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Oct 07
0

Importance of Annual Gynecologic Exam

By | Exams, Lifestyle

Your annual gynecologic exam could save your life.

A yearly exam from a gynecologist should be part of your preventative healthcare routine. Many times we think we only need to see a doctor when there is a problem, but that is not the case.

Oftentimes serious problems don’t present obvious symptoms at first, but your gynecologist knows what to look out for during your annual physical. Early detection is the best defense. Diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer can be detected, even at early stages, during an annual gyn exam.

This type of listening is particularly required in instances of gynecological and hormonal issues. There could be a variety of symptoms present, such as weight gain, weight loss, fatigue, anxiety and low libido.

At The Balanced Woman, Dr. Maria-Lisa Lambert is a certified gynecologist. She specializes in women’s wellness by taking a holistic approach to medicine and overall health. It is important to Dr. Lambert that you feel comfortable and well-cared for in her office.

It is recommended that women get a yearly gyn exam starting at age 15. A pelvic exam may not be required at this age, but it is a good time to start to build the patient/doctor relationship. The young patient can ask Dr. Lambert any questions they may have regarding their development, menstrual cycle, sexuality, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and general wellbeing.

When most women hear “annual exam” they think pap smear. But a pap smear is only one part of a gynecologic exam. This cervical cancer screening should be performed every 3 years in women ages 21 to 29. In women who are 30 and older, a pap smear is recommended every 5 years.

Other recommended screenings you may receive during your annual gyno exam include:

  • STI/STD testing: If left untreated, STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and chronic pain. Annual testing is recommended for sexually active women under the age of 25. Women age 25 and older may benefit from testing if they have multiple partners, a new partner, exposure concerns, or have recently been diagnosed with another STI. Screening for other STIs like syphilis, trichomonas, herpes simplex virus, and hepatitis should be based on risk factors.

  • HIV testing: This test should be done at least once during your lifetime. However, your provider should check for risk factors annually that could warrant repeat testing.

  • Hepatitis C testing: This one-time test is recommended for women who were born anytime from 1945 through 1965 and who are unaware of their infection status.

  • Clinical breast exam: A breast exam by a health care provider is recommended every 1 to 3 years, beginning at age 20.

  • Mammography: This diagnostic imaging test is used to identify abnormalities in the breast that may indicate breast cancer. The exam is less sensitive in younger women and is more likely to report false positives or over-diagnosis in younger women. It is recommended that women ages 40 to 49 years discuss the benefits and risks with their provider before deciding whether to start mammogram screening. By age 50, all women should receive mammograms every 1 to 2 years.

  • Bone density testing: This exam is recommended for all women age 65 years and older or in postmenopausal women who are younger than 65, but at risk for bone fractures.

  • Diabetes testing and lipid (cholesterol) profile assessment: A blood test can determine if your blood sugar and cholesterol are within normal limits or if they need to be addressed. This should be recommended periodically by your provider.

It is important for women to get an annual gynecologic exam because it is during these preventative healthcare visits that we learn how to improve our health and learn of any potential issues. This exam serves to detect current health problems and evaluate risk factors for new problems that can develop. Early detection and learning ways to reduce your risks of cancer is every woman’s best defense. The annual gynecological exam helps provide guidance and testing that will promote wellness and good health habits for all women.

Contact The Balanced Woman today to schedule an appointment for your annual exam.

Get the relief you need today. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

May 06
0

WE HEAR YOU

By | Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Diets, Lifestyle, Our Practice, Sex, Vitamins

Real listening is the art of hearing between the spoken words.

At The Balanced Woman in Ardmore, PA we feel that actual listening involves using one’s eyes, knowledge and intuition as well as one’s ears. When a patient describes their discomfort and malaise, the staff at The Balanced Woman assesses the overall appearance of the patient, as well as hears their description of symptoms. By getting the whole picture of the patient’s condition, our physicians can intuitively evaluate the problem and apply their years of experience and knowledge to offer a treatment.

This type of listening is particularly required in instances of gynecological and hormonal issues. There could be a variety of symptoms present, such as weight gain, weight loss, fatigue, anxiety and low libido.

Physicians are trained to get results. In emergency situations a physician is trained to move quickly and decisively to help and, in many cases, save a patient. Staying calm under pressure while making the correct split-second decisions, based upon years of training, can often be a matter of life and death. The physician needs to assess the patient’s condition and take the appropriate measures to gain control of the problem. This leaves very little time or room for any type of discussion. Physicians are trained to act. If there is a problem the doctor does their best to find a solution.

Fortunately, not all interactions with a physician are in emergency situations. Most trips to the doctor are fairly routine checkups. Regardless of how ordinary the visit may be, physicians are still trained to identify problems and deliver a result. Most of the time these are easy fixes to such standard symptoms as high blood pressure, excessive weight gain or high cholesterol. Pharmaceuticals can be prescribed to remedy the problem and maybe a quick chat between doctor and patient about diet and foods to avoid. The visit is brief; a resolution is attained and the doctor can move on to the next patient.

To be fair, the doctor doesn’t necessarily lack compassion for the patient. Many hospitals and big medical practices try to discourage lengthy visits since most insurance companies pay for procedures and result oriented visits, but not consultations. This approach leaves very little time for doctor/patient dialogue, which makes it difficult to get to the root of the problem rather than just treating the obvious symptom. Treating a patient and bringing them relief is a good thing, but it’s only a part of the equation. With an integrative or holistic approach to healthcare it’s possible to not only treat the symptom, but to also understand and eradicate the underlying cause of the symptom. This approach involves listening to the patient and really hearing them.

Many patients come to me at my medical practice in Ardmore, PA for relief of symptoms due to menopause and hormonal imbalance. One of the most common complaints that I receive from them is that their previous doctor didn’t hear them or was dismissive of their complaints, while offering stress relieving medication. My patients have reported how their other doctors would wave off their complaints as being, “that time of life” while telling them “they just have to live with it.” Fortunately, woman don’t have to suffer symptoms due to menopause and hormone imbalance and there are ways to relieve the symptoms, but there is not a one size fits all solution or pill.

Many of The Balanced Woman’s patients express great relief that they have finally found a practice and a doctor who is really hears them and addresses their complaints. While menopause and hormone related issues do not require emergency medicine, hormonal imbalance can be the cause of great stress and anxiety as well as physical discomfort. In some cases, the symptoms might be a sign of more serious issues which need to be addressed. Therefore, as important as it is to be able to offer fast relief for symptoms, it is vital to have a conversation with the patient and that the patient is properly heard.

We realize that truly hearing the patient often takes more time and at The Balanced Woman the patients not only get the required time, but often receive follow up calls from the doctor as well. We understand that having and maintaining good health is complicated and we take our patients’ gynecological and hormonal issues seriously. As stated, The Balanced Woman is committed to treating the whole patient and not just the individual symptoms that are expressed.

By properly hearing the patient we try to evaluate and focus in on the underlying problem, rather than just prescribing a quick fix or by ordering unnecessary tests. We feel that caring for patients correctly starts with properly hearing them. Call us, we’re listening and we hear you.

Get the relief you need today. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Mar 08
0

Let Talk About Sex #1

By | Lifestyle, Sex

Sex has always been a hot topic.

Fortunately, with each passing generation we have become more knowledgeable and forthright in our on-going discussions regarding the subject. Unfortunately, in our society, sex is often portrayed through a singularly youthful lens. When we think about sexual health in a medical sense, we often focus our attention on safe-sex practices for teenagers and young adults or on women’s fertility matters, which often revolve around the ovulation cycle. However, an important age group that largely gets overlooked in this topic are older adults including pre- or post-menopausal women.

One of the more disconcerting aspects of aging is the loss of libido and, regardless of one’s proclivity, our sexual health and activity is a very important part of our physical and emotional lives. Libido has been described as the life force, but is most often regarded as our sex drive. One of the main things we learn to recognize as we grow and age is our sexual feelings and needs. As we mature these feelings and needs change, but regardless of our age sexual activity is understood to be a health benefit in quite few ways.

Not only does sex burn calories and count as exercise It has been found that sexually active people have improved immune systems, lower blood pressure, lower risk of heart attack, better-quality sleep, relief of stress and yes, improved libido or one’s desire for more sex. Other benefits include a smoothing of the skin due to the estrogen released during sex and for women sexual activity lowers the risk of incontinence by strengthening the pelvic floor. Sex has been shown to ease menstrual cramps and boost self-esteem and, due to the physical work out one gets from sexual activity, it causes the brain to release chemicals that boost one’s serotonin levels which elevates mood.

Sex also strengthens the emotional and physical bond between one’s partner and themselves and therefore the loss of libido not only affects us, but also impacts our partner as well. Age is not the only factor in the loss of libido and throughout the years our libido may fluctuate due to external changes as well as the internal changes that affect us. From observation and experience we all know that hormones are raging in our teenage years and while this may be true there are some studies that have shown that a woman’s libido actually peaks between age of 27-45. Unfortunately, there is no way to put libido into a neat little group package since everyone’s health, emotional life and external surroundings are not all the same.

It’s not uncommon for an eighteen-year-old woman who has just delivered a baby to share the same lack of enthusiasm for sex as the thirty-year-old woman in the same situation. Stress, depression and lack of sleep can be some of the culprits interfering with one’s libido while medications and lack of exercise can also adversely affect one’s sex life. A woman who is breast feeding may suffer a loss of libido due to the combination of the increase of prolactin and oxytocin hormones which can bring a woman great pleasure from nursing her child. Since her emotional and physical intimacy needs may be met by the activity there may be a decrease in libido as she may not feel the need or desire to seek physical attention from her partner.

Hormonal imbalance or change affects a woman’s libido and quite often is the cause of decreased sexual desire. A postpartum woman may lose her desire due to a sharp drop in estrogen, the hormone that makes a woman feel sexually motivated. Other reasons for loss of sex drive could also be due to a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much of the hormone thyroxine with some of the symptoms being irritability, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and loss of libido.

While there are various drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) successfully offered to men regarding erectile dysfunction, there are relatively few comparable drugs for woman when it comes to a lack of sexual desire or arousal. Since Viagra improves blood flow to the male genitals, allowing for sustained erections, it had been thought that the drug would have a similar effect for woman. Unfortunately, this theory didn’t hold up in the few studies that were done, but recently the FDA did approve two drugs for treating low libido in premenopausal women. Flibanserin (Addyis) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) are the two FDA approved drugs for premenopausal woman who are experiencing low libido. Unfortunately, they both come with warnings about adverse side effects such as dizziness and nausea and, just to set the mood, Vyleesi needs to be injected into the abdomen about forty-five minutes prior to sexual activity. Both drugs have only about a 10% effectiveness and come with a list a of possible side effects ranging from nausea to vertigo, none of which does anything to enhance a woman’s sexual desire.

As we age our bodies change and we become more vigilant about taking care of our health. Women take prophylactic measures for early warning signs of cancer by getting yearly mammograms. Diets are observed to keep weight in check and to avoid unhealthy eating habits that can lead to various health concerns. In many cases medications are required to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and vitamin intake is boosted to ward off osteoporosis. After the age of fifty regularly scheduled colonoscopies are performed to detect abnormalities in the large intestine. Dermatologists require a visit to ensure the health of our skin, as well as providing a way to cosmetically enhance one’s natural beauty. A visit to the cardiologist helps to guarantee that the heart will stay healthy and an appointment with a gynecologist is important in safeguarding a woman’s sexual health.

Any gynecologist is perfectly capable of testing for and treating a disease, but when it comes to receiving information regarding a woman’s sexuality it is often difficult to get clear answers. This is especially true regarding women who have gone through menopause and, while sexual problems are common in about half the women between the age of 45 and up, only about 10%-15% actually discuss these issues with their doctor. Often shame and embarrassment hinders a forthright conversation regarding sexuality and a reported common complaint has been that the doctor does not take the complaints seriously; explaining them as “that time of life.” It’s frustrating and disheartening to be disregarded and it’s understandable that a woman would get depressed upon hearing that nothing can be done to mitigate the lack of desire, arousal and orgasm.

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and while it can occur in a woman’s 40’s or 50’s the average age is 51 years old. This is a time when a woman’s ovaries stop producing high levels of the hormone estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and with these hormonal changes come mood swings and vaginal dryness accompanied by painful sex. If a woman who has reached the age of menopause has a partner it’s probable that the partner would be approximately the same age, if not older. All of which compounds the sexual problems since the partner would probably be experiencing the same lack of libido. Embarrassment and lack of response can keep a couple from having an emotionally and physically satisfying sex life.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help both men and woman regain their loss of libido and help restore intimacy to the relationship. There are both estrogen and testosterone creams and pills that can be utilized to restore one’s lost libido, as well as compounds containing Oxytocin and Arginine. One of the better methods for delivering the hormones Estrogen and Testosterone is through the use of subcutaneous bio-identical hormone pellets. These pellets are painlessly inserted in the hip, under the skin. They last for three to four months and release the hormones as naturally needed, helping to lift one’s mood, charging one’s libido and restoring intimacy in a relationship.

Get the relief you need today. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Jan 28
0

New Year, New You. Bring Balance Back!

By | Diets, Lifestyle

New Year, New You.
Bring Balance Back!

The dreaded month of January has finally hit.

The start of the New Year is always a sluggish one – bringing with the all-loving holiday hangover. After several months of celebrations, we tend to feel overly tired and full. With all the alcohol and food consumption, the stress of gift buying, late nights of partying and long periods of family socialization, all we really want to do is stay in bed and recover. Yet, January tends to be one of the busier months of the year when it comes to work! Why is this? Well, to start, the past few months seem to be filled with fun and play – so as soon as January 2nd hits, along with the looming guilt we’ve ignored all December, we try to make up for lost time by getting back into a routine as quickly as possible. It’s the classic case of bouncing back from a binge.

Often, we want to make our New Year comeback and be strong about it, but we’re still not feeling 100 percent in our ability to successfully do so. There’s nothing to fret about though, we do this every year and many of us usually manage to get back to where we want to be. However, the key to do this in the most effective and efficient manner, is by staying balanced. Below are several tips on how to bring balance back into your life and restore, rejuvenate, and reinvent your best self:

 

Getting the Best use out of your gym time:

The gym seems to be one of the most popularly visited destinations during the months of January to March. While any gym-goer will recognize the increase in local gym-foot-traffic, it is important that those heading to the gym after a long break understand that long-lasting benefits have to be attainable. If you return back to the gym in an intense manner, you’ll likely burn yourself out within the first month. Rather than creating intense regimens for yourself, such as two-a-day spin classes, try easing your way back into a steadily growing routine. Start by taking a yoga class or focusing on soft core exercises while incorporating a form of light cardio into your daily workout. Slowly, you can build up your stamina and increase these cardio workouts, but it is important to ease your way back into training. In fact, overexerting yourself in exercise at any time can cause a variety of health issues down the line. According to a Business Inside article published last year, women who participated in daily strenuous workouts were at increased risk for heart attack or stroke.

For those who have a hard time getting back into an exercise regimen, or if working out was never really your thing in the first place, try taking several long walks throughout the week. Whether it be outside, in a mall or on a treadmill, walking between 10,000 –14,000 steps a day can greatly enhance your mind, body and overall health and wellbeing. Even a brisk walk for a mile or two just a couple days a week will yield benefits.

Finding sustainability in a diet:

 

We can’t stress this enough: Do not crash diet! This form of dieting is never the right solution to losing weight and maintaining long-term results. Along with being unhealthy and sending your body into unexpected shock – it doesn’t last! We know that sometimes you need to see fast results and get in shape for a special event, but this method is rarely an effective one if you’re looking for lasting effects. After the holidays, many people want to lose the packed-on pounds instantaneously. However, one month of eating poorly will not set you so far behind that there is no comeback in sight. Start with simple and achievable dieting goals. Cut processed sugars and limit your starch intake. You should make sure you are still eating at least three meals a day. Some people prefer eating small meals throughout the day and see their best results when eating light portions in intervals of every few hours. Regardless, eating healthy, whole foods will get you back on track quicker than you think. One of biggest problems with crash dieting is the mental component. We all want to feel good, but we can’t feel good if our body is not getting the proper nutrients it needs. In order to perform our best, physically and mentally, our bodies need to be fed – and fed the right things. A few simple examples of healthy meals, and what we like to recommend after the holidays can include:

Breakfast:
Steal cut oatmeal with fresh blueberries and a splash of almond milk or a tablespoon of peanut butter

Lunch:
Mixed green salad seasoned with balsamic vinegar and light olive oil and topped with two hardboiled eggs or a piece of grilled chicken.

Dinner:
Grilled salmon sautéed with cocoaminos with a baked yam and a boiled artichoke, roasted cauliflower for the side.

Be sure to incorporate regular light snacks in between. Nuts, fruits, or carrots with hummus are all great options.

Mental health first:

Along with the rush of getting back to work, and the various other pressures we put on ourselves this time of year, it’s important to remember that in order to reach our maximum potential in productivity, we must be in a sound state of mind. Make time in your day to practice meditation or destressing techniques. While we may have high energy in our eagerness to make our biggest and best comebacks, it is essential to slow down and take a breather in between efforts. All it takes is 5-10 minutes out of your day. Whether it’s waking up early to sit in a still, quiet space; taking a midday break to write down how you’re feeling; or clearing room in the evening to read a chapter of a book – peaceful contemplation and reflection will enhance the turnout of your day. You can find some more mental health balancing tricks here.

There are many small routines we can incorporate into our daily schedules which will offer long-lasting solutions to our overall health. Often, we put too much energy into one area of life and forget the benefits of having the presence of balance. As the saying goes, “Everything in moderation”. These words apply to both your labor and productivity as well, determining the quality of your results. Take your time getting back into your groove and make sure you are paying attention to all elements of your life. If you are feeling more down than usual at the start of this year, consider your nutritional health and whether you are receiving the proper treatment and support. It is important to consult with your doctor to make sure your daily vitamin regimen is up to date and to examine any other internal factors that may be causing fatigue or moodiness. Hormonal imbalances, lack of sleep, stress, diet, and underlying medical issues can all contribute to changes in your body. The Balanced Woman has specialists available to talk and help you with all your health needs. If you need assistance in balancing your health this New Year, call us today or schedule an appointment here.

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Oct 11
0
Andropause-Solution-philadelphia

A Solution to Andropause

By | Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
 

One subject that is often overlooked amongst both men and women is that of andropause.
As men age their testosterone levels drop and over time, begin to deplete. It’s a process that we may or may not be familiar with, but it is uncommonly discussed when compared to that of menopause. Usually the condition – also known as “Low T” – does not present itself with as severe of symptoms as menopause does. This is because its effects are slower and more gradual than those which present in menopause, which takes place in only a few years’ time.

Andropause-Solution-main-line

Low T, or andropause, makes itself known by loss of vigor, muscle mass, restless sleep, moodiness and, often most notably, loss of sex drive or ability to partake in sexual activity. The process typically takes place over a 10- to 20-year period which can make it difficult to diagnose or treat.

In the past, andropause has been overlooked or dismissed. However, recent studies have shown that low testosterone levels in men have become increasingly more reported and the results, to a degree, can be comparable to estrogen imbalances in women. Men and women want to live life to its fullest as they age, and fortunately there is a way to maintain energy levels once hormones begin to change. Men, like women, have been discovering improved vitality through the use of hormone pellets. These pellets have been proven to be a relatively safe and easy way to reverse aging effects. Weight loss, regained energy, mood elevation and stronger sex drives have resulted from the usage of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

In the past, there has been some debate on hormone therapies. However, many of these perils respond to usage of synthetic forms of oral testosterone and have not been linked directly with the use of bioidentical hormones – which are derived from a plant base and are developed to be chemically identical to those that the human body produces naturally.

Using transdermal, or under the skin deposits, reduces and even eliminates some of the health risks associated with other forms of hormonal replacement. These methods can provide a safe and efficient way of delivering necessary hormones to both men and women.

Before receiving supplements, it is important to gather as much information on hormone replacement therapy. It is advisable to speak with your doctor or medical professional in order to ensure that the BHRT process is a match for your needs. In order to determine if BHRT is right for you, a preliminary consultation and blood work should be provided for proper evaluation prior to scheduling a second appointment for the insertion of pellets. The procedure is painless and only takes a few minutes, with benefits that last up to 4-6 months.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men philadelphia

The doctor and medical professionals at The Balanced Woman are available and happy to assist with any questions you may have about BHRT. Our office located in Ardmore Pennsylvania is easily accessible from Philadelphia and serves patients from the New York Metropolitan area as well.

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Jun 14
0

An Easy Shopping Guide: Essential Vitamins and Nutrients that Should be in Your Cabinet

By | Vitamins


With so many vitamins out there, it’s tough deciphering which ones are right for you. 

Vitamins are an essential part of our diets. It is with certain compounds and nutrients that our bodies are able to operate at their optimal levels. With so many vitamins out there, it’s tough deciphering which are the right kind for you. To get you started, we’ve created an easy shopping guide with handpicked favorites from the specialists at The Balanced Woman

Vitamin B


B Vitamins are vital in many aspects of health, especially for women. Many men and women are often deficient in B vitamins. Vitamin B can enhance energy levels and elevate your mood. In addition to helping cognitive function, B vitamins promote cellular health and immune support. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are at risk of having depleted levels of Vitamin B which are crucial to the growing baby and new mother. The supplement is also especially important for those who are vegetarian or vegan.

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Vitamin C


This is likely the vitamin that is most familiar to most. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which means that it can help stabilize free radicals which can be damaging on the cellular level. Vitamin C is a powerful supplement that will improve the immune system, repair wounds and collagen along with promoting bone, teeth, and cartilage health. Taking Vitamin C daily can greatly improve your state of health while boosting energy levels. We recommend a regular dosage of 1000 mg to receive the best results.

In addition to capsules, one of our favorite products is a Vitamin C spray for the face. Again, C promotes healthy collagen and protects from free radicals. Topical use of the supplement has multiple skin benefits. Because of this, you will often see it in the ingredients of skin products.

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Multi-Vitamin


Multi Vitamins can be deceiving. Not all of them carry high enough levels of the compounds that our bodies need. They are, however, the easiest fix when looking for a way to condense your minerals into one dose. We found that GNC has a great brand known as MEGA for both men and women.

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Magnesium


We love Magnesium. As one of mine and my daughter’s favorites, it helps relieve many PMS symptoms while playing an important role in many other departments. Not only does magnesium help repair our DNA, but it also absorbs heavy metals, enhances performance levels in exercise, works as an anti-inflammatory, and can help with heart palpitation too. Amongst many other benefits, we strongly encourage almost everyone to take a daily dosage of magnesium. Many of these vitamins, such as the one we recommended here can also be purchased from fullscript.com. You can call or email The Balanced Woman for purchasing details and to save money on your order. If you’re interested in learning more, this blog will give you a ton of information on Magnesium’s benefits.

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Vitamin E


Vitamin E promotes healthy skin, hair and nail growth while also providing many other health benefits. Alongside with immune support, Vitamin E can also aid in the prevention of inflammation while lowering risks for cancer and boosting our body’s essential functions such as eye sight. One blend that we particularly like is lifextension brand.

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Fish Oil


Another supplement we love is Fish Oil. Great for arthritis and joints, it also is wonderful for hair, skin, and nail health. Fish has a ton of nutritional properties that are wonderful for our bodies. If you are vegan or vegetarian or someone who simply just doesn’t like fish, this is something we’d highly recommend for you.

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Ashgawada


This is another great supplement and can work wonders for people with anxiety. As a natural relaxant, Ashgawada – also known as Indian Ginseng – has calming properties but will also induce a sustainable increase in energy levels for those who take it on a regular basis. Known to help both depression, stress and anxiety, it is known to reduce cortisol levels in the body. In addition the herb supplement can also aid in lowering cholesterol and inflammation while improving cognitive and memory function amongst many other benefits.

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St Johns Wort


This is another miracle supplement for those suffering from mild cases of depression and anxiety. This natural antidepressant is especially useful for PMS and for adolescent women or those undergoing hormonal changes. Enhancing energy levels, it also provides antibacterial and antiviral properties. It was my go-to care-package item for my daughter when she was at college!

 

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Tumeric


Tumeric is the “IT” supplement today. Largely due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that it generates, it has been tied to a variety of health benefits. The tricky thing with Tumeric is that it doesn’t absorb in our bloodstream easily so many products out there are selling you something that is not properly binding to your body and doing the job it’s being sold to do. Be careful when you buy Tumeric and definitely do your research on this topic. We suggest always looking at the ingredients and making sure that there is black pepper in the compound, which will help assist the absorption of its properties.

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Zinc


Zinc is such an important nutrient to our bodies and since we are unable to produce or retain it naturally, we often are lacking it from our system. It is an essential part of our diet and is fundamental to our DNA, contributing to healthy cell function. Zinc is crucial to the metabolism and the digestive system. It aids in the healing wounds and improve immunity. It has also been known to help with acne and mental function.

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CBD Oil


Another favorite of ours, and an area that has become increasingly more popular in recent years, is CBD oil and supplements. CBD is known for contributing to a variety of health needs. Reducing inflammation, inhibiting cancer cell growth, relieving pain, promoting bone growth, aiding in sleep, soothing nausea and anxiety, and slowing bacteria growth are all major benefits that this natural supplement has to offer. Finding the right kind can be overwhelming seeing that there are so many out there. One of our picks is Canbiola. The Balanced Woman also sells these products, along with a variety of others. For better rates, call our office or inquire for more information next time you stop in.

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Before beginning a vitamin or supplement regimen, it is beneficial to speak with a specialist to discuss the best options for you and your body’s needs. Often times, tests will be conducted to observe specific deficiencies within a certain individual. Speaking with your doctor about your daily lifestyle will help target your specific areas of concern to outline what is missing. Introducing daily supplements that the body requires, and may lack, can better enhance your everyday routines, relationships and general health. 

The Balanced Woman offers in-depth counseling on vitamins and nutritional health. Dr. Lambert, a board-certified GYN doctor, and her team of integrative and holistic medical specialists are readily available to speak with you to uncover the best solutions for your body’s needs.

Often, it is the simple changes that make the biggest impact!

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Mar 23
0
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Philadelphia, PA -The Balanced Woman

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

By | Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Right For You? 

In each stage of our lives, we face difficulties within our bodies. As we age, we become more susceptible to health risks and challenges. Because of this, it is essential for us to be aware of our bodies’ needs. One particular issue for both women and men revolves around the decline of hormone levels. When we reach a stage of menopause and andropause, the effects of our decreased hormone levels are ever more prevalent.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Philadelphia, PA -The Balanced Woman

For men, andropause symptoms may include: Irritability, fatigue, insomnia, decreased sex-drive, depression, confusion and a drop in cognitive function, heart disease, muscle loss, and more.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Philadelphia, PA -The Balanced Woman

For women, menopause symptoms are better known and may include: Weight gain, depression, hot flashes, insomnia, loss of energy, depression, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, headaches, night sweats, etc.

So how do we increase hormone levels when we are facing such aggravating symptoms?

In recent years, there has been an increase in popularity for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Hormone replacement therapy is commonly provided through bioidentical hormone pellet supplements that are injected into an area of fat, typically in the abdomen region. Bioidentical hormone pellets are a type of HRT that are more natural and healthy for the body than certain synthetic drugs which have been known to improve hormone performance. Initially, bioidentical pellets were created from yams and soy but in recent years, due to the demand for mass production, there have been lab advancements aiding the delivery of pellets to the health market. Bioidentical hormones are created to match the same hormone chemicals that our bodies create.

Health benefits from bioidentical hormones have been widely reported and show improvement in weight loss, energy and mood levels, skin, hair and nail growth, sex drive, sleep, amongst many others. These effects can last up to four months.

Hormone levels are known to peak in our late 20s and early 30s. Due to this fact, HRT is not only used for those undergoing menopause and andropause. In many cases, women and men in their mid 30s require supplemental boosts in progesterone, estrogen or testosterone.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Philadelphia, PA -The Balanced Woman

HRT has held popularity in California and the West Coast but in recent years, it has been making its way across the nation and growing in recognition. For those on the East Coast, it has been gaining favor in the New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and D.C. regions. While it is still difficult to find professionals who specialize in this area, men and women are urged to speak to their gynecologists or general practitioners to learn where they can seek services and treatment.

Often, many of us who are undergoing symptoms of hormone deficiencies aren’t aware of the source. This is why it is important to speak with a specialist to determine whether your hormone levels are balanced or require attention. Do your research. Informative websites like menaupause.org or womens-health-concern.org may be helpful in getting you started. But regular visits with a doctor will directly address your concerns and find a healthy solution for you.

Achieving a balanced body and satisfying its fundamental needs is not only crucial to our overall health but to our happiness as well.

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Jan 30
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A Brief Guide to Healthy Dieting

By | Diets

With all the fad diets out there these days, it’s tricky for men and women to decipher what their bodies really do and don’t need. 

The problem is, is that many of these diets are based off a set of health demands that only work for a portion of individuals who are using them. A diet’s success largely depends on a person’s specific body type and genetic makeup. In fact, it is almost impossible to find a universal diet that is effective, healthy and sustainable to all.

While there is a growing interest in the integrative health and organic food market, it is important to keep in mind that many of these publicized diets are not researched or backed by doctors and scientists. Nutritional guidelines may vary from program to program, but most diets should at least adhere to the general guide of suggestions that would come from a doctor.

  1. Having a variety of foods from the main food groups is essential – your daily diet should be well balanced and include some kind of starch – potato’s, rice, and other natural grains are best – along with protein, fruits and vegetables. In some cases, a dairy or dairy substitute is beneficial as well.
  2. Processed sugars and saturated fats are the worst thing for you and they can be found in just about everything. Read your labels!
  3. ‘Whole foods’, I.E. organic, raw and unrefined foods that are in their most natural state are key
  4. Five portions of fruits and veggies will not only help your metabolism function well but it will also help your body fight off various diseases while providing you with fundamental vitamins and minerals
  5. PROBIOTICS! These are a natural medicine. Sauerkraut, yogurt and kombucha are amongst some of the many sources that offer these beneficial supplements that are great for the body’s gut.
  6. Protein – your body needs this. You cannot eliminate protein from your diet and expect to feel good. Meats, fish beans, eggs, nuts, etc.
  7. Healthy fats like organic olive oil, raw almonds and nuts, or avocados are great to have in reasonable quantities. These fats fill you up and are beneficial to your health. Not only are they great for dieting purposes, but they help combat heart disease and strokes. They also contribute to lower cholesterol.
  8. Portion control: Regardless of how healthy you may think you’re being, it’s all about your intake. Downsizing your portions can be the biggest gateway to successfully losing those pounds.
  9. Exercise – duh. We all need it. Whether it’s just walking a mile a day or going to the gym for 30 minutes several times a week, you will feel better and your body will ultimately process your foods more effectively.

Regardless of wanting to lose weight or not, starving yourself is never the answer. A nutritious-filled, well balanced diet is what will grant you the greatest lasting results. There are many different approaches – whether it be from a more traditional view of medicine or from a holistic format – but either way, it is important to speak to your doctor and consult a medical specialist when beginning a new diet. What we take into our bodies is extremely crucial to our overall health.

The Balanced Woman offers an array of counseling related to integrative dieting, nutrition, and healthy weight loss plans. Many times, difficulty with weight loss can be in result of a much bigger and more complex issue within the body – such as a hormone imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, high levels of stress, or lack of exercise.

In order to feel your best, you must take the appropriate strides to live your best. Dr. Marialisa Lambert, a board-certified GYN doctor, and her team of integrative and holistic medical specialists are readily available to speak with you on finding the solutions to your needs.

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