Texas Diabetes

Texas Diabetes Offers Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Posted on November 9, 2023November 9, 2023 by Leslie Branon

Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology’s team of board-certified endocrinology experts treat common endocrinology issues which are closely associated with the body’s hormonal system.

One of the services we offer patients is gender affirming hormone therapy. In this blog, Dr. Valerie Espinosa explains everything you need to know about the gender affirming hormone therapy we offer in Austin, TX.

What is gender affirming hormone therapy?

This form of treatment is used in transgender and non-binary patients in order to help better align the body with a person’s gender identity, whether it be feminizing or masculinizing therapy.

Feminizing therapy is mainly achieved with the administration of the hormone estradiol in transgender women and non-binary individuals.

While estradiol is the mainstay of treatment, other medications may sometimes be

added (such as progestins and anti-androgens). Treatment with these medications induces several physical changes that are more consistent with a feminine appearance. These changes

include:

Breast development
Less facial and body hair
Softer skin
More body fat and a decline in muscle mass
Smaller testicles
Lower libido and fewer erections

Masculinizing therapy which uses testosterone in transgender men and non-binary individuals will also bring about several physical changes which include:

Cessation of the menstrual cycle
Deepening of the voice
Growth of facial and body hair
Clitoral enlargement
Increase in strength and muscle mass

How long does it take to see changes with gender affirming hormone therapy?

Changes generally start to occur within a few months, but full effects may not become apparent

until two to five years after starting hormone therapy.

What are the possible risks and side effects?

Gender affirming hormone therapy does not come without serious risks/side effects.

Estrogen-related side effects are:

Blood clots
Higher cholesterol
Elevated prolactin
Weight gain
Hypertension
Potential for stroke
Mood changes, anxiety or depression

Testosterone-related side effects are:

Weight gain
Acne
Male pattern baldness
Higher cholesterol
Hypertension
Sleep apnea
High red blood cell counts
Blood clots

Both hormones will cause the transgender individual to develop infertility, which may or may

not be permanent.

What is the process to begin gender affirming hormone therapy?

Prior to starting therapy, we require a physician referral. Then, we will provide patient education including the risks and benefits of treatment to ensure that you are well informed enough to consent to treatment. Following this initial step, you will:

1. Undergo a complete medical evaluation, including physical exam and laboratory diagnostics, to determine any treatment risks.

2. Learn about and discuss options for fertility preservation.

3. Seek a mental health evaluation in order to confirm a gender dysphoria diagnosis and to rule out any co-existing mental health issues.

Once you have begun your hormone therapy, you will visit with our providers on a regular basis so that we can track your response to treatment and check for any signs of complications.

We are ready to facilitate your journey through this process.

If you’d like to learn more about our gender affirming hormone therapy services, please call Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

Weight and Insulin Resistance Connection

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Leslie Branon

Insulin resistance is a common condition that is linked with weight gain in many individuals. When our bodies become resistant to insulin, it can result in higher levels of glucose in the blood, and cause the body to store energy rather than burn fat.

Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology Advanced Practice Provider Brandy Wellmon, PA-C shares her knowledge about insulin resistance for The Checkup. Wellmon explains, “People that naturally gain weight in their belly are more prone to insulin resistance.”

Wellmon recommends developing a weight loss plan and committing to it in order to see results.

“If you set your expectations to attainable goals, then the first and most important thing to remember is you should stick with your lifestyle improvements for at least three months before you should expect to see a significant amount of weight loss.”

Read the article for tips to lose weight with insulin resistance.

For more information on our personalized approach to weight management, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call (512) 458-8400.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you with helpful wellness and health information.

Sleep and Diabetes: Wake up to why Sleep Matters

Posted on October 11, 2023October 11, 2023 by Leslie Branon

With busier-than-ever schedules, unending distractions and rising rates of sleep disorders, sleep is a hot topic for just about everyone these days.

However, if you’re living with diabetes or at risk of the condition, the quality and quantity of sleep you get each night play even more significant roles in your health and how you feel.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults get seven hours of sleep each night. Children and teens need more. The CDC reports more than a quarter of Americans don’t meet this recommendation.

“Not getting enough sleep negatively affects every area of your diabetes management and puts those who have yet to be diagnosed at risk,” says endocrinologist Dr. Tira Chaicha-Brom.

“Getting less than seven hours sleep increases your body’s insulin resistance, causing you to feel hungrier the next day and making it more likely for you to reach for foods higher in sugar and carbs,” Dr. Chaicha-Brom says. “That’s why you see those who aren’t getting proper sleep have a harder time maintaining a healthy weight.”

In addition, poor sleep is associated with an increased risk of diabetic complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Research shows too little sleep can raise blood pressure, seriously raising the risk of heart attack, and also confirms sleep deprivation affects immunity.

Start improving your sleep today by following these simple steps, as outlined by the CDC:

Do:

Get some physical activity each day.
Set up a comfortable, dark, quiet and cool environment in your bedroom. In fact, experts say 65 degrees is optimal for quality sleep.
Set aside time to unwind and relax before bedtime. Establish a bedtime routine that might include reading, showering, or anything to start slowing down for the night.
Go to bed and wake up around the same time of day, including the weekends, for the best quality sleep

Don’t:

Drink caffeine or alcohol in the afternoon and evening. Skip the nicotine while you’re at it, as it acts like caffeine.
Nap after 3 p.m., you might not feel tired by bedtime.
Indulge in a big meal close to bedtime, as eating late can cause indigestion and cause blood sugar levels to spike overnight.
Watch screens before bedtime, including TV, using the computer or your smartphone.
Get into bed unless you’re tired.

For more information on our personalized approach to diabetes management, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call (512) 458-8400.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you with helpful health and wellness information.

extreme thirst, polydipsia, anemia and diabetes

Dr. Srujana Yada for Health Central: How Anemia Can Cause Excess Thirst

Posted on September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 by Leslie Branon

There are numerous causes of unexplained increased thirst (polydipsia), including dehydration, anemia, dry mouth, and hypercalcemia. However, it is mostly commonly associated with diabetes.

In a recent Health Central article, endocrinologist Dr. Srujana Yada explains that extreme thirst can be a result of severe anemia because when “blood pressure drops and blood volume decreases, one of the mechanisms our brain uses to maintain blood pressure is to increase water intake.”

Dr. Yada advises people to drink two to three liters of fluid (about a gallon) a day, and “if a person is drinking more than a gallon a day for several days and unable to quench thirst even after that, I would recommend seeing a doctor.”

Read the article to learn about the causes of polydipsia and when to see a doctor.

For more information on our comprehensive endocrinology services, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call (512) 458-8400.