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- Hormone Therapy: What blood tests do I need for low testosterone?
Hi everyone Felix here Advanced clinical practitioner with Healand Clinic. A very common question for people who think they may have some of the qualitative symptoms of testosterone deficiency is ‘what blood tests do I need?’ so I thought it might be a good idea to talk about that today. Whilst there is heavy discussion about the more qualitative symptoms associated with low male Androgen levels such as anxiety, low mood, depersonalisation, erectile dysfunction, brain fog, and of course, reduced libido, it's important that these are looked at in conjunction with the quantitative biomarkers in our blood. The first thing obvious thing you'll think is that we need to test testosterone levels and you'd be correct however it isn't that simple - we need to look more in depth at this and investigate for causality to see if there are any reversible causes that we can adjust in terms of things like our lifestyle, diet and exercise that may help us naturally increase our testosterone levels and mean that we don't have to commence testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the first place. We need to remember that TRT is actually a lifelong therapy, so what else should we look at? Well there's FBC which stands for Full Blood Count - here we can examine the red blood cells, the white blood cells, and also the other components that make up our blood such as platelets, hematocrits and haemoglobin. We need to look at renal and hepatic function so how efficient our kidneys and our liver are working. Next we would need to look at our thyroid function; the thyroid gland produces, stores and secretes Thyroxine, otherwise known as T4, and Triiodothyronine, also known as T3, through a negative feedback process involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Now thyroid dysfunction can result in any part of this process being affected so accurate interpretation of thyroid function test is essential, looking mainly at high or low TSH which stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Then there are also free thyroid hormone levels if our thyroid is under or overactive - this can impact on our sex hormone binary globulin (SHBG) through an indirect liver interaction causing issues with our steroid hormones. There are also certain conditions such as Hashimoto's disease which needs to be ruled out. Hashimoto's is a type of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid that is autoimmune in nature i.e. our own immune system attacks the thyroid gland and this can ultimately impact on our testosterone levels. Finally it's also useful to know how certain vitamins and minerals are impacting our hormone panel so I would always recommend looking at your iron, your folate, your vitamin B12, and especially your vitamin D levels, and sometimes we may also need to measure zinc levels too. Just a quick cursory search of the major online medical databases will show you how much of an impact vitamin D deficiency can have on our testosterone levels - it's actually one of the most common causes for testosterone deficiency in males in the UK. So what about the hormone panel itself, is it just a question of knowing my total testosterone level and, if it's low, start TRT? Well no, again it's not that simple. We need to know the total testosterone level and the free testosterone level along with the SHBG, estradiol and prolactin and probably more importantly what is known as our gonadotropins which are Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Now these last two are key as they let us, as clinicians, know what is happening with your pituitary gland in your brain which is the powerhouse of all our steroid hormone production. So let's say you had your comprehensive test and your results point to a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency, surely that means that TRT is indicated? Well again not quite. In order to make a formal diagnosis of testosterone deficiency we need to have at least two low testosterone results at least four weeks apart as per the British Society for sexual medicine guidelines. So if you're wondering about how you can go about getting these tests done, there are a variety of online providers, but very few who will give you an experienced analysis of your results in the context of clinical experience in the field of TRT and that's where Healand can help. We offer a range of blood tests, either the TRT Comprehensive or TRT Comprehensive Plus, which are both Diagnostic and suitable for your first blood test but as I mentioned it is useful for us, as clinicians, to see your vitamin and mineral profile so personally I would recommend the TRT Comprehensive Plus for your second confirmatory test four weeks later. Should your first comprehensive test have returned low levels you would then need to order the TRT analysis blood test. Now if this confirms low testosterone levels then please give us a call to discuss if therapy would be in your best interests. So to summarise, a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is not something that is jumped to. We need to look at causality and take appropriate blood tests four weeks apart and assess the quantitative markers alongside the qualitative symptoms from you, the patient, before we make a diagnosis If you're interested in any of our services including screening blood tests or other treatments then book your free initial consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your needs.
- Aesthetics: Treating vascular occlusions
Hi there everyone, this is Backshinder from Healand Clinic. So today we're going to talk about treating vascular occlusion. The treatment for vascular occlusion during an aesthetic procedure depends on the severity and the location of the occlusion. In general, the goal is to restore blood flow to the affected area as soon as possible to minimize tissue damage and to prevent further complications. One common type of treatment for vascular occlusion is to inject a medication called hydrolase, which is a dissolver for filler material and to restore blood flow to the affected area. This should be done as soon as possible after occlusion is detected. In more severe cases however, other treatments may be needed to manage the symptoms to prevent further damage. This may include medication to improve blood flow, oxygen therapy, surgery in more extreme cases. It's important to seek medical attention right away if you suspect a vascular occlusion during an ascetic procedure. Early intervention can make significant differences in the outcome of the help and prevention of long-term damage for complications. To minimize the risk of a vascular occlusion during an aesthetic procedure, it's important to choose a qualified medical professional who has the experience of performing the procedure, and understands the anatomy of the area being treated. They should also use appropriate injection techniques and carefully monitor you for any signs for further complications. If you are interested in or considering having dermal filler treatment book your free initial consultation to discuss your aims and options. Let Healand be part of your healthcare journey.
- Meet Backshiner Mattu - Advanced aesthetic nurse practitioner at Healand Clinic
Hi everyone, Backshinder here, Advanced Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner with Healand Clinic. I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My background is in emergency medicine, working as a qualified trauma nurse in one of the busiest A&E hospitals in the country. My compassion, communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and adaptability skills have allowed me to treat patients with confidence and autonomy which leads me into my current career adventure. I've practiced in aesthetic medicine now for just under a decade and by perfecting my skills, learning from my experiences, I have managed to create a long-standing professional relationship with my patients built around honesty and trust and this is something that I will continue practicing here at Healand Clinic. Book your free consultation and let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey.
- Aesthetics: What are Temple Fillers?
Hi everyone, this is Backshinder at Healand Clinic, and today we're going to talk about Temple fillers. Now Temple fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment designed to restore volume & fullness to the temples which can become hollowed and sunken with age. This can contribute to a tired and bony look. Temple fillers are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that occurs in the body, to help hydrate and plump the skin. The filler is injected into the temples to restore volume and provide a more subtle lift. This procedure is relatively painless with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. The results are visible immediately and this treatment can last around a year to two years depending on the type of filler used. Temple fillers are a safe and effective way to enhance the natural contours of the face and to achieve a more youthful look. If this is something that you are interested in please book your initial consultation. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare journey
- Hormone Therapy: Will semaglutide help you lose weight?
Hi everyone Felix here, Advanced legal practitioner with Healand Clinic. I’m here today to talk a little bit about semaglutide. Semaglutide is a medication that's most commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists which stands for glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that is released in response to food intake - it helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing the release of glucogon which is a hormone that raises blood sugar. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 in the body. It binds to the GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas and stimulates the release of insulin which helps lower our blood sugar levels. Semaglutide also slows down the rate at which food is absorbed into the bloodstream which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar after meals. In addition to its blood sugar lowering effects, semaglutide has been shown to help with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake throughout the day. Semaglutide is typically given once a week as a subcutaneous injection. It's been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials and is approved for use in several countries around the world including the UK and is actually available on the NHS in certain circumstances, more commonly with those with type 2 diabetes. As with any medication there can sometimes be side effects so it is important to talk to your prescribing clinician about whether semaglutide is right for you. Semaglutide, along with other weight management medications, is available at Healand Clinic so if you're interested in any of our services, including screening, blood tests and other treatments, book your free consultation today. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey.
- Pain Management: Will Ozone Injections help my Chronic Pain?
Today I'll be talking about how medical ozone injections can help with pain relief. Ozone is a form of oxygen that contains three atoms instead of the usual two - it is created by exposing medical grade oxygen to an electrical charge which causes the oxygen molecules to split apart and recombine as ozone. One of the key mechanisms of medical ozone injections for pain relief is its ability to reduce inflammation. Ozone gas has been shown to reduce the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines which can help to decrease inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, or any muscle spasm that hasn't improved with time. Another important mechanism of medical ozone injections for pain relief is its ability to stimulate the production of certain growth factors such as VEGF, which is vascular endothelial growth factor, and IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor one. These growth factors are important for tissue regeneration and can help to promote healing and damaged tissues. Medical ozone injections have also been shown to have a number of other effects that can help prevent pain, for example the Ozone gas is able to increase the production of endorphins which are natural painkillers produced in the body. It is also able to increase the oxygen supply to tissues which can help to reduce pain and promote healing. Medical ozone injections are safe and well tolerated side effects are typically mild and short-lived and can include bruising, swelling or soreness at the injection site. It's important to note that while medical ozone injections have been shown promising results in treating a range of pain conditions, they should only be administered by qualified medical professional. So in conclusion medical ozone injections can be a very effective treatment option for patients with chronic pain especially in the joints, the back and the neck. They are able to reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, increase endorphin production, and improve oxygen supply to tissues. If you feel you'll benefit from medical ozone injections please book your free initial consultation to discuss whether your symptoms would be beneficial with this sort of treatment. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare journey.
- Psychotherapy: Can psychotherapy help me?
Hi there, I'm Shabnam, a qualified psychotherapist. Today we're going to be talking about what psychotherapy is. Psychotherapy can be a powerful tool for relieving psychological and emotional suffering. Within psychotherapy there are numerous approaches that therapists may use but there are several key principles. The first is a notion that many of our psychological issues originate from unconscious internal conflicts and struggles. Psychotherapy works to support us to bring those unconscious feelings into our consciousness so that we can understand how our internal conflicts affects us in the present day. It can be difficult to identify the origins of present day feelings or relationship patterns as our experiences throughout our lives shape who we are emotionally and affect how we think and react to events. Early childhood experiences in particular have a strong influence on our emotional lives; we may have developed defenses in childhood that helped us feel safe and relieve distress but as adults these defenses may be causing us problems. Within our relationships with ourselves and with others, while it can be challenging to heal emotional distress, psychotherapy can bring crucial feelings and ideas from the unconscious to the consciousness through a number of methods and modalities. By making sense of underlying difficulty, clients can feel better equipped to face life challenges. In the safe and non-judgmental environment of therapy, clients can express their needs, anger and distress without fear of retaliation and with development and experience of this kind of empathetic relationship they can come to develop a model for safe and bounded relationships. If you're interested in Psychotherapy or any other services, then please book your free consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your needs. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare journey.
- Meet Dr Syed Omar Baber - Medical Director of Healand Clinic
Hi my name is Dr Syed Omar Baber, I am the medical director of Healand Clinic. I trained in emergency medicine and currently work as a consultant emergency medicine physician in Leicester. I have been part of Healand Clinic from the very beginning and the reason I love working with the team here is that because of our aligned passion for improving our patients quality of life. I have a keen interest in pain management, hormone replacement, weight loss, and bio-enhancement. I have traveled and trained extensively across the globe to learn various therapies and treatment regimes to be able to offer them to my patients here at Healand in a safe and controlled fashion. What you'll find at Healand is a great team with a wealth of experience in our own fields. You will be in safe hands for sure. Book your free consultation and let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey









