Bio-Identical HRT
In considering medically supervised hormone replacement, it is important to consider that we must look at all hormone systems in crafting the appropriate program for each patient. As a gynecologist, I would see the importance of this in just focusing on estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in my patients. Frequently they would have a less than optimum response and I could not understand why.

Shifting my practice over to exclusively anti-aging medicine and getting certification in this area has now offered me the time and knowledge to approach my female patients more comprehensively, and to now be able to deal with the men!

Appropriate BHRT requires looking at all hormone systems because very often their functions are interdependent. If you focus on one area without looking at others you will not offer your patients the best results, and sometimes frustration.

The hormones we assess in our initial workups on all patients and consider replacing on an individual basis include:

• Testosterone
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Pregnenolone
• Human Growth Hormone
• Cortisol
• Thyroid Hormone
• DHEA

HCG Weight Loss
[watch video]
This is rapidly becoming a huge part of the practice and the results with this have been nothing short of astounding!

Pure calorie restriction is difficult and painful. Diet pills or pharmaceuticals are dangerous and habit-forming.

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin and is the hormone that we test for in women to establish pregnancy. It is chemically similar to two hormones that both men and women make called FSH and LH. These hormones are from the pituitary gland and serve to stimulate the ovaries and testicles respectively.

Low daily doses of this hormone with medically supervised calorie restriction and a carefully selected blend of nutritional supplements will result in significant weight loss that targets storage fat areas (notoriously the most difficult to access with traditional calorie restriction or stimulant driven diets). This method of weight loss is well tolerated, resets your metabolism and reduces or eliminates food cravings. The rate of rebound weight gain with this program runs around 15%.

Each HCG Cycle Includes Three Phases:

Phase I - 7 days of Preparation

Phase II - 45 days of HCG Injections and Low Calorie Intake

Phase III - 21 days of Maintenance

Our medically supervised Lighten Up! 6 Week Program includes:

• Initial exam and two follow-up appointments with a practitioner
• HCG prescription including syringes and alcohol pads
• A complete package containing the highest quality ‘physician-only’ nutritional supplements required for the program
• A cookbook with recipes for Phase II and III authored by a Scottsdale Culinary Institute trained Cordon Bleu Chef
• A complete supply of exclusively selected organic teas, integral to our program
• A complete ‘how to’ guide with simple steps necessary to achieve weight loss
• Required blood tests

ASK US ABOUT OUR 3 WEEK PROGRAM!

Call PRC today to sign up and start on your road to significant, healthy, sustainable weight loss!!

The Wiley Protocol
At Phoenix Rejuvenation Center Dr. Hicks now participates in the Wiley Protocol for bio-identical hormone replacement. This is a more detailed system of replacement that requires frequent changes in dosing of estradiol , progesterone, testosterone and thyroid (for some patients) determined by natural menstrual cycles or lunar cycles depending on the patient’s menopausal status. This protocol more closely mimics natural hormonal rhythms which will ensure proper hormone receptor sensitivity and therefore patient response. Most patients will do well on more standard regimens with similar daily dosing. Others are more sensitive to this receptor sensitivity issue and will require more physiologic dosing schedules such as that offered in the Wiley protocol.

Visit www.thewileyprotocol.com for more information on this revolutionary system of bio-identical hormone replacement. Patients considering this system need to be highly motivated. They are often very frustrated as well with their failure to respond to other more conventional bio-identical HRT regimens.

Nutritional Supplementation
Parallel to any good hormone replacement regimen will be program of appropriate nutritional supplements that will allow our bodies to make the most of the signals for rejuvenation that hormone replacement will send to our cells.

At PRC, we offer a complete line of physician only supplements of the highest quality to our clients.

The truth is it is difficult to have reassurance that supplement lines available over the counter have appropriate purity, testing and activity.

These supplements have been specifically selected to address general anti-aging concerns that apply to all of us and we also have available more targeted packages designed to address a host of specific issues from male and female sexual function to high cholesterol levels to anxiety states.

• General Men’s and Women’s Anti-Aging Package
• Men’s Sexual Health Package
• Women’s Sexual Health Package
• Increased Cholesterol Package
• Diabetes Package
• Anxiety Package
• Women’s’ Breast Health Package
• Men’s Prostate Health Package
• And many more………

Come visit ‘The Store at PRC’ at our office or online to browse our selection.

C 43
Phoenix Rejuvenation Center is proud to be the sole distributor in Arizona of this revolutionary new skin rejuvenating product that is about to take the nation by storm!

This breakthrough formula offers optimum protection and immensely positive restorative results for damaged and aging skin.

C 43 is an anti-aging facial cream with a Vitamin C concentration of 43%. This is a heretofore unheard of concentration of Vitamin C in any facial or skin product. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to stimulate collagen production beneath the skin surface. This action results in many miraculous changes noted over a 6-8 week treatment course including:

• Markedly diminished skin wrinkles
• Fading away of ‘age spots’
• Smoothing out of old acne scarring
• Evening out of skin tones
• Improves sun damage to the skin
• Improved facial redness or rosacea
• Softer, rejuvenated skin texture
• An overall more ‘youthful’ appearance

Weeks prior to its official release date, this product is storming Hollywood and any group where people have had an opportunity to sample it and see its effects for themselves.

This formulation has been lab validated at 43% Vitamin C concentration and its stability has been confirmed at up to four years of shelf life.

The C 43 proprietary formulation includes Vitamin C in a 43% concentration along with a synergistic blend of 22 other natural powerful antioxidants to produce phenomenal results in those who use it as instructed. It has been conclusively proven that antioxidants working in concert as a network can greatly increase the overall benefits of protecting the skin and restoring it to a vibrant, more youthful appearance.

The cream is applied to the face at night before bed WITHOUT any other agents. Within days a pronounced softening of the skin is noticed and over the ensuing 6-8 weeks the benefits above are noticeable to most that use the product.

C 43 comes in 1 oz jars that will last up to 2 months with directed usage. It retails for $250 plus tax.

At Phoenix Rejuvenation Center we promote wellness from the inside and the outside. Come start your facial wellness program today!

You may arrange for shipping or come by the office to purchase during office hours.

Andropause
As men enter their 40s and 50s a series of hormonal changes are underway that collectively is referred to as ‘Andropause’. Specifically this refers to a ‘pause’ or decline in androgens. Androgens are ‘male’ hormones that provide us with strength, energy, libido, improved mood and vitality. Testosterone is the primary androgen involved in this ‘pause’ and its decline in men is a normal part of the aging process. This fact is clear.

What is also clear is that this decline in hormones that are vital to our energy, mood, strength, sexuality and sense of well being serves no identifiable physiologic purpose.

This decline in androgens can also be looked at as a disease unto itself as it is associated with a whole host of developing medical problems and maladies if not addressed.

• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis – Poor bone density and increased risk for fracture
• Depression
• Prostate Hypertrophy and Cancer
• Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease
• Cognitive Decline

These a few of the more significant medical maladies associated with decline in testosterone levels. This does not include the host of quality of life issues that can plague men with declining levels of this important hormone:

• Depression
• Decreased Libido
• Erectile Dysfunction
• ‘Grumpy Old Man’ Syndrome
• Decreased zest for life and enjoyable activity
• Decreased muscle mass
• Poor exercise performance

While testosterone replacement often is the cornerstone of a good hormone replacement and anti-aging program for most men, it is by no means the only thing to be addressed. It is extremely important to assess men for thyroid, adrenal and growth hormone activity. The functions of these hormone centers is often interdependent and addressing one area (testosterone) without adequately assessing other areas is irresponsible and not in the patient’s best interests. Other things to look at include:

• Thyroid levels
• Adrenal function – Cortisol levels and DHEA
• Growth Hormone activity
• Metabolic lab assessment – This is a very important part of the program. It is here we are often tipped off to inflammatory, nutritional or vascular issues that would otherwise go unnoticed and have an opportunity to intervene with targeted nutritional supplementation to improve a man’s future risk for cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, bone or central nervous system issues that would otherwise go unaddressed.

Initial Evaluation and treatment Plan
Your initial evaluation will include:

• Detailed self evaluation with medical history and medication and supplement review
• Minimal Physical Exam – Weight, BP, BMI calculation, heart, lungs, reflexes, skin and hair evaluation
• Blood for hormone levels and metabolic assessment
• Saliva testing for 24 hour cortisol determination – an index of adrenal function
• A discussion with you about what your goals are the reasonableness of those expectations. What sacrifices (time and money) you are willing to make to address the issues that arise.
• Consider more specific or targeted testing for you where indicated

Follow Up Visits
At your follow up visit lab results will be reviewed and we will sit down and chart a hormone replacement and nutritional supplementation path that fits for you and your situation…taking into account ALL of the above.

The number of follow up visits required to get each man on the right program for him will vary according to the complexity of the situation. Each man’s goals and medical issues to be addressed will vary. Each man’s response to a particular regimen will vary. It is this individuality that requires a personalized approach that cannot be addressed in short or infrequent office visits.

Follow up visits will often be as long as the initial evaluation. We will do what it takes for each man as long as we have his active participation, compliance and good communication with him between and during office visits. Communication is CRITICAL!!!

Menopause
Technically, this refers to the time in a woman’s life when periods stop naturally. This can also happen when a woman has surgery that removes her ovaries. This is referred to as ‘surgical menopause’ and can be a jolting hormonal experience for younger woman to experience. This period, surgical or naturally occurring is associated with a decline in ovarian hormone production, primarily estrogen and progesterone along with testosterone. Lower levels of these hormones are not associated with any medical or physiologic advantage. This hormone decline is, however, associated with a whole host of physiologic and quality of life issues including;

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Decreased libido
• Increased cardiovascular risk
• Cognitive decline
• Poor skin quality
• Sleep disturbances

At Phoenix Rejuvenation Center, we seek to responsibly replace these hormones where indicated. Every woman will not need estrogen as part of her program in general. Bio-identical progesterone is extremely important for each woman to consider in my view. Testosterone can often time be a critical part of an HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) program for some women. In sum, each patient who comes in is different and deserves to be evaluated individually to account for differences in their physiology, their symptoms, their family history, and finally, their willingness and desire to begin a suggested program of HRT.

Please note that to ensure a complete response with any patient seen here a complete hormone evaluation should be done. This includes looking at adrenal, thyroid, and human growth hormone activity in addition to a metabolic evaluation looking at lipids, diabetes indicators, inflammatory markers, and Vitamin D levels in every patient.

Perimenopause
It can start at 35 or 45 but eventually for each of you progesterone levels will start to decline. This is the first phase of the hormonal decline transition that will lead to menopause. Congratulations! You are now in perimenopuse! I have had some women wince when I use the term with them. It’s just a description of a normal physiologic process. Progesterone is the first hormone to decline with aging from an ovarian standpoint resulting in:

• Increase in premenstrual symptoms:
• headache
• bloating
• sleep disturbances
• anxiety
• sugar cravings
• Irregular menses
• Decreased libido
• Increased breast cancer risk

Progesterone replacement on some level is indicated in these situations and should always be considered. This will often result in resolution of most of the above symptoms and will confer on each patient a decrease in breast cancer risk.

Initial Evaluation:
At your initial visit you will be asked to bring a self evaluation with you already filled out at home that will reflect your medical history and your symptoms relative to each important hormone system. With this in hand your visit will consist of:

• Self-Evaluation Review
• Minimal Physical Exam – Minus a pelvic. This should be performed yearly by your primary care doctor or OBGYN as you prefer.
• Order Appropriate Lab evaluation:
• Blood
• Saliva
• 24 Hour Urine

We will spend an hour together discussing your situation, your goals and how aggressive you want to be in dealing with your situation. We need to discuss things you have tried before and how you responded. There is no ‘one way’ to deal with any situation and each patient has limits as to what they are willing to do in dealing with transition. I need to see where YOU are.

Follow Up Visit
At your follow up visit we will sit and review your lab studies. We will see what interventions, hormonal and nutritional seem indicated and then see how aggressive you want to, or can be in dealing with your situation.

Your path and needs may be as simple as appropriate nutritional supplementation to reduce breast cancer risk and progesterone. Alternatively, you may want to be as sophisticated as to enroll in the T.S. Wiley protocol to really micromanage your hormone levels. This requires a great deal of work. Each of you is different. Our approach at PRC reflects this fact. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Is This Program For You?
If you are middle aged the answer is most definitely yes. However, there are several requirements for success with our program:

• A commitment on your part to follow up and keep appointments
• A commitment to communicate with the doctor and staff regarding issues that may arise as we find the ‘right’ blend for YOU!
• An ability to grasp the concepts of an anti-aging approach
• Patience for results…Rome was not built in a day!!!
• The financial ability to go outside of your insurance coverage to access this level of care

Without these elements, you are likely to become frustrated with what is required for maximum results and waste your money and our time. Think carefully about this before deciding to come in.

Why Consider Hormone Replacement?
Here is the scoop that you frequently won’t hear from most doctors: “We age because our hormones decline, our hormones do not decline because we age”

The hormones that keep us youthful, vital, full of energy and healthy are all designed to allow us to propagate the species. This is a tough concept to get your arms around but it is central to any discussion about the merits of a carefully crafted hormone replacement regimen for any of us in mid-life.

After our childbearing and child-rearing years ‘nature’ really has no evolutionary role for us and these hormones start to decline decade by decade. We have outsmarted nature’s plan for us with our ability to think, alter our environment, protect ourselves from the elements, fashion weapons, create medicines, perform surgical procedures, and generally control our environment in a way that now allows us to live far beyond what a ‘normal’ life expectancy was centuries ago.

Most importantly, this hormone decline serves us no identifiable medical purpose or benefit!!

So why would we not consider a model for responsibly replacing these hormones as we age?

Do we not offer insulin to the diabetic? Do we not offer thyroid replacement to those who have had irradiation and produce NO thyroid hormone? Why then, do we balk at the idea of treating a ‘relative’ decline in these hormones as we age?

As with other disciplines steeped in tradition, conventional medicine is slowly starting to recognize the reasonableness of this approach as more and more knowledge accumulates about the real safety and health and quality of life benefits that this approach can offer us

At PRC we are trying to stay ahead of the curve………..Call today to set up your appointment. Take control of your health and your quality of life!!

What is HCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG, or hCG is a peptide hormone produced in pregnancy by the placenta. It performs several important functions. It maintains progesterone production after 12 weeks of fetal development. It is also speculated that this hormone affects immune tolerance which is critical for pregnancy. Lastly, it is believed that it may play an important role in providing a constant reservoir of nutrition and energy to the growing fetus. It is this aspect of hCG action we seek to capitalize on with our wellness program. When we do early pregnancy testing in mothers, HCG is the hormone we assess with blood or urine testing.

HCG is a hormone comprised of two protein sub-units, alpha and beta. The alpha sub-unit is identical to that of other hormones (from the pituitary gland) which stimulate the gonads (testicles and ovaries) and the thyroid gland. The beta sub-unit is unique to HCG. HCG while produced in large amounts during pregnancy (mothers will produce in excess of 1 million units per day) it is also found in smaller amounts in both men and women.
In medicine, we use HCG in infertility with IVF cycles to stimulate the mother to make multiple follicles or eggs for harvesting. We also use it in men with testosterone supplementation protocols as it stimulates the testicles to make more testosterone.

How is HCG used for weight reduction?
Fifty years ago, a British doctor with a clinic in Rome, Albert Theodore William (A.T.W.) Simeons, M.D., discovered that administration of small amounts of HCG coupled with a very low calorie diet over six-week cycles facilitated remarkable rapid weight loss. Dr. Simeons further uncovered that using HCG in this way made calorie restriction dieting very well tolerated by his patients reported no complaints of hunger during the six week period. He also found that using HCG in this way allowed for fat to be lost from hard to access fat storage areas (abdomen, thighs, buttocks). With traditional calorie restriction diets, fat is often preferentially lost from more essential structural fat areas (joints, foot pads, face, under skin).
By following your Wellness Program as closely to the letter as you can through all phases of the program you can assure your self of not only a remarkable weight loss but also a reshaping of your body contour. This weight loss can be easily maintained overtime with adherence to the simple Phase IV instructions.

Is HCG safe?
HCG is extremely safe. Women produce in excess of 1million IU per day during pregnancy. There are no reports of any adverse effects of these levels on the mother or on fetal development. The small amount we use for weight loss has absolutely NO side effects. There is no medical literature indicating toxicity with use at these levels. It is our finding that many patients on HCG for weight loss experience unexpected positive side effects including: improvement in mood, relief of chronic joint pain and remission of certain fibromyalgia symptoms.

If HCG works so well for weight loss, why don’t pregnant women lose weight?
HCG works to mobilize fat for the purposes of weight loss only when there is a significant decrease in calories and fat. A starvation state must exist for HCG to work in this manner. In general, pregnant patients are not instructed to calorie restrict with a goal of weight loss.

Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating a very low calorie diet without HCG?
While it is true that the amount of weight lost with pure calorie restriction approximates that lost with an hcg diet the following points should be considered:

• With HCG there is no hunger and patients are comfortable. In fact an hcg diet frequently elevates mood and increases energy.
• Structural fat under the skin and in joints is spared and abnormal fat areas only are targeted. This effect results in improved body contour with inches lost.
• Fat is lost from the most commonly desired areas (hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen etc.)
• Regular calorie intake is resumed immediately.
• Weight loss is easily maintained.

The HCG protocol is very low calorie, will I get hungry?
Because HCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So even though you are taking in fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells.

Will HCG interfere with any medications I am currently taking? What about birth control pills or Depo-Provera injections?
HCG does not interact with any type of birth control pills or hormone replacement. In addition, most commonly prescribed medications for chronic medical conditions are permitted during the diet.

Will I experience any changes in my menstrual cycle taking HCG?
Because the amount of HCG taken is so small, there usually are no changes to your menstrual cycle. Likewise, HCG will not affect your ability to become pregnant, nor will it increase your chances of getting pregnant.

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