valleyvitalmedicine

A Complete Guide to HOCATT Therapy: Bio-Stacking Your Way to Better Health

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:57:43 GMT

The body is not a collection of isolated systems. Inflammation affects circulation. Poor circulation affects hormone delivery. Chronic stress affects recovery. Recovery affects everything else. Which is why the most effective approach to supporting the body often is not one therapy at a time but several working in the same direction simultaneously.

HOCATT was designed around that idea. It stands for Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology, and it delivers multiple therapeutic modalities in a single, approximately 30-minute session. At Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND, it has become one of the tools we reach for most often when we are working with patients on inflammation, recovery, nervous system support, and whole-body optimization.

Here is what it is, how the science behind it works, and who it may be the right fit for.

What Happens Inside a HOCATT Session

The HOCATT is an enclosed pod that the patient sits inside from the neck down, with the head remaining outside throughout the session. Over approximately 30 minutes, the system moves through a carefully sequenced combination of therapies that can be adjusted to each patient’s protocol.

A session begins with carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide introduced into the chamber reacts with steam to form carbonic acid, which has a vasodilatory effect on blood vessels near the skin’s surface. The result is improved circulation, a warming of the skin, and increased permeability of the skin barrier, which prepares the body for optimal absorption of what follows.

Transdermal ozone is then delivered into the chamber. Because the head remains outside, ozone is absorbed through the skin rather than inhaled, allowing for systemic exposure without respiratory irritation. This is a meaningful distinction. Ozone absorbed transdermally activates the body’s antioxidant defense systems, modulates inflammatory signaling pathways, and has been shown in multiple studies to reduce key inflammatory markers including CRP and IL-1B.

Far infrared heat and whole-body hyperthermia maintain sustained warmth throughout the session. This form of heat stress activates heat shock proteins, supports circulation, and promotes sweating as part of the body’s natural detoxification processes through the skin.

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), photon light, and microcurrent technology round out the session. PEMF uses low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to support cellular energy production and tissue recovery. Photon light supports mitochondrial function and skin health. Microcurrent therapy has documented effects on pain modulation and cellular repair.

Each of these modalities has its own evidence base. What makes HOCATT distinct is the sequencing. The carbonic acid and heat phase opens the skin and supports circulation before ozone is introduced, which means the ozone is being delivered into a body that is already primed to receive it. The therapies are not simply stacked; they build on each other. This is sometimes called bio-stacking, and it is the core design principle of the system.

What the Research Shows

The most rigorous peer-reviewed study specifically examining the HOCATT machine was published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology in 2023 by Merhi and colleagues. The study looked at women with endometriosis, a chronic pelvic inflammatory condition in which standard treatments leave a significant percentage of patients still symptomatic.

In the first part of the study, eight women with endometriosis received transdermal ozone sauna therapy combined with PEMF via the HOCATT machine twice a week for three weeks, for a total of six sessions. Pain scores improved significantly beginning after the fourth session.

In the second part, ten women received the same protocol to measure changes in serum inflammatory markers. After the three-week course, CRP declined significantly (p = .0438) and IL-1B declined significantly as well (p = .0031).

The study’s authors concluded that the combination of ozone sauna therapy and PEMF via the HOCATT machine may represent a meaningful complementary therapeutic option for women with inflammatory conditions, while calling for larger randomized controlled trials. The sample size is small and the study is a pilot, which means findings should be interpreted with appropriate caution. But the results are consistent with the broader evidence on ozone’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and this is one of the only published studies to use the HOCATT device specifically, rather than ozone or PEMF in isolation.

That evidence base for the individual components is meaningful in its own right. The January 2026 psoriasis study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that major ozone autohemotherapy, another form of systemic ozone delivery we also use at the clinic, produced significant reductions in both CRP and Siglec-14 after eight to ten sessions in psoriasis patients. Far infrared sauna research has documented effects on cardiovascular function, cortisol, and muscle recovery. PEMF research spans bone healing, pain management, and cellular energy. The HOCATT brings these together in one session with a sequencing approach designed to maximize their combined effect.

Who HOCATT May Help

At Valley Vital Medicine, HOCATT sessions are used as a complementary tool within personalized care plans. Patients who have seen the most benefit include those working on chronic inflammation or inflammatory conditions, recovery from illness or injury, immune dysfunction, fatigue and low energy, nervous system dysregulation, skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema, hormonal transitions including perimenopause and menopause, cardiovascular wellness as part of a broader prevention strategy, and athletic performance and recovery.

It is also used alongside hormone optimization, ozone IV therapy, peptide therapy, procaine IV therapy, and other integrative interventions at the clinic. These therapies tend to work in the same direction, and the synergies are real. Patients who are doing the foundational work often find that consistent HOCATT sessions amplify their results.

HOCATT is not a treatment for any specific condition. It is not a replacement for medical evaluation or conventional care. At Valley Vital Medicine it is always part of a larger, individualized plan.

What to Expect

The session itself is straightforward. You sit inside the pod from the neck down while your head remains free and comfortable outside the chamber. The warmth builds gradually. Most patients describe the experience as deeply relaxing, with the combination of heat, ozone, and steam producing a calm that often extends well into the hours after the session ends.

Sessions are monitored by our trained clinical staff throughout. The modality combination and intensity can be adjusted based on your goals and how you are responding over time. For most patients, the recommendation is a series of consistent sessions rather than a single visit, because the cumulative effects of repeated therapeutic stimulation are where the most meaningful outcomes tend to develop.

Getting Started

If you are a current Valley Vital Medicine patient and are curious whether HOCATT belongs in your care plan, reach out to Trevor or Kali Boyer, FNP-C, through the patient portal. If you are new to the clinic, a free discovery call with our certified health coach Lori is the right first step.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com/contact-us to schedule your discovery call and learn whether HOCATT is a fit for what you are working on.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. HOCATT is not FDA-approved as a treatment for any specific condition and should be used as a complementary therapy under professional guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.

References:

Merhi Z, Emdin D, Bosman L, Incledon T, Smith AH. Ozone Sauna Therapy (OST) and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) delivered via the HOCATT machine could improve endometriosis pain along with lowering serum inflammatory markers. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2023 Apr;89(4):e13690. doi:10.1111/aji.13690.
Soylu S, Sensoy N, Dogan N, Koca HB, Koken T. Evaluation of major autohemotherapy (MAH) in psoriasis patients using serum inflammatory markers. J Clin Med. 2026;15(2):485. doi:10.3390/jcm15020485.
Viebahn-Haensler R, Leon Fernandez OS. Ozone in medicine: The low-dose ozone concept and its basic biochemical mechanisms of action in chronic inflammatory diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(15):7890.
Liu L, Zeng L, Gao L, Zeng J, Lu J. Ozone therapy for skin diseases: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. Int Wound J. 2023;20(6):2376-2385.

What New Research Says About Ozone Therapy and Chronic Inflammation

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:05:23 GMT

Ozone therapy is not new. It has been used in medicine for well over a century, and there are now more than 2,000 published medical studies on PubMed exploring its applications across a wide range of conditions. But the research keeps growing, and some of the most recent findings are worth paying close attention to.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in January 2026 looked specifically at major autohemotherapy (MAH) in patients with psoriasis, measuring both clinical severity and serum inflammatory markers before and after treatment. What it found offers a useful window into why ozone therapy continues to attract serious scientific interest, and why we offer it here at Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND.

What the Study Looked At

Psoriasis is more than a skin condition. It is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease, meaning the inflammation it involves is not confined to skin plaques. People with psoriasis often carry elevated levels of inflammatory markers in their blood, and those elevated markers are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and a higher likelihood of other inflammatory conditions developing over time.

The researchers enrolled 26 psoriasis patients and 19 healthy controls. Patients ranged in age from 18 to 60 and were not using systemic drug therapy at the time, so the ozone therapy was being evaluated on its own. Disease severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), a validated clinical scoring tool. Serum levels of several inflammatory markers were measured before and after treatment, including TNF-alpha, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B), high-sensitivity CRP (Hs-CRP), sialic acid, and Siglec-14.

How the Treatment Was Administered

Major autohemotherapy works by drawing a measured volume of the patient’s own blood, exposing it to a controlled oxygen-ozone mixture, and then returning the treated blood intravenously. The ozone concentration in this study started at 20 micrograms per milliliter and was gradually increased for each patient up to a maximum of 60 micrograms per milliliter based on individual response.

Treatments were administered twice per week for a total of 8 to 10 sessions. For most patients, that means the entire treatment course was completed within four to five weeks. This is a point worth noting: meaningful outcomes were achieved within a relatively short, structured course of therapy.

What the Researchers Found

PASI scores, the measure of skin disease severity, decreased significantly in psoriasis patients after ozone autohemotherapy. That alone is a clinically meaningful result. But the biomarker findings add an important dimension.

Hs-CRP, one of the most widely used markers of systemic inflammation and a known predictor of cardiovascular risk, decreased significantly across all patients after treatment. The decrease was most pronounced in patients with mild disease, though reductions were observed across both mild and moderate-to-severe groups. Siglec-14, a marker involved in regulating the innate immune response, also decreased significantly in all patients, with reductions seen in both severity groups.

The researchers noted that the significant drop in Hs-CRP suggests major autohemotherapy may affect not only the skin manifestations of psoriasis but its underlying systemic inflammatory component. They specifically noted the potential long-term cardiovascular benefit of this reduction, given that elevated Hs-CRP is an established risk factor for heart disease in people with psoriasis.

TNF-alpha, IL-1B, and sialic acid showed trends toward reduction in psoriasis patients across the treatment course, though those changes did not reach statistical significance in this study.

How Ozone Therapy Works on Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory effects observed in this study align with what researchers have proposed about ozone’s mechanisms of action more broadly. Ozone activates the body’s antioxidant defense systems, including pathways regulated by Nrf2, which help balance oxidative stress. It appears to suppress inflammatory signaling through the TLR2/NF-kB pathway, a pathway that drives keratinocyte overproliferation and inflammatory cytokine release in psoriasis. It also appears to support immune regulation by influencing Th17 cell activity, a key driver of psoriatic inflammation.

In short, ozone does not suppress inflammation bluntly the way many pharmaceutical treatments do. It appears to work by helping the body regulate its own inflammatory response more effectively. That distinction matters clinically, especially for patients managing a chronic condition over the long term.

What This Study’s Limitations Tell Us

Good science is honest about what it does and does not prove. The authors of this study acknowledged two primary limitations: the relatively small sample size (26 patients) and the short follow-up period, which means the long-term durability of the improvements observed is not yet established. The researchers called for larger randomized controlled trials to further evaluate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of major autohemotherapy in psoriasis.

Those limitations do not diminish the findings. A statistically significant reduction in both PASI scores and key inflammatory biomarkers in a controlled study, using a clearly defined protocol, is meaningful. It adds to a growing body of evidence supporting ozone therapy’s role as a complementary tool in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, and it does so with a stronger methodological foundation than much of the earlier literature in this area.

How We Use Ozone Therapy at Valley Vital Medicine

Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C, has used ozone therapy extensively at Valley Vital Medicine and describes it as one of the most effective tools in integrative care. The clinic offers major autohemotherapy alongside other ozone applications, as part of individualized treatment plans for patients dealing with chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, metabolic dysfunction, infections, and other complex health challenges.

Ozone therapy is not positioned as a standalone cure. At Valley Vital Medicine, it is used as part of a comprehensive, root-cause approach that considers what is actually driving a patient’s health challenges and builds a plan around addressing those drivers directly.

If you are dealing with a chronic inflammatory condition, skin condition, or other health challenges and want to understand whether ozone therapy may be a useful part of your care, we would love to have that conversation.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit valleyvitalmedicine.com/contact-us to schedule your free discovery call and learn more about ozone therapy and our full range of integrative health services.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ozone therapy is not FDA-approved as a treatment for any specific condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.

References:

Soylu S, Sensoy N, Dogan N, Koca HB, Koken T. Evaluation of major autohemotherapy (MAH) in psoriasis patients using serum inflammatory markers. J Clin Med. 2026;15(2):485. doi:10.3390/jcm15020485.
Viebahn-Haensler R, Leon Fernandez OS. Ozone in medicine: The low-dose ozone concept and its basic biochemical mechanisms of action in chronic inflammatory diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(15):7890.
Liu L, Zeng L, Gao L, Zeng J, Lu J. Ozone therapy for skin diseases: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. Int Wound J. 2023;20(6):2376-2385.
Zeng J, Lu J. Mechanisms of action involved in ozone-therapy in skin diseases. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018;56:235-241.

Breast Health, Hormones, and Knowing Your Risk: What Every Woman Should Understand

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:02:23 GMT

Breast health is one of those topics that generates a lot of anxiety and, unfortunately, a lot of misinformation. Women are often told when to get a mammogram but rarely given the context to understand what screening can and cannot tell them, how their individual risk profile shapes those decisions, or how hormones actually relate to breast cancer risk.

At Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND, Kali Boyer, FNP-C , our women’s health nurse practitioner, recently walked through all of it in depth. This post draws from that presentation to give you a clear, honest, evidence-grounded overview so you can feel genuinely informed walking into your next healthcare conversation.

Why Breast Health Deserves Your Attention

One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the most common cancer in women both in the U.S. and globally, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. The reason early detection receives so much emphasis is straightforward: finding breast cancer early significantly expands treatment options and lowers mortality.

But screening is not one-size-fits-all, and understanding where you fall on the risk spectrum is the first step to making good decisions about your own care.

Understanding Your Individual Risk

Some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed. Being female accounts for 99.5% of diagnoses. Risk increases with age, with most cancers occurring in women over 55 and the average age of diagnosis around 61. Early menstruation (before age 11), late menopause (after 55), having a first full-term pregnancy after 30 or never having a full-term pregnancy, and shorter or no breastfeeding duration are all associated with elevated risk. High breast density, which can only be identified on a mammogram and has nothing to do with breast size or firmness, also increases risk. Approximately 5 to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, most commonly linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.

Other risk factors are within your control. Obesity increases breast cancer risk, particularly after menopause, and breast cancers in women with obesity tend to be more aggressive. Alcohol consumption raises risk in a dose-dependent way, meaning the more you drink, the higher the risk. Physical inactivity, smoking, use of synthetic progestins (not to be confused with bioidentical progesterone, which we will discuss shortly), and diets high in sugar and processed foods are all modifiable risk factors.

Understanding which category you fall into matters because your screening plan should reflect it. Average-risk women have no personal history of breast cancer, no strong family history, no known high-risk gene mutation, and no chest radiation before age 30. Women with additional risk factors, such as a first-degree relative with breast cancer or confirmed dense breast tissue, may fall into an intermediate category. High-risk designation generally applies to women with a lifetime breast cancer risk greater than 20%, a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (or a first-degree relative with one who has not yet been personally tested), chest radiation before 30, or certain hereditary conditions. Women in the high-risk category typically have more intensive screening recommendations, including annual mammograms and breast MRI starting at age 30.

Screening Tools: What They Can and Cannot Tell You

No screening test is perfect. Every tool has benefits and limitations, and understanding both is part of making an informed decision.

Mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening because the evidence supporting its role in reducing breast cancer mortality is the strongest we have. A standard screening mammogram delivers approximately 0.4 millisieverts of radiation, roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation a person receives in 48 days of everyday life. Single doses below 50 millisieverts are considered very low risk with no clear scientific link to increased breast cancer incidence. Modern 3D mammograms (tomosynthesis) have lower callback rates and higher cancer detection rates, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.

Screening guidelines vary slightly across major medical organizations, but most recommend average-risk women begin annual or biennial mammograms at age 40. The American Cancer Society suggests annual screening from 45 to 54, with the option to transition to every two years at 55. ACOG recommends every one to two years starting at 40. The NCCN recommends annually. The USPSTF recommends every two years. The most consistent message across all organizations: start at 40.

Limitations of mammography include discomfort, lower sensitivity in women with dense breast tissue (where dense tissue can obscure findings), false negatives (approximately one in eight breast cancers may be missed), and false positives (about half of women who screen annually for ten years will have at least one false positive leading to additional imaging or biopsy). A normal mammogram does not mean any new breast symptom should be ignored. Any new lump, skin change, nipple discharge, or unexplained breast pain warrants evaluation regardless of when your last mammogram was.

Breast density is worth understanding on its own. About half of women over 40 have dense breast tissue. It is categorized on a scale from A (almost entirely fatty) to D (extremely dense). Denser tissue is associated with higher cancer risk and also makes mammograms harder to read, since both dense tissue and tumors appear white. The FDA requires mammogram reports to indicate whether dense breast tissue is present.

Thermography, also called digital infrared thermal imaging, uses an infrared camera to detect temperature differences and blood flow patterns near the breast surface. The theory is that increased blood flow or temperature may indicate tumor activity. The FDA has authorized thermography as an adjunct to mammography, not as a replacement or standalone screening method. The current evidence does not support it as a substitute for mammography. If you choose to use thermography, doing so between regular mammograms, rather than in place of them, is a reasonable approach that adds visual information without replacing the standard with the stronger evidence base.

QT Imaging is a newer option worth watching. It is a 3D breast acoustic CT using quantitative transmission ultrasound, involving no radiation, no breast compression, and no contrast dye. The breast rests in warm water while a scanner rotates to create a three-dimensional image. Early evidence shows promise for fewer unnecessary callbacks and better characterization of dense breast tissue. The FDA has cleared it as an add-on, not a replacement for mammography. Larger independent trials are still needed, but it represents a potentially significant advancement in patient-friendly breast imaging.

Cancer Screening Blood Tests Offered at Valley Vital Medicine

Valley Vital Medicine offers two RGCC liquid biopsy tests as part of an integrative cancer screening and monitoring approach.

OncoDeclare (also called Onco-D-Clare) is a blood-based cancer screening test that analyzes the gene expression of more than 90 genes in immune cells. It does not look for tumor cells directly. Instead, it measures how your immune system is responding at a molecular level. A positive result suggests the immune system may be responding to early cancer activity, potentially before symptoms appear or conventional imaging detects a change. RGCC , the company behind the test, reports approximately 93% accuracy in their clinical validation. It is important to note that this figure reflects the company’s own internal validation, and independent peer-reviewed data in large general populations is still limited. A positive OncoDeclare result is considered reversible with lifestyle intervention, making it a potential tool for early action rather than confirmed diagnosis.

OncoTrace goes further. It detects circulating tumor cells and circulating cancer stem cells in the blood, measures stemness markers that may reflect how aggressive or treatment-resistant the cancer cells are, and identifies tissue-of-origin markers to suggest where the cancer may have originated. OncoTrace is most appropriate for women with a current or prior cancer diagnosis, used alongside conventional oncology care to monitor treatment response and progression. A positive OncoDeclare is reversible through lifestyle change; a positive OncoTrace means cancer is already present, and the focus shifts to treatment tracking.

Both tests are offered as complementary tools alongside, not in place of, conventional screening methods.

Hormones and Breast Health: Clearing Up Decades of Confusion

The fear that hormone therapy causes breast cancer has shaped women’s healthcare for over two decades, and it traces back almost entirely to one study and one moment of media misrepresentation.

In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative published findings that created widespread panic about hormone therapy. What the headlines failed to communicate: the women in the study averaged around 63 years of age, most were already 10 or more years past menopause, many were overweight, had high blood pressure, or had other preexisting conditions. The hormones used were synthetic conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate (a synthetic progestin), not bioidentical hormones . The increased breast cancer finding was seen in the estrogen-plus-synthetic-progestin arm of the study, involving fewer than 1% of participants annually. The estrogen-only arm of the same study was later found to be associated with a 23% reduction in breast cancer risk and a 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality.

When the data was reexamined more thoroughly in the years that followed, researchers concluded that synthetic progestin, not estrogen, was the likely driver of the elevated risk. Bioidentical progesterone, which is molecularly identical to what the body produces naturally, has not been shown to carry the same risk profile as synthetic progestins.

The broader picture on estrogen: it may be breast-protective. Loss of estrogen is associated with increased breast cancer risk in some research. Neither estrogen nor estradiol (the bioidentical form) have been found to increase breast cancer risk, and some studies indicate a protective effect.

Testosterone also appears to be breast-protective. Research suggests testosterone may decrease tissue proliferation in breast cells. Studies on pharmacological testosterone doses delivered via subcutaneous pellets, including research from Dr. Rebecca Glazer, a former breast cancer surgeon who now focuses her practice on testosterone pellet therapy, have shown reduced incidence of breast cancer and no association with recurrence in breast cancer survivors. Men, who have significantly higher androgen levels than women, represent less than 1% of breast cancer diagnoses. The progressive loss of testosterone beginning at around age 30 leaves women with increasingly insufficient androgen support, which may itself carry health consequences.

Not all hormone therapies are equivalent. Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to what the body produces. Synthetic versions are different, and their risk profiles differ as well. Route of administration also matters. Oral estrogen, for example, has been associated with increased clotting risk because it passes through the liver. Transdermal and pellet delivery methods bypass the liver and carry a different safety profile.

If you have been told by a provider that hormone therapy is not safe for you, especially if the reason given was a family history of breast cancer, that conversation may be worth revisiting with someone who is current on the evidence. Kali and Trevor at Valley Vital Medicine have both completed advanced hormone therapy training and are equipped to walk through your individual history and risk profile in detail.

Practical Breast Health: What You Can Do Now

Lifestyle factors that may reduce breast cancer risk include maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, limiting or eliminating alcohol, avoiding smoking, eating a whole-food diet with limited sugar and processed food, supporting gut health, and reducing exposure to environmental estrogen disruptors like BPA.

If you breastfed or had children at a younger age, research suggests those experiences may be modestly protective, likely because they cause breast cells to mature more fully and may help clear damaged DNA from breast tissue during periods of lactation.

Knowing your own breasts matters too. Rather than a rigid monthly self-exam schedule, what matters is knowing what is normal for you so you can recognize when something changes. Skin dimpling, swelling, redness, thickening around the nipple, nipple retraction, unusual discharge, a new lump or mass, unexplained breast pain or tenderness, and swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone are all changes that warrant evaluation promptly, not in a few weeks.

How to Get Started

If you have questions about your breast cancer risk, want to understand your hormone options, or are interested in OncoDeclare or OncoTrace screening, Kali Boyer, FNP-C, offers individualized women’s health appointments at Valley Vital Medicine, often with same-day availability.

For a broader health conversation, our certified health coach Lori is available for a free discovery call where you can talk through your concerns and goals and determine the right starting point for your care.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com/contact-us to schedule.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Breast cancer screening and hormone therapy decisions should be made in partnership with a qualified healthcare provider based on your individual health history, risk factors, and preferences. OncoDeclare and OncoTrace are not FDA-cleared diagnostic tests and are not substitutes for standard breast cancer screening methods.

References:

American Cancer Society. Breast cancer screening guidelines for average-risk women. 2024.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Breast cancer risk assessment and screening. 2024.
Chlebowski RT, et al. Estrogen alone in postmenopausal women: Women’s Health Initiative randomized trial update. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2015.
Glazer RD, et al. Subcutaneous testosterone and anastrozole: breast cancer prevention and hormone deficiency treatment in women. Maturitas. 2019.
Manson JE, et al. Menopausal hormone therapy and long-term all-cause and cause-specific mortality. JAMA. 2017.
FDA. Mammography Quality Standards Act requirements on breast density reporting. Updated 2023.
RGCC International. OncoDeclare clinical validation summary. 2024.
QT Imaging. FDA 510(k) clearance and clinical evidence for breast acoustic CT. 2024.

Whole-Person Women's Health, With Same-Day Access in Fargo

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:44:09 GMT

For a lot of women, healthcare has always involved juggling. One provider for your annual exam. Another for your hormones. Someone else for primary care. And somehow, despite all those appointments, the experience of feeling genuinely seen and cared for as a whole person stays just out of reach.

Valley Vital Medicine is changing that. We are excited to share that Kali Boyer, FNP-C , our women's health nurse practitioner, is now accepting new patients, with same-day appointments often available.

If you have been putting off care, waiting for the right fit, or simply looking for a provider who takes a complete, root-cause approach to your health, this is worth reading.

Who Is Kali Boyer?

Kali Boyer is a family nurse practitioner with a deep, genuine focus on women's health. She joined the Valley Vital Medicine team to do exactly what too many women have never been able to find in one place: comprehensive care that addresses the full picture, not just the symptom in front of her.

Kali has a particular passion for hormone health, perimenopause and menopause support, and helping women understand what is actually happening in their bodies during the stages of life that conventional medicine often glosses over. She is certified in the EvexiPEL Method for bioidentical hormone pellet therapy and trained through WorldLink Medical, the same foundational hormone optimization training that Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C, has completed.

But Kali is not only a hormone specialist. She brings a whole-person lens to every visit, which means she is looking at how everything connects, your hormones, your history, your symptoms, and your goals, rather than treating each concern in isolation.

What Kali Offers

Kali provides a wide range of women's health and primary care services at Valley Vital Medicine, including:

Annual women's wellness exams
Breast and pelvic exams, with Pap smears when appropriate
Hormone and menstrual concerns
Perimenopause and menopause support
Hormone replacement therapy and ongoing management
Family planning consultations
IUD removals
Fertility concerns
Primary care and routine follow-up visits

New patients are welcome, and same-day appointments are often available for women who need to be seen without a long wait.

A Note for Women Navigating Midlife

If your OB-GYN has been your main provider for years and you are now moving through perimenopause, you may be facing a quiet but real gap in care. OB-GYN practices are built around reproductive milestones. What happens when those milestones have passed and you are left navigating fatigue, brain fog, irregular cycles, mood changes, or sleeplessness without a clear place to turn?

Kali specializes in exactly this stage of life. She understands that perimenopause and menopause are not just hormonal transitions. They are whole-body shifts that can affect energy, cognition, cardiovascular health, bone density, metabolism, and mental health. And she knows how to evaluate, support, and optimize all of it.

At Valley Vital Medicine, you do not have to choose between real primary care and a root-cause, functional approach. You get both.

Why a Root-Cause Approach to Women's Health Matters

Conventional medicine is built around managing symptoms. You come in with a complaint, you leave with a treatment for that complaint. There is a time and place for that model. But for many women, especially those dealing with the layered complexity of hormonal transitions, it leaves too much on the table.

Kali approaches care differently. Before recommending a treatment, she wants to understand what is actually driving what you are feeling. Are your symptoms rooted in hormone imbalance? Nutrient deficiency? Chronic stress? A thyroid that has been misfiring for years without anyone noticing? Getting to those answers requires asking the right questions, doing the right testing, and spending real time with you.

That is the kind of care Valley Vital Medicine was built to provide.

How to Get Started

If you have a specific concern you want to address, whether that is an overdue annual exam, a hormone conversation you have been putting off, an IUD removal, or anything else on the list above, call us directly at 701-532-1926 to schedule with Kali. Same-day appointments are often available for new patients.

If you are less focused on one specific issue and more interested in understanding your health from the ground up, a complimentary discovery call with our certified health coach Lori is the right first step. She will spend time with you, talk through your concerns and goals, and help you figure out the best way to begin your care at Valley Vital Medicine. You can schedule that call at www.valleyvitalmedicine.com .

You deserve care that actually sees you. Kali is here, and we would love to help.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health situation and needs.

References:

The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS). Menopause practice guidelines and hormone therapy recommendations. 2023.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Well-woman visits and preventive care recommendations. 2024.
Evexias Health Solutions. EvexiPEL Method clinical overview and provider certification. 2024.
WorldLink Medical. Hormone optimization training and clinical protocols. 2024.

Hormone Pellet Therapy at Valley Vital Medicine

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:47:22 GMT

Hormone pellet therapy is one of the most effective and underutilized tools in functional medicine today. For patients who have spent years feeling tired, flat, foggy, or simply not themselves, it can produce a meaningful shift in how they feel, how they think, and how they function, often within weeks.

At Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND, Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C, and Kali Boyer, FNP-C , are both certified in the EvexiPEL Method and have seen firsthand how consistent, sustained hormone optimization changes lives. Because pellet therapy is still relatively unfamiliar to many patients, we get a lot of questions. This post answers the ones we hear most often.

What is EvexiPEL and how is it different from other hormone therapies?

EvexiPEL is a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy delivered through small pellets inserted just under the skin. Bioidentical means the hormones in the pellets are molecularly identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. Unlike synthetic hormones, which are structurally similar but not identical, bioidentical hormones may integrate more smoothly into the body's existing hormonal pathways.

What sets EvexiPEL apart from other pellet systems is the quality and design of the pellet itself. The pellets are manufactured at an FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility, which holds to a higher standard of quality control than standard compounding pharmacies. They are compressed under high pressure through a patented process that produces a smooth, consistent hormone release, without the sharp peaks and rapid drops that can occur with lower-quality pellet products. Each pellet also contains a trace amount of triamcinolone, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce post-insertion discomfort, minimize scar tissue formation, and lower the risk of pellet extrusion.

The result is a therapy that tends to feel smooth and stable throughout the treatment window, with a gradual onset and offset rather than the roller-coaster effect some patients report with other delivery methods.

What symptoms suggest I might be a candidate?

Hormone imbalance shows up differently in everyone, but common symptoms that may point to suboptimal hormone levels include fatigue that sleep does not fully resolve, low libido or sexual dysfunction, difficulty building or maintaining muscle, increased body fat especially around the midsection, mood changes including irritability, low motivation, or emotional flatness, brain fog, poor focus, and difficulty with memory, disrupted sleep, reduced stamina and slower recovery from exercise, joint aches, and a general sense of not feeling like yourself.

These symptoms are relevant for both men and women. Testosterone, in particular, is often overlooked in women , but it plays a critical role in energy, mood, muscle, bone strength, and cognitive function in both sexes.

How does the process work?

The process begins with a comprehensive symptom review and lab work. At Valley Vital Medicine, we look at total testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, estradiol, and other relevant markers as part of what we call the wellness experience. Without that data, we are guessing. With it, we can build a picture of where your hormones actually stand and what optimization may look like for you.

Once labs are reviewed and you are confirmed as a candidate, the first insertion appointment is scheduled. Trevor and Kali use the Evexias dosing protocol, which accounts for height, weight, physical activity level, lab values, health history, and risk factors to calculate a starting dose designed to land close to the target from the first round.

The insertion procedure takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes for women and a little longer for men. A small numbing agent is applied to the area above the hip or upper buttock, a small incision is made, the pellets are inserted into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, and the incision is closed with a small adhesive strip. No stitches are required. Most patients resume normal activity the same day.

How long do the pellets last?

For women, pellets typically last approximately three months. For men , the window is closer to five months. How quickly the pellets are absorbed depends on cardiac output and activity level, meaning more active patients may metabolize the hormones faster.

We schedule a follow-up lab check four to six weeks after the initial insertion. That is when hormone levels are at their peak, which gives us the best picture of how you are responding and whether any dose adjustment is needed going forward. After that, a comprehensive lab panel is recommended once per year unless significant changes in weight or lifestyle occur.

When will I start to feel different?

Most patients report the first noticeable changes in mood, energy, mental clarity, and libido within three to six weeks. Brain-related benefits tend to come first.

By around three months, sleep quality often improves, body composition may begin to shift, and workout recovery tends to feel easier.

The more meaningful long-term changes, including measurable improvements in lean muscle mass, cholesterol markers, and bone density, generally become more visible in the six to twelve month range with consistent therapy. This is why we encourage patients to commit to at least three full rounds of pellets before assessing the full benefit.

What about blood work and ongoing monitoring?

Labs are not required before every insertion. After the initial blood work and the four to six week follow-up check, we recommend a full lab panel annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in weight, health status, or how you are feeling.

Monitoring matters because testosterone does influence red blood cell production and, in men, estrogen levels can shift as some testosterone converts to estrogen. We track both, and we address anything that needs attention before it becomes a concern.

Are the pellets FDA approved?

This is a nuanced question worth answering clearly. The ingredients used in EvexiPEL pellets are all FDA-approved substances. The facility where they are manufactured is FDA-registered at the 503B outsourcing level, which carries rigorous quality and sterility standards. The individualized dosing and the insertion procedure itself, because they are customized to each patient, fall outside the FDA approval process in the same way that compounded medications generally do. This is not unusual. Compounding has been part of medicine for centuries and allows for personalized care that standardized mass-produced drugs cannot provide.

It is worth noting that in April 2025, the FDA removed the cardiovascular risk language from the black box warning on all approved testosterone replacement therapy products, following the results of the TRAVERSE trial, which found no association between testosterone therapy and increased risk of major cardiac events including heart attack or stroke.

What are the possible side effects?

EvexiPEL is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include mild acne or oily skin, some minor fluid retention, increased red blood cell counts (which are monitored and managed appropriately), and in women, occasional minor increases in facial hair growth. Voice deepening and significant hair changes are rare at the therapeutic doses we use. If any side effects do occur, we address them directly and work with you to find the right balance.

For men, it is important to understand that testosterone therapy may temporarily reduce sperm production while active. If fertility is a current goal, that conversation needs to happen before starting pellets.

What if I am already on another form of HRT?

Transitioning from creams, patches, pills, or other hormone therapies to pellets is straightforward. At your consultation, Trevor or Kali will review your current therapy, your labs, and your symptom history to determine how to approach dosing appropriately. The goal is continuity of care and a smooth transition, not starting over from scratch.

What about breast cancer history?

This requires an individual conversation with a provider. Bioidentical hormones, including testosterone, have not been shown to increase breast cancer risk when used within appropriate physiologic dosing ranges, and in the case of testosterone specifically, the Global Consensus Position Statement from 11 medical societies found no signal for elevated breast cancer risk at premenopausal testosterone dosing levels. That said, every patient's history is different, and the decision to proceed with hormone therapy for someone with a personal or family history of breast cancer deserves a careful, thorough clinical conversation. If you have questions about your specific situation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation rather than making assumptions in either direction.

How do I get started?

If you are a current Valley Vital Medicine patient, reach out to Trevor or Kali directly through the patient portal to discuss whether pellet therapy fits your current plan. If you are new to Valley Vital, the first step is a free discovery call with Lori, our certified health coach. She will spend time understanding your symptoms, your goals, and your health history to help determine whether a wellness experience and hormone evaluation makes sense for you.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com to schedule your free discovery call and find out whether EvexiPEL hormone pellet therapy may be the right next step for your health.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hormone therapy decisions should be made in partnership with a qualified healthcare provider based on your individual health history, symptoms, and lab work. Compounded hormone therapies are not FDA-approved drugs. The procedure described is performed at the discretion of a licensed healthcare provider.

References:

Evexias Health Solutions. EvexiPEL Method clinical overview. 2024.
Lincoff AM, et al. Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy (TRAVERSE Trial). N Engl J Med. 2023;389:107-117.
FDA. Labeling changes for testosterone replacement therapy products removing cardiovascular risk warning. April 2025.
Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019.
Glaser R, Dimitrakakis C. Testosterone therapy in women: myths and misconceptions. Maturitas. 2013;74(3):230-234.

Is Your Testosterone Normal or Optimal? Here's the Difference

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:51:41 GMT

In July 2026, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that all active-duty service members aged 30 and older would be screened annually for testosterone deficiency as part of routine health assessments. The stated goal was to restore the biological foundation for strength, resilience, and long-term health, rather than waiting until symptoms had advanced into disease.

That decision from the military raises a reasonable question for the rest of us: if it makes sense to proactively screen every service member over 30, should we be doing the same for the general population?

At Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND, the answer is yes. And the conversation around testosterone, what it actually does in the body, why levels are declining across the population, and what genuine optimization looks like, is one Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C , has been having with patients for years.

Why Testosterone Matters Beyond Libido

Most people associate testosterone with sex drive and athletic performance. Those are real effects, but they represent a fraction of what testosterone actually does.

Testosterone supports focus, motivation, confidence, and mood stability. It is directly involved in maintaining lean muscle mass, which in turn supports metabolism and the ability to stay strong and independent as we age. It plays a major role in bone density. Many cases of osteopenia and osteoporosis that get treated with pharmaceutical interventions are actually rooted in hormone deficiency, and replacing those hormones, combined with adequate nutrition, can actively rebuild bone.

Testosterone also has meaningful cardiovascular effects. It supports healthy body composition, helps control blood pressure, and is associated with improved insulin sensitivity. People with low testosterone carry a higher risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It supports red blood cell production, which means chronically low testosterone can contribute to anemia that goes unresolved. And there is a growing body of research linking testosterone levels to brain health, including a study of over 5,200 older men that found low testosterone was associated with a 48% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Women carry a disproportionately high risk of Alzheimer's, and research links age-related testosterone decline to worsened cognitive performance in women as well.

Sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass with age, is directly tied to declining hormone levels. The people who end up frail, unable to care for themselves, and at high risk of falls are overwhelmingly people who have lost the muscle and hormonal foundation that keeps the body strong and functional. Testosterone is a meaningful lever in preventing that outcome.

Testosterone Is Declining Across the Population

This is not just about individual aging. Population-level data show roughly a 50% decline in average testosterone levels over recent decades, along with significant reductions in fertility. This is not explained by age alone.

Chronic stress is a direct suppressor of testosterone production. Poor sleep compounds the problem. Sedentary lifestyle, excess body weight, certain medications, and head injuries all contribute. And then there is toxicity.

BPA, found in plastics, food packaging, beverage can linings, and receipt paper, has been detected in approximately 90% of Americans tested. It binds to androgen receptors and interferes with normal testosterone signaling. Phthalates, found in many personal care products that soften plastics, have similar hormone-disrupting effects. The burden of these environmental exposures is real, measurable, and one of the reasons that lifestyle and supplementation alone often fall short of getting people to optimal levels.

Normal Versus Optimal: Why the Standard Lab Range Misleads

Lab reference ranges are built by taking large volumes of population data and identifying where most results cluster. That creates a range that reflects what is statistically common, not what is biologically optimal.

For men, a total testosterone reference range might run from 350 to 1,200 ng/dL. That range is enormous. A 25-year-old man living a healthy lifestyle might naturally sit at 1,200. Calling 350 acceptable simply because it falls within the range is not the same as calling it healthy or sufficient. Most men feel and function best, and carry lower long-term disease risk, with total testosterone in the range of 900 to 1,100 ng/dL and free testosterone in the low-to-mid 20s range.

Free testosterone matters as much as total testosterone and is rarely measured in conventional settings. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) binds a portion of total testosterone, leaving only the free fraction available to have biological effects. A man with a total testosterone of 700 but high SHBG might have very little free testosterone available. Evaluating only total testosterone misses that entirely.

For women , testosterone is frequently not measured at all until a patient is well into her 40s. Some women presenting with fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, low libido, and difficulty recovering from exercise have testosterone levels that are completely undetectable. One study in which women were given testosterone until their symptoms resolved found the average level at the point of symptom relief was 350 ng/dL, a level that would read as high on most standard female reference ranges. Research has not identified a clear upper safety threshold for testosterone in women, and clinical experience shows that many women feel and function well at levels that exceed conventional reference ranges, without significant adverse effects.

What the Research Actually Shows

For years, testosterone therapy carried a black box warning for cardiovascular risk, a designation based on early, methodologically limited studies. The TRAVERSE trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023, was the largest randomized controlled trial of testosterone ever conducted, involving 5,246 men aged 45 to 80. It found that testosterone therapy was not associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events including heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death. In April 2025, the FDA removed the cardiovascular risk language from the black box warning on all approved testosterone products, citing the TRAVERSE trial and subsequent evidence reviews.

The Testosterone Trials, a landmark NIH-funded study in men 65 and older, demonstrated improvements in sexual function, mood, walking capacity, bone density, and anemia.

On the question of prostate cancer, emerging research suggests testosterone therapy is not a cause of prostate cancer and may actually be protective when used in men without an existing diagnosis.

For women, the Global Consensus position statement from 11 medical societies confirms there is no signal for increased breast cancer risk when testosterone is used within physiologic dosing ranges.

Lifestyle and Supplements: Useful, but Often Insufficient

There are real things lifestyle and supplementation can do to support testosterone levels. Getting adequate sleep, managing stress, doing regular resistance training, reducing refined carbohydrates and alcohol (particularly beer, which contains estrogen-promoting hops), maintaining a healthy body composition, and reducing BPA and phthalate exposure all have documented effects on hormone production.

Supplements including zinc, vitamin D, ashwagandha, and magnesium have reasonable evidence for modest testosterone support. Other commonly marketed ingredients, including tongkat ali, shilajit, and fenugreek, have less consistent data.

The honest clinical reality is that lifestyle and supplements can produce meaningful improvement, but often fall short of optimal. A man who does everything right over a two to three month period might see his total testosterone rise from 400 to 550. That is an improvement, but it is not optimization, and for most men, it will not fully resolve the symptoms or meaningfully reduce long-term disease risk.

Treatment Options at Valley Vital Medicine

For the right candidate, testosterone therapy produces predictable, meaningful results that supplements and lifestyle cannot consistently replicate.

For men, the primary options are subcutaneous or intramuscular injections (done twice weekly to maintain steady levels rather than the peaks and drops associated with weekly or biweekly dosing), compounded topical testosterone cream applied to the scrotal skin for optimal absorption, or testosterone pellets.

For women, compounded topical cream applied to the labial skin absorbs well and produces excellent results in most cases. Testosterone pellets are also a strong option for women who prefer a less frequent routine.

At Valley Vital Medicine, testosterone pellets are sourced through Evexias, a company with rigorous pharmaceutical standards and a patented pellet compression process that produces consistent, sustained release. Evexias pellets are coated with a light anti-inflammatory compound to reduce scarring risk and improve absorption consistency. The result is a smooth onset, stable levels across the treatment window, and a gradual offset, without the sharp peaks and rapid drops that can occur with lower-quality pellet products. For men, pellets are typically reinserted approximately every five months. For women, the interval is approximately every three months. Both procedures are brief in-office appointments.

Dosing is calculated using the Evexias protocol, which accounts for height, weight, activity level, lab values, health history, and risk factors to project a starting dose that hits close to the target on the first insertion.

What to Expect and When

Within three to six weeks of starting testosterone therapy, most patients begin to notice improvements in mood, energy, libido, and mental clarity. Brain-related benefits tend to come first.

At around three months, sleep quality typically improves, body composition begins to shift, and workout recovery improves.

At six to twelve months, changes in lean muscle mass, fat reduction, cholesterol markers, and measurable bone density gains become more apparent. Sustained risk reduction for the chronic conditions discussed throughout this post builds over time with consistent therapy and monitoring.

Testosterone therapy is a long-term commitment, not a short experiment. Pellet patients are encouraged to complete at least three full rounds before assessing full outcomes.

Who Is and Is Not a Good Candidate

Good candidates typically have documented low or low-normal testosterone with related symptoms, are motivated to combine therapy with lifestyle changes, do not have active hormone-sensitive cancer, and are committed to the monitoring that responsible testosterone therapy requires. Lab work is rechecked at five weeks after a pellet insertion to assess levels and symptom response, and comprehensive panels are recommended annually.

Testosterone therapy warrants a careful, individualized conversation for people with a personal history of breast or prostate cancer, untreated sleep apnea, significantly elevated hematocrit, current efforts to conceive, or pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Potential side effects include increases in red blood cell counts (which require monitoring but are not inherently dangerous in most cases), estrogen conversion in men (manageable with targeted support), mild acne or oily skin, and in some women, minor changes in body hair. These are manageable with appropriate oversight and rarely outweigh the benefits for patients who are good candidates.

Getting Started

If you are a current Valley Vital Medicine patient, this conversation is one Trevor or Kali Boyer, FNP-C , can have with you directly. If you are not yet a patient, the free discovery call with Lori, our certified health coach, is the right first step. She will take the time to understand your history and goals and help determine whether a wellness experience and hormone evaluation makes sense for you.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com to schedule your free discovery call and find out where you actually stand.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Testosterone therapy decisions should be made in partnership with a qualified healthcare provider based on your individual health history, symptoms, and lab work.

References:

Lincoff AM, et al. Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy (TRAVERSE Trial). N Engl J Med. 2023;389:107-117.
Androgen Society Position Paper on Cardiovascular Risk with Testosterone Therapy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. October 2024.
FDA. Labeling changes for testosterone replacement therapy products. April 2025.
Testosterone Trials Research Group. Effects of testosterone treatment in older men. N Engl J Med. 2016.
Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019.
Cai Z, et al. Low testosterone and risk of Alzheimer's disease in older men: a systematic review. Andrology. 2023.

You Deserve to Feel Well: Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormones, Symptoms & HRT Explained

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:45:19 GMT

If you have been feeling tired in a way that sleep does not seem to fix, anxious in situations that never used to bother you, foggy in the middle of conversations, or just off in a way you cannot quite name, you are not imagining it. And it is not just stress. For many women, it is hormones .

At Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND, our women's health team led by Kali Boyer, FNP-C , focuses on helping women understand what is happening inside their bodies so they can make informed decisions and stop accepting symptoms they do not have to live with.

What Is Happening and Why

Women are born with approximately one to two million eggs. That supply naturally declines over time. By around age 30, roughly 10% of the original supply remains. By 40, it is closer to 3%. As the egg supply gets too low for the ovaries to respond reliably to signals from the brain, hormone production becomes less predictable, and eventually, less sufficient.

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause. It can begin as early as the mid-30s in some women, with many experiencing the first changes in their early-to-mid 40s. Perimenopause typically starts in a woman's mid-40s, and this stage lasts an average of about four years, though it can extend up to 10 years for some women.

Menopause itself is not a phase. It is a single point in time: the day a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. On average, a woman is 51 years old when she reaches menopause. Everything that follows is postmenopause.

During perimenopause, estrogen does not simply decline. It swings, sometimes dramatically, from very high to very low and back again. That unpredictability is what drives the most disruptive symptoms. Progesterone, which is primarily produced after ovulation, begins to drop earlier in perimenopause as ovulation becomes less consistent. Once menopause is reached, both estrogen and progesterone settle at consistently low levels.

The Role of Progesterone

Progesterone is often called the calming hormone. It has a direct influence on GABA pathways in the brain, which means it plays a meaningful role in sleep, mood, and nervous system regulation. It also works to balance estrogen's stimulating effects on tissue growth, supports regular menstrual cycles, and contributes to bone health, cardiovascular health, and collagen production.

When progesterone begins to decline, the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone creates what is sometimes called an estrogen-dominant state, even if estrogen itself is not elevated. The effect is that estrogen's influence comes through more strongly without the natural counterbalance progesterone provides.

Common signs of declining progesterone include anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere, worsened PMS and mood swings, sleep disruption (particularly waking between 1 and 3 in the morning with a racing mind), breast tenderness and swelling before cycles, heavier periods, headaches, and that wired-but-exhausted feeling where the body is depleted but the mind will not stop.

Many women experiencing these symptoms are told they are stressed. Sometimes an anti-anxiety medication is offered. But when the underlying driver is a hormonal shift, addressing only the symptom without the root cause leaves the real issue unresolved.

The Role of Estrogen

Estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries and reaches nearly every organ in the body. Its influence extends well beyond reproductive function.

Estrogen supports mood, memory, and mental clarity. It is important for maintaining bone density, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. It promotes skin elasticity and collagen production, supports joint health, and plays a critical role in vaginal and urinary tissue health.

On the cardiovascular side, estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and reduces inflammation. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S., and estrogen plays a meaningful protective role. As estrogen declines, many women notice that despite eating well and exercising, visceral fat, the fat stored around the internal organs, starts to accumulate. This type of fat carries a higher cardiovascular risk than fat stored elsewhere in the body.

Bone health is another critical area. Bones are living tissue, continuously breaking down and rebuilding. Estrogen helps keep that process balanced. When estrogen drops at menopause, the rate of breakdown outpaces rebuilding. Bone loss accelerates, particularly in the first few years following menopause, raising the risk of osteoporosis and fracture. The connection between bone strength and independence as we age is very real.

Common signs of declining estrogen include hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, vaginal dryness and discomfort, joint stiffness and aches, dry and thinning skin, recurring urinary tract infections, difficulty sleeping, and mood changes including emotional sensitivity and irritability.

The Role of Testosterone

Testosterone is not just a male hormone. Women produce it as well, primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and its effects extend across every organ system.

In women, testosterone supports mental clarity, focus, memory, motivation, and mood. It plays a key role in muscle mass, bone strength, physical performance, and metabolic health. It also supports sexual health, including libido, arousal, and the health of vaginal and urinary tissue.

When testosterone declines, women often describe a feeling of being emotionally flat. Not sad exactly, but disconnected. Activities that used to bring enjoyment stop feeling appealing. The desire to socialize, engage with family, or pursue hobbies fades. Some women describe it as losing access to joy. That experience is worth naming directly because it is often one of the least-discussed symptoms, and one that women sometimes feel embarrassed to bring up.

Other signs of low testosterone include reduced sex drive, difficulty building or maintaining muscle, fatigue that does not improve with rest, slower metabolism, reduced stamina, longer recovery after exercise, and loss of motivation and confidence.

The takeaway is simple: women need testosterone too. Healthy levels support vitality, strength, and quality of life across every dimension, not just sexual health.

Lifestyle as a Foundation

Hormone therapy, when appropriate, can be a powerful tool. But it works best when it is built on a strong foundation. The lifestyle habits that support hormone health matter at every stage of life, and they become especially important during and after perimenopause.

Protein at every meal helps preserve muscle mass and stabilize blood sugar. Blood sugar instability is a physical stressor, and the body is already navigating significant hormonal stress during this transition. Keeping blood sugar steady through food choices is one of the most accessible ways to reduce that burden.

Strength training is essential, not optional. Building and maintaining muscle supports metabolism, preserves bone density, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps offset the natural muscle loss that accompanies declining estrogen. Starting is what matters most. Resistance bands and light weights done consistently make a real difference. The goal is not perfection from day one.

Fiber-rich foods support gut health, blood sugar balance, cholesterol levels, and healthy estrogen metabolism. A diverse, colorful plate is not just good general health advice. It is specifically relevant to how hormones are processed and cleared from the body.

Sleep is when the body repairs, restores, and regulates hormones. Prioritizing it is not indulgent. It is foundational.

Daily movement, including walks after meals to help stabilize blood sugar, stretching, and regular activity, supports overall hormone balance and helps manage the cardiovascular risks that increase after menopause.

Stress management matters because chronic stress worsens hormone symptoms. Even five minutes of intentional diaphragmatic breathing in the morning and evening can meaningfully support the nervous system. Prayer, time outdoors, grounding in nature, and community connection are all part of a sustainable approach.

Hydration is often underestimated. Adequate water intake supports energy, digestion, joint health, temperature regulation, and can reduce headache frequency.

And gut health underpins almost everything. A healthy gut supports nutrient absorption, blood sugar regulation, inflammation control, and hormone metabolism. Probiotic-rich, anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly foods belong at the center of the plate.

What You Need to Know About Hormone Therapy

For many women, lifestyle alone will not fully resolve the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. That is not a personal failing. It is biology. Hormone replacement therapy , when done correctly, can be one of the most effective interventions available.

There are two broad categories. Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones the body naturally produces. Placed side by side with the body's own hormones under a microscope, they are indistinguishable. Synthetic hormones, by contrast, are similar but not identical. The structural difference is small, but it matters to how the body processes them and to the risk profile associated with long-term use.

Bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are available both through compounding pharmacies in customized formulations and through FDA-approved standardized preparations available at conventional pharmacies. Compounded bioidentical hormones are paid for out of pocket. FDA-approved bioidentical options are sometimes covered by insurance.

Clearing Up the Fear Around Hormone Therapy

Many women have been told, or have heard, that hormone therapy causes breast cancer. That fear traces back to the Women's Health Initiative study published in 2002, which generated widespread media coverage linking hormone therapy to elevated breast cancer risk. That coverage led to a dramatic drop in prescriptions and left millions of women without care they needed. The fear has persisted for over two decades.

What the 2002 headlines missed is important. The WHI study used synthetic hormones. The average participant was 63 years old, well over 10 years past the average age of menopause. Many participants were already overweight or had existing health conditions that independently raise breast cancer and cardiovascular risk. Reanalysis of the study showed that estrogen-only treatment was associated with a 23% drop in breast cancer risk, and rates of breast cancer death declined by 40% in the estrogen-only group. The elevated breast cancer risk that was seen in the original study was associated with the combination of estrogen plus synthetic progestin, not estrogen alone.

Bioidentical micronized progesterone, the form used in modern hormone therapy, has not been shown to carry the same elevated risk as synthetic progestins. The molecular difference matters.

Research also shows that the timing of hormone therapy significantly influences its risk-benefit profile. Starting within 10 years of menopause and before age 60 is associated with the greatest benefits, including protective effects for the heart, bones, and brain.

Hormone therapy is not appropriate for every woman. Individual history, risk factors, and goals all factor into whether and how it is recommended. But the outdated, oversimplified message that hormones cause cancer has prevented too many women from accessing care that could have meaningfully improved their health and quality of life.

How Valley Vital Medicine Approaches Women's Hormonal Health

Kali Boyer, FNP-C , specializes in women's health at every stage of life, including perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, postpartum hormone shifts, heavy or painful periods, sexual health, and hormone optimization.

First appointments are typically 60 minutes. That time is spent listening. What are your symptoms? What have you tried? What are your goals? Lab work is reviewed not just for whether values fall within a reference range, but for whether they are optimal. Symptoms are taken seriously as signals, not dismissed as stress or normal aging.

Recommendations are individualized and grounded in current research. Treatment plans are built around what is sustainable for each patient's life. And education is central to every appointment, because informed patients make better decisions and stay more committed to their own care.

If you are ready to feel energized, strong, and like yourself again, we would love to hear from you.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com to schedule your free discovery call with our health coach Lori, and take the first step toward understanding your hormones and getting the support you deserve.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hormone therapy decisions should always be made in partnership with a qualified healthcare provider based on your individual health history, symptoms, and goals.

References:

Midi Health. Menopause statistics, facts, and latest research. 2026.
Cunningham AC, et al. Perimenopause symptoms, severity, and healthcare seeking in women in the U.S. NPJ Women's Health. 2025.
Winona Health. Disputing Women's Health Initiative research findings. 2026.
D'Alonzo M, et al. Current evidence of the oncological benefit-risk profile of hormone replacement therapy. Medicina. 2019.
BodySpec. Perimenopause age, signs, timelines, and what to expect. SWAN study data. 2026.
World Health Organization. Menopause fact sheet. 2024.

Peptide Therapy Explained: What Are Peptides and Why Does It Matter Where They Come From?

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:30:57 GMT

Peptides are one of the fastest-growing conversations in functional and integrative medicine right now. You have likely seen them mentioned on podcasts, by health influencers, or in articles about longevity and recovery. You may have also seen them sold directly online without a prescription. That combination, growing interest and easy accessibility, is exactly why it is worth slowing down and understanding what peptides actually are, how the more commonly discussed ones work, and why where they come from matters as much as what they are.

At Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND, we believe that informed patients make better decisions. This post is intended to give you a clear, grounded overview of peptides, the current regulatory environment, and three of the peptides receiving the most attention in integrative medicine today.

What Is a Peptide?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. A long chain of amino acids is called a protein. If amino acids are individual Lego bricks, a peptide is a small structure built from a handful of those bricks, while a protein is a much larger, more complex structure built from hundreds or even thousands.

What makes peptides particularly interesting is not their structure but their function. Peptides act as signaling molecules. They are, in many ways, the body's internal messaging system. Think of the body as a large city full of construction crews, electricians, doctors, and dispatchers. Everyone already knows how to do their job, but nothing gets done efficiently unless people are communicating. Peptides carry those instructions. They tell cells what to do, when to do it, and how much of it is needed.

Your body already produces thousands of different peptides naturally. Researchers have identified over 7,000 naturally occurring peptides in humans. The pancreas produces peptides involved in blood sugar regulation. The stomach produces peptides involved in digestion. The thymus gland produces peptides that coordinate immune responses. The skin produces peptides involved in wound healing. This is important because therapeutic peptides are not introducing a foreign signal. They are working with the body's own language.

Why Is Everyone Talking About Peptides Now?

Peptides are not new. Insulin, which is itself a peptide, has been used in medicine for over 100 years. Growth hormone, oxytocin, and calcitonin are also peptides that have been part of medicine for decades.

What has changed is our understanding. For most of the twentieth century, medicine focused on blocking pathways rather than supporting them. If blood pressure was high, we blocked an enzyme. If cholesterol was elevated, we blocked the pathway that produces it. Peptide therapy asks a different question: what if instead of forcing the body to do something, we help it communicate better and do what it was already designed to do?

The explosion of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide has also brought peptides into mainstream awareness. Many people realized for the first time that GLP-1 medications are themselves peptides, and that naturally sparked curiosity about what other peptides might be able to do.

The Regulatory Landscape: What the FDA Actually Said

If you have followed the news around peptides recently, you may have seen headlines suggesting that several peptides were just approved or that major changes happened overnight. That is not accurate, and the distinction matters.

The FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee met recently to review several peptides and voted on whether they should be eligible for compounding by licensed pharmacies. Six of the seven reviewed peptides received favorable recommendations. That is genuinely encouraging news for patients and practitioners who use these therapies. However, the advisory committee makes recommendations, it does not make final decisions. The FDA reviews those recommendations, gathers public input, and determines the regulatory outcome. That process takes months. Nothing became FDA-approved. Nothing suddenly became widely available. It is one important step forward in a longer process.

Three Categories of Peptides: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common mistakes people make when researching peptides is assuming they all fall into the same category. They do not.

The first category is FDA-approved peptide medications. These include insulin, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, certain fertility medications, and growth hormone. These have gone through years of clinical trials, established dosing, known side effects, and defined indications.

The second category is compounded peptides. These are medications prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies under a physician's prescription. Compounding has a long history in medicine and exists to serve patients who need medications in specific doses, formulations, or without certain ingredients. This is where many therapeutic peptides currently sit, and this is the category the FDA advisory committee was reviewing.

The third category is gray market or online peptides purchased directly without a prescription or clinical oversight. This category carries the most risk and requires the most caution.

Why the Source Matters as Much as the Peptide

If you needed a heart medication, you would not purchase it from an anonymous website because it was less expensive. The same logic applies to peptides.

Licensed compounding pharmacies operate under strict standards. Ingredients come from qualified suppliers. Sterility procedures are monitored. Batches are tested. Certificates of analysis are maintained. Many pharmacies perform additional purity and concentration testing before dispensing.

Independent analyses of peptides purchased online have found products that contain less active ingredient than advertised, products with greater concentrations than labeled, and in some cases products with bacterial contamination. Because most therapeutic peptides are administered by injection, contamination is not a minor concern. It is a patient safety issue.

Dosing accuracy matters too. If a vial is supposed to contain 10 milligrams but actually contains a significantly different amount, you are not getting the expected response. Medicine requires predictable, consistent dosing. Gray market products cannot reliably provide that.

Clinical oversight matters as well. Determining the right peptide, the appropriate dose, the correct frequency, potential interactions with other medications, and whether lab monitoring is needed requires a provider who understands the full picture. Forums and social media are not a substitute for that.

Thymosin Alpha-1: The Immune System's Conductor

Thymosin Alpha-1 originates in the thymus gland, a small organ that sits just behind the breastbone. In infants and young children, the thymus is one of the most active immune organs in the body. It functions as a training academy for T cells, the immune cells responsible for recognizing and responding to threats. More than 95% of immature T cells never pass quality control and are removed before they enter circulation.

The problem is that the thymus does not remain active. Beginning around puberty, it starts to shrink in a process called thymic involution. By the late 30s and early 40s, research suggests the thymus has lost the majority of its functional tissue. By age 65, the thymus has shrunk by approximately 90%. As the thymus shrinks, so does its production of the signaling molecules that coordinate immune function, including Thymosin Alpha-1.

A 2025 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that Thymosin Alpha-1 may help improve vaccine response in elderly patients and support mitigation of immune decline associated with aging by stimulating T-cell differentiation, enhancing thymic output, and modulating dendritic cell and macrophage activity.

Thymosin Alpha-1 does not directly attack pathogens the way an antibiotic does. It functions more like an orchestra conductor, helping coordinate the immune response rather than replacing any individual instrument. Research has explored its potential role in chronic viral infections including hepatitis B and C, influenza, COVID-19, cancer support, immune deficiencies, and healthy aging. A 2024 narrative review covering clinical studies across more than 11,000 human subjects found consistent evidence of Thymosin Alpha-1's safety across COVID-19, autoimmune conditions, and cancer settings.

It is worth noting that Thymosin Alpha-1 is approved in more than 35 countries under the brand name Zadaxin, primarily for hepatitis B, making it one of the few therapeutic peptides with established international clinical approval. Most of the clinical data in the United States remains in defined disease states rather than healthy aging populations, and large-scale randomized trials in otherwise healthy adults are still limited. That distinction matters when evaluating claims.

Thymosin Alpha-1 is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals who are intentionally suppressing their immune system, those with certain cancers, or those who have received organ transplants require careful evaluation before considering this therapy.

BPC-157: Tissue Repair From an Unlikely Source

BPC stands for Body Protection Compound. The 157 refers to the length of the original protein fragment from which it was derived. Its origin is not a laboratory. It comes from the stomach.

The stomach is exposed to one of the strongest acids in the body, yet it does not digest itself. Every few days it renews its lining, continuously repairing tiny injuries, regulating blood flow, and maintaining its protective barrier. Scientists studied what protects and repairs the stomach so efficiently, and that investigation led to the discovery of protective compounds within gastric juice, one of which became the basis for BPC-157.

Experimental evidence reveals that BPC-157 supports angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity, and modulation of nitric oxide pathways, contributing to enhanced healing of muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, and gastrointestinal tissue.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is one of the first priorities after tissue injury. Without restored blood flow, healing cannot proceed efficiently. Fibroblasts are the specialized cells that lay down collagen and rebuild damaged structures. Research suggests BPC-157 may influence both of these processes during healing.

Because of its gastric origins, BPC-157 is also one of the few therapeutic peptides that can be taken orally to support the digestive tract specifically. Research has explored its effects on the stomach lining, intestinal barrier integrity, recovery from ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease, and healing following damage from anti-inflammatory medications. It has also received significant attention in sports medicine for tendon, ligament, and muscle recovery, areas where the research base continues to grow. In one human study, 7 out of 12 people with chronic knee pain felt relief for over six months after receiving a single BPC-157 knee injection.

It is important to be honest about where the evidence stands. The majority of BPC-157 research is preclinical, meaning it has been conducted in animal and laboratory models. Human clinical trials are still limited, and larger, well-designed trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. BPC-157 is not FDA-approved for any condition in the United States. At Valley Vital Medicine, we present it as a therapy with promising preclinical support and a favorable safety profile observed in research to date, not as an established medical treatment.

TB-500: Cell Migration and Tissue Remodeling

TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of a naturally occurring peptide called Thymosin Beta-4. Unlike Thymosin Alpha-1, which originates primarily in the thymus, Thymosin Beta-4 is found throughout the body in high concentrations, present in platelets, white blood cells, skin, cornea, heart tissue, and actively healing tissue of all kinds.

Where BPC-157 is often described as the repair crew, TB-500 functions more like the project manager. Its primary role involves a protein called actin, which forms part of the internal skeleton of cells and enables cells to move. When tissue is damaged, immune cells, fibroblasts, and blood vessel cells all need to migrate into the injured area. Nothing heals if those cells cannot get to where they are needed. Research suggests Thymosin Beta-4 influences these cell migration pathways and may also play a role in angiogenesis and in regulating the transition from acute inflammation toward tissue remodeling.

It is critical to be clear about the evidence base for TB-500 specifically. As of early 2026, no completed, published human randomized controlled trials have examined TB-500 for any musculoskeletal or tissue-repair indication. Most of the research has been conducted using Thymosin Beta-4, the full parent protein, in animal and laboratory models. The 2025 scoping review on TB-500 and Thymosin Beta-4 found the evidence base weighted toward preclinical designs, with human data still very limited. TB-500 is also currently listed by WADA as a prohibited substance in competitive sports.

That does not mean the underlying science is without merit. Research on Thymosin Beta-4 itself is encouraging and continues to expand. A 2025 study in Cardiovascular Research provided early human evidence in cardiac patients. But it does mean that anyone considering TB-500 should do so with realistic expectations, under clinical oversight, and with a clear understanding of where the evidence currently stands.

BPC-157 and TB-500 are frequently discussed together and sometimes used in combination because their proposed mechanisms complement each other. BPC-157 appears to support connective tissue repair and GI healing, while TB-500 appears to support cell migration and tissue remodeling. Whether combining them produces effects greater than either alone has not been established in human trials.

How Valley Vital Medicine Approaches Peptide Therapy

Our philosophy is to be open to emerging therapies and grounded in evidence and patient safety at the same time. We do not chase trends, and we do not dismiss new science simply because it is new. What we do is evaluate the research honestly, consider each patient's full medical history, and make individualized recommendations based on goals, risk factors, and current evidence.

When peptides are part of a patient's plan at Valley Vital Medicine, they come from licensed compounding pharmacies that meet rigorous quality and sterility standards. Clinical oversight, appropriate lab monitoring, and clear outcome tracking are part of how we use these tools responsibly.

Peptides are not a magic bullet. They work best as part of a broader strategy that includes nutrition, sleep, stress management, hormone optimization, and addressing root cause contributors to whatever health challenges a patient is navigating. What they can offer, in the right context and with the right sourcing, is targeted support for the body's own healing and communication systems.

If you are curious about whether peptide therapy might be appropriate for your specific health goals, we would love to have that conversation with you.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com to schedule your free discovery call and learn how peptide therapy and our root-cause approach can help you optimize your health.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide therapies discussed in this article are not FDA-approved for the conditions mentioned unless otherwise noted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.

References:

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Thymosin Alpha-1 and immune aging: a multi-system review. November 2025.
Meto Research. Thymosin Alpha-1 safety review across 11,000+ subjects. 2024.
Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Thymosin Alpha-1 in Infectious Diseases and Critical Care Medicine. Infect Microb Dis. 2025;7(2):76-83.
Vasireddi N, et al. Emerging use of BPC-157 in orthopaedic sports medicine: a systematic review. HSS J. 2025;21(4):485-495.
MDPI. From regeneration to analgesia: the role of BPC-157 in tissue repair and pain management. Int J Mol Sci. 2026.
MDPI Applied Sciences. Thymosin Beta-4 and TB-500 in tissue healing, regeneration, and musculoskeletal repair: a scoping review. 2026.
Zhang et al. Recombinant human Thymosin Beta-4 in ischemic cardiac dysfunction. Cardiovascular Research. 2025.

Procaine IV Therapy: A Natural Reset for Your Overloaded Nervous System

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:27:24 GMT

Chronic stress has become the default setting for most people. The constant notifications, the packed schedules, the low-grade sense that something is always wrong even when nothing specific is. Many people describe it as feeling wired and exhausted at the same time, unable to fully relax, unable to sleep deeply, unable to get through the day without pushing through fatigue.

This is not a willpower problem. It is a nervous system problem.

At Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND, we work to identify and address the root causes of how people feel rather than simply managing symptoms. One of the most significant and often overlooked root causes we see across a wide range of health conditions is nervous system dysregulation. And one of the most compelling tools we have recently added to support nervous system balance is procaine IV therapy.

Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation

The autonomic nervous system has two primary modes. The sympathetic state, commonly known as fight or flight, raises heart rate, sharpens alertness, and prepares the body to respond to a threat. The parasympathetic state, known as rest and digest, slows things down, supports digestion and cellular repair, and allows for true recovery.

The human body was designed to move fluidly between these two states. In earlier times, a stressful event would trigger the sympathetic response, the threat would pass, and the body would return to a calm baseline. Today, that return is not happening nearly as reliably.

Technology, sleep deprivation, chronic health conditions, trauma, and ongoing uncertainty keep many people locked in a sympathetic dominant state for months or even years. Medically, this persistent imbalance is called dysautonomia, and it may be contributing to a wide range of symptoms that conventional care often struggles to address.

Common signs that the nervous system may be dysregulated include:

Anxiety, irritability, or a persistent sense of being on edge
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Digestive irregularities such as bloating, constipation, or nausea
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Heart palpitations or fluctuating blood pressure
Temperature intolerance or exercise intolerance

These symptoms do not always point to a single diagnosis. But they often reflect a nervous system that has been in overdrive for too long.

What Is Procaine and Why Is It Being Used as IV Therapy?

Procaine is a local anesthetic that has been in medical use since 1905. Most people recognize it as Novocaine, the numbing agent used in dental procedures. What fewer people know is that procaine has a much broader range of effects on the body when administered intravenously at therapeutic doses.

Because procaine has a very short half-life and is processed out of the system within roughly 15 to 30 minutes, it was largely set aside by conventional medicine in favor of longer-acting anesthetics. In integrative and functional medicine, however, that same short action window is part of what makes it useful for therapeutic purposes. The brief window is long enough to create a meaningful cellular response without leaving the body in an altered state.

How Procaine IV Therapy May Support the Nervous System

At the cellular level, healthy nerve function depends on proper charge across the cell membrane, maintained through what is called the sodium potassium pump. Chronic stress, trauma, and inflammation can alter this membrane charge, creating a state of persistent excitability in the sympathetic nervous system. In other words, certain nerve pathways can get stuck in an activated state.

Research suggests that procaine may help interrupt this pattern by creating what some researchers describe as an irritation pause, a brief disruption of aberrant nerve signaling that allows the autonomic nervous system to recalibrate toward a more balanced state. This mechanism is similar to restarting a computer that has too many programs running at once.

Beyond nervous system reset, research has documented several additional effects of procaine when administered systemically:

Anti-inflammatory activity, including reduction of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-alpha and IL-6
Antioxidant effects that may help protect cells from oxidative damage
Improved microcirculation and blood flow to tissues
Potential neuroprotective effects supporting brain and cellular health
Antimicrobial properties demonstrated against certain pathogens in laboratory research

It is worth noting that procaine's anti-aging applications, while historically researched by Romanian physician Dr. Ana Aslan beginning in the 1950s, remain an area where evidence is still developing and results vary. The strongest and most consistent evidence for procaine IV therapy centers on its nervous system, anti-inflammatory, and pain-related effects.

What Research Shows

A 2019 case-controlled study examined the effects of IV procaine on overall health in 56 patients over a four to six month period. Results indicated that roughly 75% of patients showed improvement across multiple positive health markers including sleep, and approximately 62% reported a meaningful reduction in negative symptoms such as anxiety, stress reactions, and low energy. Notably, these improvements were reported to persist at follow-up months after the treatment series concluded, suggesting effects at a cellular rather than purely symptomatic level.

Additional research on neural therapy using procaine injections has shown that the therapy can reduce anxiety alongside pain relief and myofascial relaxation. Early research on post-COVID dysautonomia also points to procaine-based neural therapy as a promising area for further investigation.

It is important to note that the research base for IV procaine, while promising and supported by decades of clinical use, is still growing. This therapy is offered at Valley Vital Medicine as part of a personalized, root-cause-focused approach and is not positioned as a standalone cure.

Who May Benefit from Procaine IV Therapy

Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C, FMCP-M, introduced procaine IV therapy at Valley Vital Medicine because nervous system balance has emerged as a foundational factor in how quickly and completely patients respond to other therapies. When the nervous system is dysregulated, even well-designed treatment plans can produce slower or less complete results.

Procaine IV therapy may be worth exploring for people who:

Experience chronic stress, anxiety, or a persistent sense of being unable to relax
Struggle with sleep difficulties or unrefreshing sleep
Are recovering from trauma, PTSD, or a significant life stressor
Deal with chronic pain, migraines, or fibromyalgia
Are working to transition off antidepressants and need nervous system support
Want to support healthy aging and cellular resilience
Are athletes or high performers looking to optimize recovery

As with any therapy, procaine IV is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with active heart, liver, or seizure conditions, those who are pregnant or nursing, and those with known allergies to anesthetic agents ending in "caine" would require a thorough evaluation before proceeding.

What to Expect at Valley Vital Medicine

Procaine IV therapy at Valley Vital Medicine begins with a review of health history to confirm candidacy and address any questions. The infusion itself is simple: procaine is added to a saline solution and administered intravenously by trained nursing staff under clinical oversight.

The infusion typically takes between 15 and 90 minutes depending on dose and individual response. During the IV, some patients may notice a mild warmth, a brief sense of calm, or slight lightheadedness. These sensations typically resolve within 30 minutes as the procaine clears the system.

The recommended starting protocol is six infusions, given once to twice per week, with dose titration beginning conservatively and increasing based on individual response. Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C, FMCP-M reviews each patient's response throughout the process to adjust the plan as needed.

Procaine IV therapy is available as a standalone service and can also be integrated into an existing Valley Vital Medicine membership plan.

Nervous System Balance as a Foundation for Better Health

At Valley Vital Medicine, nervous system support sits at the top of the clinical roadmap because it underpins so much else. Clients who address nervous system dysregulation early in their care tend to respond better and more quickly to other interventions.

Procaine IV therapy is one part of that approach. We also offer iASSIST neurofeedback, HOCATT sauna with frequency-specific microcurrent, PEMF therapy, BrainTap, and targeted supplement support as part of a comprehensive strategy for nervous system health.

If you have been feeling wired, exhausted, or simply unable to fully recover no matter what you try, your nervous system may be the missing piece.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com to schedule your free discovery call and learn how procaine IV therapy and our root-cause approach can help you find balance, restore energy, and feel like yourself again.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Procaine IV therapy is not FDA-approved as a treatment for any specific condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.

References:

Ghaedefri H, et al. The effect of intravenous procaine on the overall health status of patients: a case-controlled study. 2019.
Prado CM, et al. Procaine and neural therapy: autonomic nervous system modulation. Neural Therapy Research Foundation. 2025.
Aslan A. A new method for prophylaxis and treatment of aging with Novocain. Therapiewoche. 1956;7:14.
Costea M, et al. Procaine: the controversial geroprotector candidate. PMC. 2021.
Alpine Health and Wellness. Neural therapy and IV procaine: proposed benefits and mechanisms. 2025.
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare. Procaine anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. 2025.

Protecting Muscle, Metabolism & Hormonal Health During GLP-1 Weight Loss

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:39:35 GMT

GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, Ozempic, Wegovy. You can't scroll through social media or walk past a medspa without seeing them advertised. And for good reason. These medications can meaningfully reduce appetite, improve blood sugar control, and produce significant weight loss results that traditional dieting often fails to achieve.

But there is a conversation that is not happening nearly enough: what kind of weight are people actually losing?

At Valley Vital Medicine, that question is at the center of everything we do when it comes to weight loss support. Because the number on the scale does not tell the whole story, and in many cases, it is hiding a serious problem.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally released from the intestines when you eat. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking that hormone, reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving blood sugar regulation.

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is a dual agent, activating both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors, which can further improve insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism. Retatrutide, still investigational and not yet FDA-approved, adds a glucagon receptor component that may also support a higher metabolic rate.

Each of these medications works differently, and which one may be appropriate for a given person, if any, is a conversation worth having with a qualified provider who understands the full picture.

The Hidden Problem: You May Be Losing the Wrong Weight

Research published in Circulation found that semaglutide has been associated with lean mass comprising up to 40% of total weight loss in some studies. A 2024 systematic review and network meta-analysis found that across GLP-1 receptor agonists, lean mass loss can account for roughly 25% of total weight lost. A 2025 analysis found that tirzepatide was associated with greater lean body mass loss than semaglutide at every measured time point across a 12-month period.

To put that in plain terms: if someone loses 100 pounds on a GLP-1 medication without taking steps to protect their muscle, a meaningful portion of that loss may come from lean tissue rather than fat.

That matters enormously. Muscle is not just about appearance or athletic performance. Muscle is your metabolism. It is what keeps your body burning calories efficiently at rest. It supports insulin sensitivity, healthy aging, and your ability to function in daily life, including getting up from the floor, climbing stairs, and staying independent as you get older.

Why This Gets Worse When the Medication Stops

One of the most serious concerns with GLP-1 use is what happens after. Research has shown that stopping GLP-1 therapy without the appropriate lifestyle foundation often leads to weight regain. And if lean tissue was lost during the weight loss phase, that muscle does not automatically come back when the weight returns.

The result can be a body composition that is worse than before treatment began, with more fat relative to muscle, a slower resting metabolic rate, and a harder road ahead for anyone who tries to lose weight again in the future.

This is not an argument against GLP-1 medications. It is an argument for doing them right.

What "Doing It Right" Actually Looks Like

At Valley Vital Medicine, we do not believe in handing someone a prescription and sending them on their way. Here is what a comprehensive approach to GLP-1 support looks like.

Resistance training. Exercise sends a signal to the body to hold onto muscle tissue. Without it, caloric restriction, whether from medication or diet, increases the likelihood that the body will draw on lean tissue for energy. Structured strength training, particularly movements that challenge the lower body such as squats, lunges, and leg presses, is one of the most important things a person can do while on a GLP-1 medication.

Adequate protein intake. Protein is the raw material the body needs to maintain muscle. A general starting point is to multiply your ideal body weight in pounds by 0.8 to find a minimum daily gram target. This can be difficult to hit, particularly when appetite is suppressed, which is why being intentional about protein and, in some cases, using targeted amino acid support becomes especially important.

Hormone optimization. Caloric restriction, muscle loss, and metabolic stress all affect hormones. Testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, and growth hormone are all directly connected to muscle maintenance, energy, recovery, and fat metabolism. Many people going through a weight loss journey have underlying hormonal imbalances that go unaddressed, making their results harder to achieve and harder to sustain. Evaluating and supporting hormone levels is a core part of what we do at Valley Vital Medicine.

Body composition tracking. The scale only tells you how much you weigh. It does not tell you what you are made of. We use InBody composition scanning to measure muscle mass, fat mass, hydration, and visceral fat, the fat that surrounds internal organs and raises cardiovascular risk. Tracking body composition during a weight loss program, ideally every few weeks, is the only way to know whether a person is losing fat, losing muscle, or both.

Thoughtful titration. Conventional GLP-1 protocols often push patients to maximum doses as quickly as possible. At Valley Vital Medicine, we take a different approach. Starting at lower doses and increasing only when needed can reduce side effects significantly and give the body more room to adapt in a way that supports rather than undermines overall health.

The Goal Is Not Just to Weigh Less

Weight loss and body composition optimization are not the same thing. Someone can lose significant weight and end up metabolically worse off if that loss comes at the expense of their muscle, their hormones, and their metabolic foundation.

The goal we work toward with every patient is sustainable fat loss with preserved lean tissue, so that when the work is done, the body that remains is stronger, healthier, and capable of maintaining those results without being dependent on medication indefinitely.

If you are currently on a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or have come off one and are concerned about where things stand, we would love to have a conversation. Our free discovery calls are a no-pressure way to learn more about what comprehensive weight loss support looks like.

Call 701-532-1926 or visit www.valleyvitalmedicine.com/call to schedule your free discovery call and learn how a functional medicine approach to weight loss can help you protect your muscle, your metabolism, and your long-term health.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning or modifying any weight loss program or medication regimen.

References:

Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.

Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216.

Prado CM, et al. Muscle and GLP-1 receptor agonists: Adaptive or maladaptive response to weight loss? Circulation. 2024.

Bikou A, et al. Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists and co-agonists on body composition: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Metabolism. 2024.

Chavez AM, et al. Nutrition support whilst on GLP-1 based therapy. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2025;28(4):351-357.

Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare. GLP-1 agonists and exercise: the future of lifestyle prioritization. 2025.

Understanding the Oncotrace Test

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:39:45 GMT

A Personalized Approach to Cancer Detection and Monitoring

In this video, we review the Oncotrace test by RGCC, a powerful tool for early detection and monitoring of cancer activity through the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). This test provides functional insight into how cancer may be behaving in the body—long before it shows up on scans.

At Valley Vital Medicine, we use advanced testing like Oncotrace to personalize care, track treatment response, and guide clients toward better outcomes with precision-based functional medicine.

Men’s health, testosterone optimization, and peak physical performance.

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 07:42:46 GMT

Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, busy professional, or simply want to feel strong and sharp again - this session will give you clear, actionable steps to optimize your health and performance.

Join Trevor Hausauer, FNP, of Valley Vital Medicine, and performance physical therapist Lizette Sunde of C.O.M.P.E.T.E. for a powerful Lunch & Learn on men’s health, testosterone optimization, and peak physical performance.

If you’re feeling tired, gaining stubborn weight, losing muscle, struggling with motivation, or not performing like you used to—this webinar is for you. We’ll break down how hormones, training, recovery, and nervous system regulation all work together to drive strength, energy, and longevity.

You’ll learn:

How testosterone impacts energy, strength, fat loss, mood, and recovery
Signs and symptoms of low or imbalanced hormones
Natural and medical strategies to optimize testosterone safely
The role of physical therapy, movement, and performance training in hormone health
How to train smarter (not harder) to avoid burnout and injury
What labs actually matter for men’s health and performance
Real-world strategies to improve results in the gym and in life

Onconomics Plus Test Review

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:36:42 GMT

Precision Insights for Cancer Therapy

In this video, we review the Onconomics Plus test by RGCC, a cutting-edge laboratory analysis that helps identify the most effective treatment options for each individual’s cancer. By studying how circulating tumor cells (CTCs) respond to various therapies, this test supports a more targeted and personalized approach to cancer treatment.

At Valley Vital Medicine, we use advanced testing like Onconomics Plus to guide personalized care plans, optimize outcomes, and bridge the gap between integrative and conventional oncology.

Unlocking the Power of Hydrogen Therapy

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:33:00 GMT

Interview with HydroHeal CEO

In this episode, Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C sits down with Mick, CEO of HydroHeal, to explore the exciting world of hydrogen therapy. Discover how hydrogen inhalation works, the science behind its benefits, and how Valley Vital Medicine is using it to support healing, energy, and overall wellness.

What Hydrogen Therapy Can Do for Your Body:

Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
Supports cellular energy and mitochondrial function
Promotes recovery and repair at the tissue level
Enhances cognitive function and focus
Improves circulation and overall vitality

✨ Special Offer: Try Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy FREE for your first 2 sessions at Valley Vital Medicine!

What You Need to Know About Ozone Therapy & EBOO

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:29:53 GMT

with Trevor Hausauer FNP-C and Dr. Yoshi Rahm

Discover the powerful potential of ozone therapy in this deep-dive conversation with Trevor Hausauer, FNP-C and Dr. Yoshi Rahm, an expert in functional and integrative medicine. We focus on EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) — one of the most advanced ozone therapies available today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What EBOO ozone therapy is and how it works
The unique benefits compared to other forms of ozone therapy
How EBOO supports detoxification, circulation, and immune balance
Why more functional medicine clinics are turning to ozone for chronic illness and inflammation

Putting the Brakes on Stress

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:23:23 GMT

featuring the Stress Release and Reset with Trevor Hausauer and Dr Bob Rakowski

In this video, Dr Bob Rakowski joins Trevor Hausauer, FNP to discuss the risks of stress, the benefits of ganoderma, and his Stress Reset protocol. If you have additional questions about this Stress Reset or to order Stress Reset or Release drops, please reach out to us at trevor@valleyvitalmedicine.com.

Unlocking the Power of Redox

Fri, 02 May 2025 23:49:46 GMT

We dive into how supporting Redox balance can transform health outcomes and why so many are turning to Asea products to optimize their body's natural healing processes.

The Miracle of Ozone Therapy

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:20:47 GMT

Discover how medical ozone therapy is transforming lives - and how it could help you, too.

In this powerful and informative webinar, we explore “The Miracle of Ozone Therapy”—a revolutionary treatment that’s transforming the way we approach healing and wellness.

Discover how ozone therapy works to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, support detoxification, and supercharge the immune system. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, recovering from viral infections, or simply looking to optimize your overall vitality, this therapy offers a functional approach to true healing.

�� What ozone therapy is and how it works

�� The science behind its healing effects

�� Key conditions it can help address

�� Real-life success stories from clinical practice

�� The differences between Major Auto Hemotherapy, High Dose Ozone and EBOO

The Power of High-Dose Vitamin C & Advanced Therapies for Cancer Support

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:15:55 GMT

Most people only hear about chemo, radiation, and surgery—but there are science-backed, alternative therapies that can help optimize your body's natural defense system.

In this eye-opening webinar, you'll discover:

How High-Dose Vitamin C IV Therapy supports immunity & detoxification
Cutting-edge therapies like CBD IV, ozone therapy, PEMF, EBOO, and HOCATT sauna
Oral therapies including ivermectin, Fenbendazole, melatonin, vitamin D, and peptides
How to identify hidden infections and toxins that may be impacting your health
A step-by-step plan to take control of your well-being

A Functional Medicine Approach to Pain

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:23:24 GMT

Understanding the Root Causes at Valley Vital Medicine

Valley Vital Medicine specializes in alternative methods for treating pain. While cortisone shots are commonly used in conventional medicine, they are degenerative and can worsen the situation.

Valley Vital Medicine offers regenerative therapies such as protozone injections and PRP to optimize and regenerate health, which can make a significant difference in a short period of time and promote overall health.

From First Symptom to Full Recovery

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:12:35 GMT

A Functional Medicine Approach to Beating Viral Illness

Are you tired of feeling helpless when viral illness strikes? Want to know how to boost your immune system, shorten recovery time, and prevent infections naturally? In this webinar, we dive into a Functional Medicine approach to overcoming viral illness—from the very first symptom to full recovery!

In This Video, You’ll Learn:

How viruses impact the body and why early intervention is crucial
Proven Functional Medicine strategies to build immune resilience
The best supplements and natural remedies for viral infections
Cutting-edge therapies like IV therapy, ozone therapy, and HOCATT sauna
How to work with Valley Vital Medicine to create your personalized immune support plan

Compounding Tools

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:56:46 GMT

Irsfeld Pharmacy: The Optimal You Podcast Ep 42

Join host pharmacist Steve Irsfeld and guest Trevor Hausauer MSN, FNP-BC, as they discuss their thoughts on the technical aspects of compounded products made at the pharmacy lab. Listen in as

Discover Healthier Skin Care Options

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 23:55:30 GMT

Aesthetics with Trevor Hausauer, FNP, & Kira Kosminskas, RN

Are you looking for healthier alternatives to Botox and fillers in Fargo, ND? Join Trevor Hausauer, FNP, and Kira Kosminskas, RN, as they dive into the exciting world of aesthetics and skin rejuvenation. In this video, they explore:

Concerns about traditional Botox and fillers.
Advanced treatments like Morpheus8, Lumecca, Diolaze, and microneedling.
The added benefits of PRP, exosomes, and AnteAge skin care products.
Learn how these innovative options can help you achieve radiant, youthful skin while prioritizing your health and wellness.

�� Ready to learn more about Skin ReVitalized at Valley Vital Medicine? Visit our website:

https://valleyvitalmedicine.com/skin-revitalized

�� Schedule your FREE Nursing Aesthetic Consult today: 701-532-1926

Enhance your natural beauty with personalized care in Fargo, ND.

Rewire Your Brain with IASIS Neurofeedback

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 06:52:13 GMT

Transform Your Mind and Body

Are you ready to experience a breakthrough in brain health? IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge, non-invasive technology designed to help your brain reset and optimize its natural functions. Whether you’re looking to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, or support recovery from chronic conditions, IASIS Neurofeedback offers incredible benefits.

In this video, we’ll uncover the top advantages of IASIS Neurofeedback, including:

Improved focus and mental clarity.
Relief from anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.
Support for better sleep and relaxation.
Enhanced brain recovery from trauma or injury.
Long-lasting changes in emotional and cognitive wellness.

Learn how this revolutionary therapy can help you unlock your brain’s potential and achieve a better quality of life. We would love to do a short visit with you at our clinic to see if IASIS Neurofeedback is right for you.

Why Perfect Aminos Are a Game-Changer for Your Health

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 06:42:25 GMT

Interview with Dr. Minkoff

Discover why Perfect Aminos have become a best-seller at Valley Vital Medicine—and why so many people are raving about their results! In this exclusive interview with Dr. David Minkoff, the creator of Perfect Aminos, we dive into:

The current health challenges facing our nation.
How Functional Medicine is reshaping the future of wellness.
Why amino acids are vital for energy, recovery, and overall health.

If you’ve been curious about how to take your health to the next level, this is a must-watch conversation. Click the link below to learn more about Perfect Aminos and order yours today:

https://www.bodyhealthaffiliates.com/ ...

Unlock the Benefits of HOCATT Sauna

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 06:27:45 GMT

The Ultimate Wellness Experience

To book your own HOCATT™ sauna session at Valley Vital Medicine, give our office a call at 701-532-1926. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Discover how the HOCATT™ sauna can transform your health and elevate your wellness journey. This revolutionary device combines advanced therapies like ozone, infrared, steam, and more into one session, offering a comprehensive approach to detoxification, stress relief, and cellular rejuvenation.

In this video, we’ll explore the top benefits of HOCATT, including:

Enhanced detoxification to rid your body of toxins.
Improved circulation and oxygenation for better vitality.
Immune system support to keep you feeling your best.
Stress reduction and mental clarity through relaxation.
Anti-aging benefits for skin health and overall rejuvenation.

Join us as we dive into why the HOCATT sauna is a game-changer for anyone looking to optimize their health naturally and efficiently. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more functional wellness tips!

Our chat with the Noon Hour Morning Show

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:18:09 GMT

We recently chatted with Valley Vital Medicine about the importance and benefits of IV therapy.

IV and Injectable Therapy at Valley Vital Medicine

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 05:38:29 GMT

The History, The Nutrients, and The Benefits

During this webinar, we discussed the history of IV therapy, going back to the Myers cocktail and even before then! We discussed different IV Nutrients to include: Calcium, Magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Glutathione, High Dose Vitamin C, Ozone, High Dose Ozone, Extracorporeal Blood Ozonation and Oxygenation (EBOO), Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Methylene Blue.

Risks/benefits and appropriateness of these therapies is also discussed.

Our drips and experience include the following: Executive, Natural Defense, Fountain of Youth, Glutathione, High Dose Vitamin C, ALA, Ozone, and methylene blue.

To learn more or schedule an appointment for an IV Consult, click here.

Healthcare of the Future - Nutrient IV Therapy

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 05:34:39 GMT

Nutrient IV therapy is a beneficial and effective treatment option for improving overall health and preventing chronic diseases, but it is under-promoted and under-supported, and Valley Vital Medicine aims to expand access to these services.

New Day With Ashley: The Podcast

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 05:29:38 GMT

Functional medicine, with a focus on identifying root causes and making lifestyle changes, can improve patients' well-being and address various health issues. Listen to our own Trevor Hausauer talk to New Day With Ashley.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Health

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 05:06:27 GMT

Understanding the Root Causes at Valley Vital Medicine

Functional medicine aims to identify the root cause of a patient's symptoms rather than just treating the disease. Conventional medicine is better suited for acute illnesses and surgical interventions.

Functional medicine looks at a patient's history and identifies major areas of dysfunction, including gut health, toxicity, trauma, and tick-borne illnesses. By addressing these areas through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and therapies such as IV vitamin and ozone therapy, patients can experience significant improvements in their health and quality of life. The goal of functional medicine is to help patients achieve healing and live their lives to the fullest.

Functional Medicine at Valley Vital Medicine

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 05:01:42 GMT

Why we do, what we do

Trevor Hausauer is a family nurse practitioner certified through the Institute for Functional Medicine. He runs Valley Vital Medicine, a functional medicine clinic. Trevor's journey into functional medicine began when he was a child and his disabled brother required conventional medical treatment. His experiences with conventional medicine left an impression on him, and he decided to pursue a career in nursing. After working in an emergency department and intensive care unit, he realized that his passion was in helping people prevent the need for emergency medical treatment.

He was introduced to functional medicine by his clinical instructor, Rana Jawless, and was drawn to the approach of looking at the underlying root cause of disease. Hallsar's clinic offers hope to patients who have lost hope in their ability to get better. He and his staff care about their patients and are able to offer them new options for improving their health.

Let's Talk Intermittent Fasting

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 04:55:56 GMT

Learn how to get started, some best practices to get ideal results, and even some tricks we have learned to make this process even easier!

Curious About Intermittent Fasting?

If you’re interested in all things health, fitness, and wellness, you must have heard of Intermittent Fasting!

Whether you like the idea or hate it, the past few years have seen countless success stories emerge as a result of Intermittent Fasting (more than most other diets combined)!

‘But what is Intermittent Fasting?’

Intermittent fasting is ultimately an eating pattern and NOT a diet at all.

It usually involves periods of fasting, where only non-calorie beverages are consumed, countered with smaller ‘eating windows’ where you are, in essence, ‘free’ to eat whatever you like!

There is a little more to it, of course, but our webinar Let's Talk Intermittent Fasting is taking place on Friday, July 17th at 1:00 pm CDT and will be sharing enough information and insights to the world of Intermittent Fasting to help you decide whether or not it would work with your lifestyle

Change Your Eating Habits With This Proven Plan!

Intermittent fasting has been very popular for many years, and several different methods have been used.

All of them involve splitting the day or week into "eating periods" and "fasting periods." During the fasting periods, you eat either very little or nothing at all.

When you fast, several things happen in your body on the cellular and molecular level.

For example, your body changes hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible.

Your cells also initiate important repair processes and change the expression of genes.

The Role of Immunity

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:50:52 GMT

The immune system is a complex group of defense responses that helps repel disease-causing organisms or pathogens.

The immune system is responsible for:

fighting disease-causing germs like bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, and removing them from the body.
recognizing and neutralizing harmful substances from the environment.
fighting disease-causing changes in the body, such as cancer cells.

Without an immune system, you would constantly get sick from germs, such as bacteria or viruses. In essence, your immune system is the gatekeeper deciding who can stay and who must go.

Infectious Disease is Still a Cause for Concern

In the not so distant past, infectious disease was the leading cause of death. These are conditions that can be transferred from person to person. Now, chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes, which are associated with lifestyle factors, are responsible for morbidity.

However, this doesn't mean we're free from infectious disease. Illnesses such as the common cold, the flu, ear infections, strep throat, and stomach bugs are still prevalent. Fortunately, these conditions aren't as life-threatening as they once were.

We can thank our immune system for that! Learn more about how the immune system works and ways to keep your immune system healthy during The Role of Immunity.

Fix Your Gut, Save Your Life

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 04:28:44 GMT

The decline in gut health in the United States is costing people their lives due to its important roles as the first line of defense, second brain, and emotional center within our bodies.

Do you suffer from:

Digestive distress (bloating, excess gas, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, IBS)
Skin issues (acne, eczema, rashes, dry or itchy skin)
Respiratory problems (heavy mucus production, regular colds)
Mood instability (depression, anxiety, irritability, increased anger)
Weight gain
Migraines
Brain Fog
Fatigue?

All of these things (and more) can be traced back to gut health. Luckily, functional medicine has proven methods to recognize the imbalances in your body, understand how to address them, and best support your gut healing journey.

EBOO cleared my brain fog in 30 minutes!

Thu, 04 Feb 1020 07:03:44 GMT

After struggling with COVID for a full week; constant chills, fatigue, and poor brain function, I was able to use the tools we have in the office to finally break through.

Last Thursday; I used Ivermectin, high dose ozone, and 100 grams of IV vitamin C to get me through the chills. However, the fatigue and brain fog remained. That’s where EBOO came in. About 30 minutes into this session, my brain fog lifted and fatigue significantly relieved. So thankful for these tools! Valley Vital Medicine in Fargo, ND has the tools to help you recover quickly!!