing+ Thicker hair+ Tightening of the skin+ Better athletic recovery+ An overall increase in energy+ Balance with other hormones+ Improved libido and sexual performance+ Improved cognition+ Improved joint pain+ Improved mood

Peptides are not new: A lot of research on peptides has been going on for decades, mostly in Europe, and not the US, acccording to Dr. Jacey Folkers of Joi Womens Wellness, I would assume this is because we have been going through a strong pharmaceutical boom during this time. However, I believe peptides should be a large focus for medicine in the United States moving forward. Unfortunately, Im not confident this will be the case. Hopefully, education and awareness of the benefits of peptides continues to spread so that more and more individuals can experience what they can do for their health and the health of their loved ones.

Were sharing a few of the most notable peptide therapies you should know about below, but first

An important note on Ozempic + Weight Loss:Semaglutide and some other peptides target obesity, appetite control and chronic blood sugar imbalances specifically. While supporting weight loss in obese individuals is key for many preventative health measures, please think twice about any treatment that reduces appetite if medical obesity is not a health issue for you.

Many of us, myself included, actually need more nutrition in our daily diets for optimal health not less. Before approaching any peptide therapy that could effect your appetite, consider working with a nutritionist first to do some personal testing. I recommend long-time TCM contributors Brigid Titgemeier, MS, RDN, LD, IFNCP, holistic nutritionist Kelly LeVeque, and Jennie Miremadi, alicensed integrative clinical nutritionist who also specializes in healing from disordered eating.

Lets start with a few peptides therapies Ive been fascinated to learn more about

SS-31 | According to Dr. Heather Smith-Fernandez of Peptology, SS-31 is a peptide that helps to dysregulate the production of mitochondrial free radical production (mitochondrial-derived ROS) and is therefore being looked as a global anti-aging molecule.

BPC-157 has been experimentally demonstrated to accelerate the healing of many different wounds, including tendon-to-bone healing and superior healing of damaged ligaments. This peptide has been known to exhibit analgesic (pain relieving) characteristics. Those who suffer from discomfort due to muscle sprains, tears and damage may benefit from treatment with this peptide. You can download Peptologys free guide to peptide treatment therapies here.

Cerebrolysin | Also called FPE-1070. The neuroprotective properties of the nootropic peptide Cerebrolysin help to protect neurons from lactic acidosis and prevent the formation of free radicals. Cerebrolysin has been studied in memory loss, concentration decline, Parkinsons Disease, Alzheimers Disease, MS, TBI, and stroke.

CJC1295 | According to Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Toni Tizon-Damiano this growth hormone peptide is one of the most popular peptides used at her practice.With growth hormone peptides, it is important to understand that were not injecting growth hormone itself. These peptides simply enhance the signaling to our pituitary to secrete more of our own supply of growth hormone.

The popular use of growth hormone peptides started after studies found that patients were injecting growth hormone and having negative outcomes. The use of peptides provided some of the benefits of enhancing our own natural supply of growth hormone without the negative side effects

Low growth hormone can cause an individual to feel fatigue, brain fog, depressed, mood changes, low libido, weaker muscle function or a decrease in the ability to gain muscle, an increase in fat and so much more.

Growth hormone is responsible for childhood development, but is also important in adulthood. Growth hormone is responsible for many functions in our body that we lose as we age. After age 30, there is a steady decline of growth hormone produced by our body. This decline is often due to aging but also to toxin exposure, oxidative stress, disease, lack of sleep, obesity, inflammation and of course, chronic stress.

DSIP or Delta sleep-inducing peptide | According to Dr. Jacey Folkers of Joi Womens Wellness, DSIP is a naturally occurring substance originally isolated from rabbit brains in 1977. DSIP has been described as a sleep-promoting substance rather than a sedative. Clinical uses for DSIP exist and the peptide has been used for the treatment of alcohol and opioid withdrawal with some success.

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) | Semaglutide is a GLP-1 peptide (glucagon like peptide receptor agonist), says Nurse Practitioner, Toni Tizon-Damiano. Semaglutide has been prescribed for those with type 2 diabetes to help lower hemoglobin A1C (3 months blood sugar). These patients found that they were not only lowering their A1C, but also losing weight. Semaglutide helps to increase insulin secretion to decrease blood sugar in turn, decreasing appetite. Many of my clients are experiencing faster weight loss, lower cholesterol, lower hemoglobin A1C and potentially lowering their risk for cardiovascular related deaths.

Semaglutide was first developed in 2012 with 1 mg injection (Ozempic) first approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in 2017. The FDA approved semaglutide in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).

Selank | This peptide has pronounced anxiolytic activity and acts as a stable neuropsychotropic, antidepressant, and anti-stress drug that relieves aggression and fear reaction in different animal species. Selank also has a nootropic action, which promotes the formation of memory and learning processes, and tremendous immunomodulatory activity.

Sermorelin is a peptide analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone. It was first developed within the United States during the early 1980s. By 1997, the FDA approved its use and sale via prescription.

Yes, peptides have been around and researched much longer than most people realize. Sermorelin acts in a very specific way and is valued for its therapeutic possibilities. It does not affect the levels or actions of glucose, insulin, prolactin, cortisol, thyroid hormones and a host of other compounds within the body. Instead, sermorelin stimulates the body to increase its production of human growth hormone which improves the efficiency of the bodys metabolism. Because Sermorelin increases the bodys metabolism and improves energy levels, it has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on weight loss in people who want a more natural approach.

We also asked Dr. Jacey Folkers to weigh in further on the controversies surrounding semaglutide, from reduced access to diabetes meds, the narrative around weight loss culture even Ozempic face. He shared this with us:The latest data shows that over 73% of US adults are overweight or obese with obesity as the leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Whats more, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in America.

Both obesity and diabetes mellitus are important independent risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. We tend to categorize people based on official diagnoses, but just because a person struggling with weight or obesity has not been diagnosed as a diabetic does not necessarily mean they do not have the same health risk factors as a person who has. Medication that can help prevent and even reverse the chronic metabolic conditions that lead to diseases linked to diabetes and obesity should not necessarily be limited to one specific diagnosis.

Semaglutide can dramatically change the trajectory of a persons health by helping improve the metabolic and blood sugar imbalances many Americans have. For the most part, type 2 diabetes and obesity are conditions with significant lifestyle contributing factors. Semaglutide can help people make changes in their lifestyle that will benefit their health. It can help excess weight come off and blood sugar levels to improve, which can lead to overall better health.

When it comes to the discussion around Ozempic face, this side effect should not be blamed on the medication itself. When dosed appropriately, semaglutide can help facilitate a steady and gradual weight loss experience for many patients. With all medications, the dose is extremely important, as everyone responds to medications a bit differently. If a patient is being monitored well and dosed appropriately, their weight loss can be managed at a more gradual rate and prevent extremely fast drops in body mass, which can lead to Ozempic face.

Overall, peptides have far less side effects compared to pharmaceutical medications. Peptides have a pleiotropic effect (more than one effect) on the body and functions in the body in a more natural way. Medications often are meant to have a single direct effect and change or inhibit a naturally occurring pathway in the body. For example a COX2 inhibitor has a single targeted inhibition, and because of that, we get a whole bunch of side effects. The medication is forcing a response to occur in the body, whereas a peptide will moreso guide the bodys own built-in healing process to function better.

Tizon-Damiano notes that growth hormone peptides specifically are not safe for anyone that has a known cancer and have not been well studied in those with thyroid disorders. I require lab testing, vital signs, weight and BMI. Monitoring Insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) and other basic labs are crucial. IGF-1 is a biomarker that is the most important at mirroring what our growth hormone is doing. It has been studied in aging and the key is not to be too high or too low but to be balanced.

I urge people to commit to their peptide regimen for the full 6 months and then cycle off at least 30 days between to make sure that the body will continue to produce its own natural supply of growth hormone and wont develop resistance to it.

Tizon-Damianos patients most often see results in 3-6 months after daily injections that must be kept in the refrigerator. Side effects from peptide injections can include nausea and/or dizziness that commonly diminish once the body adjusts to the peptide.

The needles involved in peptide injections are very small, nonetheless most of them require injecting 5 out of 7 nights per week on an empty stomach.

Peptide injections usually range from $150-$300 per month depending on the peptide.

Read more from the original source:
6 Peptide Therapies According to Pros - What You Should Know - The Chalkboard Mag

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By Shania Obrien For Daily Mail Australia 14:36 19 Mar 2023, updated 22:56 19 Mar 2023

A mum-of-three has revealed how she lost 40kg in just 12 months after changing her mindset and overhauling her diet.

Laura Kukulovski, 32, weighed 94kg in February 2021 after giving birth to her third child.

The mum, from New South Wales, lost 30kg in just seven months after starting a weight loss program and has since shaved off a further 10kg. She now weighs a mere 55kg.

Laura made massive changes in her life to lose - and now maintain - her weight, like swapping out pantry essentials for healthy alternatives and cutting fast food and energy drinks out of her diet.

Before her decision to adapt a healthier lifestyle, Laura's weight had piled on quickly due to consistent takeaway meals and new medication.

'I started taking some medication when I was 30 and rapidly gained 20kg in a few months,' she told FEMAIL. 'I was not a bigger girl growing up, so it was an odd feeling to carry around so much weight.'

'I had no idea how to even go about losing the weight - I was terrible at diets and an extremely fussy eater.'

Laura said that one of her friends encouraged her to join the private The Healthy Mummy support page on Facebook - a program dedicated to helping women achieve their health goals.

But Laura's weight loss journey would not begin for a while.

'I fell pregnant soon after joining the group and gained even more weight. The worst part was when my stomach didn't go back to flat after giving birth.'

Laura soon found out that she suffered from diastasis recti - the separation of abdominal muscles - which caused her to still look pregnant months after her C-section.

BREAKFAST (07:30): A salted caramel smoothie with bananas and nuts

MID-MORNING (10:00): Cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, or a homemade muffin

LUNCH (12:00): Salad, rice paper rolls, or rice cakes

SNACK (15:00): A bag of nuts, fresh fruit, or a sausage roll

DINNER (19:00): Beef lasagna, sausage and vegetable pasta bake, or a chicken mince stir-fry

'I went out for drinks with a couple of friends about three months after giving birth to my son,' she said. 'There was a photographer at the event who took a lot of photos and posted them on Facebook.'

'I was just completely shocked when I saw the photos - I couldn't believe how bad I thought I looked. That was when I decided to commit to losing weight and getting healthy.'

The mum started small by going on walks and home workouts that lasted between 15-30 minutes.

She also swapped out all her pantry ingredients for wholegrain and whole meal alternatives that would help her stay healthy.

Laura noticed her tastes starting to change just a few weeks in - when she began craving healthy food instead of the 'disgusting' takeout her family would order three nights a week.

'My children still get McDonald's, KFC, or pizza on pay day and the weekend - but I don't eat any of it. I usually eat fresh foods like salads. I also got into meal prepping a lot, I love having stuff ready to go when I'm hungry.'

'I have a day or two a week where I focus on cooking so that I have something in the freezer for a lazy night. I can't tempt myself with takeout anymore.'

Laura's advice to mums in a similar boat is to take it really slow and accomplish one thing at a time.

'You spend years cultivating your lifestyle and diet, it's really overwhelming to change everything overnight. I want people to take their time and make small changes, there's no rush.'

The mum's weight started 'melting' off a few months in, and she managed to lose 30kg in the first seven months - with another 10kg soon following.

'It was really surreal, my weight was there and then suddenly it wasn't. I tried to do a little something every day, such as squatting when I picked up after my children or hung up laundry.'

Laura began her journey with Nathalia Melo's '28 Day Stronger' fitness program which focused on burning calories and increasing muscle definition.

'I love doing Pilates and core training, it really helps me relieve tension and strengthen my muscles in a lean way. I never want to look bulky.'

The mum also admitted to being a 'creature of habit' and often repeating meals she enjoys.

'I begin every morning with a salted caramel smoothie and then have a few recipes I never stray from - such as rice paper rolls, lasagna, and chicken bakes. I also eat snacks throughout the day, like muffins, sausage rolls, and cheese with crackers.'

Ingredients:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp butter

600g chicken breast fillets, diced

1 red onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds

1 tbsp corn flour

1 cup reduced fat milk

5 tbsp light cream cheese

1 tbsp dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper

1/2 bunc fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 small zucchini, sliced into thin batons

Method:

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The Healthy Mummy: Mum-of-three, 32, stuns after 'surreal' 40kg weight loss - Daily Mail

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