Holistic health services

For issues with erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and questions about testosterone balance related to age, we analyse options with you. We conduct analyses and offer individualized consultation regarding a therapy plan. For cases of unfulfilled desire for children, often due to issues with the male partner, basic evaluations include analysing sperm quality and count as well as examining the testicles. A hormone analysis is also part of assessing reproductive function, and an individualized therapy plan is created based on all results. An examination for suspected hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency) includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, genital status, and ultrasound imaging of the testicular contents. Additionally, abdominal circumference, height, and weight are documented, and clinical routine parameters are determined. The daily rhythm is especially taken into account when determining the total testosterone concentration. For patients with erectile dysfunction, we recommend investigating possible causes, as issues may arise if arousal, nerve function, and blood pressure do not work together optimally. A holistic approach is important, as this disorder can be associated with other conditions. Causes may include low testosterone levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, vascular problems, elevated cholesterol, nicotine use, alcohol, or medication side effects. Gynecomastia, the enlargement of the male breast gland, is also considered in our examination and can have various causes.

Bones form the structural foundation of our movements and are essential for mobility. When bone density decreases—whether through osteopenia or osteoporosis—the risk of fractures from minor injuries or spontaneous breaks during everyday activities rises, which can be painful and disruptive to daily life. Bone density loss, known as osteoporosis, often occurs as part of the aging process, especially in women post-menopause. However, other conditions and medications can also impair bone metabolism. Women over 55 with unusual injury patterns or suspicious X-ray findings may require further evaluations for osteoporosis, including a standardized bone density test. In osteology, the aim is to treat the condition early to prevent fractures before they happen. Besides primary osteoporosis, which is related to decreased sex hormones, various secondary forms of osteoporosis exist, with underlying causes that need to be identified and addressed. Treatment is planned long-term and involves a range of medications, complemented by a foundational approach with calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity. Bone density is re-evaluated every 2–3 years. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is essential, with 1000–1200 mg of calcium recommended daily, sourced from diet (mainly mineral water and dairy products) or supplements if needed. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin, though deficiency is common, particularly in winter. Therefore, postmenopausal women and men over 70 are advised to take at least 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week) helps maintain bone density, and strength training also lowers the risk of falls. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption accelerate bone loss and should be avoided.

The pituitary gland (hypophysis), despite its small size—typically no more than 10 mm—is a vital master gland located at the base of the skull. It controls and regulates various subordinate glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and ovaries/testes, by producing a range of hormones. While pituitary dysfunctions are rare, they can be life-threatening. Hormonal overproduction or underproduction is identified through a thorough consultation, physical examination, and blood analyses, followed by targeted treatment. If a pituitary disorder is suspected, a comprehensive hormonal lab analysis is conducted, often followed by imaging studies like MRI. Non-hormone-producing pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, frequently discovered incidentally, which do not secrete hormones. Larger adenomas, however, may cause pressure symptoms, vision problems, or hormonal deficiencies. Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumours with congenital malformations that can impair pituitary function or exert pressure on the optic nerve. Hormone-secreting adenomas, such as prolactinomas (which may cause unwanted milk secretion) or Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by excessive cortisol production), require specific diagnostic and treatment approaches. Acromegaly, the result of growth hormone overproduction in adulthood, leads to characteristic physical changes. Central hormone deficiency, or hypopituitarism, may be caused by tumours or other damage to the gland, necessitating a personalized hormone replacement therapy. At the Hormon Zentrum Zürich, specialists provide comprehensive diagnostics and tailored treatments, including customized hormone replacement therapies.

The thyroid gland plays a critical role in energy balance, influencing heart rate, skin moisture, emotional state, and bowel function. Hypothyroidism slows down bodily processes, while hyperthyroidism accelerates them. Common causes of dysfunction include autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. Goiter formation, with or without nodules, may also occur, as can autonomous adenomas and thyroid cancer. Diagnosis and treatment are tailored individually, using lab tests, ultrasound, and comprehensive contextual assessment. Treatment options include hormone replacement, suppression of hormone overproduction, and imaging or fine-needle biopsy to assess thyroid nodules. In collaboration with the Hirslanden Thyroid Centre in Zurich, additional options like thermoablation, surgery, or radioiodine therapy are discussed based on each specific case.

The adrenal glands, consisting of the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla, are vital organs with various functions. Adrenal insufficiency can be life-threatening if left untreated, while Cushing's syndrome is caused by excessive cortisol production, often due to tumours in the adrenal glands. Pheochromocytoma, a tumour of the adrenal medulla, leads to episodic or persistent high blood pressure with characteristic symptoms. Overproduction of aldosterone can result in hypertension and potassium deficiency, caused by tumours or hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. The causes of adrenal insufficiency can be diverse, including autoimmune diseases or issues with the pituitary gland. Careful diagnosis and individual treatment, which may range from hormone replacement to surgical therapy, are crucial.

We offer comprehensive support for sustainable dietary changes and weight optimisation in cases of overweight. Through regular professional measurements of body composition, we ensure that weight loss targets fat and not lean muscle mass. Targeted interventions, such as diet products or satiety hormones, can be integrated when needed. If food allergies or gastrointestinal disorders are suspected, we conduct metabolic tests, including H2 breath tests, to identify which foods are poorly tolerated. Based on the results, we provide targeted nutritional advice for intolerances such as lactose, fructose, histamine intolerance, coeliac disease, food allergies, or irritable bowel syndrome. Together with nutrition specialists and dietitians, we analyse your food diary and offer personalised adjustment recommendations.

Elevated cholesterol levels do not cause immediate noticeable symptoms but can lead to gradual artery hardening (atherosclerosis), which can have serious consequences such as heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Prevention and treatment are therefore crucial. Blood cholesterol measurement is an important indicator, though there are no absolute ideal values. The assessment depends on the overall cardiovascular risk profile, which is higher in smokers, people with high blood pressure, diabetics, and those with a family history of heart disease. Changes in diet and lifestyle can be effective, with a strict diet potentially lowering cholesterol levels by about 10 percent. For unfavorable values and increased risk, cholesterol-lowering medications may be required, with dosages and adjustments made according to the latest professional guidelines and careful monitoring of potential side effects.

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder, results from an imbalance between carbohydrate intake and the insulin available in the body. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is either used as an energy fuel by the organs or stored as glycogen in fat, muscles, and the liver for times between meals. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in the uptake of glucose into body tissues. Excessive carbohydrate intake leads to increased insulin release, which, over time, can deplete the body’s own insulin production or cause damage to the pancreas. Both conditions result in elevated blood sugar levels, which, in turn, promote atherosclerosis. There are various types of diabetes, each requiring different long-term treatment strategies. Our centre offers training on topics such as carbohydrates, family history, body composition, and eating behaviour. We treat all diabetics, regardless of type, using the latest knowledge, tailored to individual circumstances and needs. In collaboration with nutrition and diabetes experts, we develop a personalized plan for each patient, incorporating the latest technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring or insulin pumps.

It is both sensible and effective to involve specially trained medical practice assistants in patient care, particularly for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and others. These professionals can take on specific tasks under the guidance of doctors, provide knowledge transfer, and support patients in managing their conditions. The areas you mentioned, such as obesity, injection treatments, foot checks, and diabetes, are typical areas where well-trained medical practice assistants can make a valuable contribution. Knowledge transfer and support in managing the condition are crucial elements in enabling patients to take a more active role in their treatment team. Collaboration with the attending physician is essential to ensure that the measures align with medical directives and goals. This interdisciplinary approach can enhance the quality of care and improve patient satisfaction. At the same time, it can relieve doctors' consultations, as certain tasks can be handled by qualified staff. Billing through health insurance, particularly in the context of advisory tariffs, ensures appropriate compensation for these services and helps maintain such offerings in the long term.

Our counselling covers women before, during, and after menopause, particularly regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options. We provide detailed information on the advantages, disadvantages, mechanism of action, and duration of potential therapies. For questions regarding fertility, we offer comprehensive advice for both men and women after a thorough medical history and analysis of any existing lab results, which may be supplemented by further investigations if necessary. For menstrual disorders, a thorough evaluation of the menstrual cycle is conducted. In the case of complete absence of menstruation, a distinction is made between primary and secondary amenorrhoea, and treatment is determined according to the underlying cause. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age. It leads to chronic cycle disturbances, irregular menstrual cycles, or amenorrhoea. Risk factors include obesity, genetic predisposition, and thyroid disorders. PCOS is often characterized by virilization, manifesting as blemished skin, acne, hirsutism, or alopecia. The adrenal hyperplasia syndrome is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder of the adrenal glands, leading to an overproduction of cortisol and aldosterone. Treatment requires lifelong hormone replacement. Hirsutism, an excessive male pattern hair growth in women, can be caused by various factors, such as PCOS or, more rarely, adrenal hyperplasia syndrome. Diagnosis and treatment are based on the underlying condition.