Introducing Dr. Nick Demellis and His Passion for Happy Hormones

Health and Wellness Magazine and Dr. Robert Lupo would like to welcome Dr. Nick Demellis to Physical Medicine Center. Dr. Demellis is passionate about bioidentical hormone replacement therapies for both men and women. Bioidentical hormones are the same hormones, molecule by molecule, that your body produces. They are modified in a lab derived mostly from plant sources but are still considered natural to your body because they are identical. Let’s discuss hormones and overall wellness with Dr. Demellis.

H&W Magazine: Dr. Demellis, what drew you to Physical Medicine Center?
Dr. Demellis: “I was always interested in integrated medicine and treating patients with a holistic approach. Physicians Medical Center embodies a lot of qualities that I strive to achieve in my own personal health and wellness journey.”

H&W Magazine: Talk to the readers about hormone replacement therapy. How do I know if I need help with my hormone levels?
Dr. Demellis: “Common symptoms of hormone deficiencies for women may include fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, decreased libido, and changes in menstrual patterns. For men, common symptoms of hormone imbalances include fatigue, reduced energy levels, decreased muscle mass, changes in mood, low libido, and difficulty concentrating. A through physical exam and simple blood tests can quantify hormone levels and indicate imbalances or deficits. Hormone deficits can start as early age 30. When hormones are not balanced, motivation can waiver. Weight can increase with no changes to diet or exercise. You can experience a loss of muscle, a decrease in you sleep quality and lose libido. Hormones are crucial to our everyday functions and when the body isn’t producing enough of them, intervention is needed to maintain overall health.”

H&W Magazine: So if I don’t feel like myself, I should consider having my hormone levels checked?
Dr. Demellis: “YES!! A resounding YES!! Due to the aging process and other external factors, hormone levels can be compromised and accelerate metabolic disease. Both men and women greatly benefit from customized replacement hormone therapies.”

Common Hormone Therapies for Women:
• Estrogen Therapy (ET): Estrogen is a key hormone in women that plays a significant role in menstrual cycles, bone health, and overall well-being. Estrogen therapy is commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. It can be administered through various forms, including pills, patches, creams, and vaginal rings.

• Progesterone Therapy: For women who still have a uterus and are undergoing estrogen therapy, progesterone is often prescribed alongside estrogen to protect the uterine lining and reduce the risk of endometrial overgrowth.

• Combination Hormone Therapy: Combination hormone therapy involves taking both estrogen and progesterone to address menopausal symptoms. It’s often used in women who have not undergone a hysterectomy.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy for Osteoporosis: In postmenopausal women, declining estrogen levels can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.

• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used to treat conditions such as hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Synthetic thyroid hormones are prescribed to regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.

• Birth Control Pills: Oral contraceptives are a form of hormone therapy that includes a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin. They are commonly used for contraception, menstrual cycle regulation, and management of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: Vaginal estrogen therapy involves applying estrogen directly to the vaginal area to alleviate symptoms such as vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary symptoms related to menopause.

Common Hormone Therapies for Men:
• Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism, can result in symptoms such as fatigue, reduced muscle mass, low libido, mood changes, and difficulties with concentration. TRT can be administered through various methods, including injections, gels, patches, and implants.

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Therapy: hCG stimulates the testes to produce more testosterone naturally. This approach can help maintain fertility and prevent testicular shrinkage that might occur with testosterone replacement alone.

• Growth Hormone Therapy: Growth hormone deficiencies can occur in both children and adults. In adult males, growth hormone deficiency can lead to decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased bone density.

• Cortisol Replacement Therapy: Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands don’t produce sufficient cortisol. Cortisol replacement therapy regulates metabolism, manages stress responses, and maintains overall health.

• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) Replacement: DHEA is a precursor hormone that can be converted into testosterone and other hormones in the body. Some men may be prescribed DHEA replacement therapy to address hormonal imbalances and alleviate symptoms associated with low DHEA levels.

To have your hormone levels evaluated and a through discussion about how Hormone Replacement Therapy can help you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Demellis today. Hormone levels and individual health considerations vary with each patient, so a personalized treatment plan is key.

Nicholas Demellis is a Doctorate prepared Nurse Practitioner with his Doctorate degree from South University of Tampa. Accumulated over 10 years of hands-on experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Has experience in Allergy and Immunology.

Over this time, he has focused on treating his patients with both a holistic/traditional approach. Currently, he enjoys focusing on Family Medicine as well as incorporating novel treatments for weight loss and Hormone replacement therapy. Nicholas is Quadlingual, fluent in English, Greek, Portuguese and Spanish.

If you want drug-free alternative options for your health needs, look no further than the Physical Medicine Center in north Tampa. The Physical Medicine Center treats both male and female patients who desire alternative therapies to get to the root cause of their conditions. Call them today at 813-978-0020 to schedule your appointment.

Physical Medicine Center, Inc.
14522 University Point Place
North Tampa, Florida 33613
813-978-0020
www.mybackinplace.com