Most of us know that hormones have a lot to do with a person’s sexual health, but you may be surprised to learn just how many of the body’s processes are actually regulated by hormones. With hormones playing a role in everything from hair growth to mood stability, a hormone imbalance can wreak havoc on a person’s life in more ways than one. Fortunately, modern medicine and technology offer men and women the ability to restore natural hormone levels and get relief from the frustrating symptoms of hormone imbalance.

Board-certified physician Dr. Christy Watson and the caring team at Body Bar MD are proud to offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy using the highly advanced BioTE® system at both of their locations in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN. Find out what exactly this treatment entails and how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be the solution you’ve been searching for to feel more energized, confident, and better than ever.

What are the symptoms of hormone imbalance?

Because hormones are involved in so many of the body’s functions, both physical and psychological, the symptoms of hormonal imbalance can be devastating. Signs that your hormones may be out of their normal physiologic ranges include:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Hair loss
• Decreased muscle mass
• Loss of bone density
• Acne
• Erectile dysfunction (men)
• Vaginal dryness (women)

What causes hormone imbalance?

Hormone levels in the body are constantly changing, though some conditions or events can cause them to sharply increase or decrease. These extreme fluctuations may only be temporary, but in some cases, the hormones fail to return to normal levels on their own. Some of the most common causes of hormonal imbalance include:

• Age
• Puberty
• Menopause
• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Steroids
• Certain medications
• Diet
• Obesity
• Lifestyle
• Stress

An important step in determining if hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for you is to find out what may be causing your hormones to fluctuate in the first place. In some cases, behavioral modifications, such as adjusting your medications or losing weight, may improve your hormone levels. When your hormones are fluctuating in relation to a temporary condition, such as puberty or pregnancy, you may simply need to wait for them to level out on their own. However, hormone replacement therapy can be a fantastic and effective solution for many patients to restore hormone levels to a physiologic range and get relief from their symptoms.

How is hormone imbalance treated?

For patients suffering with symptoms related to their hormone levels, hormone replacement therapy can be life-changing. However, traditional methods of hormone therapy are often ineffective, unreliable, or inconsistent, and lead to unwanted side effects, such as more intense mood swings. Fortunately, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) finally offers patients a more natural hormone replacement option with reliable, long-lasting benefits.

What is bioidentical hormone therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy utilizes natural, plant-based substances that mimic the body’s natural hormones for better absorption and enhanced results. One of the most exciting benefits of BioTE hormone replacement therapy is that it involves a unique pellet-based delivery system. These pellets are custom-compounded to meet each patient’s individual needs. Once implanted just beneath the skin, usually, on a patient’s hip, the pellet delivers a consistent dose of hormones until it has completely dissolved. This prevents the rollercoaster of highs and lows that patients often notice in their symptoms when using alternative forms of hormone replacement therapy.

How long does BioTE last?

While the results can vary somewhat from person to person, most patients are able to enjoy the effects of BioTE hormone replacement therapy for about 3 – 4 months before a new pellet needs to be inserted. The knowledgeable team at Body Bar MD in Terre Haute and Carmel, IN will keep a watchful eye on your hormone levels and adjust your dosage or treatment schedule as needed.

Who is a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Carmel, IN?

A common misconception about hormone replacement therapy is that it is reserved for patients who have already gone through menopause or andropause. In reality, men and women begin to experience significant decreases in their testosterone and estrogen levels as early as age 30, or even before, and may start to notice symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, and fatigue as they approach middle age. The benefits of BHRT can help patients of nearly any age feel better and enjoy life to the fullest once again.

The best way to determine with certainty whether bioidentical hormone therapy is appropriate for you is to be evaluated by a qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable provider. If you suspect that your hormone levels may be responsible for the frustrating symptoms you are having, we invite you to call the friendly team at either of Body Bar MD’s locations in Terre Haute or Carmel, IN to schedule your private consultation with board-certified physician Dr. Christy. Don’t let hormones keep you from living the life you deserve. Call us to learn more about bioidentical hormone therapy with BioTE today!

As we age, we slow down natural collagen and elastin production. This often leads to saggy skin in addition to the loss of volume in noticeable areas. When over-the-counter solutions, diets, and exercise routines are not enough to produce gorgeous results, laser liposuction with a fat transfer could help. Board-certified in obesity and internal medicine, Dr. Christy Watson is an expert in cosmetic procedures that keep patients looking and feeling good.

So, what is laser liposuction, and what is a fat transfer? When you visit our facility in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN, we work with you to assess your goals and create a custom treatment plan moving forward. Laser liposuction with fat transfer surgery is usually completed in just one session and has minimal recovery and downtime. To discover the cosmetic procedures we offer, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Candidates for laser liposuction with fat transfer

People who are interested in liposuction and fat transfer surgery should be relatively healthy and near their ideal weight. This procedure is not designed as a weight-loss treatment, so it is important to see a doctor beforehand. During your consultation, we can discuss your personal health and aesthetic goals. Patients usually want to treat their abdomen, hips and thighs, buttocks, and smaller areas like the cheeks and chin.

What is laser liposuction, and what is a fat transfer?

So, what is laser liposuction, and what is a fat transfer? In this procedure, Dr. Christy removes and transfers excess fat from one area of the body to another. This allows us to remove fat from unwanted areas and rejuvenate your appearance in places that have lost volume over time. Fat transfers are especially beneficial for individuals who are health-conscious and hesitant to use silicone implants in their bodies.

Body Bar MD is proud to be the only facility in Indiana to use the cutting-edge Alma BeautiFill®. This revolutionary technology allows us to prepare your fat for injection in a fast and efficient manner. Our process is performed as an outpatient procedure in our Carmel and Terre Haute, IN offices. Once the procedure is complete, our staff will give you simple instructions and guidelines for recovery at home.

What can I expect after treatment?

Patients should expect minimal side effects from laser fat removal, including some redness and swelling. The amount of time spent in recovery depends on the areas being addressed. For instance, a small transfer to plump your lips only takes 1 – 2 days to heal, while treatment for the abdomen or breasts could require a week or longer. When meeting with Dr. Christy, we will let you know exactly what to expect.

Discover laser fat removal

For those searching for a safe way to restore lost volume and slim down in certain areas, laser liposuction with fat transfer is a great solution. Board-certified in obesity and internal medicine, Dr. Christy Watson has years of experience performing successful surgeries using advanced, state-of-the-art technology and guided care. At Body Bar MD, our goal is to improve your quality of life through a variety of cosmetic services in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN. Learn about laser fat removal and more with a personalized treatment plan today.

Professionals at Body Bar MD are trained in changing lives. Through the work of Dr. Christy and her clinic’s unique approach to comprehensive health through unlimited access, reshaping the lifestyles of patients is practically routine. This high rate of success does not, however, diminish the importance of every individual patient.

For one of those patients, Jennifer Pendleton, Dr. Christy’s techniques proved particularly transformative.

Since starting at the Body Bar MD, Pendleton, who is also President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Boone County, has embraced the active lifestyle made possible by her weight loss. She has become something of an outdoorswoman with her husband, Mike, as they have taken up hiking and completed many treks more than 10 miles long at high altitudes. While she admits that some of her undertakings have been challenging, Pendleton said she has “loved every minute of it.”

This winter, Pendleton plans to take up skiing and snowboarding. Next summer, she hopes to acquire some rock climbing skills in Colorado.

“Weight loss is not about all the things that you seemingly have to give up, it’s about everything that you gain,” said Pendleton. “I haven’t been able to see that until now. Food had too much of a hold on me. I owe it all to Christy, she saved me.”

Make your appointment today and begin your healthy journey as we offer non-judgemental guidance and support every step of the way.

Alright, so it’s been a month since you made that New Year’s resolution focused on reaching a healthy weight. How’s it going? Be honest with yourself. Have you been staying strong, trying a little bit or completely forgotten about it? Maybe it’s time to revisit your goal.

First, evaluate why you aren’t sticking to your resolution. Are you unmotivated? Is there something in your way? Maybe it just wasn’t a good fit for you in the first place? While the start of a New Year is good time for starting new goals doesn’t mean it always has to be like that because you can start a new goal literally any time you want. Stop saying tomorrow and start simply say today.

Maybe you are unmotivated. That’s okay. It happens. But now let’s focus on how to get and stay motivated. Consider an accountability partner is what you need or a reward system. How about telling everyone you know? The more people that know, the more accountability you will have.

Consider what obstacles are standing in the way of you achieving your goals. Are they obstacles that you can change yourself? If so, why haven’t they been changed yet? If not, is there a way to make sure they don’t negatively affect you? You may feel a little overwhelmed with all the questions asked but it’s necessary to be honest with yourself in order to make change. Remember, if you ever need help or a little motivation, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone!

If you’re stretched for time and can’t make it to the gym for a workout, try one of these apps and start sweating at home.

Nike Training Club
Nike Training Club is a free app with workouts ranging from 15 – 45 minutes depending on the time you have. Workouts also range depending on ability and focus on losing weight, adding definition and building strength. The app can also create a four-week workout plan based on your individual needs and includes videos to help learn form.

Couch to 5k
This app is great for first-time runners. The app will train you by doing intervals of walking and jogging three days a week for eight weeks and by the end you will be running a 5k!

Hot5
This is the perfect app if you struggle with having no time to workout. You can do a quick high intensity workout in 5 minutes with this app including exercises from Crossfit to Pilates taught by real trainers.

Simply Yoga
The free version of this app is more for beginners but it is worth trying before getting the paid app. Any yoga app is worth looking into. It is a great exercise for stretching and relaxation.

FitStar Personal Trainer
This app gives you workouts tailored for you by asking questions after each workout in order to keep the workouts challenging but not impossible for you to accomplish.

New apps are created everyday, especially for fitness. Explore and find the ones that work best with you and don’t let time be an excuse for not working out. Technology has made it possible to work out from almost anywhere now. Take advantage of it!

The New Year brings hope and promise of being a better year, which motivates many people to make resolutions. Making the resolution is the easy part … keeping them is the hard part. Here are some tips to help you stick to your goals.

1. Write your goals on sticky notes and put them where you’re most likely to see them everyday: on your laptop, on the bathroom mirror, on that box of cookies in the pantry that stares at you every day. When you’re constantly reminded of your goals, you’re more likely to stick to them.
2. Monitor your progress in a journal. Whether you had a good or bad day goal-wise, write it down. Being realistic with your goals and seeing your progress over time throughout the journal will help you commit.
3. Get an accountability partner. This could be your significant other, best friend or coworker. Someone who knows you well enough to ask about your progress and help keep you accountable.
4. Make it measurable. While you may have a large goal, try to break it down into smaller goals. This will help it seem more manageable and help you to keep to a schedule as well.
5. Reward yourself along the way. You’re doing a great job, so an occasional treat won’t hurt.

“What’s up with protein powder? What is it? Who needs it?”

I’m glad you asked! Protein powder is a growing fad and many people are jumping on the bandwagon. We’ll tell you all about what it is and who needs it in their diet.

Protein powder is a powdery mix that turns into a drink when it’s added to liquid, most commonly water. The three most popular forms are whey, soy and casein. It is an easy way to get a complete, high-quality protein meal.

So who needs protein powder? Everyone needs protein but certain people are looking to add more protein in their diets, such as:

• Athletes trying to build muscle
• People amping up their workouts, like for marathon training
• Growing teenagers
• People recovering from an injury
• Vegans

Protein powder can be helpful but before you run out to the store and stock up, remember that you can have a protein-rich diet with lean meat, chicken, fish, dairy, nuts and eggs. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend that 30 percent of your daily diet comes from protein. So while protein powders may be delicious and easy, make sure you don’t over-do it.

Just when we think the snow has gone away for good, Mother Nature blows it right back in. However, it’s important to stay active during the colder months too in order to maintain a healthy body weight and healthy blood pressure. Not only that, but it helps improve your mood which is often affected by the weather. Here are some simple tips you can incorporate to your everyday routine:

1: Take the stairs instead of the elevator

2: Put on some music and dance while you’re making dinner

3: Walk around the mall (and leave the wallet at home)

4: Swim in an indoor pool

5: Pop in a fitness DVD at home

6: Shovel your driveway

7: The treadmill is your friend, not your enemy

8: Yoga

9: Take advantage of sunny days & go outside

10: Get a step counter to motivate you to walk more

11: Try an outdoor winter sport, such as ice skating

12: Deep clean your house

13: Run in place or do pushups while watching television

14: Park farther away from work

15: Play with your kids and pets

‘Tis the season for runny noses and sore throats. It’s easy to just brush it off and keep going on with your day, but not taking care of those early cold signs can lead to more serious illnesses. When you first feel your throat getting scratchy and your head hurting, take these precautionary tips to help you get over that darn cold.

1. Rest. It seems simple but it’s so underappreciated. When you keep going and going, your body has to work harder to keep up, so when you’re feeling under the weather it just has to work that much harder. Take an afternoon (or longer) to relax, go to bed earlier and maybe push that snooze button just a few more times.
2. Stay hydrated. Whatever is in your body needs to be expelled out of there. Water is usually good for this because oftentimes when we are sick, we get dehydrated from not wanting to eat or drink. But if you have a sore throat, try sipping some mint tea. It does wonders for the body.
3. Add moisture to the air. One simple way to do this is with a humidifier. Besides a low hum, you won’t even notice it there. Oftentimes our throat and nose become dry which causes a lot of the harsh scratchies we feel.
4. Relax. Sometimes we don’t feel that our bodies physically tense up from stress (even if we don’t feel stressed), which only adds to the growing cold. Stop, read a book, take a bath, do yoga.