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.
The summer heat is definitely making itself known this week! While we all enjoy sunshine, warmer temperatures can take a toll on our bodies if we’re not careful. 🌡️ Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: • Heavy sweating • Dizziness or lightheadedness • Headache • Nausea • Muscle cramps • Weakness or fatigue • Cool, pale, or clammy skin If you begin experiencing these symptoms, move to a cooler place, drink water, and take time to rest. 🧴 Don’t forget your sunscreen! Applying sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. Daily sun protection can help prevent painful sunburns, premature skin aging, and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Remember to reapply every two hours when spending time outdoors, and even more often if you’re swimming or sweating. 💧 Our best advice for this Wednesday: Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, wear lightweight clothing, and be mindful of how the heat is affecting […]
Rainy Mondays can make us want to stay in our comfort zone but sometimes the best things happen when we step outside of it together. Thinking about improving your health, losing weight, balancing hormones, or addressing concerns you’ve been putting off? Bringing a best friend along for the journey can make all the difference. Having someone to encourage you, celebrate your victories, and remind you why you started can build confidence and make new goals feel a little less intimidating. Whether you’re interested in: 💙 Weight Loss Injections 💙 Hormone Therapy 💙 Sexual Health Services 💙 General Wellness Care You don’t have to take the first step alone. This National Best Friend Day, grab your best friend, cheer each other on, and remember that investing in your health is always worth it. Because sometimes the best accountability partner is your best friend. Your Health. Our Priority.
There’s something special about strolling through the Farmers Market on a beautiful summer morning, fresh produce, local vendors, friendly faces, and a chance to support our community. Did you know that shopping at the Farmers Market is also a simple way to invest in your health? Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that can help support heart health, maintain a healthy weight, boost energy, and keep you feeling your best. As you fill your basket this season, challenge yourself to try one new fruit or vegetable each visit. Small healthy choices can add up to big benefits over time! If you’re heading to the Farmers Market this weekend, tell us: 🥕 What is your favorite thing to buy? 🍓 Do you have a must-visit vendor? 🌻 Or are you excited to try something new? From all of us at our office, we hope you enjoy the fresh flavors, community spirit, […]
As we welcome the start of summer, it’s the perfect time to focus on something that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, your health. Men’s Health Month is a reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t just important for you, it’s important for your family, friends, and everyone who counts on you. Whether you’re looking to improve your energy, manage your weight, address personal health concerns, or simply stay proactive with preventive care, we’re here to help. At our office, we offer services designed to support men at every stage of life, including: ✔️ Weight Loss Injections to help support healthy weight management and overall wellness ✔️ Testosterone Evaluation & Treatment for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone such as fatigue, decreased energy, or reduced motivation ✔️ Vasectomy Consultations & Procedures for men seeking a safe, effective, and convenient family planning option ✔️ Sexual Health Services in a […]
