Mirena is a small T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the progestin hormone “levonorgestrel” to prevent: pregnancy, heavy menstrual periods, and/or excessive build of the uterus lining in persons on estrogen replacement therapy. When properly inserted within the uterus, Mirena is programmed to release 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day, and is expected to remain …
Niacin (vitamin B3), also referred to as nicotinic acid, is a human nutrient that functions as a precursor to NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). NAD is a coenzyme recognized for its involvement in the catabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as sending signals for DNA repair. NADP is …
Adderall is a prescription medication manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals containing a mixture of amphetamine salts (75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine). It was first approved by the FDA in 1996 for the management of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and was later approved for the treatment of narcolepsy. The medication is manufactured in multiple formats including: an immediate …
Synthroid (Levothyroxine) is among the most popular pharmaceutical medications in the United States; over 120 million prescriptions were filled for the drug within the past year. It is a synthetically engineered form of thyroxine (T4), an endogenous thyroid hormone produced by follicular cells within the thyroid gland. Among individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the body is …
Creatine is an endogenously manufactured amino acid within vertebrate animals that functions by facilitating the conversion of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) to ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which in turn, delivers energy to cells throughout the body. Within the body, creatine is synthesized via the kidneys and liver, where thereafter, it enters the bloodstream and is distributed predominantly …
Clomid (Clomiphene) is a medication that hit the market in the 1960s for the treatment of oligomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstrual periods). After its approval, medical practitioners discovered that utilization of Clomid for oligomenorrhea increased odds of fertility, principally via induction of ovulation. This finding spurred an investigation of Clomid as a potential treatment for …
Niacin (Vitamin B3), also known as “nicotinic acid,” is a colorless, hydrophilic derivative of pyridine and an essential dietary nutrient for humans. Inadequate dietary intake of niacin is the root cause of a medical condition known as “pellagra,” characterized by a host of neuropsychiatric symptoms including: anxiety, amnesia, brain fog, cognitive impairment, delirium, depression, and …