Newsweek on Oprah: Pot calling the kettle black when it comes to bioidentical hormones?

A recent article in Newsweek by Weston Kosova and Pat Wingert titled "Why Health Advice on 'Oprah' Could Make You Sick" listed a number of beefs that some have with Oprah's approach to medical coverage. They led off with a slam on Oprah's bioidentical hormone episodes featuring Suzanne Somers. Unfortunately, the writers of the article made some logical leaps of their own. Our bioidentical hormone expert in Boca Raton, Dr. Mitchell Matez, took umbrage and wrote the following response:

"The Newsweek article is a complete and total "Oprah Bashing". Either Newsweek or the authors clearly have an axe to grind with Oprah that goes way beyond her opinions on hormones.

Just about everything they offer here with respect to Bioidentical Hormone therapy can be easily disputed beginning with the concept that there ISN'T a raging debate over hormones today. This debate has been raged prominently and publicly for more than a decade. Also the concept that "Menopause" has been shown not to be a "hormone deficiency" problem is ludicrous and defies science. Menopause means "cessation of menstruation" and this CLEARLY occurs as a result of diminishing Estrogen levels as we age.

"Unless a woman has significant discomfort from hot flashes -and most women don't - there is little reason to prescribe them". Another ridiculous statement - this one from a Reproductive Endocrinologist. I guess in her world after your reproductive years sleep, energy, libido, strength, sex, night sweats, headaches, cognitive decline, and weight gain are either normal or natural. Clearly to her they are irrelevant. ALL of my female patients would take exception to this!

Oprah's personal claim of successful treatment (and presumably that of tens of thousands of women) are treated here as propaganda and lies. WHY?? What possible motive could Oprah have for being anything less than honest and forthright about her own personal experience? I also find it interesting that after researching and writing FOUR books on the subject Suzanne Somers is so easily discredited by these people. In my opinion her books are generally well written and for the most part backed up by science, research, and clinical experience.

A final note to the authors... next time do a little research on your own. The importance of Iodine in thyroid health is crystal clear in any basic science text. Your thyroid gland produces Thyroxine (T4) which is INERT in the human body. In order for the hormone to be functional it
must be converted to TriIODOthyronine (T3) by adding 3 iodine molecules. The United States Congress mandated iodonizing our salt supply for precisely this reason. This doctor is WRONG. In many cases mild hypothyroidism can be cured with iodine. When used and monitored properly it is extremely safe."

Dr. Mitchell Matez, D.O.
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, Boca Raton

What did Manny Ramirez do with hormones?

A big shocker came in baseball this week, as it was announced that Los Angeles Dodger slugger Manny Ramirez was being suspended 50 games for testing positive for HCG in a random drug test, as well as having testosterone levels 4-10 times higher than what is normal.

"Although anti-doping experts have said HCG is commonly used to replenish testosterone after a cycle of steroids, sources close to Ramirez have suggested the HCG was prescribed to combat issues surrounding sexual performance."

Dr. Mitchell Matez is our specialist in alternative and naturopathic medicine at SMAC, and is a leading expert on bioidentical hormone therapy in Boca Raton and the country. He offered some insight into this news item, and doesn't buy the PR spin from the Ramirez camp:

"HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)is used in men to mimick the effects of LH (Luetinizing Hormone). LH is the pituitary hormone that stimulates the testicles thereby increasing testosterone production. It is mostly used by atheletes/bodybuilders/etc. to counteract the unpleasant side effects of testicular shrinkage and decreased testosterone production that is common with anabolic steroid use.

While I tend to doubt the story, it theoretically could be used as a sexual enhancer. A young healthy athlete such as Manny Ramirez would likely have a significant increase in his Testosterone levels with the use of HCG. Higher test levels yields increased libido and better
erectile function. Most likely the lack of native Testosterone production and testicular atrophy seen during and after the use of anabolic steroids played a role here, but he could actually be using this as a primary method to boost Test levels. Either way he's fried."

Dr. Jason Pozner
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center
Sanctuary Plastic Surgery

Dr. David J. Goldberg
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center
Skin Laser Surgery Specialists of NY/NJ

Guyuron study: behavior & genetics affect appearance of aging

Dr. Bahman Guyuron in Cleveland just released a great study in the ASPS' Plastic & Reconstructive Journal, exploring the nature vs. nuture of having great skin as one ages.

Some people are just born with great skin, and that's nothing new. But Dr. Guyuron's study compared 186 sets of twins, and using digital images and a comprehensive review of what they had done differently over their lives, was able to pinpoint exactly how much aging risk factors like stress, smoking, diet, and sun exposure can affect the emergences of damage and wrinkles.

From a WebMD article:
"Identical twins, unless they behave exactly the same, will exhibit their different lifetime experiences on their faces," he says. "If the biological clock is designed to make you age in a certain way, you can alter that by eliminating some of the external factors that make you age faster."

Also, aging reduces hormones, and "if they are replaced judicially under medical advice, that will delay aging," Guyuron says. "Estrogen has a significant effect on the elasticity of the skin." To look younger, overweight people shouldn't try to lose a lot of weight quickly, he says.

Above is a photo of twins... guess which one is a smoker.

Dr. Jason Pozner
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center

Dr. David J. Goldberg
Skin Laser Surgery Specialists of NY/NJ
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center

More Q&A With Dr. Matez

Oprah Winfrey's show on Thursday with guest Suzanne Somers brought up more questions about bioidentical hormone therapy. In Boca Raton, we had Dr. Mitchell Matez watching. As our resident specialist on alternative medicine, he offers a full range of bioidentical hormone therapies, and here are his answers to some of the questions left unanswered during the program.

Is there any drawback to taking FDA-approved bioidentical hormones? What is the difference between them and what a compounding pharmacy provides?
The term “bioidentical” is used to describe a substance or hormone that is of the exact same molecular structure as those already present in the human body. This is in direct contrast to most drug company products that are either animal (horse) derived or chemically altered to be intentionally different from human hormone so that it can be patented. The word “bioidentical” may be a “marketing” term, but the concept is clear.

One drawback to taking the FDA approved versions of these hormones is the route of administration. Any Estrogen, even bioidentical, can potentially cause clotting abnormalities when given orally due to the effects of liver metabolism. Compounded formulas can be given transdermally (through the skin) or via implantable (under the skin) pellets which will enter the bloodstream directly before the liver and drastically reduce or eliminate this problem. Ovarian hormones enter the bloodstream directly!

Another drawback is the “one size fits all” mentality used when producing the commercially available products. Most come in only one or two dosing options whereas compounded hormones can be dosed very specifically to each individual patient.

What are bioidentical hormones made from?
Compounded hormones are initially derived from yams or soy. The hormones in these which are close to human but not exact are then brought to the lab and converted into exact molecular duplicates of human hormone and this is how they are administered.

Is there research saying they're safe?

There is a great deal of literature (in particularly Europe) supporting the benefit and safety of hormone therapy. The FDA does not acknowledge them.

What you need to know about bioidentical hormones

According to Google Trends, more people are searching for bioidentical hormones on the Internet than any other time in history:

It's likely to continue, as Oprah has devoted a lot of her media empire to a discussion of bioidentical hormones replacement therapy, which she is crediting for revitalizing her life. Today, she'll have Suzanne Somers on her show, which should prolong this interest.

Our bioidentical specialist at SMAC is Dr. Mitchell Matez. You can find out more about him on our website, but to clear up what bioidentical hormones are I asked him a few questions:

Q: What is the difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones?

A: Bioidentical Hormones are exact molecular copies of the hormones that naturally occur in the human body. This is in direct contrast to hormones supplied by the pharmaceutical industry and/or mainstream Gynecologists which are either chemically altered versions of human hormones or animal hormone (i.e. Premarin is horse estrogen). These are termed synthetic and are not naturally occurring in the body. We are designed to recognize and utilize our natural hormones, not those of a horse.

Q: Why aren't bioidentical hormones FDA approved?

A: Bioidentical hormones ARE FDA approved. There are a number of bioidentical products available commercially. Unfortunately they are produced with a “one size fits all” mentality which is not conducive to individualized therapy. Compounding pharmacies can provide customized formula for each individual.

Q:What menopausal symptoms can be reversed by BHRT?

A: ALL menopausal symptoms can be reversed with BHRT. In fact Menopause itself can be completely reversed!

Q: Are they safe?

A: There is a safety profile for Bioidentical hormones dating back over 70 years. There have been multiple studies demonstrating this. They are safe and effective, and do not carry the significant risks associated with synthetic hormones.

At SMAC our anti-aging division is well versed in BHRT. Dr. Mitchell Matez has brought to us an unparalleled expertise in the South Florida region. He uses personal evaluation, blood work, and other factors to determine your particular needs. Dr Matez has had extensive training and experience in Hormone Therapy and has been treating people throughout South Florida, United States, and abroad. Don’t forget to ask about Hormone “Pellets” which is a unique and efficient way to receive therapy.

Dr. Jason Pozner

Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center

Dr. David J. Goldberg

Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center

Skin Laser Surgery Specialists NY/NJ

Oprah to discuss bioidentical hormones tomorrow

As per this month's O! Magazine, Oprah Winfrey has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and has turned to bioidentical hormone therapy to treat the symptoms, along with the ill effects of being premenopausal. According to her website, tomorrow's Oprah program will be dedicated to a discussion of bioidentical hormone therapy.

We will be back tomorrow after the show with some words from Dr. Mitchell Matez, SMAC's resident expert on hormone replacement therapy.

Dr. Jason Pozner
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center

Dr. David Goldberg
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center
Skin Laser Surgery Specialists NY/NJ