Semaglutide is a prescription injectable medicine used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or other heart and circulation problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease. Additionally, semaglutide has been approved for chronic weight management in obese adults.
The way semaglutide works is by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps control blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar is high, slowing digestion, and decreasing appetite. Semaglutide activates receptors for GLP-1, leading to better regulation of blood sugar and body weight.
Semaglutide is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen device. The injection can be self-administered by the patient at home into areas like the stomach, thigh or upper arm. The dose is gradually increased over 5-8 weeks to improve gastrointestinal tolerance. Most patients remain on the maintenance dose long term.
Some key signs and symptoms that may indicate a semaglutide deficiency include:
- Fasting blood sugar levels consistently over 126 mg/dL - Hemoglobin A1c over 7% (or over 6.5% for many patients) - Need for increasing doses of diabetes medications
- Body mass index (BMI) over 27 with weight-related health issues - Substantial recent weight gain without clear cause - Strong family history of overweight/obesity
- Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
- Major cardiac risk factors like smoking or high blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol levels (high LDL or triglycerides)
- Feeling drained, sluggish and low on energy - Difficulty concentrating and accomplishing daily tasks - Cravings for caffeine or sugar for quick energy boosts
Some major benefits of semaglutide treatment include:
- Average weight loss around 12-15% in patients with obesity
- Greater loss of body and visceral fat compared to subcutaneous fat
- Increased feelings of satiety and fullness between meals
- Lower fasting blood glucose and post-meal spikes
- Decreased hemoglobin A1c by around 1% on average
- Less need for other diabetes medications
- Lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels - Less inflammation and arterial plaque buildup - Up to 26% decreased risk of heart attack, stroke and related death
- Improved energy, alertness and ability to be active
- Less fatigue, headaches and cravings associated with blood sugar swings
- May lower risk for vitamin deficiencies due to improved nutrition
Semaglutide treatment through Hormone Harmony Clinic generally follows some standard protocols and recommendations:
We first meet to discuss your health goals and perform needed blood tests to evaluate semaglutide candidacy. Recommended labs include:
Once deficiency is confirmed, semaglutide will be prescribed and instructions for self-injection provided. We utilize convenient prefilled pens.
The dose starts low and increases slowly over 5-8 weeks to improve tolerance. Nausea may occur initially but generally resolves.
Regular follow-up is scheduled to monitor progress, provide support, and make any needed dose adjustments. Blood tests will be repeated periodically.
Healthy lifestyle changes boost semaglutide results. We provide customized nutrition, exercise and stress reduction plans.
Semaglutide was originally discovered in the saliva of a non-venomous species of gila monster lizard. Scientists found that the lizard's saliva helps regulate blood sugar levels and used it as inspiration to develop semaglutide as a treatment for diabetes, leading to an unexpected link between a reptile's biology and human medicine.
Delays in diagnosing and treating hormone deficiencies can significantly impact patient health and quality of life. Some major reasons to prioritize evaluation and timely treatment include:
Many hormone deficiency complications like heart disease, stroke, neuropathy, vision loss, cognitive problems and amputations become more likely and severe over time. Early action helps minimize risks.
Left untreated, hormone disorders tend to worsen gradually. Insulin and GLP-1 resistance increases, heart health declines further, weight climbs higher. Timely treatment can stabilize or reverse this downward trajectory.
Research shows major benefits from early optimization of deficient hormones. Better diabetes control, reduced cardiovascular events, enhanced brain health, increased longevity and improved quality of life.
Vague deficiency symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and high blood sugar are frequently misattributed to other causes. Correct diagnosis guides proper therapy for the underlying hormonal imbalance.
Complications of uncontrolled diabetes like kidney failure, heart attack and stroke treatment can be extremely costly down the road. Optimizing hormones earlier on with medications like semaglutide leads to considerable long-term savings.
Here at Hormone Harmony Clinic, we make efficient and accurate diagnosis then personalized treatment of hormone disorders like semaglutide deficiency a top priority for every patient we serve. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.
When it comes to hormone-related care and helping patients optimize deficiencies, Hormone Harmony Clinic offers the following core advantages:
Our clinics have specialized in salivary hormone testing and bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) since the 1990’s. We have successfully treated over 40,000 patients to date.
We provide the latest therapies for diabetes, thyroid disorders, low testosterone, menopause and more based on precision testing and science-backed protocols. Semaglutide is among our advanced offerings.
Each patient gets customized lab work, supplement plans, lifestyle coaching and follow-up care tailored to their unique needs from our integrated team of medical professionals.
In addition to replacement of deficient hormones, we address the root lifestyle, environmental, genetic and stress-related causes of imbalances to ensure long-term wellness.
Please call to learn more about what Hormone Harmony Clinic can do for you!
The McAllen area of southern Texas features good weather nearly year-round along with a vibrant culture and economy centered around healthcare, tourism and trade with Mexico. This section shares tips for visitors considering semaglutide therapy on how best to take advantage of all McAllen has to offer during their stay.
Late fall to early spring (October thru April) tend to be the most comfortable season in McAllen. Daytime highs average in the 70s to low 80s while nights cool off pleasantly. This temperate weather is great for walking and other outdoor activities. Summers are hot and humid. Time indoor activities for then or visit earlier when possible.
McAllen has every type of lodging from national chains to cozy bed and breakfasts. The Drury Inn and Hilton Garden Inn are popular options near major medical centers. La Quinta Inn and Best Western offer good value.
McAllen has a nice downtown district with shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Nearby, the Quinta Mazatlan historic mansion and gardens offers walks along with bird and butterfly watching. Nature lovers will enjoy the World Birding Center. The International Museum of Arts and Science (IMAS) features fine art and IMAX films.
To unwind during your stay, check out Evoke Salon and Day Spa, Serenity Spa McAllen or Massage Heights McAllen for massages, facials and body treatments. The luxurious Cimarron Golf Resort also has a first class spa and 36 holes of championship golf.
McAllen has a growing network of scenic walking trails perfect for getting exercise, reducing stress and seeing nature. Top picks include the Historic Heritage Walking Trail, Quinta Mazatlan Pathways and Bicentennial Bike Path. Many area malls and parks also have air conditioned indoor tracks good for year-round walking.
Most major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott offer on-site fitness rooms for working out. There are also over a dozen full-service gyms and studios in McAllen like Gold’s Gym, Planet Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness and local favorite Vida Fitness. Call ahead to ask about guest passes if staying elsewhere.
We hope this general overview gives those traveling to our McAllen clinic for semaglutide therapy a good sense of the options our area offers for comfortable lodging, fun diversions, self-care and fitness during your time here. Please reach out with any other questions about enjoying your stay!
