FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How can Longevity Medical Clinic help you look and feel better? This page will answer some questions you may have.

What is Comprehensive Hormone Supplementation?

Comprehensive Hormone Supplementation (CHS) is a process by which we measure your current hormone status and return many of them to the levels you enjoyed when you were a young adult. Hormones are messengers that orchestrate the metabolic processes in our bodies. By 40 our natural hormones become 14% to 15% depleted, and the signs and symptoms of aging are accelerated. With our CHS program we measure your current hormone levels and adjust them to the state of a healthy 30 year-old so that your body will respond as though it is many years younger. It is at this age when our immune systems are generally the strongest, our metabolisms are the most efficient and our body is capable of building muscle rather than fat.

Is CHS completely safe?

While nothing on earth is totally safe, CHS is very safe as a medical procedure. With this process we are not adding anything strange or new to your system. We are just giving you back some of what you had when you were younger. You still have all of these compounds in your system. You have just not been producing as much in recent years. Many of the symptoms of aging that you are experiencing result from this decline in production. CHS works on the following simple premise: When you had these levels originally, you functioned much better than you do now. When we replace what you have lost, you will find that you are functioning better again. At Longevity Medical Clinic we bring your levels back to that of a healthy 30 year-old. A trained physician and medical staff carefully monitor every patient, making our program safe.

Are there potential side effects from this treatment?

Since we are not giving you medications in the traditional sense, side effects are minimal to nonexistent in most patients. We are just supplementing the hormones that you already make. By raising them to the levels you enjoyed when you were younger, we hope to restore some of that youthful function. As long as the levels are kept within the range in which your body was designed to function optimally, there should be few, if any, side effects. If you have problems with the program, it usually means we have not yet succeeded in achieving the proper balance among the various hormones. When this balance has been reached you should notice only desirable changes. We will be happy to provide you with a complete list (published by the Federal Drug Administration) of every side effect ever reported to the Federal government for each hormone and medication that we prescribe. The possibilities may include carpal tunnel syndrome, edema or acne. Such side effects can easily be eliminated by adjusting the dose or stopping the hormone, or by resuming at a lower dose and then increasing gradually to optimal levels.

How long will it take before I experience results?

A few people tell us that they feel dramatically better in a matter of days. But the first visible changes in skin color and texture usually take several weeks to a month. Increased response to exercise and strength improvement are also fairly quick. Our patients see physical manifestations such as improved muscle/fat ratios, increased energy, more youthful skin, increased libido, improved sense of well-being and much more.

Where do these natural hormones come from?

The pure Bio-identical (human identical) hormones are either extracted from plants or are synthetically manufactured. What is important to know is that they are identical to your body’s hormone molecules. We prescribe only natural hormones at our clinic.

Please explain the term “Bio-identical.”

It refers to hormones that are produced in a lab, usually from vegetable based substrates, which are molecularly identical to the hormones produced by human beings. In our practice we use only bio-identical hormones. There is no legal or ethical way to obtain actual human hormones for medical use.

Why doesn’t my doctor prescribe natural hormones?

The answer partly involves the pharmaceutical companies which make money on patented drugs which they promote to physicians who prescribe them to you. Not only would your physician need to be self-educated and experienced in prescribing and monitoring natural hormone levels, but they would also have to prescribe them within the constraints of health insurance companies, which do not offer coverage for longevity medicines.

Who supplies the hormones that I need?

Our clinic sends an order to specialized pharmacies known as Compounding Pharmacies. These pharmacies are similar to the old fashioned concept of a pharmacist with a mortar and pestle. They acquire the pure pharmaceutical-grade hormones and compound them into the form and dosage ordered by your physician, whether pills, capsules, liquids or creams. Each order for you is prepared specifically from instructions in your customized and personalized treatment program.

Am I a candidate for your program?

Yes. By their mid 30s, virtually every man and woman has lost natural hormones at the rate of 14% to 15% per decade, and therefore, sub-optimal hormone levels exist in their bodies. Inevitably, as we age, we lose our physical and mental capabilities, feeling less vibrant than we did in our 20s and 30s. The benefits of natural hormone supplementation are immeasurable for overcoming the symptoms of aging. In addition, we recommend optimal nutrition and exercise for every age. We will counsel you on the nutritional needs unique to your own body’s physiology that will allow you to lose adipose tissue (fat) and weight to improve your immune system.

Is this program aimed at a certain sex?

No, we have programs designed for both men and women. Our patient base is almost perfectly split 50/50 between men and women.

Will this take away my wrinkles?

Most people see some diminishment of wrinkles and lines. Improved skin tone and elasticity, with minimized lines and wrinkles, can take effect in skin that has become healthier and more youthful through our help.

Do I need to discontinue other medications to start this program?

Our physicians will review your current medications as well as your vitamins and supplements. We may suggest some changes based on your goals and our findings. If these changes have a significant impact on your current prescriptions, we may need to consult with your other physician(s) before making a change.

How often do I need to come in?

As often as needed to do the job right. Most people will see us five to six times the first year. As a Longevity patient, you are encouraged to come in as often as needed with no limitation.

Does my insurance company cover the cost of this program?

No. We are treating the aging process. Since aging is not considered a Disease, but a natural phenomenon, insurance companies are not required to cover it. It is our hope that one day insurance companies will focus on longevity medicine in the same way as other preventative programs intended to keep you from getting ill.

Will you assume my medical care and act as my Family Physician?

Sorry, but no. The care received at our clinic supplements your usual Physician’s care. You will need to continue to see your usual doctor in addition to our services. We do, on occasion, consult with your physician when appropriate.

How do I ask a question that isn’t answered here?

Send us an email using the “Contact Us” tab above or call toll-free 866-86-YOUNG (866-869-6864). We are happy to answer your questions!