Semaglutide is an incretin mimetic, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. It helps lower blood sugar levels and reduces appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic for treating type 2 diabetes. In 2021, a higher dose of semaglutide called Wegovy was also approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight.
Semaglutide injections help people feel more satisfied after eating so they eat less food. By lowering calorie intake, semaglutide promotes weight loss while also controlling blood sugar.
Semaglutide is taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, typically in the thigh or abdomen. It mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone released from the gut after eating. GLP-1 lowers blood sugar levels by:
The effects of semaglutide lead to better control of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
For weight loss, semaglutide also helps reduce appetite by increasing feelings of fullness and satisfaction after smaller meals. People injecting semaglutide for weight loss often eat less because they feel less hungry compared to before starting treatment.
Semaglutide shots provide several advantages that can promote health and wellbeing:
In clinical trials, people with obesity taking semaglutide had significant weight loss compared to placebo groups not taking the medication. Many people lost 10-15% of their body weight over 1-2 years. This amount of weight loss can lead to considerable health improvements.
Semaglutide lowers A1C levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) by about 1-2% on average. This effect helps many people get their type 2 diabetes under better control.
Studies show semaglutide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke by about 25-30% compared to placebo. This likely occurs partly from improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight.
Unlike many diabetes medications taken as pills, semaglutide is injected just once per week subcutaneously. The simplicity improves compliance for people who struggle taking daily oral medications.
Semaglutide may be an option for certain adults looking to lose weight or improve diabetes, including:
Adults with a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with at least one weight-related health issue like diabetes or hypertension). Primary care providers may prescribe it specifically for chronic weight management.
People who are overweight or have obesity who also have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes.
Those with type 2 diabetes not controlled adequately through diet, exercise and other antidiabetic medications like metformin. It can be added onto other agents.
Doctors determine if semaglutide is appropriate after thoroughly reviewing the patient’s medical history and current health status. People should not use it if they have certain medical conditions.
As with most medications, semaglutide shots may cause certain side effects including:
Common issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, especially early in treatment. Normally improves with time.
Some irritation, rash or itching may occur where injected. Rotating sites helps reduce reactions.
Rapid weight loss promotes stone development. Risk is low but higher than not taking medication.
May worsen existing retinopathy or cause new retinal damage. Eye exams prior are vital.
Notify a healthcare professional about any side effects. Most are mild/moderate and diminish with continued use. Semaglutide risks are low overall, especially compared to benefits.
Semaglutide comes in a prefilled pen device meant for subcutaneous self-injection. Two key steps ensure proper administration:
Rotate injection sites each week (abdomen, thighs, upper arms). Use proper injection technique. Ask healthcare providers for help.
Begin with low dose of 0.25 or 0.5mg weekly. Increase slowly every 4 weeks up to target maintenance dose of 1-2mg, based on effects.
This gradual increase in dose minimizes side effects. Most people reach optimal dose for diabetes control or weight loss within 12-16 weeks. Doctors may modify dose based on individual response over time.
Semaglutide treatment works best paired with healthy lifestyle modifications for maximal results:
Eat a balanced, reduced-calorie diet focusing on lean proteins, fruits/veggies, whole grains and healthy fats. Keep meals small.
Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking, swimming or cycling. Increase muscle strength training too.
Work on mindful eating, stress management, better sleep habits. Keep food/activity journals. Seek counseling if needed.
Implementing positive lifestyle changes augments semaglutide’s effects for enhanced weight loss, diabetes control, cholesterol reduction and feeling healthier overall.
Imbalances in hormones like testosterone, estrogen and thyroid can occur from various root causes:
As we age, hormone levels naturally decline, especially testosterone in men and estrogen in women.
Diseases involving glands that produce hormones can impair their secretion and function.
Certain prescription drugs influence hormonal pathways and lead to high/low levels.
Poor diet, excess body fat, high stress, alcohol abuse negatively affect hormones.
Recognizing reasons for deficiency is key for appropriate diagnosis and management to restore optimal balance. Doctors order lab tests to check status of hormones in the body and pinpoint where imbalances exist. Common blood tests helpful for diagnosis include total and free testosterone, estradiol, FSH, TSH and T3/T4 thyroid levels. Treatment varies based on which hormones are affected and the underlying reasons causing disruption in the first place.
Lifestyle improvements combined with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy under medical supervision may provide the best results when correcting hormone deficiencies.
Doctors diagnose hormone imbalances using two main approaches:
Bloodwork checks levels of key hormones related to disorders. Comparing results to normal ranges indicates excesses or deficiencies.
A detailed history documents symptoms potentially tied to hormonal shifts like unusual fatigue, low libido or mood swings.
Combining both objective lab data and subjective symptoms helps guide proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment to restore optimal hormonal balance. Ongoing follow-up continues tracking progress through repeat testing and evaluating response to therapies.
The greater Ballston Spa area offers many wonderful spots to enjoy gentle outdoor activities, unwinding and getting in better shape during hormone treatment including:
Features relaxing nature trails perfect for leisurely walks along the Kayaderosseras Creek.
Miles of flat scenic paths ideal for walking, jogging or biking amid mineral springs.
Quaint village park with wildlife pond and half-mile paved trail. Benches allow resting to reflect.
Peaceful country setting for horseback riding with professional instruction.
Upbeat gym providing group classes, personal training and strength equipment.
Welcoming studio holding gentle classes nurturing mindfulness, flexibility and recovery.
Ballston Spa contains remnants of early Indigenous settlements, mineral springs and centuries of rich history. The friendly village exudes warm hospitality, arts, nature and small town charm making it a wonderful homebase while partaking in health-promoting activities during rejuvenating hormone therapy.
The area enjoys four distinct seasons. Late spring through early fall tends to be ideal for spending more time outdoors. The winter months allow enjoying indoor hot yoga, swimming and recreation center workouts when icy conditions make stepping outside more challenging at times.
General Information about Balance Health Clinic
The skilled practitioners at Balance Health Clinic bring extensive training in functional, naturopathic and integrative medicine. We keep current on the latest advancements in precision testing, bioidentical hormone therapies and holistic protocols to treat root causes of health issues - not just symptoms.
Our goal is restoring wellness by optimizing all key hormones to help you look, feel and live your absolute best regardless of age or gender. We frequently help patients with fatigue, sexual dysfunction, emotional imbalances and cognitive concerns among many other symptoms potentially arising from hormonal dysregulation.
With over a decade collectively treating thousands of patients, Balance Health Clinic stands confidently as the most experienced hormone clinic in the region. We provide time-tested therapies using bioidentical hormones which precisely match natural hormones produced in the human body. Our systematic approach includes:
We understand hormone balance is complex and highly individualized. Our commitment is thoughtfully listening and crafting tailored treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs for sustainable restoration of health, vitality and an elevated quality of life.
While we mainly focus on delivering cutting-edge hormone replacement protocols, our practitioners at Balance Health Clinic simultaneously concentrate on empowering patients to enhance key aspects of lifestyle for creating optimal conditions of wellness.
We provide personalized guidance and resources regarding:
Simultaneously targeting both internal hormonal balance and external lifestyle habits leads to profoundly amplified and sustainable wellness outcomes from therapy. We encourage utilizing additional holistic services for most robust results.
We hope this promotional text helped provide more insight into semaglutide compounded and the services Balance Health Clinic offers regarding hormone therapies in the Ballston Spa region. Please . We aim to support all residents struggling with suboptimal hormone levels optimize how they look, think, feel and function their absolute best. Contact us today to begin your journey towards lifelong health and wellbeing.
