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CORONARY ARTERY
DISEASE This case study is about Dr. Brownstein’s father, Ellis. Ellis had his first myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack at age 42, and his first bypass surgery at age 50. Ellis’s second bypass occurred at age 58. He had an angioplasty at age 60. Ellis never had a testosterone level checked during this entire time, yet he saw one of the best cardiologists in the area. He suffered from frequent bouts of angina throughout this time period. Furthermore, his cholesterol levels were very high, usually in the 300’s and virtually unresponsive to medications. I checked his testosterone level and found it to be extremely low at 1.5ng/ml, with the normal range for men 3-9ng/ml. I placed him on Armour thyroid hormone for a low thyroid state, and natural testosterone, due to his low levels. Since that time, he has had virtually no symptoms of heart disease and more importantly he has never felt or looked better. Furthermore, his cholesterol level now is less than 200mg/dl. Update: Ellis still has no signs of cardiovascular disease and he is now 70 years old!!! PMS Brenda, age 32, was suffering from severe PMS. She complained that her husband was threatening to leave her. She said, “I wouldn’t blame him if he did. I have two weeks out of the month when I feel human, and two weeks out of the month were I turn into this moody, nasty person. … In addition, she was having very heavy menstrual periods. “It feels like I am hemorrhaging every time I have a period,” she said. Brenda’s doctor prescribed birth control pills which did help with some of her PMS symptoms, but she began getting headaches and noticing fatigue. Brenda’s progesterone level on day 21 of her cycle was 12 ng/ml, about half of what it should be. Upon taking natural progesterone, Brenda’s PMS gradually resolved over 3 months. Furthermore, the heavy bleeding during her period ceased. HEADACHES and HYPOTHYROIDISM Mary, a 46-year-old teacher, complained, “I have a headache every day of my life.” Coupled with her daily headaches, she would sometimes suffer with up to two migraine headaches per week. The only thing Mary could do to control them was to take Imitrex, a prescription medication commonly used to treat migraines. “The Imitrex was almost worse then the headache,” Mary complained. Mary was missing work tow to three days per month due to her headaches. In addition to the constant headaches, Mary had other symptoms typical of people suffering from hypothyroidism including always having cold hands and feet. She also suffered from constipation and had daily achiness in her joints and muscles. She commended, “Because I’m always stiff, I feel like I’m 80 year old.” Mary’s basal temperature averaged 97.2 degrees Fahrenheit and her blood tests indicated a hypothyroid state. Mary was placed on 60mg of Armour thyroid hormone and returned one month later. Mary was pleased at her progress and said, “I did not realize how depressed I was until now. For the last 3-4 years, it was an effort to do anything. After the first week of taking the thyroid, my headaches just stopped. I couldn’t believe it. Also, my bowels started working and my achiness is almost totally gone. In addition, I have become a much better teacher because my energy level is so much better.” |
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