Aging is a natural process that affects everyone. However, it is often more challenging for women, who tend to experience more pronounced physical and hormonal changes as they age. The good news is that there are many ways to mitigate the impact of aging, and one of the most promising is through the use of sermorelin.
What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a peptide that stimulates the production of human growth hormone (HGH). HGH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for growth, cell regeneration, and overall health. As we age, our bodies produce less HGH, which can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.
How Does Sermorelin Work?
Sermorelin works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce more HGH. This, in turn, helps to promote the growth of new cells and tissues throughout the body, which can help to mitigate the impact of aging.
Benefits of Sermorelin for Women
Reduced Wrinkles and Fine Lines
One of the most visible signs of aging is the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Sermorelin can help to reduce the appearance of these signs of aging by stimulating the growth of new skin cells and tissues.
Increased Energy Levels
As we age, our energy levels tend to decrease. This can make it more difficult to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sermorelin can help to increase energy levels, making it easier to stay active and engaged in daily life.
Improved Mood
Many women experience mood swings and depression as they age, which can be attributed to changes in hormone levels. Sermorelin can help to stabilize hormone levels, leading to improved mood and emotional stability.
Enhanced Muscle Mass and Strength
As we age, our muscle mass and strength tend to decrease. This can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight and stay active. Sermorelin can help to increase muscle mass and strength, making it easier to maintain an active lifestyle.
Improved Sleep
Many women experience difficulty sleeping as they age, which can lead to a wide range of health problems. Sermorelin can help to improve sleep quality, leading to a better overall sense of well-being.
Is Sermorelin Right for You?
Aging is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. With the help of sermorelin, we can mitigate the impact of aging and maintain their youth and vitality. Whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, increase energy levels, or improve your overall health and well-being, sermorelin for women is a promising solution that is worth exploring. Contact our experts at Joi to learn if sermorelin is right for you!
Sexual intimacy is a vital component of a holistic human experience. However, for many women undergoing menopause, sexual activities can become a source of discomfort rather than pleasure. Menopausal and postmenopausal women often experience pain during intercourse, a condition medically termed dyspareunia. This article sheds light on the causes of sexual pain post-menopause and offers potential treatments to address this concern, ensuring that sexual health doesn’t wane with age.
Causes of post-menopausal sexual pain
The primary culprit behind painful intercourse after menopause is hormonal change. The body’s production of estrogen, a hormone responsible for maintaining the elasticity and moisture of the vaginal lining, decreases significantly during and after menopause. This reduction leads to:
Hormonal Changes
Vaginal Atrophy: The vaginal walls become thinner, less elastic, and more fragile.
Vaginal Dryness: Reduced estrogen levels also mean less vaginal lubrication, making sexual activity uncomfortable.
Physical Changes and Health Conditions
Apart from hormonal shifts, other health-related factors can contribute to painful sex:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs can lead to pain.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): They can cause discomfort during and after intercourse.
Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition characterized by bladder pressure and pain can lead to painful intercourse.
Psychological Factors
Emotional and psychological factors can exacerbate the experience of pain:
Anxiety and Stress: Can affect the body’s ability to relax, making sexual activity less comfortable.
History of Trauma: Past traumatic sexual experiences can lead to fear or anxiety around intercourse.
Treating and Preventing Painful Sex Post-Menopause
It’s crucial to understand that painful intercourse is not an inevitable part of aging. There are several treatments available that address both the root causes and symptoms of pain.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor pain, often manifesting as a deep discomfort or tension in the pelvic region, can be a significant barrier to a fulfilling sexual life. This discomfort can arise from various causes, including muscle imbalances, trauma, or underlying medical conditions. Fortunately, pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegels, have been proven to strengthen and tone the pelvic muscles, promoting flexibility and reducing muscle tension. By consistently practicing these exercises, many individuals find relief from the discomfort and pain, leading to more pleasurable and comfortable sexual experiences. Innovative devices like the vFit Gold Device from choosejoi.co further enhance the effectiveness of these exercises, using light and thermal energy to stimulate the pelvic muscles and improve blood circulation, thus offering a holistic approach to alleviating pelvic floor pain during intimacy.
Topical Estrogen Therapy
One of the most common treatments for dyspareunia resulting from vaginal atrophy is the application of topical estrogen. Available in various forms, like creams, tablets, and rings, they help restore the vaginal tissues by supplying direct estrogen to the affected area.
For women who experience vaginal dryness, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers can be applied regularly to maintain moisture. Moreover, water or silicone-based lubricants can be used during intercourse to reduce friction and discomfort.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy involves exercises and techniques that strengthen the pelvic muscles. It can particularly benefit women experiencing pain due to muscle tension or spasms.
Medications
Ospemifene: This oral medication is designed to treat pain resulting from vaginal atrophy. It works by mimicking estrogen’s effects on vaginal tissues.
Local Anesthetics: Temporary solutions, like lidocaine gel, can numb the vaginal area, reducing pain during intercourse.
Counseling and Therapy
For women whose pain has psychological roots, counseling or sex therapy can be beneficial. A professional can offer techniques and strategies to cope, communicate with partners, and rebuild a healthy sexual relationship.
Sexual Health After Menopause
Sexual health doesn’t have to decline with menopause. By addressing the root causes of post-menopausal sexual pain and seeking the right treatments, women can continue to enjoy a fulfilling sexual life. Open communication with partners and healthcare providers, along with self-education, can significantly enhance post-menopausal sexual health.
Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life, and the challenges it brings, like painful sex, can be addressed. With the right knowledge and treatment, women can navigate this phase with confidence, maintaining a vibrant and satisfying sexual life.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins in our body. They play a crucial role in various bodily functions, from hormone production and regulation to immune system support and skin health. The goal of peptide therapy is to supplement natural peptides, thus stimulating certain biological processes.
Are Peptides Over-the-Counter?
The answer to “do you need a prescription for peptides” is largely, yes. While there are some peptide supplements available over the counter, the majority of peptides used for therapeutic purposes require a prescription.
Why so? The reason is twofold. Firstly, many peptides used in therapies are synthetic and not naturally occurring. These are designed to mimic natural peptides or to stimulate particular biological responses, which means they can have potent effects on the body.
Secondly, the correct dosage and type of peptide can greatly vary depending on the individual’s health status, goals, and medical history. Thus, it’s crucial to undergo this treatment under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure safety and efficacy.
Risks of Non-Prescribed Peptides
While it may be tempting to try over-the-counter peptides, it’s worth noting that there are potential risks. Self-administering peptide therapy without proper medical guidance may lead to adverse effects, including allergic reactions, hormonal imbalance, and in some cases, more serious health problems.
The quality of peptides is another concern. Non-prescribed peptides may not be subject to the same rigorous testing and quality control measures as prescribed ones, leading to the risk of contaminated or ineffective products.
Why Guidance from Healthcare Professionals Is Important
When considering peptide therapy, the guidance of a healthcare professional is paramount. They can assess your health status and recommend the most suitable peptides and dosages for you. They’ll monitor your progress, adjust your dosage as needed, and manage potential side effects. Your doctor can also guide you on combining peptide therapy with lifestyle modifications for better results.
Do You Need a Prescription for Peptides?
While you may find some peptide supplements available over the counter, the majority of peptide therapies do require a prescription. This is to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional, like our team of experts at Joi, before starting any new treatment, including peptide therapy. Your health is invaluable, and it’s always better to take a cautious and informed approach to new therapies.
The world of peptides is exciting and holds great promise for various health issues. But like any other treatment, it’s essential to proceed with caution and professional guidance. Remember, your health journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Always prioritize safety and sustainability over quick fixes.
Ditch overpriced facials and high-dollar moisturizers for safe, proven peptide therapies that reduce wrinkles and restore your youthful glow—from within.
It’s like the closer we inch to middle age, the less fun selfies have become… amiright? Where did our glowing, supple skin go? Are these bags under our eyes designer?
Getting older can be a hard pill to swallow. Sure, we have gained a lifetime of experience and wisdom, learned in abundance what NOT to do (farewell to our twenties), learned those crazy mood swings are just hormones and not part of our identity, and get to pay cheaper car insurance premiums, but is the creepy chest skin, crow’s feet, and saggy under eye circles we see in the mirror worth it? (Well, it’s not like we have a choice.)
A lot of factors like genetics and lifestyle choices determine how well we will age. The good news is you can not only slow but even reverse signs of aging. So if your New Year’s Resolution is to rewind the signs of time on your skin, you’re in luck. We have just the tools you need: GHK-Cu and HGH and Sermorelin Therapy. Spoiler: They are cheaper and last longer than Botox. Just sayin’.
GHK-Cu: Better (and Safer) Than Botox
GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring peptide originally discovered in human plasma. By the time we turn 60, we produce 60% less which is why wounds heal more slowly and skin begins to sag or hollow, especially in the facial area as we get older. Prescribed for faster wound healing, reducing inflammation, stimulating blood vessel development, and increasing collagen production, the overarching benefits of GHK-Cu, the medical-grade solution for glowing skin, go far beyond just reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
GHK-Cu Benefits
Studies have shown that among its many benefits, GHK-Cu can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a safer, more holistic alternative than injectables—since it works with your body’s natural processes versus injecting a foreign substance into the skin. In a nutshell, the wide-reaching benefits of GHK-Cu in a face cream are numerous and less costly than injectable alternatives:
Smoother, tighter skin
Stimulates collagen and elastin production naturally
More even complexion
Less fine lines and wrinkles
Antioxidant properties reduce inflammation
Repairs oxidative damage that causes premature aging
Unlike Botox or fillers which are foreign to the body, dissolve quickly, and require multiple med spa visits each year, GHK-Cu works to completely transform the skin, restoring a youthful glow to skin ravaged by the throes of time (or those few years you smoked cigarettes).
HGH and Sermorelin Therapy
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a naturally-occurring protein in the body that fuels childhood growth and supports your tissues and organs throughout your life. Like all good things that come to an end, the amount of HGH you naturally produce diminishes greatly by the time you hit age 30, which is a bummer since HGH is what keeps us feeling and looking younger.
HGH therapy yields many benefits, including increased bone density (which also dwindles as we age), increases new, lean muscle by generating protein synthesis, increased fat burn and decreased body fat, improved sleep quality, a boost in libido, and of course, improved skin texture and thickness, restoring not just your skin but all internal organs to a more youthful state!
Sermorelin is an FDA-approved bioidentical hormone and secretagogue, or substance that promotes secretion. In this case, promoting the secretion of HGH from the pituitary gland, Sermorelin optimizes HGH levels in the body. Sermorelin is the little extra “oomph” that ensures adequate HGH is released and distributed throughout the body. In short, this is used in combination with HGH peptide therapy to reduce and reverse the signs of aging—from the inside out.
It’s Your Time to Shine
If you’re tired of overspending on fancy facials or high-end moisturizers that don’t yield the desired results, or you want to take a proactive approach in preventing the signs of aging, contact us today for an individualized skincare regimen that will brighten your appearance and boost your confidence!
Katie’s Journey with Post Natal Hormone Balance and Anti-Aging Peptides
In this episode, Katy Whalen joined Sarah Malouf on her podcast, Well Being. Well Said. Katy’s story is about her infertility journey and her experience with brain fog, bloat, weight gain, and overall hormone imbalances after successful pregnancies with two beautiful baby’s. Katy was determined to feel better from the inside out, so she went on a holistic health journey and uncovered the world of hormone optimization and peptide therapies which lead to creating Joi Women’s Wellness.
Sarah: What was your fertility journey like and how did it lead to building Joi?
Katy: I had a bit of a rough fertility journey, like so many other women do. In a handful of years, I had four miscarriages, six DNCs, three egg retrievals and then a boatload of fertility drugs. I was finally able to have two successful pregnancies, which brought me my son and my daughter. After all that, I was finally able to come up for air, I really didn’t recognize myself. I didn’t look good. I didn’t feel good and I was ready for a change. So, I started doing the hard work. What really got me to the finish line or even past the finish line is some holistic therapies that I had success on. Hormone balancing, optimization and these cool things called peptides. After my success on those, it really then became my mission to bring them to other women. That’s when Joi was born.
Sarah: What is a peptide?
Katy: I didn’t know what a peptide was until I got on them either. It’s incredible that so many people don’t know what they are, but they’re so cool. Technically what they are, are short chains of amino acids. Two to 50 chains, whereas a protein is over 50 chains. What they do is direct our cells to perform specific tasks. We all have them naturally occurring. Up to 7,000 peptides are currently in our bodies. However, as we age, peptide levels decline.
Sarah: How does one know that peptides could be a solution to look further into?
Katy: Generally, it’s how you feel. You know your own body and what’s normal for you. I think as we age and as things shift, a lot of times we’ll say, “oh, well it’s just me aging” or, “oh, I had a baby, so of course I’m having mom brain now or whatever it is”, but what are you actually feeling and experiencing? Chances are that those symptoms are due to something being off. Whether it’s hormonal imbalance or your body needing a little extra help. As we age, it’s normal for us to become more insulin resistant. One of the peptides we have that’s super popular right now is called semaglutide. It helps aid in weight loss and helps manage your insulin. So again, for me, I had gained a bunch of weight, I was sluggish, and my brain felt like it wasn’t working. You know how you sometimes feel like your body is going through something like sludge or quicksand? I felt like my brain was also doing that. I just knew I wasn’t feeling good. So, testing these out for myself, it made me realize that I don’t have to sit there and go, “well, I’m aging or I’m a mom now so this is just how it is”. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Sarah: Where’s a good place to start for checking hormonal levels and what kind of levels is Joi looking for?
Katy: It’s sad, but true. Healthcare unfortunately does cost a lot of money and it is sad that our system is kind of set up to be a sick care system. Healthcare doesn’t really test a lot of things. Insurance doesn’t pay to help you find root causes and making sure your vitamin D levels are good. With Joi, we have a great comprehensive diagnostic lab that we do. I’m obsessed with this. It runs over a hundred markers. It is an investment at $995. It helps us see kidney function, liver function, inflammation, markers, all your vitamins and minerals, your hormones, etc. It’s a really good way to see if there is anything low hanging that we can fix right away and if there’s anything that maybe needs more attention. I love getting those results back and then if, for instance, my vitamin D or magnesium is low, that’s easy to supplement with. If you don’t have the money to invest, it’s just trial and error. You can read all kinds of stuff out there about what’s good for you, what to avoid. If you know something’s wrong, then there’s certain things you can cut out and just trial and error and just be as healthy as you can.
Sarah: How does Joi work?
Katy: Our website is Choosejoi.co and you simply sign up online. Fill out a short health history questionnaire and consent forms. Then from there, our patient coordinator will give you a call to set up your brief health visit with one of our providers. On that visit, you go over any symptoms and goals you have. Then they’ll help you decide if you need a lab draw or not to check you, under the hood. It kind of just depends from there on where you go but after that, we have your prescription shipped right to your door. It’s pretty easy.
Sarah: How many treatments do we offer?
Katy: There are hundreds of peptides out there, but we focus on a good dozen of them. We have one really popular treatment for weight loss. We have another one that’s really popular for brain fog, cognition, and anxiety. That’s a nootropic. One of my favorites is a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP). I call it my whole-body anti-aging peptide. It dissolves in your mouth and take daily. So, what that does is tell your body to release more growth hormones naturally. Growth hormone is at our highest when we’re around middle school age. If you think about what it does, it increases your energy, it makes weight loss easier, it helps you build more lean muscle, your skin is firmer, etc. Essentially it helps your body produce more collagen. Another thing that it’s really good for is recovery and wound healing. It’s kind of like a whole body anti-aging and I’m pretty obsessed with it. We also have a great peptide for gut health and inflammation which is pretty important and helps a lot of people with different conditions that they may have.
Sarah: Is taking peptides for life?
Katy: It’s totally up to the user. If they don’t feel anything or are not enjoying it, you can absolutely get off it and there’s no harm done. Peptides are interesting. You are actually supposed to cycle off of them every once in a while. I actually just did that. I was on peptides for about six months and then recently took a month off. I did notice a difference. Overall, the answer is no. It’s not anything that you need to stay on.
Sarah: How quickly do you notice the difference once you start incorporating peptides into your supplement routine?
Katy: It really depends on which one you’re taking. So, we have the nootropic nasal spray for brain fog and cognition which you’ll notice right away. You’ll feel like a zing and you’ll feel like you’re ready to go. You’re ready to take on the day. The growth hormone releasing peptide that I mentioned, it can take a few weeks to even a couple of months. I think you’ll notice faster than a couple of months, but to see the full results, that takes longer. Just depends on which one you’re taking and for what.
Sarah: As a whole, what does it mean to live well?
Katy: Ultimately I think living well, means being happy as often as possible. For me, I know that I’m happiest when I look good. More importantly when I feel good. Most importantly, when I’m connecting with good humans and especially the ones that I love.
Learn the Symptoms and Causes of Estrogen Dominance Along with 5 Steps for Rebalancing Your Hormones
What is all this talk about estrogen dominance? Dominance in the gym, that board meeting, or the bedroom: Good. Dominance with one of your most important hormones? We need to talk.
Here’s the deal: Your body needs estrogen to maintain the female reproductive system, contribute to cognitive and cardiovascular health, build bone density, and more. Too much estrogen, though, can cause a myriad of unpleasant symptoms and increase your risk of serious health conditions. It is normal for estrogen levels to shift throughout a woman’s life, but once hormones fall out of balance, it can be a challenge to rein them back in. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of estrogen dominance and what to do if you find that your hormones could use some rebalancing.
What Are the Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen and progesterone work together to keep your reproductive system functioning optimally. But some people’s bodies don’t make enough progesterone, causing unopposed estrogen, the medical term for estrogen dominance, to overcompensate. This imbalance can affect a woman’s life in many ways, including:
Chronic stress (staying in fight-or-flight mode) or unresolved trauma
Poor liver function
Poor lifestyle choices (binge drinking alcohol, smoking, overindulging in sugar)
Genetics
How to Fix Estrogen Dominance
One of the reasons it is so important to identify and resolve estrogen dominance is because it can lead to other serious health conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, and can significantly increase your risk of certain cancers (like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer).
But don’t worry: If you think you struggle with estrogen dominance, you’re not alone. In fact, 72% of women struggle with estrogen dominance, making it one of the most common hormone imbalances women face today (though many don’t realize it). If you think you might have estrogen dominance, here are the steps you can take to rebalance your hormones:
Take a hormone test. If you suffer from one or more estrogen dominance symptoms, it is a safe bet that your hormones are a little off kilter. However, confirming your suspicions with a hormone test will give you the data you need to understand how best to tackle any imbalances.
Consider adding more organic whole foods to your diet. Going organic can be pricy, but when you consider the price of consuming pesticides and other hormone-disrupting chemicals in your food, replacing at least some of your produce with organic can make a noticeable difference in how you feel. If you’re on a budget, we recommend replacing only the Dirty Dozen—EWG (Environmental Working Group)’s annual list of the most pesticide-laden foods—with organic replacements. Your hormones will thank you.
Eliminate hormone-disrupting products from your home. Endocrine disruptors—or chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and the reproductive and other biological processes regulated by it—are just about everywhere. It can be hard to eliminate our exposure to them completely, but if you are working to rebalance your hormones, you may want to eliminate products like conventional laundry detergent, cosmetics, skincare products, and cleaning solvents with cleaner, nontoxic alternatives.
Show your liver some TLC. A hormone imbalance can usually point to a sluggish liver that is struggling to eliminate metabolized estrogens. After all, your liver is busy working around the clock to eliminate toxins from your body. Love your liver back to life by eating more nutrient-dense food (like cruciferous vegetables, lean proteins, and fatty fish), staying hydrated, limiting or avoiding alcohol intake, getting 20-30 minutes of exercise each day, and getting restful, restorative sleep each night.
Consider hormone treatment options. If you’ve tried everything to restore hormone balance and are still experiencing stubborn symptoms like weight gain and relentless headaches, consider hormone treatment options. Many hormone treatment options can be individualized to your unique needs, such as creams, troches, capsules, and injectables.
Hormone Help is on the Way, Dear
If better moods, improved sleep, better energy levels, and higher libido feel out of reach no matter what you’ve tried, our Hormone Optimization Therapies may be perfect for you. Contact us today for a free consultation where our team of providers will formulate an individualized treatment plan to help you feel and look your best—from the inside out.
Struggling with a Hormone Imbalance? Learn the Critical Role Estrogen Plays in a Woman’s Body
How to tell if you are experiencing low estrogen and rebalance hormones. If you can’t figure out why you’re rarely in the “mood,” or why you can’t seem to lose those extra pounds in your midsection despite swearing off even the thought of a simple carb, you’re not alone. These are just a few signs you might suffer from low estrogen, one of the most common hormone imbalances affecting women today.
But if you don’t understand the critical role estrogen plays in the brain and body, you may wonder what the big deal is and why rebalancing your hormones is important. In this article, we will explain what estrogen is, how to tell if you suffer from low estrogen, and how you can find relief from those pesky hot flashes and unpredictable mood swings. Let’s break it down.
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a hormone that builds and maintains the female reproductive system. It also contributes to cognitive health, bone density, cardiovascular health, and other important biological processes. While estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a woman’s life, in a perfect world, estrogen works synergistically with progesterone, a hormone that acts as a natural antidepressant, to keep your lady bits functioning optimally. In short, estrogen plays a pivotal role in a woman’s body especially.
What Are the Signs of Low Estrogen?
Statistics show that 80 percent of women will experience a hormone imbalance. While estrogen dominance is one of the most common imbalances women face today, low estrogen is another common culprit of many hormone issues as well. In any case, when estrogen falls out of harmony with the other reproductive hormones, it can really send you into a spiral (no, it’s not you—it’s your hormones).
Symptoms of low estrogen include:
Dry skin
Breast tenderness
Fatigue/sleep issues
Mood swings and irritability
Vaginal dryness
Painful sex
Feelings of depression and hopelessness
Hot flashes/night sweats
Irregular menstrual cycle
Recurring urinary tract infections (UTI)
Rebalancing Your Hormones Naturally
A diet high in protein and packed with nutrient-dense whole foods along with other healthy lifestyle choices are effective ways to rebalance your hormones. But if you’ve tried everything and can’t seem to find relief, you may want to consider hormone optimization therapy. Because when it comes to getting older, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Let’s talk hormones and why they matter. Hormones are chemical messengers that affect everything from your mental, to physical, to emotional health. They also play a critical role in controlling your appetite, sleepiness, and mood.
Are You in Your 40s and Unsure What to Expect in Life’s Next Stages in Aging and Your Body’s Health?
Have you been told hormone replacement therapy is dangerous or risky? Hi, I’m Katy, the co-founder of Joi, and a mom of two who struggled through a five-year fertility journey starting in my late 30s. When I could finally come up for air and work on some much-needed self-care, I found myself in a new, yet disenchanting place. As lonely as I felt going through fertility struggles, I felt even more alone in understanding what would come next.
After 15 years on the pill, several months of fertility drugs and procedures, 30 months of pregnancy, and two years of breastfeeding—my hormones were more confused than I was. Did I expect them to bounce back to ‘normal levels?’ What was normal, anyway? With two young kiddos, I’m pretty sure ‘normal’ meant feeling and looking not how I used to.
Or so I thought.
I am not medically trained and am not trying to advise anyone else on what decisions to make. However, as I progress through my journey with hormone optimization and peptide therapies. I want to share my story in hopes of helping other women along the way.
My path to treatment actually started with threatening my husband with divorce if he didn’t fix his issue—he wasn’t interested in any intimacy. After a long and bumpy road, he finally was able to understand that through the stress of our fertility struggles, his testosterone tanked. While I was busy making up a story that I wasn’t attractive enough for him, it turned out it wasn’t about me at all. Long story short, my husband did get the help and the testosterone replacement that our marriage so desperately needed. His transformation was life-changing for him and for us as a couple. At the time, I was still breastfeeding our son, but I knew that once I was finished, I, too, would get my levels checked and see what the right treatment plan might do for me.
So, here I am with the normal wear and tear that 43 years puts on a body, feeling better than I have in a long time, with more muscle tone than I have ever been able to achieve previously, at a weight that I didn’t think I could get back to. I’m in the thick of it, trying to have it all with two small kids and a start-up business, navigating all the stress it brings.
How did I get here?
Determination, self-care, and therapies that work. I started with everything we are normally told to do: eating healthy and moving my body. I’ve always been one to know the importance of incorporating these things into my lifestyle. But, being busy and stressed, I really only have time to dedicate about 20 minutes a day to my workouts and cooking healthy meals.
I started with a 100+ marker comprehensive lab panel to go deep into how all of my systems were working and determine what needed attention. My biggest surprise was learning that my testosterone was almost non-existent. My level was 14 ng/dl compared to the recommendation of 100-300 ng/dl. Wild! I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with a cream, which I thought would be my preferred application method. In a few months, I had increased my T level to the mid-40s. With a long ways to go, I switched to injections (it’s not as scary as it sounds), and at my most recent check-in, my levels had surpassed 100 ng/dl.
In addition to the HRT, I went all-in on peptide therapies—anything to optimize the body, right? Among my favorites: Semaglutide for reduced cravings and blood sugar regulation, whole-body anti-aging tablets, NAD+ for energy and cellular repair and GKU-Cu anti-aging cream for face. The results are incredible. I hit my goal weight, have more energy, my workouts are more fun, and my libido is back on (after my second birth, my interest tanked). My vitality has improved, and it’s helped to clear up my ‘mommy brain.’ I’m currently diving deep into estrogen dominance, which is also pretty common for women my age.
The tremendous success that my husband and I have experienced with these unique therapies prompted us to start our virtual health and wellness companies—Joi and Blokes—so that we can help others with similar issues and experiences to ours. We are learning a lot as we go, and I personally keep coming back to the feeling that women are not supported after childbirth. It seems to be a mystery—something that we just have to suffer through alone. What’s even crazier is that a lot of today’s misconceptions about HRT result from a study that came out decades ago and has since been proven false. I would love for us to clear this up once and for all so women’s health care options can expand.
If you’re not familiar with the study I am referencing, here’s the deal: In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative came out with a study that hormone replacement therapy for women is dangerous. More specifically, the study stated that HRT causes an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer. The media widely distributed this study, and it’s been accepted ever since. HRT for women tanked, and we went back to just grinning and bearing the symptoms and issues of perimenopause and menopause. The study has since been debunked due to several issues:
The hormones used were synthetic (instead of the bioidentical versions we use today).
Many lifestyles and other issues were not accounted for (i.e. ages of participants skewed high, and many were former smokers).
The focus of the study was disease prevention versus the reason you actually take HRT, which is the treatment of symptoms.
In 2013, the International Menopause Society came out with a global statement saying that HRT is the most effective treatment for symptoms of menopause, that the benefits are most likely to outweigh any risks, and that risks are generally small. Furthermore, HRT benefits bone health and may decrease mortality and cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, this good news was not widely covered, so the myth of HRT being dangerous is still widely believed.
I want to change that. Joi wants to change that. You could even say our life—or our best life—depends on it.
Here is the truth.
Women start menopause on average at age 51. They say perimenopause symptoms usually begin a decade before that. During this time, our ovaries stop making estrogen and progesterone, two hormones needed for fertility. And a whole host of other things.
Estrogen helps almost every organ system (no big deal). It keeps your cardiovascular tissue healthy and helps keep blood pressure stable. It protects your brain by maintaining proper blood flow, it protects against inflammation and disease, and it assists with memory and fine motor skills. It also improves your muscle mass and bone density, boosts your mood, and improves your sex life. Ladies, we NEED estrogen!
Progesterone, on the other hand, eases anxiety and the ability to handle stress, helps with memory, helps to prevent certain types of cell growth (cancer), assists in proper thyroid gland function, helps slow the aging process, reduces or eliminates migraines, and reduces inflammation and joint pain. Ladies, we NEED progesterone!
And then there’s testosterone. “T” increases libido and satisfaction and helps with mood, weight gain, brain fog, motivation, muscle tone, and more. And guess what? Ladies, we NEED testosterone!
Our aging accelerates rapidly when all of our hormones change drastically through these two major life stages. We lose skin firmness (30 percent in five years), muscle tone, and bone density. We have hot flashes, vaginal changes, and trouble sleeping. We are also at increased risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, high cholesterol, and Alzheimer’s.
One hundred years ago, when our average life expectancy was 49, menopause wasn’t much to worry about. But at 43, I feel like I have many good years left to live out, and I plan to do it with energy and vitality. And I’m hoping to take as many women with me as possible.
If you’re interested in learning more about my journey and what Joi Women’s Wellness can do for you, shoot me an email at katy@choosejoi.co. I love meeting new women, sharing stories, and helping a sister out.
Testosterone Contributes to Weight Loss Stabilization Through Increasing Lean Muscle and Amps Up Metabolism
Testosterone is the androgen hormone that most associate with men, but many don’t realize that women have and need testosterone just like guys. In a healthy female, 60% of her body is estrogen and 40% testosterone, with nearly all being produced in the ovaries. This is compared to the 95 to 5% ratio of testosterone to estrogen in men.
Most women will begin to experience symptoms of declining testosterone levels in their early to mid-30s, and often rationalize their symptoms to “that’s just life.” Testosterone, unlike estrogen, is not stored in the body so it depletes more rapidly. Hence, symptoms start younger compared to the average age of 52 for menopause and estrogen-related symptoms. The symptoms of declining testosterone tend to seem vague.
So what does testosterone provide for females? Testosterone helps with energy levels, improves sleep, enhances libido, and orgasm. It stabilizes mood, and also has been found to combat anxiety and depression. You might be surprised to learn that testosterone in women plays a crucial role in executive-level functioning in the brain. Meaning, with adequate testosterone levels we are better able to retain information. Short-term memory and recall is optimal and allows for the processing of new abstract thoughts and ideas, improving that brain fog or “mom brain.”
Testosterone contributes to weight loss/stabilization not only through increasing lean muscle which amps up metabolism, but by helping burn glucose or sugar which improves insulin resistance. Which in turn helps to protect against developing diabetes, and can also help treat those who have already been labeled as diabetic or pre-diabetic.
As we tend to work out more in the summer months, you might have noticed that muscle recovery has slowed down from year to year.
As testosterone levels decrease, women will see the curviness of their hips start to disappear, and find weight in their midsection that has never been there before. Often, this tends to happen despite diet and exercise and no changes to lifestyle. Testosterone is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help improve joint pain but more importantly helps keep breast tissue healthy and protects against the formation of cancers.
So what does “normal” look like from a laboratory standpoint? Well, that can be extremely variable, and it is more important to focus on symptom control and how the woman is feeling once testosterone therapy begins. What symptoms is she currently exhibiting not on treatment? Meaning, it’s best to focus on what is optimal, not “normal” for each individual. Generally speaking, ideal levels for women can range from 100-200 ng/dL. The best way to find out if low testosterone levels are affecting you is with a simple blood test.
Testosterone contributes to the female’s ability to function at their highest level day after day, feel their best and live their healthiest life. Often as testosterone levels decline, we tend to feel no longer like the person we remembered, or that we are crazy and losing it. No matter what we try nothing seems to make a difference or get us closer to feeling like we want to.
Well, ladies… you don’t have to feel this way, and the answer may be as simple as declining testosterone. If you have no energy no matter how much sleep you get, are experiencing brain fog, can’t remember anything anymore, or if you could care less about sex with your significant other despite loving them, and missing that in your relationship, treatment is available with Joi.
If you are moody, crabby or irritable, or you can’t lose weight or gain muscle no matter what you try-schedule your labs and get your testosterone levels checked. Call to schedule your consultation with Joi, your medical anti aging specialists. We can help you determine if low-dose testosterone replacement can help you and get you back to living the life you desire!
Anti-Aging Peptide GHK-Cu, the Medical Grade Product for Glowing Skin
It’s as if everywhere you look these days, there is a new med spa popping up. Botox, fillers, and laser facials top the growing list of popular anti-aging skin enhancements and are as common as endless mimosas at Sunday brunch. Less accessible or mainstream, though, are more holistic approaches to aging and skincare that work with your body’s natural processes to stimulate skin regeneration from the inside out.
GHK-Cu, naturally found in plasma, is a revolutionary alternative to botox and packs a big punch in a skin cream when it comes to reducing the signs of or preventing aging.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring peptide that was originally discovered in human plasma. These tiny, naturally-occurring fragments of protein-infused copper facilitate many physiological functions including wound healing, reducing inflammation, stimulating blood vessel development, and increasing collagen production. By the time we turn 60, we produce 60% less naturally which is why wounds heal more slowly and skin begins to sag or hollow, especially in the facial area.
GHK-Cu Benefits
Studies have shown that copper peptides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making them a safer, more holistic alternative than injectables. Its propensity to tighten and smooth skin along with stimulating collagen and elastin production make it a slam dunk in anti-aging skincare. In a nutshell, the wide-reaching benefits of GHK-Cu in a face cream are numerous and less costly than injectable alternatives:
Smoother, tighter skin
More even complexion
Less fine lines and wrinkles
Antioxidant properties reduce inflammation
Repairs oxidative damage that causes premature aging
Unlike Botox or fillers which are foreign to the body and dissolve in only a few months, GHK-Cu works to completely transform the skin, restoring a youthful glow to skin ravaged by the throes of time (or the tanning bed). If you’re tired of overspending on fancy facials or high-end moisturizers that don’t yield the desired results, or you want to take a proactive approach in preventing the signs of aging, contact us today for an individualized skincare regimen that will brighten your appearance and boost your confidence!
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