What does treatment with FV look like?
Hormones-
We must first start with testing. Everyone is different in what they need. We also look at what tests have already been performed by your primary care provider and your budget. The basic hormone tests include estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. I would also HIGHLY recommend checking estrone (E1) with the first test. Estrone is not the “good” estrogen. It does not have the benefits that estradiol can provide. It is also the form of estrogen most often linked with breast cancer. Having a high E1 can be managed through diet and supplements to convert it to estradiol.
I would also HIGHLY recommend a diurnal cortisol level. This is a saliva test taken at different times of day, so we have a more thorough picture of your adrenal function. An abnormal cortisol pattern should be corrected first as this could be the cause of the other hormones being imbalanced.
Depending on your symptoms I may also recommend a thorough thyroid panel. Your primary care has most likely check a TSH if you complained of fatigue, weight gain or “not feeling right.” But it is unlikely that they checked for antibodies that could be negatively affecting your thyroid.
A list of the various tests can be found under the services page along with pricing.
After the testing is complete, we will discuss the best treatment plan for you. This could mean pharmacy grade supplements, hormones, or both. I will most likely also recommend lifestyle modification to accompany our treatment plan.
It takes time for hormones to correct. And I always start low and go slow! Safety and efficacy are my top priority. We would recheck your levels at 90 days and adjust as necessary. Along the way, I want to do monthly virtual visits to assess how you are feeling. It’s not just about the numbers. You will know when your levels are where you need them to be.
Weight loss-
Again, we must first do some basic labs. Most of these could be obtained from your primary care provider in a well adult visit or annual physical.
After that, we can get started! Weight loss requires planning. You and I would determine what nutrition plan works best for you. The key is to find a nutrition plan that is sustainable for the rest of your life! After you reach your goal weight I want you to keep it off. All diets work if they become part of your daily routine.
We would also find a form of physical activity that you enjoy (or at least tolerate). We would set time out of your week to fit in this activity. If it is part of your routine, it is more likely to be continued even after you lose weight.
But the biggest tool in my toolbox is Semaglutide. This GLP1 hormone is a self-administered weekly injection. It suppresses appetite and help you reduce portions. Patients tell me: “I’m just not hungry” and “I can only eat a small portion of what I would normally eat.” I can speak from personal and professional experience that this medication works!
This medication is started at a low dose and slowly titrated up. Again, we start low and go slow! You may not need to go up to the max dose. When you get to a dose that is helping you, stay there. It will save you money and you still get the benefit of the medication. This medication can be taken long term, or you can wean off once you reach your goal weight. But at that time, we will have the nutrition and exercise plan part of your routine so you keep the weight off.
If you want to work on balancing your hormones AND weight loss just combine both processes simultaneously. To get started either schedule a complimentary call or go ahead and schedule your first visit!