Introduction:

In a recent podcast episode, Amy Stuttle welcomed Rick Collins, a prominent attorney and legal expert in the field of anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing substances. They discussed the fascinating journey of how testosterone transformed from a sought-after muscle enhancer to a Schedule III controlled substance. Let’s recap the key points from their conversation.

The Birth of Testosterone as a Controlled Substance:

The discussion began with Rick Collins highlighting the unique status of testosterone and anabolic steroids. He emphasized that they were criminalized not for their harmful effects but because of their ability to enhance athletic performance. This shift in perception occurred in 1988 when Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive for the anabolic steroid Winstrol at the Seoul Olympics. This scandal ignited the anti-doping movement and prompted Congress to take action.

The Legislation and Its Consequences:

In 1990, Congress passed a law that classified anabolic steroids, including synthetic variations of testosterone, as Schedule III controlled substances. This legal classification placed these substances in the same category as drugs like Vicodin and various recreational drug precursors. It was a significant development, as testosterone was the only hormone included in this category. A hormone that we all naturally produce in our bodies. The justification for this decision was primarily based on concerns related to doping in sports.

Testosterone being labeled as “Addictive”:

Amy Stuttle questioned the label of testosterone as “addictive,” as it did not align with the common understanding of addiction. Rick Collins explained that at the time of this legislative change, there was minimal evidence suggesting any addictive potential associated with testosterone. While acknowledging that almost anything could be theoretically addictive, he emphasized that testosterone abuse was not causing the kind of social problems seen with other illicit drugs. Most users obtained it illegally to improve their physical appearance and did not exhibit the behaviors typically associated with addiction.

Impact on the Criminal Justice System and Users:

Amy Stuttle inquired about the consequences of this legal change on both the criminal justice system and individuals who were already using testosterone. Rick Collins shared his unique perspective, having transitioned from the world of bodybuilding and fitness to a career in law. He highlighted that the sudden classification of anabolic steroids as controlled substances caught many by surprise, as these substances were not viewed as dangerous drugs prior to the law’s enactment. Users, primarily those seeking physical improvements, suddenly found themselves facing criminal charges, which he believed was an overly harsh response.

Challenges in Revising Testosterone’s Schedule III Status:

Amy Stuttle expresses her surprise at the persistent Schedule III classification of testosterone, given its crucial role in aging individuals. She highlights the absence of an FDA-approved version of testosterone for women, deeming it behind the times. Amy questions the trajectory of testosterone regulation, given the ongoing efforts by senators to reevaluate its status. These initiatives primarily stem from concerns related to transgender rights.

Rick Collins, Esq., observes the significant influence of the LGBT community on American culture in recent years. He underscores that transgender individuals, assigned female at birth, often utilize testosterone under medical supervision to align their physical appearance with their self-identity. Notably, senators from Massachusetts are advocating for a review of testosterone’s Schedule III classification, citing the various hurdles and impediments it imposes, especially on those seeking to transition from female to male. Their aim is to streamline access to testosterone for transgender individuals, making it more inclusive.

The differences between possessing and selling testosterone:

Rick explains that distributing or selling testosterone is a felony in most states, while mere possession without a valid medical prescription is generally a misdemeanor. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding the black market and recommends proper medical evaluation, including lab tests, before considering testosterone therapy. Possessing testosterone with a prescription is 100% legal. 

Conclusion:

The podcast conversation provided valuable insights into the legal journey of testosterone and anabolic steroids, shedding light on the reasons behind their classification as controlled substances. It also raised questions about whether this legal framework effectively addressed the concerns surrounding these substances and their use.

Podcast- Women Want Strong Men

Guest – Rick Collins, Esq

Host – Amy Stuttle 

Episode Link

Call your nearest Victory Men’s Health location to book a consultation and let us help you reach your goals.

To schedule an appointment:

For more information or to book an appointment at one of our St. Louis area clinics, email info@victorymenshealth.com

—O’Fallon IL 

—Town & Country MO

—Winghaven MO

In our society, body weight is a complex and sensitive topic that often comes with significant judgment. In this blog post, we will explore the use of Semaglutide, brand name Ozempic or Wegovy as weight loss treatments.

Understanding Ozempic

Ozempic also known as Semaglutide is a medication used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes. However, in recent years, these drugs have shown promise in helping people with obesity achieve significant weight loss. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by reducing appetite, limiting cravings, and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to reduced food intake. These medications also increase insulin sensitivity, aiding in better glucose metabolism and diabetes prevention. Other GLP-1 agonists you may hear of are Mounjuro (Tirzepatide) and Wegovy (Semaglutide).

Despite their compelling benefits and safety profile, the use of these medications for weight loss is often met with various stigmas.

The Impact of Obesity and Access to Treatment

The impact obesity has on morbidity, mortality, and the financial burden is profound. While the pivotal role of diet, lifestyle, and exercise in averting and addressing obesity is undeniable, the scope of intervention extends beyond these factors. Individuals struggling with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes, or other metabolic issues require proactive guidance toward increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and moderation in alcohol consumption. However, in instances where these lifestyle modifications fail to yield desired outcomes, it is reasonable not to withhold safe, effective prescription medications from them. Why not treat overweight patients with these GLP-1 medications to prevent diabetes?

Obstacles for Diabetics Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

The supply chain is catching up, and these medications are available at commercial and compounding pharmacies. Furthermore, Semaglutide is not the only GLP-1 agonist on the market to treat type 2 diabetes, but it is one of the most effective and well-studied options for weight loss. Obesity is poised to strain our healthcare system financially, not the effective treatments designed to combat it.

Taking the Easy Way 

There appears to be a certain mindset prevailing among a subset of individuals—often those already in excellent health. Typically these individuals have dedicated themselves to rigorous gym sessions and disciplined eating habits, as well as those who are inherently thin. This perspective suggests that resorting to Semaglutide equates to taking an easier path. According to this viewpoint, achieving the ideal physique necessitates putting in relentless effort and persevering, just as they do.

However, the truth is, for some individuals, witnessing tangible results is a crucial driving force to ignite their motivation. The notion that embarking on a journey with Semaglutide might offer a shortcut is not necessarily accurate. Rather, it can provide the initial momentum some individuals need to kickstart their commitment and embark on their own journey of hard work and dedication.

“Thin Privilege” and Weight Loss Bias

“Thin privilege” is a subtle yet powerful concept that can perpetuate weight bias in numerous ways, influencing both healthcare professionals and the general public’s attitudes towards people struggling with obesity. People who have always lived in a societal “average” sized body often benefit from a presumption of self-discipline, good health, and personal responsibility, while those with higher body weights may be stigmatized as lazy, lacking willpower, or even morally inferior. Some refer to these ideologies as “fat shaming.”

It is important to recognize that weight is not always within a person’s full control, and factors such as genetics, environment, and socioeconomic status can all contribute to weight gain or obesity. Treating individuals with respect and compassion, regardless of their size, is essential to combating fat phobia and creating a more inclusive and supportive society that promotes improved overall health.

Body Image and Mental Health

Society’s obsession with “thinness” over “health” also significantly influences body image and mental health. Constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards glorifying thinness can lead to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem among individuals with higher body weights. This often creates a vicious cycle where negative emotions surrounding body image hinder motivation to pursue healthier lifestyle choices. Many individuals wishing to improve their health and lose weight are embarrassed to begin their journey due to fear of shame. The stigma and judgment surrounding Semaglutide in the media and on social platforms have dissuaded suitable candidates for this treatment from discussing it with their medical providers.

Conclusion

Our pursuit of optimal health transcends arbitrary body standards. It hinges on recognizing the complexity of individual well-being and advocating for evidence-based treatments that empower everyone on their journey. Semaglutide holds transformative potential for weight loss, yet stigma, biases, and societal norms can hinder accessibility for those who need it the most.

Call your nearest Victory Men’s Health location to book a consultation and let us help you reach your goals.

To schedule an appointment:

For more information or to book an appointment at one of our St. Louis area clinics, email info@victorymenshealth.com

—O’Fallon IL 

—Town & Country MO

—Winghaven MO

Sources:

Source 1

Source 2

The Priapus shot, also known as Pshot, was named after the Greek God Priapus. Priapus was worshipped as a fertility god who protected livestock, fruit plants, and male genitals. If you are interested, you can search him on Google! He was portrayed as having an oversized and permanent erection, which should grab your attention. Do we have your attention yet? 

The star component in the Pshot is Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is a component of your own blood that contains special growth factors. Through research on regenerative medicine and aging tissue, it was discovered that PRP has many desirable benefits.

Benefits  include:

• Down regulation in autoimmune responses – inhibits any inflammatory causing cells
• Increase wound healing (how you create new tissue)
• Creation of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
• Collagen production (the plump texture you get in your skin)

You may have heard PRP treatment used to treat torn tendons, tendinitis, arthritis-related pain and other injuries. PRP has been shown to be effective in the treatment of joint pain, hair growth and skin rejuvenation. Becoming increasingly more popular, dermatologists have been using PRP injections for cosmetic procedures such as to treat hair loss and even for treatments to the face for skin rejuvenation, AKA a “vampire facial” (we see you, Kim Kardashian).

The Pshot is a unique type of procedure that originated from the same research as the treatments mentioned above. Researchers wondered why PRP couldn’t be used to improve erectile function or Peyronie’s disease or increase the length of the penis when it has shown excellent benefits in other areas of regenerative medicine.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to attain or maintain adequate penile erection for successful vaginal intercourse, leading to sexual and relationship dissatisfaction. Common non-surgical approaches to treat ED are PDE5-inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis, Levitra), extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), a vacuum pump, or trimix injections. PRP is an additional non-surgical approach to restore erectile function. As stated previously, PRP plays a crucial role in restoring overall erectile function with its regenerative agents. It is increasingly gaining attention due to its safe and prolonged efficacy. Patients looking to maximize the Pshot will consider completing a series of Shockwave Therapy sessions before the procedure to remove micro-plaque and help PRP work even more effectively.

Common FAQs:

Who is an ideal candidate?

Anyone with a penis! But really, anyone looking for a safe way to enhance sexual performance. Patients with moderate to mild ED (erectile dysfunction) will benefit most.

What are the benefits?

• Improved ability to achieve and maintain an erection
• Increased girth and length 
• Increased sensitivity, firmness, desire, and pleasure

How do you get PRP?

PRP is taken directly from your body, like a blood draw. The blood is spun using a centrifuge until the platelets separate from the blood. Using a proprietary technique, PRP is extracted from the blood and injected directly back into the penis after numbing.

When can I resume sexual activity?

Sexual activity can be resumed immediately after treatment or when the patient desires.

What do I need to do to prepare?

Not much!You will want to avoid anti-inflammatories (Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, NSAIDs) 8 days prior (and post) treatment as these medications could inhibit the natural inflammatory response of the Pshot. Additionally, make sure you drink enough water days leading up to the procedure. Being properly hydrated can help with the blood draw process.

What should I expect after treatment?

Minor bruising, swelling, or slight discomfort is common and can be alleviated with ice as needed and Tylenol. A vacuum pump is to be used 10 to 15 minutes twice a day, every day for at least 6 weeks post procedure. If you aren’t familiar with the benefits of a vacuum pump, check out this post. For best results, continue pumping 3 times per week after. The pump ensures that all the new blood vessels the PRP help develop are being fed with blood to continue growth.

Can I repeat the shot?

To maximize benefit, repeat the Pshot 8 weeks after the initial procedure. Results can be long lasting. Most men see benefits for 1-2 years. When the results begin to diminish, repeat treatment is recommended. 

Pshot is a great option to consider for sexual health enhancement. And to be clear: you do not have to have any sexual dysfunction to qualify for the Pshot! 

Call your nearest Victory Men’s Health location to book a consultation and let us help you reach your goals.

To schedule an appointment:

For more information or to book an appointment at one of our St. Louis area clinics, email info@victorymenshealth.com

—O’Fallon IL 

—Town & Country MO

—Winghaven MO

Sources:

Source 1

Source 2

For as long as we can remember, diet, exercise and hydration have been promoted as important means of wellness. However, there is one element not talked about enough: light. Light provides functional support for the human body and is a vital piece of the wellness puzzle. 

If you have yet to indulge in the goodness that is light therapy, now is the time. Professional athletes, movie stars and biohackers have been using light as a mode of wellness for many years to enhance performance and keep the body in prime condition. Now, light therapy is more available and affordable for everyday people wanting to optimize their health. 

Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy, also known as red light therapy, low level light therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a process that uses varying wavelengths of light including red and infrared light for a non-invasive, soothing and gentle treatment. It sets in motion the body’s inherent pain-relieving process while promoting total body wellness and peak physiological function.

This type of treatment is typically approached with hesitation by the consumer, but the results speak for themselves. Below is a list of the benefits from light therapy:

• Increases nitric oxide levels (for more on the benefits of nitric oxide: Podcast Link Here)
• Improves circulation & reduces lactic acid build up
• Promotes hair growth
• Provides testosterone enhancement for men
• Optimizes sleep
• Reduces wrinkles, fine lines and acne
• Stimulates collagen & elastin production
• Reduces inflammation
• Decreases joint pain and stiffness
• Accelerates healing
• Improves brain, mood & heart function

LED does not contain ultraviolet rays which therefore makes it safe for regular use. Consistency is key. Using red light therapy on a regular basis will maximize results. However; in most cases, you will begin to see positive results after just one use; typically in the areas of skin, soreness and pain!

All red light devices are not created equal. It is important to ensure the device you choose (either full bed, handheld and/or single panels) is high quality.

At Victory Men’s Health, we use the LightStim LED Bed, which is the first LED bed to receive FDA Clearance. It is FDA cleared to relieve arthritic pain, a variety of minor aches and pains, relax muscles and increase local blood circulation. The LightStim bed delivers a comprehensive full body treatment with 18,240 medical grade LEDs. The unique, custom design ensures the closest proximity of the skin to the light source for superior results. It also includes sophisticated sensors that monitor and adjust body temperature on a millisecond-by-millisecond basis for consistent tissue temperature and increased blood flow throughout the entire body.

To book your session or talk to one of our team members regarding red light therapy, please contact us below

Victory Men’s Health Town and Country, MO

moinfo@victorymenshealth.com

Available at the Town & Country, Missouri clinic only. 

Phentermine has been used in weight loss therapy since the 90’s and was approved for long-term use in 2012. Semaglutide is the newest weight loss drug, receiving its FDA approval in 2021. 

Which is the better medication?

Phentermine is a central nervous stimulant and “anorectic” (hunger suppressing) medication. Taking phentermine increases the neurotransmitters in the brain that give us energy and decrease hunger.

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medication called GLP-1. This medication mimics a peptide our body naturally makes called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is secreted by the intestines and has multiple functions within the body. Semaglutide is 94% like the peptide already made naturally by our body.

How do these medications cause weight loss?

Phentermine causes weight loss primarily through the loss of appetite. Phentermine acts like more of stimulant. 

Semaglutide slows down the movement of the intestinal tract. Keeping food in the stomach longer keeps you full for longer. It also acts on the brain to decrease hunger, increase satisfaction, and changing food preferences in favor of healthier options.  Semaglutide also improves the body’s response to insulin, a term called “insulin sensitivity,” which positively affects blood sugar levels and weight loss.

What kind of side effects do these mediations have?

Phentermine’s most common side effects are dry mouth, jitters, increased heart rate, anxiety, irritability, constipation, and insomnia. Most patients only experience a handful of side effects, if any, and these are usually mild and well-tolerated.

Semaglutide’s most common side effects are mild nausea, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, and headache. Again, many patients only experience one or two side effects and these are usually mild and well-tolerated. We rarely have patients quit semaglutide due to side effects.

How are they administered?

Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that is either administered via an autoinjector pen or drawn up into a syringe and injected. The medication is injected into a fatty portion of the arm, stomach, or thigh.

Phentermine is a daily capsule. 

Call your nearest Victory Men’s Health location to book a consultation and let us help you reach your goals.

To schedule an appointment:

Victory Men’s Health O’Fallon, IL 618.632.9000 info@victorymenshealth.com

Victory Men’s Health Town and Country, MO 314.833.9000 moinfo@victorymenshealth.com

Victory Men’s Health Winghaven, MO 636.229.9000 winghaven@victorymenshealth.com

What is all this buzz about Semaglutide?

For the past several decades, Americans have fought a losing battle against weight gain. Today, more than 70% of people in the United States are overweight or obese with rates continuing to climb. There are a new class of medications on the market helping people take back control of their life and lose weight. 

What is semaglutide?

Sold under the brand name Ozempic® or Wegovy®, semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which is a scientific way of saying that semaglutide helps your pancreas release insulin to bring down blood sugar levels.

Researchers investigated the effectiveness of semaglutide as a weight loss aid when given as a once-weekly injection. Most of the participants lost at least 10% of their body weight and more than half of them lost 15% of their body weight.

The trial included close to 2,000 adults with a BMI of 30 and above. The participants did not have diabetes, which researchers assert indicates that semaglutide is beneficial for weight loss in people whether they have diabetes or not.

Additionally, participants taking semaglutide experienced improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart disease risk.

Ozempic® was approved by the FDA in 2017. Wegovy® was approved by the FDA in 2021. 

Semaglutide promotes weight loss

Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). When you eat, GLP-1 is released in the gut, which tells your brain that you are getting full. It can also slow the movement of food through your stomach and small intestine, helping you stay fuller for longer. As a result, you may eat less food, which can lead to weight loss.

It also has an affect on the brain to decrease hunger, increase satisfaction, and alter the food-reward system (changing food preferences in favor of healthier options).

Semaglutide triggers the release of insulin, which lowers your blood sugar and helps your cells use glucose from the food you have eaten. Any glucose that your cells do not use is stored as fat, which is why high blood sugar can lead to weight gain.

Semaglutide offers long-term weight management

Present evidence suggests that semaglutide offers a long-term solution for managing weight. Medications in the same family have a long history of safe use and have remained on the market for years. This lowers the chances of unexpected problems with safety.

Who is a candidate for semaglutide?

The great news is that semaglutide appears to be effective across a range of individuals who are overweight or obese, even if you don’t have diabetes. Semaglutide is effective for people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

The medication should not be prescribed to anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), because there is an increased risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors. 

There is also an increased risk of other complications, including gallbladder problems, such as gallstones and inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis

It’s important to note that semaglutide is most effective as part of a healthy lifestyle change. This means that you will get the most out of semaglutide when combined with a nutritious diet and exercise regimen. 

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects are mild nausea, headache, diarrhea, constipation, or fatigue  early on in treatment. More rarely, severe side effects such as vomiting, pancreatitis, or gallbladder inflammation may occur.

Ready to start?

Do you want to see if semaglutide is right for your weight loss journey? Call your nearest Victory Men’s Health location to book a consultation and let us help you reach your goals.

To schedule an appointment:

Victory Men’s Health O’Fallon, IL 618.632.9000 info@victorymenshealth.com

Victory Men’s Health Town and Country, MO 314.833.9000 moinfo@victorymenshealth.com

Victory Men’s Health Winghaven, MO 636.229.9000 winghaven@victorymenshealth.com

IV therapy (Intravenous therapy) is a technique used to deliver vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or antioxidants directly into your body via your vein. IV therapy is common practice when sick or in the hospital, but it can also be used to help optimize your overall health and well-being. 

IV therapy is a more superior route of administration as opposed to getting your nutrients through oral supplements or food. While it’s not a substitute for eating well, it’s a great addition. Unfortunately, our food is not as nutrient dense as it once was due to soil depletion along with harmful pesticides and herbicides sprayed on crops. Even if you eat sustainable and organic food for EVERY meal (we all have that one friend), you’re still not getting the same quality of fruits and vegetables from a nutritional standpoint as our ancestors once did. To add more fuel to the fire, most people have gut or microbiome issues and are unable to absorb nutrients efficiently, whether it’s malabsorption, leaky gut, or inflammatory conditions. Oral supplements are extremely beneficial to fill gaps in the diet, but don’t guarantee 100% absorption, especially when not taking a quality product. With IV therapy, the nutrients bypass the gut, so your GI tract doesn’t require any breakdown work. Intravenous administration allows your cells to be immediately saturated with nutrients so your body can start using them right away, resulting in you feeling better faster. It’s so quick acting, sometimes you can even taste the vitamins once the IV starts to drip! 

Therapeutic dosing

Depending on the vitamin/mineral, delivering higher doses can sometimes be challenging in an oral form. For example, magnesium. Magnesium is documented to have great effect on vascular smoothing, muscle relaxation, and relieving headaches; however, there is no way to get the optimal amount orally to achieve results without GI disturbances. Magnesium is known for its effect in laxatives. If you have ever taken an over-the-counter laxative, you know it’s not a walk in the park and taking too much magnesium orally would bring back memories of your evening spent running back and forth to the bathroom. If you’re looking to supplement high doses of this mineral, you’ll need it supplied through an IV to avoid the uncomfortable side effect through GI absorption.

Hydration

Our bodies are made up of 60% water. As mentioned, very few people drink the daily recommended amount of water necessary to refuel our bodies and function properly. Because so much of us is made of water, it is critical for the healthy function of every one of our cells. Some functions include lubricating your joints, regulating internal body temperature, transporting protein and carbohydrates, and eliminating waste. Symptoms of dehydration are not rare for most of us. Headache, dry mouth, fatigue, to a name a few, all can be associated with not drinking enough water. Fluid is the foundation of IV drips and is delivered through a bag of IV fluid solution, usually 500-1000ml containing electrolytes to help restore your body’s hydration more efficiently than you can accomplish by just drinking water. Most people aren’t reaching that volume in an entire day let alone in 30 minutes!

Being properly hydrated is essential for various events whether you’re preparing for your next Spartan Race or a bachelor party in Vegas, you may need some extra fluids for occasions that dehydrate you. Did you know that being dehydrated also effects your skin? Is your skin looking dull, scaly, or more saggy than usual? These characteristics can be a sign that you’re not getting enough water and an IV helps restore fluid balance immediately.

Travel

Going on vacation? IVs are an excellent resource to include on your to-do list before going out of town. Traveling to different geographical locations or even being in an airport can expose you to various pathogens. If your immune system is down, you’re putting yourself at risk for contracting a virus that could devastate your 10-day trip in Mexico. Throw in a time change, lack of sleep, alcohol and eating outside your normal routine, you’re probably not going to feel so hot in your new fedora. Getting an IV before and after a trip is the fastest way to boost your immune system and to protect yourself from getting sick.

There are a multitude of reasons and/or conditions that are beneficial for seeking out IV therapy:

• Micronutrient deficiencies 
• Chronic illnesses such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lyme Disease, cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease.  
• Fibromyalgia
• Psoriasis, eczema
• Migraines
• GI infections, Crohn’s disease
• Inflammation

It’s a therapeutic experience! At Victory Men’s Health, we sit down with you when you arrive to determine which IV cocktail is most appropriate for your symptoms and goals if you haven’t already decided. Stuck between two choices? Drips can be combined/customized! Once your bag is primed and lined, you’ll be ushered to a zero-gravity massage chair in our IV lounge to sit back (literally), relax and enjoy your drip. The Himalayan salt wall provides a calming ambiance and purifies the circulating air helping reduce stress, increase energy, and boost mood. You’ll forget what you’re here for! Have a friend, family member or significant other looking to join? The more the merrier!

Micronutrient testing is a great tool to find out exactly what IV drips are best for you. To learn more about vitamin supplementation, micronutrient deficiencies, testing and more, listen to our podcast or contact one of the medical professionals at any of our locations.

To schedule an IV:

O’Fallon, IL 618.632.9000 info@victorymenshealth.com

Town and Country, MO 314.833.9000 moinfo@victorymenshealth.com

Winghaven, MO 636.229.9000 winghaven@victorymenshealth.com

References:

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Link four

What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals are exogenous chemicals that have the ability to alter our body’s natural hormones leaving us unprotected in a way that affects our overall health and they cannot be avoided in our day-to-day life. Over the past 60 years, a growing number of EDCs have been used in the production of just about everything we purchase and breathe from environmental pollutants, plastics and cosmetics. In 2022, we are under attack by the myriad of chemicals we’re exposed to every day and they are constantly bombarding our bodies and contributing to negative health outcomes.

To understand EDCs, it’s important to grasp the importance of our hormones and their functioning. Hormones are chemical messengers such as testosterone, estrogen and insulin and they don’t just pertain to sexual and reproductive health. The fact is our body relies on an exquisitely balanced system of glands and hormones to deliver signals to tissues throughout our entire body that are critical for maintaining overall health and fighting illness. Brain function, thyroid, gut, immune system, and heart all critically require hormones to run smoothly. Our bodies are set up like a physiological internet system where hormones send email messages to cells telling them what to do to keep us functioning at optimal health. Imbalances and insufficiencies arise when our system freezes or wanes. EDCs hijack our system by turning on false hormone messages. We are chronically out of balance due to the exposure of EDCs and their negative effect on our messaging system. 

Issues associated with EDCs

Exposure at very sensitive stages of fetal development can result in profound changes in physiology and functions that may not manifest clinically until much later in life even after ceased exposure. Disruption in the womb can affect male and female hormonal development for the rest of their lives! Pollutants have even been found in umbilical cord blood samples, proving we know it begins in utero. Over the past 20-30 years there has been a disturbing increase in asthma, lower testosterone levels, increase in childhood obesity, development disorders, complications with conceiving, just to name a few that have been linked increased exposure to EDCs.

There are hundreds of harmful EDCs in the world. So many, in fact, that scientists have a difficulty isolating the effects of just one chemical over a person’s lifespan due to the vast volume of different chemicals we are subjected to. They are not safe at any level of exposure for any duration of time. The common offenders you’ve probably heard of are found in plastics but are also in pesticides, flame retardants, tap water/foods, heavy metals and the list goes on.

Bisphenol-A (BPA), is a xenoestrogen chemical used in the manufacture of plastics found in food and drink containers, plastic water bottles, baby bottles and a variety of household products. Exposure is primarily via dietary ingestion from the inner lining of cans and microwave containers during the heating of food materials. If you frequently indulge in reheated take-out in your to-go box, this applies to you!

Xenoestrogen, a foreign substance that mimics estrogen, amplifies a feminizing effect and down regulates the masculine androgenic effect. Phthalates, another chemical found in plastics and personal care products such as perfumes, nail polish, wood stains, actually block normal testosterone production. Regular exposure to anti-androgenic chemicals for males can cause testosterone levels to decline resulting in symptoms of low testosterone such as low energy, vitality and sex drive. In addition, chemical exposure in the womb can lead to infertility, immune diseases, penis size (yes, you read that right), penis abnormalities, hormonal cancers and depression. In females, can cause PCOS, infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, hormonal cancers and even early menopause. Concerned yet?

Some EDCs have the ability to make our fat misbehave and contribute to the hormone insulin being less responsive to glucose, increasing our risk for becoming resistant and developing type-2 diabetes! Despite efforts through lifestyle changes, toxins are preventing those fat cells to budge making it that much more difficult to maintain a healthy weight and body composition. The importance of keeping excess body fat off to avoid chronic conditions is no secret.

How to avoid EDCs?

We are faced with the challenge of our modern-day environment that is a chemical soup. EDCs are gaining entry into our body and while it’s impossible to eliminate them all, the best course of action is to limit your exposure. Simple steps you can take right now:

• Replace all plastics used for storing food and drinks with glass products (NEVER heat plastics in the microwave or put in the dishwasher – plastics release chemicals when heated)
• Switch cookware to cast iron, stainless/carbon steel or glass and stay away from non-stick cookware (Non-stick coating is toxic)
• Request electronic store receipts (receipts are coated with BPA)
• Choose organic when possible and be aware of foods containing higher amounts of pesticides
• Switch to non-toxic personal care and cosmetic items
• Check your labels!! They are hiding in products you would never think of. Avoid anything with known harmful EDCs

EDCs are truly a silent killer in the world and limiting exposure is crucial for our future. Pete Myers, founder, CEO and chief scientist at Environmental Health Sciences names EDCs as a top threat to humanity next to global warming and nuclear war. Knowing that vulnerability starts in the womb and can pass on through generations makes it imperative that people are made aware and know how to limit subjection because no one wants a small penis.

References: 

Source 1

Source 2

Source 3

Source 4