Common Questions

Are hormones safe? The Women's Health Initiative study that was released in 2002 put quite a scare in people using hormone replacement therapy. We know that that study looked at women who had not been using hormones for at least 10 years then were placed on high dosed, synthetic hormones by mouth. The type of hormones we use (synthetic vs natural), the dose of hormones, the timing of hormones and the route of hormones (avoiding the liver and first pass effect) all make a difference in their safety. We now know that hormones are anti-aging, help protect us from Heart Disease, Alzheimers, Osteoporosis, Depression, Anxiety and have no increased risk for Breast Cancer. Linked below is a comprehensive article from The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism that reviews this information. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/98/5/1771/2536695

Do you take insurance? No. It is a pay at the time of service via cash, credit or check. We will give you a form to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, but as insurance has changed less and less is being reimbursed. At Essential Health our prices are kept low so our patients can have the best care that is affordable. The cost for an initial consultation is $275 and blood work is an additional $175.

What type of weight loss options do you offer? Currently I offer weight loss with Phentermine which is an appetite suppressant that has been studied for over 50 years. Along with food counseling and lifestyle changes I typically see an average weight loss of 2-3 pounds per week.

Are hormones for Men and Women? Yes! Men and Woman alike have their hormone levels peak around the age of 26. As we age those levels decline and experience fatigue, lack of motivation, decrease in sex drive, trouble sleeping, weight gain, brain fog, and joint pain amongst other things.

How is your office different, can't I go to my regular doctor? Hormone replacement therapy is a very specialized field. It is not taught in medical schools or nursing programs. Those of us that are experts in this field have learned over years and are either self taught or have had it passed down. Hormones are complicated and as you can imagine, something that affects your mood, weight, sleep, energy and metabolism...you want to make sure it's managed by someone with years of experience!