Embracing the Ravages of Time: A healthy lifestyle can have a positive influence on the way a person ages, says Dr. Paul Stallone. Here are common concerns and potential treatments.

Achy hips, stiff knees, back pain, fatigue, low libido, weight gain and a host of other complaints are the reasons why some people fear aging. If life were fair, it would involve graceful aging with family and friends and creating more amazing memories. Unfortunately, our bodies physically break down with age, mainly because the production of hormones starts to decline between 30 to 40 years of age. The lack of those hormones, along with lifestyle choices, contributes to internal and external aging. Accelerated aging can rob decades of future moments and make the remaining years painful and frustrating.

A healthy lifestyle can have a positive influence on the way a person ages. A clean diet with the right exercise may help increase hormone production and promote vitality, while a lifestyle of dead food and inactivity will encourage disease and premature aging. It's never too late to incorporate healthy choices and undo past damage. If addressed early enough, minimal effort will be needed. There are multiple choices for someone wanting to reverse the damage caused by aging. Here are some common concerns and possible treatments.

Low libido: Hormones regulate almost every function in the body from sleep to metabolism, and libido is highly affected by any hormonal change. Most patients, male and female, can easily achieve a more active libido with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and individually chosen supplements. Many women experience physical problems with intercourse. HRT may address pain and reduce dryness. These two problems can significantly impact a woman's desire to have and enjoy intercourse.

Low energy/stamina: This is very common and can be one of the first symptoms noticed, but is usually ignored or self-treated. These complaints can also be an early sign of other systems malfunctioning. A full blood workup will provide important details for a customized treatment plan. Depending on these results, HRT or even supplements could eliminate fatigue by addressing the root problem.

Weight issues: Anyone with an underlying hormonal imbalance will struggle to either lose or gain weight. Again, hormones orchestrate digestion and metabolism and need to be in balance before a weight-loss program is initiated. Many patients are able to correct their weight just by balancing their hormones.

Joint pain: Over time, supportive tissue within joints can break down and/or lose their integrity. Joints can also sustain injuries overtime, contributing to joint pain and reducing mobility. Weakened, aged and injured joints are excellent candidates for joint regeneration therapy; Prolozone, prolotherapy, and platelet-rich plasma are quick, natural injections that stimulate supportive tissue growth and permanently address the root cause of pain.

There are numerous symptoms associated with aging, and many can be debilitating. Whether they're mild or severe, these symptoms don’t have to be tolerated. There are natural, but aggressive treatment options available that may reduce or eliminate the unnecessary side effects of aging. However, HRT should only be used under the guidance and supervision of an experienced physician/naturopath. Hormones are intricately linked with one another, and adjusting them requires extensive knowledge and expertise. Working with a knowledgeable physician will ensure a safe, effective HRT program and years of future joyous memories.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. He combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments to best fit and benefit each individual patient’s needs. For more information, call 480-214-3922 or visit DrStallone.com.