Testosterone Pellet Therapy

Testosterone Booster via Pellet Therapy for Measurable Results
Testosterone is very important for both men and women.As we age, our natural levels decline and we may need a testosterone booster. There are significant benefits of testosterone replacement and optimization.

Benefits include:

improvement of energy
improved overall vitality
sharpened brain function and memory
reduction in depression and anxiety
increase in motivation and drive
increased libido
improved symptoms of erectile dysfunction
increased fat loss
increase in muscle mass
decreased blood pressure
improved bone health
reduced risk for Alzheimers
reduced risk for prostate cancer

So how is testosterone optimization achieved?

While some physicians order labs to evaluate testosterone levels, the reference ranges for “normal” levels are very large and result in many patients being advised that their levels are “normal”.However, this does not mean they are optimal for the patient who is still symptomatic of low testosterone levels.In other words, your lab results may reflect a “normal” testosterone level, butyour symptoms may not resolve until a higher level of testosterone in the “normal” range is achieved.This is optimization.

We are excited to announce that we are now offering testosterone pellet therapy for women and testosterone pellet therapy for men. Both are a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that’s been increasing in popularity over the last few years. Pellet therapy has actually been around since the 1930s but was not FDA approved until 2008. Pellets can provide a more consistent dose of testosterone over a longer period of time.It can eliminate having to remember to use a messy, daily, transferable cream, or to apply a new patch frequently, or to inject yourself once or twice a week, which can be a painful hassle.

Testosterone pellets are bio-identical, not synthetic, meaning they are identical to your body’s hormone structure. They are cost effective and doses are individually customized based on your needs. Pellets are very convenient because the effects typically last for 3-4 months. They are very small in size and are made at a sterile compounding pharmacy.As the name suggests, a testosterone pellet insert is inserted into the fatty tissue of the hip using a local anesthetic. The procedure is done in the office.The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, is relatively painless, and no stitches are required.Labs are checked prior to dosing and insertion, as well as periodically thereafter to assure desired levels are achieved.

To determine if testosterone pellet therapy is right for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment. You may also be interested in taking our online low testosterone test to see if your symptoms may be caused by low T.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-05-16T17:32:28-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General|

Effect of High Protein Diet on Longevity

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Note: Paleo and Yeast-free Don’t Equal “High Protein Diet”.

Recently two studies (one mouse and one human) have been discussed in the journal Cell Metabolism suggesting that a high protein diet may not support longevity and may contribute to cancer death. TWIHW wanted to give some perspective on this research since it has been widely covered by the media in recent weeks. In describing the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in any diet, it matters to be specific about what kind of protein, fats and carbohydrates are being discussed. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are NOT all the same!

One common misunderstanding is that Paleo diets and similar ketogenic diets support a high animal protein diet. While it is true that animal meat is included as a part of a healthy diet for life in these dietary models, the portion amount AND the animal’s lifestyle are taken into account, something that is not mentioned or discussed by the media. We presume that these studies were done using animal protein from cows raised in the standard CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) used in the food production industry. The end result of feeding cows a very unnatural diet of soy, corn and animal by- products along with hormones and antibiotics, in a very crowded unhealthy environment, is an inflammatory, unnatural piece of meat. This beef, in conjunction with the Standard American diet rich in grains, dairy and sugar results in a very inflammatory, disease promoting diet.

Beef looks very different when a cow has been allowed to graze on grass in a sunny pasture. This Nature made food intended for cows results in a meat that is lower in saturated fat, higher in Omega 3 and chock full of essential nutrients such as Vitamin E and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). These characteristics result in a very nourishing, if not healing, food when consumed in low to moderate portion.

Likewise, there are natural, undamaged healthy fats that are critical to consume in moderate to high amounts in order to sustain good health and feel satiated. Alternatively, there are many damaged, highly processed fats which are harmful to the human body, yet commonly used in most of our packaged, processed and fast foods. Grass fed butter, pastured eggs, avocados, expeller pressed coconut oil and raw nuts and seeds are just some examples of healthy, natural fats that promote healthy hearts, hormone balance, brain function, immune strength and digestive health. Genetically modified canola and soybean oil along with cottonseed oil and margarine are just a few examples of harmful man-made oils which have proven very damaging to your health.

Finally, in the carbohydrate arena, there are many foods including vegetables, fruits, grains, lactose (milk sugar), and alcohol. The molecular structure of carbohydrates dictates their impact on the human body. Vegetables are the ideal, Nature given carbohydrate of choice for optimal functioning of the human body. This is the food which should garner the greatest space on our plates at every meal rather than the insulin elevating, acidic and inflammatory grains and sugary foods of our society. If vegetable carbohydrates are consumed in good quantity, this still will not result in a high carbohydrate diet, because vegetables have the lowest carbohydrate gram count and most of the carbohydrate is in fibrous form providing the most important role our vegetables serve in the human body – to cleanse and detoxify.

A life giving, healing and healthy diet will be calorically dominated by natural, undamaged fats, while volume/space on the plate will be dominated by vegetables, and then supplemented by a modest portion of humanely raised, properly fed animal proteins. Keep perspective and eat to nourish the body so that you can live long and well!

By Mila McManus MD|2014-03-31T12:56:31-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Histamine Balance to Fight Allergies

When we suffer from seasonal allergies with runny noses, congestion, watery and itchy eyes, these symptoms are the result of our immune system mounting an attack on those incoming allergens. These symptoms are reflective of the inflammation caused by the allergen and the body’s release of histamines. Inflammation is often also partnered with pain and is a contributing factor to numerous chronic, degenerative conditions.

Histamine Balance is an effective anti-inflammatory supplement to combat seasonal allergies and general pain and inflammation by combining three key ingredients:

Quercetin is a unique anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid that has been shown to normalize histamine release in the body.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that supports the body during times of stress and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Magnesium ascorbate is a combination of magnesium and vitamin C which helps strengthen immune response.

There are some simple things that The Woodlands Institute can help you do to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions. Contact us today for more details on fighting allergies with Histamine Balance. You can also try our online allergy testing page.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-02-08T11:57:55-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General|

Easter Basket Ideas: A Makeover

Part of our nutrition journey to health and wellness is figuring out how to celebrate life, love our families and enjoy celebrations while still improving the health and nutrition offered by our food choices. Unfortunately, we have become a society that gets loved and gives love by offering up “sweets and treats” filled with sugar, a highly addictive and harmful substance to the human body. This ultimately makes us face the fact that an Easter Basket filled with marshmallow chickadees, jelly beans and malted milk eggs is not really a gift of love and celebration. So what can be done to keep the celebration fun and filled with love, without the monstrous sugar load? Here are some ideas to guide you in an Easter Basket Makeover:

1. Limit candy and sweets to one or two choices in a very small serving, choosing ingredients such as coconut, dark chocolate and nuts. The healthier fats will help to balance the sugar digestion better. Dark chocolate covered nuts are available in bulk nut sections of the grocery store and can be bagged up into party bags. Check out www.hailmerry.com for gift packs of healthier “cookies” made from whole food, quality fat ingredients.

2. Add a piece of fruit using small tangerines and baby bananas as a treat, or include dried mango or papaya as a special sweet.

3. Fill in the rest of the basket with non-food items such as blowing bubbles, Play dough, DVD’s, books, games, puzzles, harmonicas, dice, Matchbox cars, Frisbees, hair accessories, balls, flash drives, gift cards, loose coins or dollar bills in plastic eggs, cell phone accessories, a Slinky, post-it notes, notepads, pens, and pretty tissues. Check out www.vermontcountrystore.com for novelty and old fashioned toys.

Happy Hunting, Happy Spring, Happy Health!

By Mila McManus MD|2014-03-31T13:04:14-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Sublingual Drops for Treating Allergies

Most of us have positive feelings and thoughts about spring as we enjoy longer, sunnier days and more time outside with family. For many, however, the blooming foliage, grasses and flowers create immune system havoc. We call them allergies and they can occur seasonally in response to pollens, or anytime in response to foods or as a result of other environmental influences such as chemicals or animal dander and dust. Allergic reactions are an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful.

Respiratory Allergies occur when a person is allergic to tree or grass pollen, pet or animal dander, molds and dust mites. Allergic symptoms most commonly include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, itchy and runny nose, and wheezing. Hay fever (rhinitis) and/or asthma are the most common results of respiratory allergies.

Skin Related Allergies occur in response to metals, fragrances and specific materials such as latex. Referred to as eczema or contact dermatitis, the common symptoms are itching, burning, reddening or blistered skin in the affected area. This most frequently occurs in early childhood though it is also seen in adults.

Food Allergies occur when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to the ingested food. Food allergies are often confused with food intolerances or sensitivities usually created by a lack of necessary enzymes to digest or process the food correctly, or from a ‘leaky gut’ in the GI tract. When your GI tract is inflamed, it allows partially undigested food particles into your system that triggers immune responses. The most common food allergies are cow’s milk, egg, soy, yeast, corn, wheat and oat. Eczema, diarrhea, nausea, hives, and in some cases, anaphylaxis are potential symptoms of food allergies. Food sensitivities can cause many other symptoms, including mood disorders, joint pain, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms and autoimmune diseases (just to name a few!). The best way to treat all of the symptoms caused by either food allergies or food sensitivities is to restore gut health and avoid and/or rotate foods to which you react. In addition, where appropriate, support resolution with sublingual drop therapy or allergy shots.

Allergies from all sources can cause fatigue and general malaise and it is not necessary to suffer! At The Woodlands Institute, we have many highly effective, definitive treatments through sublingual drop therapy, nutrition and/or hormonal balance that improve or resolve allergies, rather than band-aiding symptoms with antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays.

Sublingual drop therapy is especially effective at resolving allergy symptoms related to the environment (e.g. pollen, dust, pets). Allergy drops contain the same antigens that are used in allergy injections with virtually NO risk of anaphylaxis. The drops build up a blocking antibody against the allergen, which causes the immune system to become less sensitive to the allergen, thus reducing the symptoms when the same allergen is encountered in the future. The length of treatment is usually 3 to 5 years (some require less, some require more). Studies show that residual long-term benefit is seen after just one year on the drops. Your drops are specially formulated for you and address allergies year-round. You administer them yourself sublingually (under the tongue) in the comfort of your own home.

Now is the time to get started on treating your allergies rather than masking your symptoms with drugs. If you or your children are sick and tired of taking allergy medications or allergy shots, give us a call at 281-298-6742. We offer allergy testing for inhalant and food allergies.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-10-10T16:25:45-05:00March 16th, 2014|Articles, General|

Silver Biotics: Immune System Boosters

Silver Biotics should be in every medicine cabinet. It is completely non-toxic, has no drug interactions and can be used in or on all parts of the body. This antimicrobial liquid can be used for treating everything from eye infections and sinus infections to a nutrition supplement for travelers’ diarrhea.

Silver Biotics can be used daily to help prevent infections, can be used as needed to treat infections or help prevent an infection when you’ve been exposed to an illness or when you’re first sensing the onset of a cold or flu. Yes, Silver Biotics really are great to have on hand.

Historically, colloidal silvers have been around for centuries and were used by ancient civilizations as a means to fight infections. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, doctors commonly used silver products as immune system boosters.

Not every silver product is the same. This patented metallic nano-silver particle with a thin multi-valent Ag4O4 silver oxide coating creates a very stable and bioavailable product. Safe for children and adults, Silver Biotics® contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives or additives. It is also gluten free, scientifically tested and recommended by medical professionals.

Order your Silver Biotics today online at https://woodlandswellnessmd.com/supplements.html or contact us for more information about colloidal silvers.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-08-02T09:12:03-05:00February 14th, 2014|Articles, General|

Immune Boosting Foods To Keep You Well

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Supplementation is often a necessary step to ensuring our body is getting all of the vitamins, minerals and micronutrients necessary for optimal healthy living. Many of our food sources are contaminated, and we don’t always choose the right variety and quality of food necessary to stay well. But that does not mean we should not make every effort to eat well and make wise food choices. We know that Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Probioticsare all critical players in the ability of the immune system to fend off disease and germs. To help you make wise food choices that will arm your immune system with all the right weaponry, we have provided a list of the best food sources for each of these key immune boosting foods.

Zinc is found in highest levels in oysters, though they can also be ocean polluted with chemicals and metals so are not recommended as a daily food choice. Better daily sources include grass fed beef, lamb, pork, liver, herring, egg yolks, pecans, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, ginger root, mustard, chili powder, and black pepper.

Vitamin D is difficult to obtain from food and the body’s ideal source is to manufacture it from cholesterol in our skin from the ultra violet rays of the sun. With busy indoor lives, northern climates, cholesterol-lowering medications, clothes covering our skin and concerns about skin cancer, we are getting less sunshine, so Vitamin D deficiency is very common. We recommend supplementation of Vitamin D with regular monitoring for optimal levels by your healthcare professional. However, modest amounts of naturally occurring vitamin D are provided in egg yolks, butter, liver, mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, mushrooms and dark leafy greens.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that our bodies cannot manufacture and is only available in plant foods. It is also not very stable, so is most potent and available in very fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables. Fresh vegetable juicing and eating fresh, whole fruits are two very effective ways to get Vitamin C. All fruits and vegetables are very good sources but the very highest levels are found in the citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, asparagus, avocado, parsley, dark leafy greens, and cabbage.

Probiotics are the amazing bacteria that form the military force that protects your body from invasions of every kind. Also called favorable or “friendly” bacteria, they serve to help in the production of some B vitamins and vitamin K, breakdown our food, and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. This is especially true of invading germs that arrive in, and on, our food. While we recommend probiotic supplementation, fermented and cultured foods are the ideal choice due to the very high population or concentration of living friendly bacteria. Unfortunately, food processing has killed the living aspects of most of our foods so few foods exist today in typical grocery stores that are truly living and full of favorable live bacteria. Whole Foods stores carry several brands of fermented sauerkraut and a high quality organic, living yogurt. (Most live cultures in typical store bought yogurts are inconsequential in number, damaged by pasteurization and combined with a great deal of sugar.) Additionally, fermented vegetables can also be purchased online at Immunitrition.com. Additional resources to learn more about fermenting foods can be found on the Internet at many websites, one such example is www.culturesforhealth.com.

Eat Well, Stay Well!

By Mila McManus MD|2014-03-03T11:01:43-05:00February 14th, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Healthy Tips on How NOT to Catch The Crud

We all hope it won’t happen to us, but somehow as late winter and early spring roll around, the bad germs and blooming plants abound and, before you know it, it seems like everyone around you has the flu or a cold or that mysterious thing that hangs on forever, lovingly called “The Crud”. Especially prevalent where people gather in larger numbers, office workers and school attendees are especially susceptible. If you have been fortunate to avoid it so far this year, or you want to make sure you don’t get hit again, there are many things you can do wherever you are to minimize your risk of getting sick this time of year. Here is a list of proactive things you can do to protect yourself:

Vitamin Vigilance – Now is an especially important time to be diligent about taking your vitamins. We know that a multi-vitamin, probiotics, vitamin D, vitamin C, and Zinc are effective in supporting healthy living and boosting the immune system.

Allergy Awareness – If you know you struggle with environmental or food allergies, do your best to minimize exposure where possible and seek quality treatment for your allergies. Left to fester, the relentless attack on the immune system and the resulting inflammation often leads to infection and illness. Today, there are numerous effective treatments to minimize the effects of seasonal allergies and promote healthy living and immune function. Call our office to speak to a wellness consultant about sublingual allergy drops!

Hand Hygiene – Our hands are useful and relentlessly busy, and this means they touch many surfaces and people throughout the day. Unfortunately, we also eat with them, touch our noses and lips, and cough into them. As a result, they are a major carrier of germs to and from other people and high-traffic surfaces. Here are some easy health tips: Keep hands clean using soap and warm water or citric acid/essential oil-based anti-bacterial hand sanitizer. Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth and never eat food with your bare hands without washing them well first.

Germ Gatherings – So where do these pesky little microbes tend to hang out together? Most of us fear public toilet seats, but you may be surprised to know that studies have shown they are one of the cleaner surfaces found in public areas because restrooms are generally cleaned on a daily basis. Do you work in a healthy workplace? The greatest populations of viruses and bacteria are found on surfaces that are used often, but not cleaned regularly. The germiest include desktops, office break room tables, restaurant tables (the rags to wipe them are usually not sanitized after each wipe), phones, computer mice and keyboards, grocery cart handles, and escalator rails. Cleaning your personal workspace daily, washing your hands after using others’ workspaces and encouraging others to do the same, are ways to minimize your exposure. It is a good idea to carry an antibacterial hand sanitizer to use after coming in contact with grocery carts, escalator rails, and other heavily handled surfaces.

Sugar, Stress, and Sleep Shortages – These little devils seem to hang out together when life gets busy and deadlines are looming. We become overly stressed, we have less time for a good night’s sleep or some exercise to relax us so we reach for a sugary treat to comfort our frustration. Unfortunately, we have created the perfect storm for a bacteria or virus to jump on board and do a happy dance on us. During this germy season, it is the very best time and reason to make wise snack choices, get a quick walk in during the lunch hour and get to bed on time. Avoid reaching for the bowl of candy at the office or resorting to the donut in the break room. Sugar can suppress your immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease. Instead, keep pre-packaged single serving nuts, small mandarin oranges, low sugar KIND bars, and herbal teas at your desk (or in the office bowl of treats) to provide good nutrition and comfort. Take a few minutes every hour or so to stretch, stand up, and take a deep breath to reduce stress and move the body. Use 15 minutes of your lunch break to walk up a couple flights of stairs and back or around the building outside. Then when you get home, be sure to get a good night’s sleep.

Sit and Stay! –If you are sick, stay home. If you are a manager, encourage your team members to do the same thing. If you are a parent, keep your sick children home. There are no heroics in bringing germs to the office or schoolroom to share with everyone else. Rest will also allow the body to heal more rapidly.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-02-18T21:52:59-05:00February 14th, 2014|Articles, General|

Nutrition for Lovers

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

February has a way of inspiring us in romantic ways to celebrate those we love most or perhaps try to reignite a dying ember back into a fiery flame. Sadly, the low fat, high carbohydrate diet we have been taught to eat not only wreaks havoc with your health, it also wreaks havoc with your sex life! Sex is directly impacted by your blood chemistry, hormonal health, and what’s going on in your brain, says Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and author of the book Grain Brain (2013). He notes the dramatic impact a low cholesterol diet and cholesterol lowering statin drugs (e.g. Lipitor) have had on our brain function and hormonal health. The brain is 60% cholesterol and testosterone is made from cholesterol. Is it any wonder after several decades of a low fat, low cholesterol diet that we struggle today with brain fog, depression, imbalanced hormones, low testosterone, low sex drive and Alzheimer’s disease?

While you are preparing our special Valentines Day Libido-Boosting Menu for the love of your life, which includes many of the love promoting foods we recommend, why not get a jump start at preparing your body to be ready for what your heart and mind want to do? There are many foods that help your body produce hormones and new brain cells, ward off depression, and help you put a groove into your moves. In fact, here are choices that can support a healthy sex life for life! Choose alfalfa sprouts on a salad, enjoy guacamole or plain avocado, eat plenty of pastured eggs, use olive oil and grass fed butter wherever you can and top off everything with nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin seeds. Include blueberries a couple of times this week to relax blood vessels and increase blood circulation and toss in a little dark chocolate along the way. Include the wine on that special night but stick to one or two glasses to help with relaxation and inhibitions, but more than that can put the fire out fast, so use good sense here. All of this should set the tone for an amorous night or better yet, the whole year! After all, part of a healthy lifestyle includes a good sex life.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-04-14T15:59:05-05:00January 15th, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

DIM or Diindolylmethane for Hormone Balance & Fight Against Breast Cancer

Are you looking for a natural way to balance your hormones? Perhaps you’re feeling sluggish, struggling with weight gain or have been struggling with medical issues that traditional medicine just doesn’t seem to address. Consider talking to our experts about diindolylmethane (DIM), a naturally occurring metabolite that’s found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Studies have shown that it promotes healthy estrogen metabolism in both men and women. Yes, both men and women need the right balance of estrogen.

BioDIM is a patented, bioavailability-enhanced form of DIM that provides substantially greater absorption than ordinary DIM and can be helpful in the balancing and regulation of hormones, especially in clearing excess estrogen from the body.

In men, this supplement is used to improve testosterone and estrogen balance. In women, it is used as an adjunct treatment for estrogen dominance, as well as a supplement to help protect against breast cancer.

BioDIM is available at our office and can be ordered online at https://woodlandswellnessmd.com/supplements.html. We encourage you to complete our online assessment at https://woodlandswellnessmd.com/test-yourself/estrogen-dominance-progesterone-deficiency.html that will help you think through the symptoms you may be having and narrow the causes. Then, we recommend you contact us for an appointment with one of our specialists. We’re ready to help you feel your best.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-02-24T16:37:05-05:00January 15th, 2014|Articles, General|