Hormone Optimizing Warrior M.D.

Today we're talking about WarmScuplting platforms as a non-invasive option for reducing fat cells. Using it in my practice, we use laser-generated heat that destroys fat cells in 25-minute treatment sessions. It is also highly customizable, and the treatment is designed to keep your skin cool.

There is another type of treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF), and this is also non-invasive. One specific option, called TempSure, uses an applicator to apply RF deep into the skin. However, it doesn't destroy fat cells. Rather, its primary use is reducing the appearance of cellulite and tightening the skin.

You may have heard of a body contouring procedure called Vanquish. It uses heat at a specific temperature and length of time. The device emits energy that heats the skin and underlying fat, but it does not touch your body. With Vanquish, you do need more treatments (six or more) to achieve desired results).

What about radiofrequency microneedling? Morpheus8 uses this combination to mainly remodel your skin through micro injuries that promote collagen and elastin production. It is imperative to take good care of your skin post-procedure, due to the needle puncture wounds.

Of all the options available, EmSculpt Neo is the most unique It utilizes HIFEM energy, and it can be used almost anywhere on the body. It can accomplish three things at once: destroying fat, growing and strengthening muscle, and tightening skin. It's not just a body contouring device—its regenerative features make it an excellent option to explore.

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Today we're diving into more specific surgery-free options for achieving fat removal results: WarmSculpting (also known as SculpSure) and CoolSculpting. Both of these target pockets of fat using extreme temperatures to get rid of them permanently.

The first time I tried CoolSculpting, I wasn't sold on it, so I had decided not to bring it into my practice. But later, when the MonaLisa Touch came out, I had a completely different experience. I had no discomfort, no lumps, and 2-3 weeks later I noticed the fat on my belly shrinking. Convinced of the effectiveness and ease of procedure, I would then use it for the next decade for my patients.

CoolSculpting has some significant downsides to be aware of. There can be redness, swelling, bruising. The biggest problem you need to know about is skin damage, including a possible loss of sensation for 6 months (and even permanently in some cases).

WarmSculpting also comes with its share of risks, but generally it is safer than CoolSculpting. Where CoolSculpting can leave an uneven appearance, this is a non-issue with WarmSculpting technology. When you use heat to destroy fat, there is always a cold counteractive mechanism to protect the skin.

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a serious complication of CoolSculpting. This happens when the fat cells you try to destroy actually increase in size and firm up. There are a few people whose fat cells react like this too cool sculpting specifically, and it can be disfiguring.

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Today we're exploring body contouring, including what exactly it is, the pros and cons, and the various ways you can achieve it. The first thing you need to know is that body contouring is not at all similar to weight loss. The goal, more specifically, is to change the shape of your body, not necessarily the number on the scale.

The best candidates for this type of treatment are those dealing with stubborn pockets of fat that seem to be resistant to weight loss. These areas are usually around the stomach, hips, and upper arms, and it more commonly bothers women than men.

As a woman, it's important to understand the risks and benefits to body contouring and other options like liposuction so you can make an informed decision on whether or not they are right for you. While liposuction can offer quick results, that's not always a good thing, and it can be very expensive as well. Body contouring is less expensive, and there is much less recovery time.

Liposuction is invasive; it's considered a major surgery and does come with a risk of infection. There's also a risk of nerve damage, rippling, and loose skin. If you want no pain, no down time, and no risks, body contouring technology is a better option, even if it takes a little longer to get the results you want.

Body contouring devices destroy fat cells by exposing them to either too much heat or too much cold, and the results aren't temporary. Once the cells are destroyed, they are gone for good. Just remember that the key is maintaining a healthy relationship with food and exercise if you really want your body contentment to last.

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In today's episode we're welcoming Meghan Morrissette as a guest. Meghan is a dedicated aesthetics nurse of 15 years, and she's here to share her knowledge on filler injections and more. She specializes in facial balancing and contouring with injectables.

It takes a lot of skill, experience, exposure, and an artistic eye to master the craft of injecting filler. You always want to focus on enhancing someone's natural features in a way that's subtle and undetectable. Many women begin losing the youthful volume in their face in their mid-thirties.

If you don't recognize the woman you see in the mirror and you are ready to do something about it, scheduling an assessment is the first place to start. A curated treatment plan that includes lasers and fillers can go a long way in improving skin texture, pigmentation, and face balance.

While filler can result in light bruising and swelling, there is typically very little downtime involved. One of the issues that can arise with filler—especially if you don't choose the right provider—is overfilling. As a provider, Meghan knows how important it is to say "no" to maintain her honesty and integrity.

There are a lot of different applications for both filler and Botox. Botox can reduce lines and give the skin a smoother look. Filler can be added in different parts of the face and body, including the lips, hands, buttocks, and more. No matter which you use, you should do an assessment first and the outcome should always look natural.

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Today we're discussing vaginal laser technology in detail and which options should be considered for best results. The MonaLisa Touch was the first vaginal laser technology introduced in the US—but previously, the same technology has been used for fine lines and wrinkles.

The purchase of any laser for a woman's intimate wellness isn't a decision to be taken lightly. Your medical professional should always refer to what the research and studies have said, not what the sales rep is telling them. Still, investing in new technologies for vaginal wellness was a no-brainer for me as a doctor who cares about bringing the best possible tools to the women's wellness space.

The MonaLisa Touch was designed to treat vaginal atrophy that occurs with aging. It can also be used for vaginal infections or even surface issues like marks and scarring. It has even been used for interstitial cystitis to reduce the frequency and urgency of bladder pain.

There is another treatment called Viveve that can be used for vaginal wellness. This treatment uses cryogen-cooled monopolar radiofrequency (CMRF) energy, and by employing two different technologies, it can penetrate energy deeper. This can help with vaginal laxity through the stimulation of collagen production.

You can also microneedle the vagina. Despite the name, this treatment is not painful. Morpheus8 V is a non-invasive treatment that uses both microneedling with radiofrequency energy to improve vaginal health, tighten tissue, and encourage collagen production.

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The most recent breakthrough launched in the last decade for vaginal health improvement has been laser technology. This new approach comes from an emphasis on looking for ways to promote health and healing (as opposed to destroying disease). There is a demand for safe treatment for serious medical conditions that cause vaginal discomfort and pain.

Generally, our medical system has fallen short of meeting women's sexual health and wellbeing needs. The friction that occurs during intercourse can be intolerable and downright painful if a woman is struggling with sensitive tissues and decreased lubrication.

Women experiencing fibroids, adenomyosis, and other estrogen sensitive conditions (like an estrogen sensitive cancer) aren't able to utilize the benefits of estrogen therapy. Laser therapy gives these women another option to explore.

The cosmetic industry has been using lasers in various applications for a long time. While some laser therapies delivered to other areas, like the face for example, can be harsh, the only way to treat the vagina with lasers is to use a gentle approach. Keep in mind that this treatment isn't available everywhere, as it can come with certain risks for the medical professionals offering it.

We need to change the idea that a woman's vaginal wellness is purely related to sex. The truth is that vaginal health is interconnected with other health systems (the urinary system, quite closely, for instance). Check in with your healthcare professionals, especially if you're experiencing a loss of elasticity, atrophy, or other changes to your vaginal area so you can be proactive in addressing it.

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Endometriosis can make intimacy difficult for women to enjoy—and that's not just for young women, but women of all ages. Endometriosis is when the uterine lining (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. The cause of this is unknown, however it causes inflammation, scarring, and pain.

Research regarding treatment is severely lacking when it comes to this condition, in part because it is not considered a life-threatening illness. Another reason is that the potential for money-making is limited. That said, it does highly impact a woman's quality of life and her experiences, and therefore deserves more attention than it's gotten.

Endometriosis is also difficult to diagnose as this requires surgery under anesthesia. The approach by conventional medicine in terms of treatment is offering medication that drastically decreases estrogen, for example birth control pills. It can help with some symptoms, but it doesn't reduce pain during intercourse and can come with some side effects.

Testosterone inhibits the growth of endometrial cells in-vitro, so there is some research to support that testosterone therapy can counteract the overactive growth of uterine lining associated with endometriosis. Testosterone isn't recommended as a first line therapy for women with this condition, but it should be.

The key with testosterone therapy is using bioidentical hormones. Synthetic testosterone products can come with significant side effects like facial hair growth, voice changes, and acne. Women and health care providers need to educate themselves on the benefits of testosterone for endometriosis and the best way to use it. Regardless of their condition, women deserve to enjoy intimacy just as much as men.

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There are two conditions that can impact a woman's sexual wellness regardless of their age: vulvodynia and vaginismus. These conditions can be painful and limit a woman's desire for intimacy—all while they suffer in silence. This is why it's so important to open up a conversation about these conditions and the options available for treatment.

Vulvodynia is a disturbance at the nerve endings of a woman's delicate tissues. It can feel sensitive even when a woman sits down, rides a bike, or engages in other activities. It's easy to diagnose, and there are various options for treatment that dampen the excessive pain response of this issue.

There are laser platforms and technologies that can also be applied for women's intimacy needs, offering support where conventional medicine fails to provide relief. The application of energy to tissues can rewire and reset nerve endings, helping relieve pain.

Vaginismus affects many women both younger and older. Yet, so many who are diagnosed with this condition have no idea what it is or how they've developed it. It happens when pelvic floor muscles suffer involuntary contractions, which narrows the vaginal canal and can make initiating intimacy difficult and unenjoyable.

Pelvic floor therapy and relaxation techniques can be effective in supporting vaginismus, especially when the root cause has been resolved. If pain during intercourse is not addressed early on, a woman may begin to associate intimacy with her partner with pain. This experience of anticipating pain can make the condition even more difficult to deal with, and eventually she may avoid intimacy altogether.

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In this episode, we're continuing our discussion about sexual wellness during perimenopause. This stage of life can be extremely difficult for women who are sensitive to changes in mood. They may look to outside sources to alleviate this stress. For example: sweet and salty foods or alcohol.

This stress, and the weight gain that comes with it, makes a woman feel anything but sexual. Stress is the enemy of intimacy and fertility, which can be disruptive to women who desire a healthy sexual relationship with their partner and those who want to have kids later in life.

For women, as we age, it gets even more difficult to maintain our weight. It can even feel impossible to lose weight during perimenopause and beyond. A decline in testosterone levels is part of the reason behind this, as it's an important hormone when it comes to building and maintaining muscle.

Early intervention is critical in combating weight gain issues and the other issues that accompany perimenopause. A simple blood draw can provide lots of insight into hormone levels, but a deeper blood evaluation is more reliable and provides even greater information. This depth of care isn't easy to find unless you seek out a doctor who appreciates more holistic methods.

As a woman, it's important to understand that testosterone is your feel-good hormone. It's the hormone that keeps you feeling lean, fit, and sexy. It can also help boost mood and can help with mood issues like PMDD and depression. Testosterone replacement can support significant improvement with certain hormonal-based problems, but knowing which type to use is key.

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How can women find optimal intimacy in all stages of life, including during perimenopause? Most women experience perimenopause around their early forties, and a woman's body goes through a lot of changes at this time, some of which greatly impact their desire to be intimate with their partners.

Taking steps early on is a woman's best tool for navigating these changes. However, it's important to note that the solutions for a woman in menopause are not the same as those experiencing perimenopause. While there is a decline in estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, there is not a complete loss of estrogen.

During perimenopause, it's not abnormal for women to act out of character or behave differently than normal. This may be due in part because estrogen is an agitating hormone—and fluctuations can have a significant impact on a woman's life.

If you're a woman who's been feeling especially anxious, angry, and frustrated, having sex is going to be at the bottom of your priority list. You may also feel like your partner is the enemy as your body deals with these intense hormonal ups and downs. At the same time, you may also feel an increased craving for sweet and salty foods.

As if dealing with these changes weren't difficult enough, changes to hormones and diet can also influence insulin resistance and weight gain, which may lead you to feel even less sexy. If you haven't been through perimenopause yet, remember it's something all women have to go through. Be proactive in your approach to these changes if you want to be prepared.

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