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Our Offices |
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101 Old Short Hills Rd
Atkins-Kent Building, Suite 410
West Orange NJ 07052
973-736-1100
33 Overlook Rd.
MAC Building
Suite 108
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-4558
696 Ave. C
Bayonne, NJ 07002
201-339-3300
M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Audrey A. Romero, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Elizabeth Lucarelli, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Lisa Abeshaus,
M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
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| We hope you are having a happy and healthy 2009!
We are thrilled to present the new layout of our LifeCycles newsletter. Our goal is to ensure the newsletter is easy to read, user friendly and educational.
We will continue to provide topics that are current, informative and important to your good health.
This issue discusses the hype behind Bioidentical Hormones, new Breast Cancer News, Obesity in Pregnancy and Curing Incontinence.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Rubino and Staff |
| Bioidentical Hormones:
Celebs, Sex, Lies and THE TRUTH |
 What are they selling?
There has been a lot of talk lately about Bioidentical Hormones, also known as Estrogen Replacement, and the superior health benefits to help relieve menopause symptoms. Beware of what you may hear on talk shows or in cafe's.
"Bioidentical" is not a medical term, it is a marketing term.
Estrogen is Estrogen, regardless of the preparation, it carries some risks and benefits. Whether a bioidentical estrogen is sold by a pharmaceutical company, or custom mixed in a pharmacy, they all are produced from a yam or soy base, all from a lab in Germany. They are the identical hormone, the difference is in the consistency of the products and the preparation.
There are two preparations of "bioidentical" estrogen replacement hormones in the U.S.:
1. The kind that are regulated, produced by pharmaceutical companies, under the stringent purity guidelines and testing of the FDA.
2. The second kind are the "custom compounded" in a pharmacy. They are unregulated and are produced with no FDA requirement of purity, potency, efficacy and safety, varying in all of these categories from batch to batch.
The second type are the ones that are pushed by celebrities and profiteers, who often have a financial interest in them and are selling them as "superior". In reality, these hormones have no proven benefit over commercially produced preparations, and carry at least the same risk, if not greater, since the dose of estrogen can vary widely, from batch to batch in the custom compounded version. In fact, a recent FDA analysis of hormones produced by FDA regulated companies received a 2% failure rate in quality tests versus a 34 % failure rate for custom compounded hormones.
Regulated "bioidenticals" have a "black box" of warnings required by the FDA and typically require a prescription, covered by most insurance plans.
The counterpart compounded hormones do not have a black box and are not covered by insurance.
Ultimately, when presented with the option to ingest a drug that has been tested and regulated for purity, potency, efficacy and safety, versus one that has not, without any proven benefits...why would you choose the latter? |
| Breast Cancer Decreases by Reducing Estrogen |
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The February 5, 2009 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine confirms a decrease of breast cancer incidence to the decrease in post menopausal hormone replacement therapy.
A 43 % decrease in new breast cancer cases paralleled an abrupt drop in usage from 2002 through 2004, when the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, called for an abrupt stop to all post-menopausal hormone therapy because of an increase in stroke and heart attacks.
The decrease in breast cancer incidence followed as the study participants were observed, going forward in time, after stopping therapy. Apparently the women taking hormone replacement therapy were no longer at an increased risk, after being off hormones for two years. The data helps confirm some of the risks suspected in taking estrogen after menopause as well as confirming the risk is not lifelong.
Hormone replacement is determined on an individual basis after thorough evaluation by your OB/GYN. Use is determined by weighing the benefits and risks and is often recommended only when more extreme symptons are present. |
| Obesity and Pregnancy: Start Healthy |
 Obesity can affect all aspects of pregnancy, from conception through the post partum period.
Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Management of this starts before pregnancy, with weight reduction prior to conception, the most crucial time.
Obesity prior to conception can increase the risk for diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy, and a higher rate of certain fetal anomalies has been noted as well, such as neural tube defects. Weight reduction prior to conception has been shown to greatly improve ovulation and fertility.
In addition, more than 40 percent of American women gain more that the recommended 25 lbs during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, exercise and plenty of rest to help keep weight gain in check. Keeping your weight in control will also help to drop the baby weight after giving birth.
In more extreme cases of obesity, women with a BMI over 40 (or above 35 with significant medical issues such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.) may benefit from bariatric surgery ( aka 'gastric stapling') prior to becoming pregnant. You should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to see if you are a good candidate. |
| Incontinence: Urodynamic Testing |
Dr Audrey Romero, Urogynecologist, notes that "incontinence affects millions of women, begininning often in their 30's or after the birth of their first child". Incontinence is often ignored or not adressed because of embarassment or a notion that 'nothing can be done'.
A simple, computerized test, known as "urodynamics", can isolate the type of incontinence and the best therapy to pursue, from medical, behavioral or surgical. The solution may be simple and yes, something can be done to alleviate this uncomfortable diagnosis.
Dr Romero runs the Urodynamics lab, based at the West Orange offices. She was trained at Duke Medical School and she specializes in Urogynecology and Pelvic Support Surgery.
Why suffer any longer? Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Romero today to discuss your options. |
| Office Announcements |
Dr. Rubino Publishes & Presents an Article for AIUM
Dr. Rubino's research article on Cryoablation was accepted for publication in the AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine) journal and he was asked to present it at the national scientific meeting for AIUM in NYC on April 3, 2009!
4D Gift Certificates
Due to the great response during the holidays, we are now offering our 4D Gift Certificates year round! Contact our offices if you would like to purchase one for a friend or loved one.
Save Time With Our Online Appointments, Consultations and Personal Health Records
To schedule online appointments, consultations or view your personal health records at your convenience, just visit www.rubinoobgyn.com and click "appointments," "online consult" or "personal health records" on the left side of the home page. You can also call 973-736-1100 now to schedule an appointment at any of our three locations.
"Important Announcements"on Our Website
You can find important new developments and time-sensitive announcements (such as office closings due to snow) right on the upper right hand portion of our home page. | |
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