by Family Physicians
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by Family Physicians
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Many patients have asked why I dismissed testosterone replacement for my patients during the last quarter century of my career but now offer it in our clinic at Family Physicians of Cedar Rapids.
My answer is that I had a Galileo moment. Galileo studied astronomy among other sciences around 1600 and had been taught that the earth was the center of the solar system. His observations of the planets did not support traditional theory, and he was one of the astronomers of the era that gave us our current understanding of planetary movement with the sun at the center of the solar system. Over the past couple years, about a dozen of my patients admitted to going to testosterone replacement clinics that are offered elsewhere in town, claiming that they felt like they were back in their 20s. The current FDA position which was taught when I was in medical school at the University of Iowa disputes the claims of my patients and recommends that providers reassure aging adults of both genders that testosterone replacement does not work and to accept low testosterone symptoms as the consequence of aging. Therefore, my classical teaching and current FDA guidance for providers conflicted with 100% of my patients’ testimonies, so I needed to choose who was misleading me. Of course, I believe my own eyes and the testimony of my long-term patients. Around that same time, Jennifer Forkner, ARNP, who is the other provider in our clinic, expressed interest in offering testosterone replacement for our patients. Therefore, I put effort into researching the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement and found that with the exception of men with prostate cancer, the risks that I had been taught were unproven in poor quality studies. The only complaint I received from the patients receiving treatment elsewhere was that the weekly injections caused a seesaw effect with feeling benefit immediately after a weekly injection followed by low testosterone symptoms returning as they came closer to the next injection. Rather than weekly injections that are inconvenient and give the seesaw effect, we chose to use pellets provided by Biote which are natural and can be given every 3 to 6 months. Think of pellets as after dinner mints that slowly dissolve, but rather than take them orally, we insert the pellets under the skin where they dissolve over months. I encourage patients to check a hormone level so that they can take charge of testosterone replacement decisions rather than assume it is something that needs to be accepted as a part of aging. Each patient should choose what they do to alleviate symptoms of aging rather than simply have the medical establishment and government tell them to live with it. An example is that we prescribe little blue pills for men with ED frequently, and using the faulty testosterone logic, we should simply tell them that they need to live with that problem of aging. My Galileo moment is why we now offer testosterone replacement for both men and women managed by Jennifer Forkner, ARNP, with about half of our testosterone replacement patients being women.
Did you notice it stayed lighter a little longer last night? That’s because we just “sprang forward” with Daylight Saving Time! While losing an hour of sleep can feel a little rough on a Monday morning, the extra evening daylight brings a wonderful opportunity for something good, movement and fresh air. Daylight Saving Time was first widely adopted during World War I as a way to make better use of daylight hours and conserve energy. Over the years, it has become something many of us look forward to because it signals the approach of spring, longer days, and more time outside. And those longer evenings can be great for your health. That extra hour of daylight is the perfect reminder to: • Take a walk after dinner • Ride a bike with your family • Play outside with the kids or grandkids • Simply step outside for some fresh air and sunshine […]
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A little rain today, but a whole weekend ahead of us. Sometimes a rainy day is nature’s way of reminding us to slow down, rest, and take care of ourselves. Use today as a small check-in with your health: •Drink a little extra water •Take a short walk when the rain lets up •Get some good rest this weekend •Choose something nourishing for your body Health doesn’t have to be big changes all at once. Sometimes it’s just the small choices we make each day. From all of us at the office, we hope you stay warm, stay healthy, and enjoy the weekend ahead. If you need us, we’re always here for you.
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March always feels like a fresh start. The days get longer. The air feels lighter. We start thinking about growth, change, and taking care of ourselves in new ways. At our office, that’s exactly what we focus on, helping you move forward confidently in every stage of life. Clear Answers. No Surprises. One thing our patients tell us they appreciate most is that we take the time to explain things clearly. Whether you’re considering a No-Scalpel Vasectomy, starting weight loss injections, or exploring hormone therapy, we believe you deserve to understand the process fully, without confusion or pressure. We don’t rush conversations. We answer the hard questions. We make sure you feel comfortable. Because healthcare decisions are personal. VASECTOMIES Our doctor offers the modern no-scalpel technique, which means: • A small opening instead of a large incision • Minimal downtime • Quick in-office procedure • Over 99% effective after confirmation testing Most […]
March often makes us think of green, fresh starts, springtime, and a new season ahead. But there’s another important color this month: blue. 💙 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, early detection, and prevention. As we step into the first Monday of March, it’s the perfect reminder to prioritize something we often put off, our health. ⸻ Why This Matters Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers in both men and women. The good news? It is highly treatable and often curable when caught early. Screenings save lives. Early detection truly makes all the difference. ⸻ Signs & Symptoms to Watch For Colorectal cancer can sometimes develop quietly, but there are symptoms you should never ignore: • Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool) lasting more than a few days • Blood in or on the […]
