The changes that women experience during aging can be quite noticeable when it comes to hormones.
Whether it’s a hot flash that interrupts sleep, a mood swing, “brain fog” or a urinary issue, the symptoms associated with hormone deficiency can really disrupt one’s life.
And it might mean it’s time to consider hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy replaces the hormones that your body is no longer making enough of. And while it is associated with treating menopause or perimenopause, it can also help patients who have certain hormonal imbalances.
“It can start as early as mid to late 30s for some women. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, as the journey looks different for everyone, said Dr. Priya Sureddi Patel. She’s the founder of FeminologyMD, a concierge practice that focuses on women’s health and regenerative medicine.
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are some of the hormones that a doctor can prescribe for therapy, and they can come in the form of gels, creams, pellets, patches, vaginal treatments,or oral tablets.
Treating symptoms associated with hormone deficiency doesn’t necessarily begin and end with hormones, Patel said. Good nutrition can help ensure that a patient is getting the most out of their treatment.
“There’s probably another 100 bodily processes that are happening as well that are equally important to optimize,” said Patel, who has a board certification in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in anti-aging/regenerative medicine.
“Because if someone’s hormones are behaving out of whack, if you can optimize everything else in their body, they’re automatically going to be in a better place, and they’re going to be able to respond better to the actual hormone therapy that you decide upon.”
It starts with a conversation.
FeminologyMD is a functional medicine practice, in that it looks at every factor of your well–being. Deciding on the best course of treatmentbegins with a conversation—rather than rushing to diagnosis or treatment. At FeminologyMD, extra time is taken to gain a holistic understanding of the patient: their activity level, diet, stress levels, and more.
Because, as Patel puts it, the body is a “system of systems” that are all connected.
“We strive to actually just listen to the patient,” Patel said. “Figure out what’s bothering them, and create a plan with them to figure out the solution.”
From there, the doctor determines which tests to run. While other practices may rely on a pre-determined set of labs, Patel takes a more personalized approach. Based on her in-depth conversation with the patient, she tailors testing to their specific needs.
“Some people need more. Some people need less,” she said. “… It’s not one size fits all.”
Test results and a wellness plan are shared during a follow-up visit.
“I think it’s important for people to comprehend at least the basics of their labs,” Patel said. “To understand how I am making these determinations, so that at least they have some understanding of what’s happening in their body?”
A holistic and deliberate focus on the patient is perhaps the biggest advantage to visiting a concierge medical practice like FeminologyMD. And because the practice has fewer patients and more time than a typical medical practice, it allows them to do more for the patient. That includes, for instance, being speedy and tenacious when setting up a referral.
“There’s a lot of advocating for the patient that we have the ability to do because of the nature of our practice,” she added.
Part of your medical team
Visiting FeminologyMD doesn’t mean you have to leave your current doctor. Patel sees herself as a member of a patient’s medical team, and the practice has access to a network of specialists who can see you more quickly than is typical with other practices.
Explore your options
FeminologyMD offers a range of services beyond hormone therapy, including traditional gynecological care, vaginal rejuvenation, pelvic floor therapy, medical weight loss, nutritional guidance, IV therapy, and aesthetic services, such as toxin injections and dermal fillers.
To get started with FeminologyMD, please call their office at 460.242.6292. You can also learn more about their services on their website, where you can fill out an online form to schedule a consultation.
No matter whom you choose for care, Patel encourages you to speak up and advocate for yourself at every doctor’s visit.
“If someone feels unheard or unwell but is being told by their doctor that everything looks fine, it may be time to consider getting a second opinion or finding a provider who will truly listen and dig deeper,” she said.
