Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which result from excessive electrical discharges in the brain. These seizures can vary in severity and frequency, leading to physical problems, psychological conditions, and an increased risk of premature death.

However, despite the condition being challenging to live with, there is hope on the horizon, thanks to the expertise of healthcare teams offering comprehensive care and treatment options, that go beyond medication.

Guidelines for prescribing anti-seizure medications rely on a comprehensive assessment of diagnostic findings. Once an accurate diagnosis has been established, doctors tailor treatments accordingly.

Related: New study: Sleep and stress patterns predict epileptic seizures

Approximately two-thirds of individuals with epilepsy can achieve seizure control by choosing the appropriate medication tailored to their specific needs. Nevertheless, not all patients exhibit a positive response to medication, and up to one-third of them experience persistent seizures. These individuals, termed as patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, require further, specialised evaluations and might be eligible for interventions like brain surgery or neurostimulation therapy.

Surgical interventions and neurostimulation

Dr. Florian Roser, Chair of Neurological Institute from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explains: “While medication remains a cornerstone, there are cases where surgical intervention becomes necessary. One such surgical approach is focal resective surgery, which is employed when seizures originate from a distinct brain focus, typically in the temporal lobe. This procedure involves the careful removal of the problematic brain area while preserving vital neurological functions. It’s a precise and intricate operation that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. Common causes of partial epilepsy that may warrant this surgery include the presence of scars, tumours, or developmental issues.”

Dr. Florian Roser

Dr. Roser explains that for more extensive epileptic regions that cannot be managed through focal resective surgery, a lobectomy may be considered. This decision is made after a meticulous risk-benefit evaluation. He notes, “A lobectomy entails the removal of a portion of the brain, disconnecting the epileptic hemisphere from the healthy one, thus preventing seizure spread. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with severe and intractable epilepsy, offering the hope of a life with fewer or no seizures.”

In some specialised cases, such as those with disorders like Sturge-Weber disease or hemimegalencephaly, which affects one hemisphere of the brain, hemispherectomy may be recommended. This involves partial or complete removal of the affected hemisphere, effectively isolating the epileptic activity from the healthy part of the brain. “While it is a complex procedure, it can be life-changing for individuals suffering from these conditions,” Dr. Roser observes.

Another innovative approach to treating epilepsy is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). VNS is employed when traditional therapies prove ineffective in managing seizures or depression. This medical procedure involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate the left vagus nerve, a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate, and mood. VNS sends regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve, through a device that is similar to a pacemaker.

Dr. Roser explains that during the VNS procedure, a small device is implanted beneath the skin in the chest, and it is connected to the left vagus nerve via a wire. This device sends painless electrical signals to the brain, helping to mitigate irregular brain activity associated with epilepsy.

While the exact mechanism remains under scientific investigation, VNS has demonstrated remarkable success, reducing seizures in approximately 40 per cent to 50 per cent of patients who undergo this treatment.

Related: Tech evolution key to changing the face of paediatric care

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is another neurostimulation method that employs electrodes deep within the brain. Electrical impulses are sent through these electrodes from a pulse generator implanted near the collarbone. These impulses can also help reduce abnormal signals that underly seizures.

A diagnostic method that also involves the use of electrodes is Stereo-EEG (SEEG). Electrodes are also implanted in the brain to accurately record abnormal signals that cause seizures. They pinpoint the precise source of epileptic seizures in the brain, helping the surgeon decide if a surgical intervention would be beneficial and plan for it accordingly.

Epilepsy is a complex condition that requires comprehensive care, advanced technology, and a world-class healthcare team. The Epilepsy Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi exemplifies these principles, offering hope and healing to individuals living with epilepsy. Through innovative treatments and a multidisciplinary approach, this program is making strides in improving the quality of life for epilepsy patients.

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There are numerous challenges facing the healthcare industry today, both globally and regionally, but there are also immense opportunities in properly leveraging advanced technologies. Providers are asked to do more and more with less time, and they’re rapidly getting burnt out, with many unfortunately leaving the field altogether. At the same time, patients deserve a future where every individual has access to high-quality care — where and when they need it.

Technology developers, however, can step in with the tools and resources to help healthcare providers do their jobs more effectively and allow them to focus or spend more time on clinical operations. For example, with sensing technology, data can be captured and harnessed for predictive insight into healthcare delivery.

Related: The future of diabetes care in a digital world

The past few years have presented a myriad of trials for already-stretched health systems, and over the next few years, the healthcare industry is expected to face an even greater surge in demand coupled with more rigorous cost-control pressures. According to the 2020 Profile of Older Americans, there will be about 80.8 million people older than 65 in the United States by 2040, more than twice as many as in 2000. Those older than 65 are more likely to have chronic diseases than younger populations, so we must optimise health systems to support this group who will require greater medical care. In some Middle East countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, (GCC) there is a moderate rate of ageing, whereby older people will have the same share of the population as young people between 2030 and 2060. 

Currently, there is increasing access to emerging technologies to help address today’s most pressing health and wellness challenges, which will help streamline care delivery processes.

The top things that can be done to improve and reform the health and wellness industry include:

• Pave the way for the advancement of delivering care at home. By treating patients in their homes or anywhere outside of the hospital walls, we can free up beds for emergency patients and reduce costs.
• Address the critical clinician shortage by making their jobs easier and more efficient through sensors and patient monitoring technology. Solutions like bed management systems and integrated nurse call systems help increase the bandwidth of doctors, nurses and caregivers.
• Advance drug delivery methodologies. One in three adults have pre-diabetes, but more than 80 per cent of that population don’t know they are pre-diabetic. More younger patients will require insulin over the next few decades, and innovations around drug delivery to infuse medications into the human body will be critical.
• Align regulatory policy to enable easier adoption of emerging technology into the healthcare space, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

As we look toward the future of healthcare delivery, patient well-being needs to be the focus, no matter where patients are on the continuum of care — from preventive interventions, and diagnoses, to rehabilitation and treatment. Whether in the hospital, at an ancillary health centre for chronic conditions such as at dialysis centres, or if patients are receiving care at home, they should have access to high-quality care enabled by technology to help aid the recovery process.

Related: Top 5 AI-driven medical innovations in the United States

The healthcare industry has historically been slow to adopt new processes and technologies compared to other industries due to the sensitive nature of health information and the many regulations around healthcare. The industry will benefit from a focus on investing in productivity solutions to enable clinicians to be more efficient and treat more patients, especially as the pool of individuals needing care continues to grow.

The democratisation of healthcare data is a key component in shifting the industry towards a more proactive healthcare approach. Bringing technology closer to the patient, either ‘in-home’ or ‘mobile,’ will help make healthcare data more available and accessible to patients, helping identify health problems that may need to be addressed so patients can take action at an earlier stage.

Charbel Rizkallah is the Senior Healthcare Director at Honeywell Sensing & Safety Technologies.

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As the year draws to a close, it's a time to reflect on our health and make resolutions for the year ahead. This period offers an opportunity to assess our well-being and consider positive changes that can contribute to a healthier and happier future.
For many, the focus inevitably turns to our cardiovascular health, considering the increasing prevalence of heart-related issues globally. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), encompassing various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, are recognised as the leading cause of mortality both globally and in the UAE, accounting for more than 40 per cent of deaths across the country. Common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and, notably, high cholesterol contribute substantially to the prevalence of cardiovascular issues.

What makes CVDs so dangerous is their ability to go undetected for prolonged periods. They progress silently, causing damage to the heart and blood vessels without any noticeable symptoms until a sudden or devastating event occurs, such as a heart attack or stroke. This is why healthcare professionals and those in the medical space will tell you that the key to preventing and managing CVD lies in early detection and intervention.

Related: World Heart Day: Innovations in electrophysiology and LVAD technology

Regular screening and checkups with a healthcare provider are crucial to identifying and addressing CVD risk factors promptly. Early detection also allows for timely lifestyle modifications, medication therapy, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of complications and improve overall heart health. Cholesterol levels are an especially critical aspect of CVD risk assessment. Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol, significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

It is estimated that over 44 per cent of UAE residents have high cholesterol levels, putting them at a significantly increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. Regularly monitoring cholesterol levels and maintaining healthy levels through lifestyle changes or treatment, if necessary, is essential for cardiovascular health.

Related: Challenging misconceptions around heart health in the Gulf

Here are some key steps you can take to achieve this:

1. Know your numbers: Regularly check your cholesterol levels by adding LIPID tests to your annual checkup and keeping track of other health indicators like blood pressure and blood sugar levels. By setting specific targets for your LDL cholesterol levels, such as below 116mg/dL for low risk, below 100mg/dL for moderate risk, below 70mg/dL for high risk, and below 55mg/dL for very high risk, you can take proactive preventive measures to manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of CVDs.
2. Embrace a heart-healthy diet: Prioritise a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Limit intake of saturated and trans fats, processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive salt.
3. Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Incorporate strength training exercises at least twice a week.
4. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for CVD. Work towards maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.
5. No smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for CVD. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps you can take to improve your heart health.

In 2023, we saw organisations like Novartis make incredible strides in educating the public about the effects of cholesterol on cardiovascular health. Through its Unblocked movement, the company mobilised healthcare professionals and patients alike to join the movement toward heart health and incorporate cholesterol testing into routine clinical screenings.

Let us build on this momentum in 2024. By taking proactive steps to prevent and manage CVDs, we can significantly reduce our risk of heart disease and live a longer, healthier life. Remember, prioritising your heart health is an investment in your overall well-being.

Dr. Loai Abadaqa is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Al Qassimi Hospital

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It is often noted that the most dangerous animal in the world is not a fearsome and powerful creature like the shark, tiger or cobra but is in fact the ubiquitous and tiny mosquito.

Hundreds of thousands of people die yearly from mosquito-borne diseases, with malaria being the deadliest. The World Health Organization estimates that every year approximately 250 million people contract malaria, which is caused by a parasite that is spread through mosquito bites. More than 600,000 people died from the disease in 2021.

One way to reduce the impact of malaria is to better understand mosquitoes and the environments that are conducive to their spread. These bugs thrive in hot, humid environments, and mosquito-borne diseases like malaria are widespread in regions near the equator, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia and the Americas.

Related: AI leads the way in advancing early disease detection

As the Earth becomes hotter and wetter due to global climate change, malaria outbreaks are poised to become more severe, last longer and occur in regions they haven’t in the past, putting more people at risk for the disease.

A team of scientists at MBZUAI, led by Professor of Computer Vision Abdulmotaleb El Saddik, is developing artificial intelligence-powered applications to help physicians and public health officials in Indonesia reduce the impact of malaria on the country’s population of 270 million.

The applications El Saddik and his team are developing perform sensory data fusion, a process that combines data from a variety of sensors to generate a virtual representation of the environment in the form of a “digital twin.” This approach provides precise weather forecasting and generates a near real-time representation of the environment, providing officials with detailed information about where malaria outbreaks may occur.

Abdulmotaleb El Saddik

Artificial intelligence techniques and clustering analysis tools are applied to the data collected from sensors with the goal of identifying recurring features that contribute to malaria outbreaks. In the future, these applications have the potential to be used in other countries at risk for malaria as well.

The initiative is supported by Reaching the Last Mile, a portfolio of global health initiatives and programs funded by the philanthropy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Associate Professor of Computer Vision Mohammad Yaqub and Director of Research Engagement Hosni Ghedira both of MBZUAI, are also involved in the project.

Power of prediction

When it comes to reducing the impact of malaria on people, preventative measures and early treatment are the most effective approaches. With foresight, officials can notify at-risk populations, implement additional mosquito-control measures and send local clinics the resources necessary to deal with an outbreak in advance. If health officials anticipate where outbreaks will occur before they happen, they will likely be able to save many lives.

To provide these tools, El Saddik and his team are developing a machine-learning algorithm that analyzes atmospheric, epidemiological, geographic and other kinds of data. The system is designed to draw on information captured by remote sensors that are placed throughout the country — including in remote villages — and analyses the data through sensory data fusion, with the goal of creating a comprehensive and accurate representation of where malaria hotspots may arise.

“Some of the most important parameters related to the spread of malaria are temperature, humidity and rain,” El Saddik said. “But it’s complicated, because it’s not a linear relationship,” as more rain or hotter temperatures don’t always bring about more cases of malaria. For example, a heavy rainfall that causes rainwater to be drained away quickly may result in a lower risk for malaria than a minor rain event that results in more standing water for mosquitoes to breed in.

“Predicting malaria is both a challenge of data collection and data analysis, and that’s why it’s an interesting research problem.”

Improving diagnosis and speeding care

Today, there are several tests that can be used to diagnose a patient with malaria. The most accurate approach is to draw a small sample of a patient’s blood, stain it with special dyes and examine the sample under a microscope. Accurate diagnosis to determine the species of the parasite is essential for effective treatment.

Many people, however, contract malaria in remote areas where resources are limited. In a small village there might not be a medical provider who has been trained to properly interpret the results of a malaria test.

Related: AI-powered growth in healthcare: early trends and learnings

El Saddik and his team are developing an application to analyse microscope images and determine the type of infection and stage of the disease. It draws on principles of computer vision to identify characteristics in images that are indicative of malaria.

It’s not an easy task. The type of malaria that is found in Southeast Asia is different from that found in Africa, with resulting differences in how symptoms of the disease appear in microscope images. “Like other challenges with computer vision, we need enough good data to train the model, and we have been identifying annotated data sets and images so that they can train our models to do the proper prediction,” El Saddik said.

The programme also needs to be efficient in terms of computing power and the amount of data it receives and sends over the network. “We want the application to be able to be used over any kind of mobile communication, particularly in a remote area like the jungle of Central Papua,” a region in Indonesia, El Saddik said. “The application also needs to be lightweight so that it can function on a mobile app.”

While the computing and analysis of the image would be done locally on the mobile device, when a case of malaria is detected, it would share that information with health authorities so that they were aware of cases and could take appropriate steps. Data collected through the app could be used to inform the prediction model El Saddik is developing.

Idea to implementation

El Saddik and his team began working on the project earlier this year and have already developed a version of the mobile app that can detect malaria from images. The project is expanding beyond Indonesia as well. They are collaborating with physicians in India to learn what kinds of features would be most helpful for doctors.

In the next several months, El Saddik hopes to provide the first full version of the applications to his partners in Indonesia and test the system. “The most important aspect of our work is to use the potential of artificial intelligence to save as many human lives as possible, to use AI to serve humanity and help society,” El Saddik said.

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Back to Technology

From the discovery of penicillin in the early 20th century to the development of today’s cutting-edge biologics, the pharmaceutical industry has always been at the forefront of science and innovation.

Presently, this industry is grappling with multifaceted issues, ranging from regulatory hurdles to supply chain disruptions. High research and development costs, coupled with stringent quality control measures, add further pressure.

However, smart manufacturing can help the pharma industry overcome these challenges by combining advanced technology with traditional manufacturing processes. What exactly does that look like for pharma? Let’s find out below.

The nexus of pharma and smart manufacturing

The pharmaceutical sector is unique in its demands for precision, quality, and compliance. Medications need to be consistently effective, safe, and of the highest quality. Even minor variations can have significant implications, making it imperative for the industry to operate with unparalleled meticulousness.

Smart manufacturing has steadily become an integral component of the pharmaceutical landscape. With its potential to address complex challenges head-on, it presents innovative solutions that promise to redefine industry standards. From enhanced compliance to supply chain optimisation, smart manufacturing heralds a new era in pharma.

Related: Driving faster vaccine development key to reaping economic benefits

Five key benefits of smart manufacturing for overcoming pharma challenges

Enhanced regulatory compliance

When pharmaceutical companies fail to meet regulatory standards, the consequences are severe. Patient safety becomes vulnerable, leading to potential health hazards. Financially, companies face substantial penalties, while their reputation suffers, impacting trust and future business.

Within smart manufacturing, documentation and record-keeping undergo a revolutionary change. Automation ensures records are precise, consistent, and instantly accessible. This accuracy is critical in an industry where every piece of information can impact patient health.

Smart manufacturing elevates regulatory compliance through data pattern analysis, where potential breaches are identified and addressed even before they manifest. Immediate alerts are a hallmark of smart manufacturing. Should there be a deviation from preset parameters during production, notifications are generated in real-time.

When smart manufacturing systems detect anomalies, corrective measures are rapidly initiated. This level of efficiency reduces operational downtime and ensures continuous production without compromising on quality or safety.

Improved product quality control

The quality of pharmaceutical products directly affects the health of consumers. Subpar products can lead to detrimental health outcomes, making consistent product quality not just a business imperative, but an ethical one. It's essential to maintain and nurture public trust, affirming that the medicines they rely on are both safe and effective.

Advanced monitoring systems in smart manufacturing enable real-time oversight of production processes. Any discrepancies or anomalies are instantly detected, ensuring that each product remains consistent in its quality. By identifying potential issues in advance, companies can address them proactively, ensuring that the end product is always up to standard.

The end goal for every pharmaceutical company is clear: every product, regardless of its batch or production line, must meet the defined quality standards. Smart manufacturing ensures that every batch aligns with quality benchmarks, resulting in consistent, reliable products.

Addressing supply chain complexities

At the foundation of any pharmaceutical product are its raw materials. Their quality and integrity are paramount, and smart manufacturing systems ensure these raw materials consistently meet industry standards.

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in smart manufacturing revolutionises inventory management. Real-time tracking of inventory levels ensures optimal stock management, reducing waste and ensuring availability.

With the ability to track supply chain processes in real-time, companies can anticipate potential disruptions. Advanced analytics further enable mitigation strategies, ensuring smooth operations.

Smart manufacturing promotes enhanced coordination among various supply chain facets. With real-time data and insights, decision-making processes become swifter and more informed, reducing operational lags.

Meeting the rising demand

The global demand for pharmaceutical products is skyrocketing. An ageing population, the rise of new diseases, and global health campaigns are among the primary drivers.

Smart manufacturing allows companies to boost their production rates. Even with this increased throughput, there's no compromise on the quality of products. Smart manufacturing also provides scalable solutions that can adapt to changing market dynamics, ensuring companies remain agile and responsive.

Efficient workflows are a staple of smart manufacturing. These optimised processes cut down production cycles, ensuring faster turnarounds and timely market releases. Incorporating digital twin technologies enables rapid prototyping and testing. This accelerates the development phase, speeding product launches without compromising on quality or safety.

Related: Benefits of connected workers in the pharmaceutical industry

Cost efficiency and resource optimisation

Pharmaceutical companies grapple with balancing research and development expenditures, production costs, and the pressures of market competition. Smart manufacturing offers solutions that streamline expenses without compromising on innovation or quality.

Predictive maintenance, a feature of smart manufacturing, ensures optimal resource allocation by using modern tech solutions — such as a connected worker platform. Predicting equipment maintenance needs minimises unplanned downtime and maximises resource utilisation.

Energy efficiency is central to smart manufacturing. Advanced systems monitor and optimise energy consumption, leading to reduced operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint. Smart manufacturing promotes environmentally friendly initiatives and ensures responsible waste management, which helps organisations align with global sustainability goals.

Harnessing smart manufacturing in pharma

Case study 1: Novartis and continuous manufacturing

Novartis, a leading figure in the pharmaceutical world, adopted continuous manufacturing, a breakaway from the conventional batch production method.

This innovative shift streamlined the company’s production processes, noticeably slashing production times. The method also delivered superior yields, consistent quality, and the ability to quickly adapt to market demands.

With real-time monitoring and data analytics, Novartis swiftly pinpointed and rectified process inconsistencies. Its journey showcases the transformative potential of smart manufacturing within the pharma industry.

Case study 2: Johnson & Johnson and supply chain visibility

Challenges with supply chain visibility posed hurdles for Johnson & Johnson, given its expansive global operations. Turning to the advantages of smart manufacturing, the company incorporated IoT sensors and sophisticated analytics.

This move granted them immediate insights across their supply chain, from the origins of raw materials to the dispatch of the final product. Immediate access to this data facilitated quick, informed decision-making, preempting potential supply chain disruptions and guaranteeing on-time deliveries.

Enhanced transparency also promoted improved stakeholder communication and collaboration, highlighting the value of smart manufacturing in refining complex supply chain operations.

Conclusion

Smart manufacturing is a transformative force in the pharmaceutical industry. Addressing challenges from regulatory compliance to supply chain complexities, it promises enhanced quality control, cost efficiency, and resource optimisation.

As the global demand for pharmaceuticals grows, integrating these advanced technologies is the new imperative. This means that embracing smart manufacturing is not just a strategic move — it is the path to a safer, more efficient, and more innovative future in healthcare.

For over 30 years, Eric Whitley has been a noteworthy leader in the manufacturing space. In addition to the many publications and articles Eric has written on various manufacturing topics, you may know him from his efforts leading the Total Productive Maintenance effort at Autoliv ASP or from his involvement in the Management Certification programmes at The Ohio State University, where he served as an adjunct faculty member. After an extensive career as a reliability and business improvement consultant, Eric joined L2L, where he currently serves as the Director of Smart Manufacturing. His role in this position is to help clients learn and implement L2L’s pragmatic and simple approach to corporate digital transformation. 

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As men age, they undergo a natural process known as andropause, akin to the female experience of menopause. This transformation signifies a gradual decline in testosterone production, a hormone critical to male well-being. “It's an inevitable process, with testosterone levels diminishing by roughly one per cent each year after the age of 30,” says Dr. Martin Galy, Body Identical Hormone Lead Physician at 23MD, a specialised cosmetic and medical clinic. However, the impact varies among individuals, depending on their initial testosterone levels.

For some men who start life with naturally high testosterone levels, this decline may not significantly affect them. Their bodies maintain sufficient testosterone to support essential functions. “In contrast, approximately 20 to 30 per cent of men who began adulthood with mid-range or lower testosterone levels might face challenges in their midlife, typically in their early to mid-40s,” he adds.

Related: New approach to detect colorectal cancer in the UAE

As testosterone levels drop, they can experience symptoms related to andropause, often mirroring menopausal symptoms in women, including mood swings, depression, irritability, weight gain, hot flashes, reduced libido, and erectile problems.

The consequences of untreated andropause can be severe, potentially leading to long-term health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. However, awareness of andropause remains limited, as it has not received the same attention as menopause in women. This knowledge gap presents a significant challenge in healthcare, as many men suffering from andropause may not recognise the root cause of their symptoms. They might be misdiagnosed and prescribed treatments for unrelated conditions like depression or erectile dysfunction, leaving the underlying hormonal issue unaddressed.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to raise awareness about andropause and its symptoms among middle-aged men, encouraging open discussions.

“In terms of solutions, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers offer safe and effective treatments for andropause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), often administered through gels or creams applied to the skin, can help restore testosterone levels to a more balanced state, replicating the body's natural hormone production rhythm,” explains Galy. This medical intervention not only alleviates symptoms but also reduces the risk of long-term health complications.

Dr. Martin Galy

Testosterone can be administered in two primary forms, each with its unique benefits and considerations. The first method involves the application of testosterone in the form of creams or gels that are absorbed through the skin. This approach is widely regarded as a safer alternative, thanks to its ability to mimic the body's natural testosterone production. The key distinction lies in its ability to provide a natural peak in testosterone levels twice daily, aligning with the body's circadian rhythm.

Related: World Heart Day: Innovations in electrophysiology and LVAD technology

In contrast, the second method entails the use of injectable forms of testosterone. While injectables are effective in elevating testosterone levels, they do so without the natural peaks and troughs experienced with transdermal application. This constant elevation of testosterone may present some associated risks. Notably, high testosterone levels can stimulate the bone marrow to produce excessive red blood cells, leading to thickened blood. Thickened blood can pose risks of clotting, potentially resulting in blood clots and even heart attacks.

In light of these considerations, a cautious approach is recommended. For middle-aged men seeking HRT with testosterone, experts often advise starting with transdermal methods before considering injectable forms. This step can help mitigate potential risks while striving for optimal hormone balance.

In essence, HRT serves as a vital tool in restoring and maintaining hormone balance for both men and women. It has the potential to alleviate symptoms, enhance well-being, and improve overall health. By embracing the right approach, guided by medical expertise, individuals can embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced life through HRT.

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