An Open Letter to Patients from Belmar’s Medical Director
Angela DeRosa, DO, MBA, CPE
Hormones are Essential to Overall Health
During this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical providers and patients are facing the question of “what is essential” when it comes to their health care. While everyone wants to do their part in “social distancing” and being responsible, it is important to ensure that patients don’t forgo medical treatments, which may negatively affect their ability to fight off infections and viruses, including COVID-19. Keeping one’s immune system AMPED UP to defend the body against this threat is crucial.
Medical practices are taking different measures to protect their patients and staff from transmitting the virus. Some practices are temporarily shuttering their doors, and others are taking extensive sanitation measures such as sanitizing exam tables and all touchpoints between each patient visit and triaging patients in their cars to avoid high-risk patients from becoming exposed to possible virus carriers.
Those practices that remain open have done so with considerable thought and ability to protect their staff and patients while also avoiding utilizing the much-needed resources during this pandemic.
The Importance of Hormone Optimization
Providers working in the anti-aging/hormonal replacement field have a unique opportunity to provide care that aids a patient’s ability to stay well given the underlying tenants associated with “optimized health.” However, some patients may ask: “Is hormone therapy essential?” The endocrine system provides vital hormones that our bodies require to maintain proper homeostasis of ALL organ functions. They bolster immunity, support metabolic drive, power flight or fight, and maintain blood pressure and fluid balance, to name a few.
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What about our ability to fight infection and maintain immunity?
1) Estradiol is required for mucosal health not only in the reproductive system but also in the respiratory system. If the nasal mucosa is thinned due to estrogen deficiency, allergens and viruses are more adept at entering the respiratory system.
2) Testosterone helps stimulate the production of T-cells from the thymus gland, which is the key factor in bolstering the body’s immune response. Also, when testosterone levels become deficient, the body is not able to control glucose metabolism effectively which can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. This will increase a patient’s risk of developing infections and decrease the overall body’s immunity. Testosterone also aids serotonin levels, which, in turn, aids mood. During this crisis, it is important for patients to have adequate ability to cope with the stress of the pandemic.
3) The adrenal gland function is vital for the body’s ability to control the stress reaction and response to “attacks” upon the body. Maintaining proper adrenal balance is essential to ensure proper immune response as well as the ability to fight infection when present.
4) Vitamin D can modulate the innate and adaptive immune response. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as increased susceptibility to infection.
Any hormonal imbalance or deficiency will increase inflammation, which will decrease the patient’s immunity and ability to fight infection.
Hormones are not just about hot flashes, night sweats, or libido. Hormones are essential components of providing immunity and homeostasis in the body. Providing optimal hormonal health care to patients during this time is crucial. It is our mission to will help patients fight illness and maintain their overall health and well-being, no matter the threat.
Note: If you are a patient that receives hormone pellet therapy and cannot get to your physician’s office, please have the office email or call us to talk to them about temporary treatment options during this time.
Dr. Angela DeRosa
