Regulatory Medicine in Hamburg

Assess cellular energy and stress balance – and specifically support what has fallen out of balance.

Regulatory Medicine: Understanding What Affects Your Body

Do you get enough sleep but still not feel properly rested? Does it take you longer than it used to to recover after physical or mental exertion? Are you noticing more hair in your brush than before? Changes like these can have a wide range of underlying causes. At our private dermatology practice in Hamburg, we take the time to assess these connections from a medical perspective.

Sleep, nutrition, physical activity, medical conditions and lifestyle factors are closely interconnected. Our approach to regulatory medicine therefore focuses on two closely related areas: cellular energy production and the regulation of stress and recovery by the autonomic nervous system. Through medical consultation, targeted diagnostics and appropriate measures, we develop an individualised approach – without rigid programmes and without assuming that every symptom can be attributed to a single cause.

Why Dermatology? Skin and Hair Reflect What Is Happening Inside the Body!

Hair follicle cells are among the most rapidly dividing cells in the body and are particularly sensitive to energy deficiencies and prolonged stress. Regulatory medicine therefore complements our hair therapies and hormone consultations by examining the internal factors that may be influencing skin and hair health. Our guiding principle is simple: evidence from clinical findings, not trends. First assess, then treat specifically, then reassess.

Two Systems That Are Important for Energy and Recovery

Mitochondria – Energy for Our Cells

Mitochondria produce ATP, the body’s cellular energy carrier. ATP is required for muscle activity, metabolism and numerous repair processes, among other functions. Skin and hair follicles also depend on a reliable energy supply. However, the role of mitochondrial function in individual symptoms cannot be determined simply from feelings of fatigue.

Autonomic Nervous System – Adapting to Stress

The autonomic nervous system controls processes such as heartbeat, breathing and digestion. Its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches support activity and recovery. Chronic stress, insufficient sleep or medical conditions can affect this regulation. That is why we do not focus on a single measurement, but on the interaction between symptoms, lifestyle factors and medical findings.

Diagnostics in Our Regulatory Medicine Practice in Hamburg

We discuss which examinations may be appropriate for you during a personal consultation. Not every measurement is necessary for every clinical question, and each result is interpreted in the context of your symptoms.

Bioenergetic Health Index (BHI)

For the BHI, we measure how much oxygen the mitochondria in blood cells consume, how much of it is used for energy production and how much reserve capacity they have under stress. This measurement originates from mitochondrial research. We use it as a reference point and to monitor changes over time, not as a standalone diagnostic tool.

Autonomic Nervous System Analysis (Stress Test)

Using a chest strap, we measure heart rate variability (HRV), meaning the variations in time between heartbeats. This provides information about certain aspects of autonomic regulation, but it is not a comprehensive physical stress test. We take factors such as sleep, breathing, medication and stress into account when interpreting the results.

Laboratory Testing and Micronutrient Status

Blood tests help us identify potential deficiencies or other causes of fatigue and reduced physical resilience. Depending on the clinical question, we may assess iron status, vitamin levels and thyroid function, for example. Based on these findings, we determine whether targeted supplementation or correction of deficiencies is appropriate.

TeloTest

Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes and become shorter with each cell division. The TeloTest by Fagron Genomics measures their average length using a swab taken from the inside of the cheek. It does not provide an exact “biological age”, but offers additional information about cellular ageing.

The Components of Our Regulatory Medicine Approach in Hamburg

The diagnostic findings help determine which treatments and measures are appropriate for your individual needs. Not every measure is suitable for every person, and combining treatments is not an end in itself.

Altitude Training (IHHT) – Alternating Oxygen Levels

During intermittent hypoxic-hyperoxic training (IHHT), you breathe air with alternating lower and higher oxygen concentrations through a mask while relaxing in a seated or lying position. This alternating stimulus originates from altitude medicine and is intended to stimulate cellular adaptation processes. Initial studies show promising results, but long-term studies are still lacking.

Infusion Therapy – Individually Selected Treatments

To support cellular energy, we use treatments including Energy, NAD⁺ and MitoUp® infusions. For cellular protection, we offer vitamin C and glutathione, while Vagusvit® is used to support autonomic balance. The choice of infusion depends on your clinical findings. We consider infusion therapy a complementary measure, not a shortcut.

Micronutrient Therapy – Replenishing What Is Missing

Iron, magnesium, zinc and vitamins support numerous bodily functions. If laboratory results reveal a relevant deficiency, we develop a tailored plan to address it. This includes considering your diet and, where appropriate, targeted supplementation – rather than automatically recommending as many supplements as possible.

Lifestyle – A Strong Foundation

Physical activity, sleep, nutrition and conscious recovery form the foundation upon which all other measures are built. Regular endurance training is even one of the most powerful natural stimuli for the formation of new mitochondria, with previously untrained individuals benefiting the most. Together, we identify realistic steps that fit into your daily routine.

Potential Benefits and Clear Limitations

Regulatory medicine is a specialist-supervised complementary approach, not a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Persistent fatigue may be caused by anaemia, thyroid disorders, sleep apnoea or depression, and these possibilities must be ruled out first. The level of scientific evidence supporting individual tests and treatments also varies. We discuss these limitations openly so that your expectations remain realistic.

Regulatory Medicine in Hamburg – Taking a Clear View of the Bigger Picture

For us, regulatory medicine is not a single treatment, but a combination of careful medical assessment and selected complementary options. Perhaps you would like to better understand your physical resilience or find out which of our services are appropriate for your health goals.

We provide personal, transparent advice without predetermined treatment programmes – at our private dermatology practice in Hamburg. We look forward to welcoming you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Regulatory Medicine

What Is the Difference Between Regulatory Medicine and Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative treatments aim to renew tissue, for example through therapies using a patient’s own blood. Regulatory medicine takes a step further back by focusing on the systems that regulate energy and recovery throughout the body. You can find our regenerative treatments under Hair Therapy and Aesthetics.

Is Regulatory Medicine Also Suitable for People Without Skin Problems?

Yes. Many patients come to us because of fatigue, stress or an interest in preventive care, rather than a skin concern. If an internal medical condition or another illness is suspected, appropriate diagnostic assessment takes priority.

Do I Need to Undergo All Tests and Treatments?

No. Neither the BHI nor the TeloTest is a prerequisite for consultation or treatment, and altitude training (IHHT) does not have to be combined with infusions. Your individual plan may consist of a single component or exclusively of diagnostic assessment and recommendations for everyday life.

How Long Does It Take to Notice Changes?

There is no general timeframe that applies to everyone. The determining factors are your starting point and the measures selected. A course of IHHT (altitude training), for example, involves several appointments, while the effects of correcting a nutrient deficiency or changing daily habits may become noticeable over a different period. We agree on realistic goals and review whether the approach is beneficial for you.

References

Chacko, B. K., Kramer, P. A., Ravi, S., Benavides, G. A., Mitchell, T., Dranka, B. P., Ferrick, D., Singal, A. K., Ballinger, S. W., Bailey, S. M., Hardy, R. W., Zhang, J., Zhi, D. & Darley-Usmar, V. M. (2014). The Bioenergetic Health Index: a new concept in mitochondrial translational research. Clinical Science, 127(6), 367–373. https://portlandpress.com/clinsci/article/127/6/367/70836/The-Bioenergetic-Health-Index-a-new-concept-in

Shaffer, F. & Ginsberg, J. P. (2017). An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms. Frontiers in Public Health, 5, 258. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2017.00258/full

Carter, J. R., Jenkins, N. D. M., Bigalke, J. A., Robinson, A. T., Keller-Ross, M. L., Greaney, J. L., Fonkoue, I. T., Fadel, P. J., Macefield, V. G., Charkoudian, N., Levine, B. D. & Joyner, M. J. (2026). Guidelines for rigor and reproducibility of heart rate variability within human cardiovascular research. American Journal Of Physiology-Heart And Circulatory Physiology, 331(3), H918–H943. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpheart.00041.2026

Vaiserman, A. & Krasnienkov, D. (2021). Telomere Length as a Marker of Biological Age: State-of-the-Art, Open Issues, and Future Perspectives. Frontiers in Genetics, 11, 630186. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2020.630186/full

Behrendt, T., Bielitzki, R., Behrens, M., Herold, F. & Schega, L. (2022). Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia–Hyperoxia on Performance- and Health-Related Outcomes in Humans: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine – Open, 8(1), 70. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40798-022-00450-x

Godic, A. & Townsend, J. (2026). Intravenous longevity therapy: a critical review of evidence, mechanisms, and clinical utility. Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica Et Adriatica, 35(1), 39–43. https://acta-apa.mf.uni-lj.si/journals/acta-dermatovenerol-apa/papers/10.15570/actaapa.2026.8/actaapa.2026.8.pdf

Mølmen, K. S., Almquist, N. W. & Skattebo, Ø. (2024). Effects of Exercise Training on Mitochondrial and Capillary Growth in Human Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression. Sports Medicine, 55(1), 115–144. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-024-02120-2

Treating Physicians

Dr. med. Anna Brandenburg

Specialist in Dermatology

Focus areas: Aesthetic Dermatology, Hair Medicine, Laser Therapy

The range of services offered by our private dermatological practice in Hamburg

As your dermatologists in Hamburg, we are your points of contact for aesthetic dermatology, skin diseases, allergies, laser medicine issues, and venous diseases.

Medicine

Personalized skin diagnostics and advanced therapies for your health.

Hair Therapy

Comprehensive hair therapy concept for the regeneration and activation of the scalp environment.

Aesthetics

Gentle treatments for naturally rejuvenated and harmonious skin.

Laser Medicine

Precise laser therapies for skin improvement, regeneration, and clarity.

Cosmetics

Professional skincare concepts for clear, healthy, and radiant skin.

Regulatory Medicine

A dermatologist-led regulatory medicine approach for skin, hair and energy levels.