Education Articles
Testosterone Therapy for Women: A Critical Hormone for Energy, Libido, and Wellbeing
While testosterone is typically associated with men’s health, it also plays a critical role in the wellbeing of women. Produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone contributes to libido, energy, muscle mass, bone density, and mood regulation. For many women, especially those approaching menopause or who have undergone surgical oophorectomy, testosterone levels decline significantly which leads to a constellation of symptoms that can be addressed with carefully monitored hormone replacement therapy.
Oral vs Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss: A Closer Look at Effectiveness and Safety
Minoxidil is one of the most widely used medications for androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). While most patients are familiar with the over-the-counter topical version, oral minoxidil has recently gained attention for its superior efficacy and ease of use. Originally developed as an antihypertensive, oral minoxidil has been repurposed at low doses to stimulate robust hair regrowth across the scalp with a favorable safety profile. Understanding the differences between oral and topical delivery can help patients and providers choose the right strategy for hair restoration.
Understanding Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches
Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is a poorly understood but increasingly recognized condition characterized by persistent physical, neurological, and sexual symptoms that continue long after discontinuing finasteride. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor commonly prescribed for androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although effective in reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, its systemic effects can disrupt hormonal and neurosteroid balance, resulting in long-term adverse outcomes in a subset of users.
Comparing Biological Therapies for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that leads to cartilage loss, pain, stiffness, and functional decline. While joint replacement remains a final option for severe cases, many patients seek less invasive solutions that can relieve symptoms and delay or prevent surgery. Regenerative and orthobiologic therapies have emerged as promising options, offering tissue-supportive and anti-inflammatory effects. This article compares four common injectable treatments, hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), in the management of knee OA.
Innovative Treatment for Hard Flaccid Syndrome: A Multimodal, Regenerative Approach
Hard flaccid syndrome is a distressing and poorly understood condition that primarily affects men between the ages of 20 and 40. It is characterized by persistent penile discomfort, a semi-rigid flaccid state, perineal tension, and erectile dysfunction that cannot be attributed to typical organic or psychological causes alone. Because it overlaps with both pelvic floor dysfunction and neurovascular dysregulation, treatment requires a nuanced, multidisciplinary approach. At the Performance Medicine Institute, we combine pelvic rehabilitation with regenerative therapies and metabolic support to offer a comprehensive strategy for recovery.
Rehabilitation After Prostate Cancer Surgery: Optimizing Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes
Prostate cancer surgery, most commonly a radical prostatectomy, is a critical intervention for treating localized prostate cancer. However, it can lead to substantial changes in urinary, sexual, and pelvic function. Many patients are unprepared for the downstream effects of surgery, which may include incontinence, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, and impaired core strength. Rehabilitation is not just supportive care, it is a proactive, evidence-based approach that improves quality of life and accelerates functional recovery.
Long-Term Musculoskeletal Effects of HIV Medications and the Role of Metabolic Optimization
Advances in HIV treatment have transformed the condition from a fatal disease into a chronic, manageable illness. However, the long-term use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can lead to adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. These include loss of lean body mass, increased visceral adiposity, reduced bone mineral density, and sarcopenia. At the Performance Medicine Institute, we use an evidence-informed strategy that includes testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and metabolic optimization to preserve muscle, reduce fat, and support immune function.
Lifting Weights vs Cardio for Weight Loss: Why Resistance Training Wins
When it comes to weight loss, most people immediately turn to cardio workouts like running, biking, or swimming. While cardiovascular exercise has clear health benefits, it may not be the most effective strategy for long-term fat loss. Increasingly, research supports resistance training as the superior method for losing fat while preserving or even gaining muscle mass.
Optimizing Vitamin D for Health and Wellness
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone essential to the health and function of nearly every system in the body. While it’s best known for regulating calcium and maintaining bone density, vitamin D also plays a direct role in muscle strength, pelvic floor function, immune response, metabolic health, and hormonal balance. Despite Arizona’s abundant sunshine, vitamin D deficiency remains common, often due to indoor lifestyles, consistent sunscreen use, higher melanin levels, and age-related changes in synthesis and metabolism. At the Performance Medicine Institute, we routinely evaluate and optimize vitamin D levels as part of our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal and metabolic care.
Maximizing Weight Loss and Muscle Health While Using GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have changed the treatment landscape for people struggling with obesity and metabolic disease. These medications mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. When you eat, your body naturally releases GLP-1 to slow down how fast your stomach empties, promote insulin release, and reduce feelings of hunger. These drugs extend the effects of GLP-1, making it easier to feel full with less food, control cravings, and reduce overall calorie intake.