Bioidentical Testosterone Replacement for Men in Tampa

 

Decreased testosterone in men, or “low T”, is a common condition.  Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles.  Symptoms of low testosterone include: fatigue, decreased energy and libido, increased bone and muscle mass loss, depression, irritability, anxiety, lack of concentration, los of body hair and infertility.  As men age it is normal for their testosterone levels to decrease.  However, if the levels decrease too rapidly, or to a level that is too low, symptoms may develop.

Blood tests are used to determine if replacement testosterone may be necessary.  There are various forms of testosterone replacement including: bio-identical cream, patches, gels and injections.  Bio-identical testosterone cream is a prescription cream formulated in a compounding pharmacy.  The pharmacy creates a dose based on your individual needs as determined by you and your physician.  The cream is applied once or twice daily.  By using bio-identical testosterone, many men are able to achieve significant improvement in their symptoms.

Dr. Ann Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer bio-identical hormone therapy to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Florida.  Please contact us at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Bio-Identical Hormones for Women in Tampa

Testosterone is an important hormone produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries.  It helps maintain normal ovarian function, cognition, sexual behavior and bone metabolism.  As a woman ages, her testosterone levels will naturally decline.  Studies have shown declines beginning as early as age 30. Some women can tolerate this decline without issue, other women will become symptomatic.   She may begin to develop:  poor concentration, headaches, fatigue, lack of libido, dry skin and eyes, muscle loss, anxiety or depression.  Low testosterone can occur with or without a decrease in other hormones.   Your physician will use blood work to determine your hormonal levels.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy offers testosterone replacement that is formulated into a cream.   Other hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, and DHEA may also be added to the cream.   It is applied once or twice daily.  This cream is compounded by a specialty pharmacy that creates a dose based on your individual needs as determined by you and your physician.  Many women are able to achieve significant improvement in their symptoms with replacement therapy.

Dr. Ann Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer bio-identical hormone therapy to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Florida.  Please contact us at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Who in Tampa Needs a Shingles Vaccine?

Shingles is a painful, sometimes itchy skin rash with blisters.  It is also called Herpes Zoster. Only someone who has had chickenpox can get shingles.  A shingles rash usually appears on one side of the body and lasts from 2-4 weeks.

Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, this virus stays in your body and can cause shingles many years later.  You cannot catch shingles from another person with shingles, but if you have never had chicken pox you can get chicken pox from someone with shingles.  Shingles is more common in people over the age of 50, and people whose immune system is weakened because of a disease such as cancer or certain drugs like chemotherapy.

In 2006, a vaccine was licensed for shingles.  A single dose is recommended by the CDC  for adults age 60 and older. The vaccine reduces the risk of shingles by 50% and can reduce pain in individuals who still get shingles after being vaccinated.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, located in Tampa, is happy to offer this vaccine to her patients.  Self pay pricing  is competitive with the national pharmacy chains at approximately $250.00 .  However, insurance and medicare will often cover all or a portion of the vaccine cost.  Please contact the office  at (813) 902-9559 for more information.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.