November 07, 2011 (New York, NY) —As an alternative to its standard Egg Donation Program, the EcoDEP discount donor egg program offers patients an opportunity to receive donor eggs at a much lower total cycle cost of $14,950. The cost of a standard egg donation cycle is approximately double this cost.

“Because CHR, likely, offers the largest and most diverse pool of carefully selected egg donors in the world, and because of the program’s excellent pregnancy rates, CHR’s standard Egg Donation Program has served a worldwide clientele successfully for years,” explains Norbert Gleicher, MD, Medical Director of CHR. He adds: “The large number and diversity of available egg donors allow CHR, uniquely, to match donors closely to patients, and with practically no waiting period.” However, CHR recognizes fertility patients’ current economic realities. Dr. Gleicher continues: “Traditional egg donation is expensive. Looking for a less costly alternative, we created a radically different low cost donor egg program. EcoDEP, the new frozen donor egg program, utilizes frozen-thawed donor eggs instead of fresh donor eggs, and instead of giving one recipient all of the eggs from a donor, the program splits one donor’s eggs amongst up to three recipients.”

In the EcoDEP donor egg program, donor eggs are frozen after retrieval in batches of at least five. Once a recipient chooses a donor with frozen eggs as her “match,” a batch of five frozen eggs is thawed, fertilized with partner sperm, and resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus.

Although a number of recent studies from around the world reported comparable pregnancy rates from fresh and frozen donor eggs, the use of frozen eggs is still widely, including at CHR, considered “experimental.” As such, patients will be required to sign an informed consent, acknowledging the experimental nature of EcoDEP. Like all in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes at CHR, EcoDEP outcomes will be closely monitored, serially reported to CDC and SART, but also immediately published to the public on CHR’s website, as soon as statistically valid numbers become available.

“Choosing between standard egg donation and the new lower-cost EcoDEP requires careful consideration of advantages and disadvantages,” says David H. Barad, MD, CHR’s Director of Clinical ART. “If costs were not an issue, traditional egg donation would be the first choice of most patients, since it offers broader donor selection and higher cumulative pregnancy chances.” Dr. Barad continues: “But, only too often, second best choices have to be made in life, because first choices are unaffordable. EcoDEP will give many women their first access to egg donation. This may also be the first chance at pregnancy for these patients – and ultimately, this is what CHR stands for.”

About Center for Human Reproduction

Center for Human Reproduction, or CHR, is a leading fertility center in the United States with a worldwide reputation as a “fertility center of last resort.”  Under the leadership of Drs. Norbert Gleicher and David H. Barad, CHR is now offering the EcoDEP program for finding an affordable egg donor.  For more information, visit http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com.

In the United States pregnancy in older women is becoming progressively more common. For a number of years, US national birth data has demonstrated that women above age 40 now represent the most rapidly growing age group having children.

Different societal developments contribute to this development. More women are in the work force, there are fewer and later marriages, higher divorce rates and, of course, medical progress has allowed older women conceive into their 50s either with their own eggs or via egg donation.

Norbert Gleicher, MD and Medical Director of New York City’s Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) – a leading clinical and research center in infertility – has recently brought attention to the rising number of older women becoming mothers. In a blog published by CHR he notes that a number of media reports recently presented the pros and cons of pregnancy in older women. All reports, however, missed the most important conclusion to this seemingly sudden societal development (which in reality has been growing quietly for over a decade): the developed world is in the midst of a reproductive social revolution in which we will increasingly see older, and often single, women becoming mothers.

So far, the medical profession, academia and government have failed to address potential societal consequences of an increase in older mothers. The public and medical establishments are similarly skeptical and to a degree hostile to what some have derisively called “grandmothers having children.” Yet, Dr. Gleicher notes, “The trend [of pregnancy in older women] is irreversible, and can only be expected to accelerate.”

Dr. Gleicher further points out that at CHR the median patient age, which a decade ago was around 35 years, passed 40 in 2011. Egg donation, mostly utilized by older women who no longer have use of their own eggs, is CHR’s most rapidly growing in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Trends also can be seen nationally based on Center for Disease Control and Prevention data. Between 2004 and 2008 percentages of IVF cycles as a proportion of all IVF more than doubled above the age of 42. By 2008, egg donation cycles already represented 12.3% of all IVF cycles in the US.

“Medicine is not ready to manage pregnancy in older women safely and society is not ready to help them cope with older motherhood,” warns Dr. Gleicher. “Affected medical specialties have to develop the necessary expertise, whether they agree with patients’ decisions to be pregnant at advanced ages or not.” Feeling strongly about the subject, he concludes, “As we do not withhold care from smokers with lung cancer or from overly obese diabetics, it would be unethical to withhold care from older women desirous of motherhood.”

About CHR
Center for Human Reproduction (http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com) is a leading infertility center in New York City treating patients worldwide.  CHR is well-recognized for its major clinical research program, which has contributed a number of essential breakthroughs to the IVF process. Dr. Gleicher is available for further comments.

Hormone replacement therapy may have received negative publicity over the past ten years, but there are actually several different types that can be beneficial for many patients.  Both men and women who are experiences the symptoms of aging may find that treatment at a hormone replacement therapy Houston clinic can alleviate symptoms and help them lead healthier lives.

HRT in the Media
Hormone replacement therapy, often abbreviated HRT, was a standard treatment for the symptoms of menopause for many years.  Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and vaginal dryness are due to a drop in the hormone estrogen, and replacing lost estrogen can help relieve the unpleasant symptoms.  HRT (in the form of estrogen plus progestin, a synthetic form of the female reproductive hormone progesterone) was also thought to have long-term benefits for the prevention of osteoporosis, a loss of calcium (and subsequent weakening) in the bones caused by lower-than-normal estrogen levels.

A widespread clinical trial in 2002, however, found that HRT actually put women at an alarmingly increased risk of a number of life-threatening conditions.  Women on hormone replacement therapy programs had much higher rates of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, blood clots and abnormal mammograms.  Doctors immediately began prescribing the treatment much less often, and the results of the clinical trial frightened many women into stopping treatment without even consulting their physicians.

What is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Medical clinic Houston IMC recognizes that reproductive hormones are not the only hormones that decline with age, and replacing other lost hormones in the body can help reduce the effects of aging.  Adults suffering from low thyroid hormone levels may experience sleep problems, weight gain, low energy, or hair loss; supplementation with natural thyroid replacements can help these symptoms.  Cortisol, testosterone and DHEA are other common hormones whose supplementation may benefit the patient.

It’s important for patients to pay attention o their bodies and take note when they are experiencing unusual symptoms.  Recognizing low hormone levels is different from recognizing the symptoms of a disease in that patients often attribute their condition to aging or stress or work – but often there is a simple and natural solution with hormone replacement.

It’s important for men and women interested in wrinkle treatments to understand the risks as well as the benefits.  With the services of an experienced and licensed cosmetic dermatologist Westchester NY trusts, your procedure with likely go smoothly with no unpleasant or unexpected side effects – however, an empowered patient should always be prepared an ask their doctor what they can expect.

While a traditional facelift or s-lift (also called a “mini-facelift”) used to be the only ways to significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles, Botox is now the standard wrinkle treatment for patents interested in looking younger.  Botox and cosmetic surgery each come with advantages and risks.

Advantages and Risks of a Facelift
Whether the patient chooses a traditional facelift or a mini-facelift, both carry the same pros and cons.  A facelift is a permanent procedure with excellent results.  The surgeon can tailor his work to the patient’s exact specifications, and excess sagging skin can also be removed.  However, as a facelift is a surgical procedure which requires general anesthesia, it carries the risk of surgical complications like bleeding and infection.  Scars may also be visible (though a good surgeon will hide them in the hairline).  The procedure may cause pain or numbness in the face and swelling that lasts for weeks.

In addition to the risks brought on by surgery, a poor surgeon can botch the procedure and produce undesirable results – such as asymmetry, skin contour irregularities, or skin discoloration.  A typical facelift patient has up to eight weeks of recovery time to look forward to before being able to return to work.  The procedure cannot be reversed, but patients dissatisfied with the results have the option of having additional surgeries to correct poorly done facelifts.

Advantages and Risks of Botox
Botox offers excellent wrinkle-reducing results at a cost far more affordable than cosmetic surgery.  A favorite of dermatologists in CT, Botox can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.  Many injectable dermal fillers (such as Radiesse and Juvederm) are also available to fill in lines around the mouth and nose.  The results last up to four months, and the procedure involves no general anesthesia and little pain.

Botox carries two main disadvantages.  First, the results are temporary – patients need to have the procedure repeated every few months to maintain results (when compared against the permanent results of a potentially botched facelift procedure, however, this becomes an advantage).  Botox also can’t deliver the lifting results that surgery can, nor can it remove sagging skin.  Results with Botox are more comfortable and require less recovery time, but they aren’t as dramatic as the results seen with a facelift.  Botox has a low risk of complications, but it may not be safe during pregnancy and some patients have reported a loss of muscle function (known as “freezing”) in the forehead.  While this is not harmful, it may limit a person’s ability to show facial expressions.

Knowing the risks as well as the advantages of any cosmetic procedure helps patients weight their options and make smarter choices.  Being well-informed about your treatment options will help you to make the best decision for you.

Most people associate heart disease with the elderly, but many women of child-bearing age can be afflicted with heart conditions. Without careful medical consideration, these conditions can be problematic during pregnancy.

While many heart conditions – such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or peripartum cardiomyopathy – can develop as a result of pregnancy, women with preexisting heart conditions need to take special care if they become or plan to become pregnant.  Changes to the body may aggravate medical conditions, but it’s possible to have a healthy pregnancy.

New Changes to the Body
During pregnancy, blood flow around the body greatly increases – putting added stress on the heart and blood vessels.  Blood volume increases by up to 50 percent, and the actual amount of blood pumped by the heart (or cardiac output) increases by up to 40 percent.  Heart rate also increases by 10-15 beats per minute.  This means that the heart is working much harder than it did before.

These changes to the heart are part of what causes fatigue during pregnancy (the body is using more energy than usual), and many women will experience light-headedness and shortness of breath.  While these symptoms are normal, the added stress to the heart can prove problematic for women with preexisting heart conditions.

Preexisting Heart Conditions – Planning for a Pregnancy
Women with a heart condition like hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmia, heart murmur, aorta disease, cardiomyopathy, rheumatic fever, narrowing of the heart valves or blood vessels, or a previous cardiac even such as a heart attack or stroke should see a cardiologist before planning their pregnancy.  Heart diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s especially important to take care of one’s heart while pregnant.  Cardiac surgery in Panama City center Cardiovascular Institute of Northwest Florida specializes in non-invasive and invasive cardiology, making their practice well-prepared to treat any woman with heart concerns related to her pregnancy.

A cardiologist will be able to examine you and discuss your heart function and whether it is safe for you to become pregnant.  Your cardiologist can also prescribe medication and treatment regimens for you to follow during your pregnancy as well as explain how to react if your condition begins to affect your health.  You may also need to adjust your medication while you are pregnant or breast feeding, and your cardiology specialist can recommend a safe dose.

It’s important for your health and the health of your child to discuss becoming pregnant with your cardiologist.  Under the safe care of a doctor, most women with preexisting heart conditions can safely carry a pregnancy to term.  For more information on a healthy pregnancy with heart problems, visit interventional cardiology Panama City FL center Cardiovascular Institute of Northwest Florida online.

August 23, 2011 (New York, NY) – Androgens (male hormones), contrary to popular belief, play a crucial role in women’s fertility. Some androgens and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may work together to encourage development of eggs in the ovary in the early stages of oocyte (egg) maturation, investigators from a New York fertility center suggested in a recent article.

In a paper just published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology¹, researchers from the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) reached these conclusions combining results from human and recent mouse research. Some androgens, such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), may make essential contributions to the normal maturation of follicles that contain eggs in the ovary.

Androgen’s role in female fertility has been controversial at best. Some researchers have even insisted that androgens are the principal enemy of follicle maturation, especially given observations in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), who often present with excess androgens and tend to struggle with infertility.

“Recent research data suggests that androgens and FSH, likely at specific, balanced concentrations, work together in promoting follicle development,” explains Norbert Gleicher, MD, lead author of the paper, and Medical Director of CHR. “Investigations of such intricacies of ovarian function cannot be done in humans, at least initially, and requires integration of animal data, which is exactly what we did.”

The synergism between androgens and FSH appears most pronounced in the pre-antral and early antral stages of follicle maturation, at least 2-3 months before an egg is ready for ovulation. “This may open new avenues for treatment, especially for women with ‘older’ ovaries,” says David H Barad, MD, another author of the study. “Instead of focusing only on the last two weeks of oocyte maturation, as we currently do with infertility treatments, we may be able to offer treatments that benefit follicle development from much earlier maturation stages.”

Dr. Gleicher notes in the publication that doctors at CHR have preliminary evidence that longer-term exposure to DHEA in combination with FSH may positively affect oocyte development, though more definite conclusions require further studies.

¹Gleicher N, Weghofer A, Barad DH. The role of androgens in follicle maturation and ovulation induction: friend or foe of infertility treatment? Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011;9(1):116.

Original article: Study Suggests Androgens Crucial to Female Fertility

About Center for Human Reproduction
Center for Human Reproduction (http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com) is a leading IVF center in New York City with world-wide clientele, well recognized for its major clinical research program, which over the years contributed a number of essential breakthroughs to the IVF process. Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad are available for further comments.

As we begin to age, it’s important to have more and more tests performed to ensure that our bodily systems are performing well and disease-free.  In terms of colon cancer Chicago figures are as frightening as in any city, and with regular procedures like a colonoscopy or an endoscopy Chicago-area residents can be ensured of better health.

While many gastroenterology are specialized, one in particular is absolutely necessaryy fo rall older Americans.  Northbrook gastroenterology practice Gastroenterology Consultants of the North Shore offers a range of procedures for early detection and better health.

1. Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is unique in that it is the only cancer screening test which actually prevents cancer.  If your gastroenterologist discovers pre-cancerous colon polyps in your colon during the procedure, he or she can remove them before they become a serious problem.  Adults at average risk should begin screening around age 50 and have a colonoscopy about every ten years, and higher-risk adults may need to consult with their doctor about screening more often.
2. Endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera at the ned is inserted int o the esophagus, allowing the doctor to see inside the patient’s esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.  This test is often performed when the patient has abdominal pain, malabsorption, gastritis, ulcers, and may detect other serious conditions.
3. Hydrogen Breath Testing. This is a simple, painless breath test that helps diagnose dietary intolerances like lactose and fructose.  As the symptoms of these conditions can often mirror more serious gastric problems, its absolutely essential to test for all possibilities.
4. Basic Bloodwork. Having basic blood tests can indicate conditions like liver disease, and more in-depth testing can be used to detect diseases like Hepatitis.
5. Physical Examination. A simple physical exam by your physician or gastroenterology specialist is the key to finding many health problems.  A physical exam, for example, is the method most commonly used to diagnose gallstones – which are often asymptomatic for years but can be easily noted with “Murphy’s sign,” which is a simple test involving feeling the patient’s stomach while he or she breaths to detect stones.

June 20, 2011 (Daytona Beach, FL) – Concierge medicine, executive health, and corporate healthcare provider EliteHealth is announcing its addition of a Daytona Beach concierge doctor.  Led by family practitioner Dr. Delicia Haynes of Family First Health Center, the new location offers the comprehensive concierge medical services that have made EliteHealth a world leader in VIP healthcare.

These services – including executive physicals, preventive care plans, family memberships, and online Patient Portal access – give patients the opportunity to manage their health in the most efficient way possible.  Members of EliteHealth’s concierge medical plans enjoy priority appointments with lower wait times as well as priority access to any of EliteHealth’s US or international locations.  EliteHealth also offers patients a significantly more personal experience with their doctor by giving them 24/7 cell phone and email access to their doctor and the ability to video chat online with their physician through the myEliteHealth.com online patient portal.  myEliteHealth also allows patients to request appointments, refill prescriptions, securely message their physician, and store their medical history online.  EliteHealth members are also assigned a Personal Health Advocate to assist them with scheduling appointments, managing their health histories, finding a specialist, and all other aspects of navigating the healthcare system.

In addition to concierge and preventive health plans, EliteHealth offers a range of plans catering to business executives and corporations seeking better-quality care.  Their Executive Wellness plan offers yearly executive physicals including full bloodwork, a thorough physical exam, a medical history analysis, stress tests, and heart and lung function tests to help maintain optimal health throughout the year.  EliteHealth’s corporate wellness programs start at under $6 per month per employee and offer the entire company excellent preventive screenings and online medical access.

EliteHealth is now prepared to offer members in the Daytona Beach area better access at the Family First Health Center.  In addition to her services as an EliteHealth physician and a family practitioner, Dr. Haynes specializes in aesthetic treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and skin treatments.  She also focuses strongly on nutrition, offering nutraceuticals and medical weight loss programs.  “I was looking for a partner to help me offer a higher level of service and an even better patient experience by improving availability and offering more on-site services,” says Dr. Haynes.   Daytona Beach residents can learn more about EliteHealth’s new location at http://www.elitehealth.com/location/daytona_beach_fl_medical_office.

About EliteHealth
EliteHealth is a concierge medical program offering comprehensive care, executive physicals, and 24/7 access to a personal physician.  Their Daytona Beach office is the newest in a series of locations serving members worldwide.  For more information, visit http://www.elitehealth.com.

June 14, 2011 (New York, NY) – Infertile women all over the world are falling victim to a widespread misunderstanding of Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), a medical condition in which a woman’s ovarian function is lost prematurely ,warns a New York infertility expert. This misunderstanding, in some cases, results in women resorting to egg donation even when they still have a significant chance of pregnancy without donor eggs.

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is also called early menopause or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), a recently coined medical term. Current diagnostic criteria for POF are Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels above 40.0 mIU/mL before age 40 – a condition known as High FSH. True POF affects only approximately 1% of all women. However, approximately 10% of all women experience a premature decline of ovarian function, which is milder than outright POF. This milder decline in ovarian function is called Premature Ovarian Aging (POA) or Occult Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (OPOI).

This multitude of medical terminologies for similar or identical medical conditions has led to serious problems for affected patients. “Correct diagnosis is crucial in advising patients about prognosis and treatment choices, because women with POA, especially if under age 42, still have excellent pregnancy chances with correct treatments,” explains Norbert Gleicher, MD, Founder and Medical Director of the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) in New York City. “In contrast, women with true POF have much poorer pregnancy chances with the use of their own eggs, and usually require experimental treatments.”

While women with POF and POA represent only a small minority of all women, they are a significant presence in infertility setting. “The percentages amongst patients vary between fertility centers, but have been reported to reach 50-60% in centers like CHR that specialize in women with diminished ovarian function,” notes David H. Barad, MD, MS, the center’s Clinical Director of Assisted Reproduction. “Incorrect diagnoses and treatments can, therefore, negatively affect a rather large number of infertility patients.”

“We see an increasing number of POA patients who have been given a POF diagnosis,” adds Dr. Gleicher. “They are advised to pursue egg donation very prematurely, in our opinion. A significant minority of those who consult our center after such advice end up conceiving without egg donation!”

Dr. Gleicher discusses High FSH and its implications in female fertility. This video on High FSH can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xYkGeTZQ6U

About Center for Human Reproduction
Center for Human Reproduction (http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com) is a leading IVF center in New York City with world-wide clientele, well recognized for its major clinical research program, which over the years contributed a number of essential breakthroughs to the IVF process. Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad are available for further comments.

June 10, 2011 (Miami, Florida) – A leading provider of executive health and corporate health programs, concierge medical service EliteHealth has been selected by the southern division of Holman Automotive Group – one of the nation’s top auto dealership and leasing companies – to provide a Wellness Program for their managerial staff.  The move follows a successful implementation of EliteHealth’s Executive Wellness Program in 2010, which has provided concierge medical services to 15 of Holman’s southern executive management group.

More and more companies are recognizing that corporate success is dependent upon the strength of the corporation’s staff – and keeping employees healthy is the best way to improve productivity, reduce sick leave, and prevent sub-par performance while at work.  Offering employees a higher-level healthcare plan also increases employee satisfaction in the workplace and reflects upon the corporation’s positive attitude toward its staff.  By selecting programs from EliteHealth, Holman Automotive Group is demonstrating its dedication to caring for its valuable employees.

The wellness program selected by Holman Automotive Group for their managerial staff serves around 70 managers and features a range of exclusive concierge healthcare services.  Managers will enjoy an annual executive physical exam, which features CIMT cardiac testing, a heart scan, advanced lipid profiling, and chest x-ray; a thorough medical history evaluation; and nutrition counseling.  This intense focus on preventive cardiology and healthcare acts to “ensure they’re not missing any diseases,” says Dr. Perry Krichmar, M.D. and Chief Operations Officer at EliteHealth.  “Holman recognizes this because we had done this last year and it rolled so well with their executives.”  Holman’s managers will also receive priority medical appointments with their physicians as well as a personal Health Care Advocate to help them make appointments, find physicians, manage their medical records, and navigate the healthcare system.

In addition to healthcare and wellness programs for executives and managers, EliteHealth also specializes in Corporate Wellness Programs which offer comprehensive lab testing, 24/7 online access to an ER physician plus their personal medical records through EliteHealth’s patient portal myEliteHealth.com, in-home or in-room doctor visits while traveling, and personal health consultations.  Starting at under $6 per month per employee, these programs offer corporations an extremely affordable way to ensure that the entire staff is well-cared for.  Holman Automotive Group’s southern division has taken a smart step toward total employee health by offering their executives and managers care plans from EliteHealth.

About EliteHealth
A leading provider of concierge medical services, EliteHealth offers comprehensive and affordable healthcare plans for individuals, executives, and corporations as well as executive physicals geared towards improving the health of busy executives.  For more information on care plans, visit http://www.elitehealth.com/executive_healthcare.php or http://www.elitehealth.com/executive_corporate_programs.php.