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What is Telemedicine?

For those that are needing more information about Telemedicine, we have put together a Q&A to answer common questions. If there is a question you still have that is not listed here, please do not hesitate to give us a call! What is Telemedicine? Telemedicine is like a Skype or Face Time call. It is a two-way, face-to-face video conference. Why are you not just using Skype or Face Time then? Skype and Face Time are not HIPAA compliant/secure. Our program that we use is Do I have to download something? Nope. The link that we send to you automatically connects you to the secure video conference. Do I have to do it on my phone? Nope. You can do it on your computer but your computer MUST HAVE speakers and a video camera. So how does this work then? Suzi will send you a text if you want to use your phone, or an email if you want to use your computer. You click on the link in the text or email and that connects you to the call. You will see Suzi on the screen. Can I not just wait a few months to go over my results? We recommend that you continue

Dr. Melissa Miskell April 7, 2020

PMS: Taming the Monster

We have all heard of it and many of us suffer from it…PMS or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. Symptoms such as bloating, hunger, headaches, and moodiness can begin anywhere from 5 to 11 days before menstruation. Most women (about 90%) get some sort of PMS symptoms each month and this is especially true for women in their 30s. What are the symptoms of PMS? Physical symptoms of PMS can include: Swollen or tender breasts Bloating or a gassy feeling Cramping Headache or backache Constipation or diarrhea Emotional symptoms of PMS can include: Mood swings Irritability Increased appetite or food cravings Feeling tired Sleeping too much or too little Trouble with concentration or memory Tension or anxiety Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells Less interest in sex How/why does PMS occur? After ovulation, progesterone and estrogen increase to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, these levels begin to decline quickly. It is the decrease in progesterone that triggers symptoms such as the increased craving for chocolate and the mood swings. How do I test for PMS? A qualified bio-identical hormone replacement center can do a simple blood draw to test your hormone levels (preferably on days 19-21 of your cycle).

Dr. Melissa Miskell October 10, 2018

Non-Hormonal Help for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Time flies the older we get. It feels like one day we are chasing toddlers and the next we are nearing menopause. Two common symptoms that usher in this phase of life are hot flashes and night sweats. For most women, establishing care with a qualified bio-identical hormone center makes these symptoms more manageable. However, there are patients that cannot take bio-identical hormones (or simply do not want to). What can those patients do? Here are some natural options for alleviating the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Exercise – Many scientific researchers have proven that exercise stimulates the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins. Brisk walking, jogging, and swimming are good aerobic activities that can help release tension in the body and mind. Relax and Mediate – Practice deep abdominal breathing. Sit in a quiet spot to inhale and exhale slowly for just 15 minutes. Controlled breathing (characterized by slow and deep breaths) can calm and relax the body. Waking up in the middle of the night because of night sweats? Using this technique may help calm you. Keep a Diary – Keep track of the time of episodes, the stress level or emotional state when it

Dr. Melissa Miskell September 30, 2018

4 Common Activities that Trigger Hot Flashes

4 Common Activities that Trigger Hot Flashes Yep, you know you are having a hot flash when you feel like you are going to spontaneously combust. Nothing sounds better than standing in front of the open freezer door (and even then, that is not cool enough). Well, there are some things in life that promote hot flashes. If at all possible, you should try to minimize doing these things… Drinking alcohol—I know, that glass of wine at the end of the day is one of the ways you relax. I understand! However, alcohol can trigger a histamine response in many women (you can see this when your cheeks start to get flushed after drinking). This histamine response can also trigger a hot flash. Try to limit your alcohol consumption and take a supplement like Xymogen’s Hist DAO before drinking. (More on Xymogen below) Eating spicy foods—Mexican, Thai, or Chinese…all these foods tend to be spicy. Consumption of spicy foods tends to make you flush and sweat, leading to increased hot flashes. Limit your consumption of spicy foods when possible. Smoking—If you needed one more reason to quit, here it is. Smoking increases hot flashes. However, if you have a genetic

Dr. Melissa Miskell September 20, 2018

5 Signs You Need Hormone Replacement

By now most people have at least heard about hormone replacement. But how do you know if you need it? Well, here are five distinct signs that hormone replacement could benefit you. Hot Flashes – If you have ever had one, you KNOW what I am talking about. When it feels like your entire body is going to ignite and you need to stand in front of the open freezer, you are experiencing a hot flash. This is a sure sign that your hormones are changing, and you need to investigate hormone replacement. You don’t have to put up with this…it can be fixed. Night Sweats – Can sometimes go hand-in-hand with hot flashes but waking up with your nightgown soaking wet doesn’t have to be tolerated. Not only is this a huge nuisance, it will inevitably interfere with your sleep, causing all the health issues that correspond with sleep deprivation as well. Weight gain – Yes, getting “thicker around the middle” can be related to hormone imbalance. Particularly for women, weight gain is usually in the abdominal area. Thyroid can also play a role in weight gain and should be checked along with hormone labs. Fatigue – Remember how much

Dr. Melissa Miskell September 15, 2018

We now accept insurance for lab testing in our office!

We now accept insurance for lab testing in our Hormones by Design offices! In an effort to make top-notch care more affordable or our patients in Waco and Boerne, we will now take insurance for labs, as well as, still offering cash labs. So come in and we can test everything from your cholesterol, to your liver function, to your level of inflammation…all through your insurance. We want to make sure that all your blood markers are at the best possible levels because we want you as healthy and vibrant as possible! Interested in being tested? Call our office today or drop by for your blood draw on or after September 4th, 2018. Office visits will still be the one simple price of $100. Labs will now be sent to you insurance. If you do not currently have insurance, it’s no problem! We have made the hormone labs necessary for injections even more affordable. As an example, Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, and SHBG will now be only $40, or $10 per lab test for injection patients.

Dr. Melissa Miskell August 28, 2018

Precision Hormone and Thyroid Balancing Serving All of Texas and Arizona

all blog posts from hormones by design

News and Knowledge

What is Telemedicine?

PMS: Taming the Monster

Non-Hormonal Help for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

4 Common Activities that Trigger Hot Flashes

5 Signs You Need Hormone Replacement

We now accept insurance for lab testing in our office!

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