The warning was added to these products back in 2003 over concerns that they might increase the risk of certain conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and potentially dementia.

The warning was issued based on a severely flawed study on menopausal hormone replacement called the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). There were a number of glaring deficiencies in this study that were carelessly overlooked.

The hormones used in this study were derived from pregnant horses’ urine. Furthermore, they were all given orally. There was no evaluation of hormones administered transdermally or injected subcutaneously. The progesterone or progestins were administered daily with no breaks.

Furthermore, the population of women in the study were at least 10 years post-menopause or older, so that it was conceivable that the illnesses they developed may have already been developing at the time they started to take the hormones.

There was also a subgroup of women in the study that had hysterectomies. This subgroup was not given any progestins. They showed the same rate of developing breast cancer taking the oral estrogens without progesterone compared to the control group of women who did not take any hormones.

This finding, in the hysterectomy subgroup, was basically ignored by the researchers when they generated their conclusions. Probably because they failed to understand it, and it didn’t fit into the general conclusions.

What is a Black Box Warning?

Black box warnings are specific health concerns that manufacturers of medications are required by law to apply to labels of medications.

Removing the black box warning on estrogens is a huge step forward towards more general acceptance of menopausal hormone replacement therapy for women gaining mainstream medicine acceptance.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT HORMONES TODAY?

As I mentioned, the hormones studied in the WHI were all oral, derived from pregnant horse urine. Today’s hormones are extracted from plant sources, thus termed bioidentical. They are chemically identical to the hormones made in the human body. In addition, they are not administered orally, which makes a big difference. Oral hormones undergo what is called First Pass through the liver. In other words, the hormones are absorbed from the stomach and GI tract and go directly to the liver via the portal vein. This produces a high concentration of hormone to the liver all at once. This surge of hormone to the liver can increase the liver’s stimulus to produce clotting factors, which can lead to blood clots.

Today’s hormones are administered through the skin or under the skin. Since they don’t enter the GI tract, they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. By the time they reach the liver, they are very dilute. Therefore, they don’t increase the risk of blood clots.

Progesterone is the only female hormone that can be administered orally, safely, without the risk of increasing clotting factors. So, progesterone is often taken orally with no problems.

DOES TAKING ESTROGEN INCREASE THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER?

This question has been a raging controversy for decades. And, it is generally thought that it does. However, a review of the world literature on female hormone replacement, published in the LANCET in 2017 concluded that estrogen by itself did not increase the risk of women developing breast cancer. This conclusion was based on many studies of women who had hysterectomies, taking all sorts of different estrogen preparations. But, the big difference with these women’s hormone regimens was that they didn’t take any progesterone. These women, including those in the WHI, had the same rates of developing breast cancer as women who never took hormones. Women who never take hormones still get breast cancer. It was therefore surmised that it was the addition of progesterone (or progestins) to the hormone cocktail that actually increased the rate of breast cancer. This finding is quite surprising. But, it has been confirmed in many hormone studies with various estrogen preparations.

I assume that when the panel of experts reviewed the available data on women’s hormones, this was the reason they decided to remove the black box warning on estrogen products.

The women with the highest rate of developing breast cancer on hormones were those who took progesterone every day.

Women who took cyclical progesterone (two weeks on and two weeks off) had a slightly higher rate of breast cancer than women who took no progesterone, but significantly lower than women who took progesterone daily.

It is necessary for women on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) with an intact uterus to take some progesterone, or they run the risk of having “unopposed estrogen” stimulation to the uterus, which can lead to uterine cancer. The progesterone serves to protect the uterus and is therefore required for women with a uterus taking estrogen.

The interesting conclusion to this observation is that it’s the progesterone schedule which seems to be the culprit in increasing the risk of breast cancer from menopausal hormones, and not the estrogen as is so commonly thought.

This makes perfect sense physiologically. The only time in a woman’s life that she has daily progesterone is during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a relatively short period of time. So to put women on daily progesterone for prolonged stretches of time is very unnatural. It then seems logical that an unnatural hormone pattern would cause problems. Additionally, progesterone is a pregnancy hormone. Its job is to prepare the mother for the birth of a child, which includes stimulating the breasts to produce milk. It therefore further stands to reason that a hormone stimulating the breasts for an indefinite period of time will cause problems. And it does.

THIS IS A HUGE STEP FORWARD IN WOMEN’S HEALTH

Needless to say, the FDA’s action of removing the black box will serve to significantly help advance the use of postmenopausal hormone replacement, as more doctors become comfortable prescribing it, and more women feel more comfortable taking them.

If you or someone you know is interested in using hormones, call or email the office to set up a time to discuss it.

Dr. Howard Liebowitz

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The post BLACK BOX WARNING REMOVED FROM FEMALE HORMONES appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

The new data comes from a long term follow up of the well known Women’s Health Initiative study that originally stated that female hormones were dangerous. Now those fears have been largely debunked due to further analysis of the data and the findings that much of the information was inaccurate and skewed due to the types of hormones being used and the ages of the women in the study.

When newer forms of hormones are evaluated, specifically the bio-identical hormones instead of the horse-derived hormones, and the mode of administration being creams and patches as opposed to pills, most of the earlier concerns are eliminated.

Furthermore, the age of many of the women in the study was much older than the age that is now recommended to start hormone therapy. Using data from older participants alone increased the incidence of illnesses such as heart disease and breast cancer. 

It is now believed that starting hormones closer to menopause and generally before the age of 60 is much safer. Additionally, avoiding estrogen pills and opting for creams and patches avoids the risk of blood clots and stroke associated with the horse derived estrogens.

There are many well known benefits for women taking post menopausal hormones such as the lowering of the risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. Furthermore, women on hormones generally feel much better, age slower, have a more enjoyable sex life, and generally have a much better quality of life. If the hormones are administered properly, the risk of breast cancer also may be lower than previously thought as well. 

Everything in medicine is considered “Risk vs. Benefit.” And now mainstream medicine is finally acknowledging that menopausal hormone replacement is more beneficial than previously believed.

There is also no general consensus on how long women should take hormones after menopause. New thinking is that women can safely stay on hormones well into their 70s or even 80s, assuming there are no complications or increased risk of developing side effects.

I have been prescribing post menopausal hormones for 20 years and now have a number of women approaching 80 on them who feel great and look and live like they are 10-15 years younger.

-Dr. Howard Liebowitz

The post Menopause Treatment Goes Mainstream appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

A lack of sexual intimacy in a relationship can sometimes indicate problems within the relationship, but may also cause problems just as well. Being in the “Hormone business” I am often consulted to check out the hormone levels of the individuals involved to try to determine the cause of the problem. Many times I do find low hormone levels, but even after correcting them back to good youthful levels, sometimes the problem persists.

Additionally, I see some of my patients who I have been working with for awhile, and they have good hormone levels and generally feel good, but still complain of very low libido and /or the man is having difficulty with initiating and sustaining an erection.

I’ve written in my newsletters before about how libido can be an indicator of overall health and vitality. But regardless of the cause of low libido, the person just wants to get it back and be able to have satisfying sex with their partner again.

Working on identifying and correcting a metabolic or functional issue may be an intolerably long and frustrating period of time.

In these types of scenarios it may be appropriate to turn to a pharmaceutical aid to boost things up.

There is a new product available that has some very promising attributes in this regard.

It is a peptide called PT-141, administered about 1-3 hours prior to anticipated sexual activity. It’s remarkably helpful both for men with erectile issues, as well as women with low sexual desire.

It is not clearly understood how it works, but in investigational studies has been shown to improve erections in men who have even been unsuccessful with viagra type medication. It also can increase genital arousal in women as well as boosting sexual desire in both sexes. It is believed to work through neurological channels in the brain. This effect of arousal may sometimes persist for days. 

Women report genital arousal just walking, and men attain erections as they did as teenagers!

The administration is as a subcutaneous injection. Adverse side effects include headache, irritation around the injection site, flushing and nausea. It is generally well tolerated, and adverse symptoms tend to be dose related.

It is interesting that for a long time there have been sexual function aids for men like Viagra, but nothing great for women. Now with PT-141 there’s an answer for both sexes. One woman commented that the effect can last for days. It is also known to increase genital sensitivity and ease of arousal.

Don’t waste your money on preparations available on the internet. They don’t work. This is a pharmaceutically bio engineered product available with specific dosing.

If you would like to try PT-141 on your next ‘Date Night”, call the office to order.

All the best, in Radiant Health
Dr. Howard Liebowitz

Liebowitz Longevity Medicine can help slow the aging process, prevent age-related diseases, and maintain optimal health. We will help to ensure that the aging process has the full support of your body’s natural systems to prime your body for a long life full of vibrant health and vitality. Contact us online or call 310-393-2333.

The post A New Approach for Sexual Arousal for Men and Women appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

But I have never lost faith that I would find a new source. Lo and behold, I have. In the very near future, I will be able to offer once again a number of these fabulous treatments for some of the most common nagging problems: 

• Sagging skin 
• Low muscle mass 
• Belly fat and
• Libido, just to name a few

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are identical to the terminal end of hormones. When introduced into the body, they signal organs and glands to function by the same message as hormones.

What Do Peptides Do?

Growth hormone secretagogues: CJC 1295, Ipamorelin, and Sermorelin, individually or in combination, stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Growth hormone gradually declines as we age. This decline is responsible for many age-related changes in our bodies, such as loss of muscle mass, increased fat, loss of bone density, and saggy loose skin.

PT-141 stimulates sexual arousal and sensitivity for both men and women. Effects can last for weeks. Some people call it a natural Viagra, or Viagra for women. It is also helpful for male erectile dysfunction.

Thymosin alpha 1 has been used successfully for chronic fatigue, viral illnesses, Lyme symptoms and even long Covid symptoms.

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant. It is depleted by aging, environmental stressors, toxicity exposure and alcohol consumption. It is present in every cell in the body and is an important agent for immune function, skin health, semen quality, lower blood viscosity, and detoxification.

How Are Peptides Administered?

Most peptides are administered by self-injecting under the skin multiple times per week. Results are usually not immediately noticeable except in the case of PT-141 for libido. Longer commitment times are required for body composition changes, weight loss, muscle mass, and bone density. A minimum of six months is recommended, although a long-term treatment plan of years is ideal. They have minimal adverse reactions and are usually well tolerated. However, if a problem arises, they can be discontinued anytime.

They usually need to be refrigerated and are very heat intolerant. Even leaving the bottle out on the countertop overnight will ruin them. Traveling with them can be challenging as they need to remain cold, and there are needles and syringe supplies.

How Much Do Peptides Cost?

They range in price from about $225-$350 for up to a 3-4 month supply.

I am actively working on setting up my supply chains, so keep an eye out here for future notice  when I will be ready to ship. Shipping is not a problem as they are supplied lyophilized (in powder form), so they don’t need to be kept cold until they are reconstituted with sterilized water. 

Can Anybody Do This?

All supplies and instructions will be provided as a kit. And I will also be available for any personal coaching on how to reconstitute them and self-administer the shots.  It requires a very tiny needle that is very easy to do with a practically painless shot into the belly fat.

I am also available to discuss which peptide might be most appropriate for your needs based on your health status. 

All the best, In Radiant Health,
Dr. Howard Liebowitz 

Liebowitz Longevity Medicine can help slow the aging process, prevent age-related diseases, and maintain optimal health. We will help to ensure that the aging process has the full support of your body’s natural systems to prime your body for a long life full of vibrant health and vitality. Contact us online or call 310-393-2333.

The post Peptides! Coming Soon, by Popular Demand appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

Enlarged prostate or commonly known as BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) typically presents with the annoying symptoms of difficulty urinating, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary frequency, urgency and frequent urination during the night disrupting sleep. Most traditional doctors and urologists offer medication to help improve urine flow, or if the problem becomes serious enough surgery to “ream out” the prostate and open up the urine flow channel. Sometimes the difficulty emptying the bladder is so severe a catheter must be placed in the emergency room.

Where does the problem come from?

There is very little help offered to shrink the prostate and improve urine flow naturally. There are a number of dietary concerns that may exacerbate the problem. Food components such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods are known to cause a type of prostatitis that can inflame and enlarge the prostate. So avoiding these food products can help.

There is a concern about the use of testosterone as a possible contributor to the problem. Although it is also present in many men who never take supplemental testosterone as well. Testosterone can be converted into estrogen in men who tend to have big fatty bellies as they get older. Also some men will convert the testosterone into another form called dihydrotestosterone which can also contribute to enlarging the prostate.

There are many prostate supplements on the market. And it can be confusing to know what to take and what may help.

Benefits of Iodine

There was a recent article published in 2021 that evaluated all sorts of benefits of Iodine affecting various organ systems. When most people think of iodine supplements they quickly associate it with the thyroid gland. And rightly so, as iodine is critical for producing thyroid hormones. However, recent information also indicates that iodine can help the prostate as well as many other organ systems.

One study found ”benefits in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in preclinical and clinical models [36]. In human patients with early BPH (Grade I and II), the supplement of 5 mg/day of Lugol’s solution (mix 1:3; I2:KI) for 8 months decreased the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) circulating levels and improved the urinary flow and symptoms scale.“

Furthermore it was observed that “these studies agree with epidemiological data that associate the low incidence of breast and prostate pathologies with the moderately high dietary intake of iodine in Asian countries. These populations consume marine algae daily in their diet, which contain high amounts of iodine in various chemical forms such as I−, I2 and iodate (IO3)−. The average consumption of iodine in the Japanese population is 1200 to 5280 μg/day compared to 166 and 209 μg/day in the United Kingdom and the United States” I think these findings are significant and worthy of further study and observation.

Based on this information I have formulated a protocol of natural ingredients to help men reduce the enlarged prostate problems.

I have formulated a prostate supplement called Prostate Pro X. It is a combination of Saw Palmetto, Plant Sterols (which block the formation of dihydrotestosterone from testosterone), DIM (which helps block the formation of estrogen from testosterone), and Vitamin D3 – all together in 4 capsules per day.

In a very simple program of diet and supplements I recommend the following:

1. The foundation is to eliminate or significantly limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol & avoid spicy foods
2. Take 4 capsules per day of Prostate Pro X
3. Take 2 drops of Lugol Solution 5% in water every day. (Be sure it is 5%. It also comes in 2%)

NOTE: IF YOU ARE ON THYROID MEDICATION, HAVE A THYROID CONDITION OR ON HEART MEDICATIONS SUCH AS AMIODARONE YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION

I think if you follow this protocol carefully, and your prostate enlargement is not too far advanced, you should start to see improvement in urinary symptoms in a few weeks to months. For further evaluation and advice, please call the office to set up a time to talk.

All the best in Radiant Health,

Howard Liebowitz, M.D.

Liebowitz Longevity Medicine can help slow the aging process, prevent age-related diseases and maintain optimal health. We will help to ensure that the aging process has the full support of your body’s natural systems to prime your body for a longer life full of vibrant health and vitality. Contact us online or call 310-393-2333.

The post Enlarged Prostate Options appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

This is frightening, especially because public health organizations have recommended discontinuing PAP smears for women over 65.

The PAP test, is a simple, non invasive screening test usually done yearly by a GP or Gynecologist in an office check up. 

Many of my patients have reported to me that their doctor told them that since they are over 65, they no longer need to have a PAP test. There are many large medical service organizations following this recommendation, such as Kaiser Permanente.

The data they are relying on to make this decision is flawed. I have written about this before, at the time of the study. Apparently what was found and not broadly publicized for some unknown reason was that included in the group of women in the study were women who had a hysterectomy. Women with a hysterectomy usually don’t have a cervix (although there is a type of hysterectomy that preserves the cervix). So obviously none of those women could have cervical cancer. When the study was re-analyzed after removing all of the women with a hysterectomy, the revised results indicated an actual increase in the number of women with cervical cancer over 65, which is exactly consistent with what this new study is reporting. 

In addition, the story gets worse.

71% of the women over 65 diagnosed with cervical cancer were in more advanced stages of the cancer compared to 48% of younger women. Five year survival for women over 65 was also significantly lower than that of younger women (23.2%-36.8%) compared to patients under 65 (41.5%-51.5%). Women 80 and older had the worst survival of all.

“Our study found worsening five-year relative survival from cervical cancer with each increasing age category for both early and late-stage diagnoses,” said co- author Theresa Keegan, a professor in the UC Davis Division of Hematology and Oncology.

The PAP test was developed in the 1940’s and instantly had an impact on reducing the number of deaths from cervical cancer because of allowing for very early detection and cure. It became the mainstay of the yearly gynecology “check up.”

However, over the years, there has been an element of complacency over the screening test, and many women become less diligent about the “gyn check up” as they get older, especially after menopause. Unfortunately, this is the age group that is actually more vulnerable and at higher risk of developing a deadly form of cervical cancer, which should be completely preventable with a simple PAP test. 

As current screening guidelines have changed, more women over 65 are being neglected in an illness previously proven to be avoidable. 

There is also a type of hysterectomy that has become more popular recently where the cervix is retained to be used as “an anchor” for the pelvic floor organs in cases of prolapse. Some of these women don’t realize that with any retained cervical tissue, the risk of cervical cancer still exists. These women still need a PAP screening to prevent this, and sometimes are not informed of this by their physician. I talk to female patients every day who inform me they haven’t had a PAP test in years. When I recommend it to them, I often am told that either their Gyn told them they don’t need it anymore, or they just don’t like doing it. 

Believe me when I say, THAT IS A BIG MISTAKE.

I recommend a PAP test yearly for all of my female patients with an intact cervix regardless of their age. And now we have strong data supporting this simple plan.

Please get your PAP done!

All the Best, In Radiant Health,
Howard Liebowitz, M.D.

The post Women Over 65 More Likely to Die From Cervical Cancer appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

Liebowitz Longevity Medicine can help slow the aging process, prevent age-related diseases and maintain optimal health. We will help to ensure that the aging process has the full support of your body’s natural systems to prime your body for a longer life full of vibrant health and vitality. Contact us online or call 310-393-2333.

The post The Benefits of Ozone Therapy – Interview on The Wellness Hour appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

For some reason, people now believe these infusion treatments will cure what’s ailing them, from a common hangover to jet lag.

After having done these drips for my patients for over 15 years, I have to say, I’ve never been impressed that they do very much, beyond some IV fluid and a big dose of PLACEBO.

I’ve been to many infusion conferences and workshops touting the benefits of the various ingredients. I have read books on the topic and have lists of protocols designed for various conditions and ailments.

In all my years of experience in administering these infusions and even receiving them myself, I was never impressed that they did anything.

One of the biggest fallacies out there about infusions is vitamin C. I have written about this in previous newsletters. To be brief, vitamin C as an infusion DOES NOT EXIST, PERIOD.

There is no such thing as intravenous vitamin C. What is being used as vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is NOT vitamin C. It is not even a vitamin. It’s a sugar molecule, and it is toxic to intracellular mitochondria. In other words, it will damage your cells.

The only patients I will give intravenous ascorbic acid to are cancer patients, because the toxic cellular attributes can help kill cancer cells. I would never recommend it to a healthy person as a “health enhancing“ infusion. Infusion centers that are administering ascorbic acid intravenously don’t understand what they are doing.

OZONE IS MUCH BETTER BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

If you want to spend some of your hard-earned cash on wellness, I strongly recommend getting an ozone treatment. Ozone is far more effective in health enhancement than any vitamin infusion. This is the primary reason I have steered away from vitamin drips; because I administer ozone and find it to be far more beneficial for whatever ails a person.

Ozone is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, boosts the immune system, helps circulation, supports heart function, brain function, kidney and liver functions. At high dose there is a stem release from the bone marrow, resulting in an “anti-aging effect”.

I have successfully used ozone to treat everything from the common cold, herpes, shingles, chronic Lyme, Covid, post-Covid, breast cancer, torn rotator cuff, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, Epstein Barr virus, and more.

I have been so impressed with the results from ozone infusions that if a patient asks me about an IV infusion, I recommend an ozone treatment.

Ozone is safe, and effective. It has been in continuous use for over 100 years for hundreds of thousands of patients all over the world.  Unfortunately, in our country it is not FDA approved and therefore not allowed in hospitals. It is frowned upon by our conservative traditional medical establishment primarily because it is ‘non pharmaceutical’.

I have been administering ozone therapy to my patients since 2009. In all of my years of medical experience dating back to 1978, including over 20 years of ER experience, I have never seen anything so effective and so dramatic for so many health conditions as ozone therapy.

Watch my YouTube videos and let us know if you have any questions.  Or just call the office to schedule your ozone treatment and see the benefits for yourself.

I think you will agree with me that it is far better than a vitamin infusion.  Don’t waste your money on infusions when ozone is available.

All the best in radiant health,

Dr. Howard Liebowitz

The post Why I Don’t Do Vitamin Drips Anymore appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

One of my patients underwent surgical removal of skin cancer that left deep suppurating ulcers on her legs.  Traditional dermatological treatment proved ineffective.  After months of struggling with this worsening condition, she came to me for help.

I encased her legs in an airtight bag and pumped Ozone into it for 45 minutes of exposure.  Remarkable improvement was immediately apparent after the first treatment and healing progressed rapidly after each subsequent treatment.  After only four treatments at weekly intervals, the wounds were completely closed up.  As you can imagine, the patient was ecstatic!

Ozone is a safe, painless treatment that has been proven effective time and time again for tissue healing, inflammation, viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune disease, respiratory disorders, and many other health problems.

With its impressive safety record and well-documented success, it’s a mystery to me why more doctors in North America aren’t using Ozone.

For more information about Ozone Therapy, please download my free e-book here.

As Always,
Yours in Radiant Health,

Dr. Howard Liebowitz, M.D.

The post Miraculous Ozone for Wound Healing appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.

Over the last year, a number of important scientific papers have been published which demonstrate the effectiveness of oxygen ozone therapy in eradicating COVID-19.

By carrying out a search on PubMed, the most widespread medical research reporting platform, with the keywords “ozone Vs COVID” 101,000 results are displayed.

In Italy since February 2020 there were 16 hospitals using ozone therapy to treat COVID patients.

The results on 100 COVID patients treated with ozone therapy were extraordinary: 98% recovered and only 2% died due to the severity of the conditions and previous co-morbidities.

Scientific articles written on the effectiveness of ozone therapy on treating COVID patients have been published in the medical literature from China, Turkey, Cuba, Spain, Italy, India and Great Britain.

Much of this work was taken from the bibliographic page of the WHO (World Health Organization) website.

In addition to this long list of publications documenting the success of treating COVID with ozone therapy, there have also been numerous reports of practitioners around the world reporting success with resolving the symptoms of certain patients who seem to suffer with ongoing problems, known as “Long Haulers”.

It is so perplexing to me, in light of the extensive number of successful cases reported and considering the low cost and long known safety record of ozone therapy, why aren’t medical facilities here in the U.S. offering these treatments?

This is a serious humanitarian question that one must ask.

To learn more, read the book by Antonio Gaspari, “Ozone: a cure for life”.

As Always,
Yours in Radiant Health,

Dr. Howard Liebowitz, M.D.

The post A Possible Non-Pharmaceutical Approach to COVID appeared first on Liebowitz Longevity Medicine.