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    A Fourth of July Reflection on Freedom and Community

    A Fourth of July Reflection on Freedom and Community

    This Fourth of July, as fireworks fill the night sky and families gather to celebrate, we at HerKare are reminded of the importance of freedom in all its forms. Independence Day is a time to honor the courage, sacrifice, and vision that shaped our nation’s path. It is a day to reflect on what freedom means to each of us and to express gratitude for the opportunities and choices it allows.

    For many women, freedom also means having the confidence and strength to live life fully, to pursue goals, nurture relationships, and care for themselves along the way. At HerKare, we see every day how health and well-being empower women to show up for their families, careers, and dreams with clarity and purpose.

    This holiday is a time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, good food, and create memories that will carry us through the year ahead. It is also a moment to pause and appreciate the journey we have taken and the progress yet to come, for ourselves, our communities, and our country.

    As you celebrate this Fourth of July, we hope you feel surrounded by love, joy, and gratitude for the freedoms you hold dear. We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who serve and have served to protect these freedoms, and we honor your dedication and sacrifice.

    From all of us at HerKare, have a safe, peaceful, and happy Independence Day. May it be a day of reflection, celebration, and hope for the future.

    Happy Fourth of July.

    Manage Your Care with the New SynergenX App

    Manage Your Care with the New SynergenX App

    At HerKare, we understand that your health journey is personal—and managing it should be simple. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of the new SynergenX Mobile App, powered by SynergenX, HerKare and Low T Center, available now as a free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

    Whether you’re navigating hormone replacement therapy (HRT), menopause symptoms, or other wellness treatments, the SynergenX app puts your care right at your fingertips. It’s your all-in-one solution for managing appointments, connecting with your provider, and staying on track with your health—on your schedule.

    Features of the SynergenX Mobile App

    The SynergenX app is designed to support your care every step of the way. With it, you can:

    • Book appointments quickly, without calling the office

    • Check in early and reduce your time spent in the waiting room

    • Fill out forms securely from your phone—no printing required

    • View your lab results as soon as they’re available

    • Order supplements right from the app

    • Receive appointment reminders so nothing slips through the cracks

    • Set medication alerts to stay consistent with your treatment

    • Connect with your provider using secure telemedicine options

    Whether you’re a patient at HerKare, SynergenX, or Low T Center, this app gives you more control, more access, and more peace of mind.

    Why It Matters

    Your care should be as seamless and personalized as your treatment plan. The SynergenX app helps remove barriers to hormone health by giving you quick access to your results, providers, and scheduling—all from your smartphone. It’s designed to help you stay in control and feel supported every step of the way.

    Download the App

    Ready to make your health a little easier to manage?

    With the SynergenX App, your hormone health is in your hands, whenever and wherever you need it.

    Women’s Health Care: Diabetes in Women

    Women’s Health Care: Diabetes in Women

    Diabetes is a serious health issue. In the U.S., an estimated 34 million people live with diabetes. This is a chronic disease that can shorten your lifespan without proper treatment and management from your women’s health care team. What many people don’t know is that diabetes can affect women a little differently, which can increase health risks and can delay diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we’ll focus on diabetes in women and what you can do to improve your health.

    What is Diabetes?

    Most people have heard of diabetes before, but you might not know exactly what it is. Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar is higher than normal. For people with type 1 diabetes, this is because your body attacks the pancreatic cells that make insulin, which is a hormone that allows your cells to use sugar in your blood and turn it into energy. Because your body doesn’t produce insulin, your cells are unable to turn sugar into energy. This means the sugar simply stays in the blood instead.

    Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 95% of cases. This is where your cells become less sensitive to insulin over time. Because the cells are somewhat resistant to insulin, they are unable to use as much sugar in your blood for energy, which increases the glucose (sugar) in your blood.

    In addition, you can also have prediabetes, which is a condition where your blood sugar levels are elevated, but not to the same extent as someone with diabetes. This is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Many people with untreated prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, it can also be treatable to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes with early intervention.

    It’s important to talk to our women’s health care providers about diabetes, including your risk and how to prevent it. Getting regular blood sugar tests can also help with early detection so you can take steps to improve your health and prevent complications.

    Hidden Signs of Diabetes

    There are many symptoms of diabetes that you may experience. Some symptoms of diabetes for both men and women include:

    • Excessive thirst
    • Excessive hunger
    • Frequent urination
    • Weight changes
    • Fatigue
    • Blurred vision
    • Slow healing wounds
    • Numb or tingling hands and feet
    • Increased number of infections
    • Breath that smells fruity, sweet, or like acetone

    If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to come into our women’s health clinic to discuss them with our providers.

    Symptoms of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes often come on gradually, which makes it harder to notice the symptoms. Several of the symptoms are also easy to explain away as getting older or living a busy lifestyle, like feeling fatigued or extremely hungry. However, ignoring symptoms can delay diagnosis and treatment from our women’s health care providers. So, we recommend making an appointment as soon as possible if you notice these issues.

    Diabetes Symptoms Specific to Women

    In addition, there are several diabetes symptoms that are unique to women. Some of these symptoms include:

    • Increased number of yeast infections
    • Increased number of urinary tract infections
    • Sexual dysfunction
      • Vaginal dryness
      • Low sex drive
      • Fewer orgasms
      • Lower sexual satisfaction

    There are several reasons why you might experience these symptoms of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the cardiovascular system, which can reduce circulation. Poor circulation to the vulva and vagina can cause dryness and also make infections worse, as blood flow is necessary for healing. High blood sugar levels can also act as food for bacteria and yeast germs, which can help them grow more quickly and lead to yeast infections and UTIs. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage (neuropathy), which can reduce feeling in your vulva and vagina, which may also account for sexual dysfunction in diabetic women.

    Also, many people don’t know that female hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect blood sugar levels in women with diabetes. For instance, many women notice their blood sugar levels rise around the luteal phase of their period, which is about two weeks before the start of their period. In menopause, hormone fluctuations and low hormone levels can cause unpredictable increases and decreases in blood sugar. Therefore, this is another way that diabetes can affect women differently.

    Risks Women Face with Diabetes

    woman smiling with her dog after getting women's health care for diabetes management

    Our women’s health care providers can help you manage your health.

    Diabetes is a serious health condition that comes with many health risks and complications. Therefore, it’s essential to make an appointment at our women’s health clinic if you think you might have diabetes. Our team can help you find underlying causes of your symptoms and test for diabetes. Once diagnosed with diabetes, we also offer treatment and ongoing treatment monitoring to help you feel your best and stay healthy.

    As many as one in nine women in the U.S. have diabetes, which translates to about 15 million women. Yet, many of these women go undiagnosed and are unaware of the dangers to their health. We’ll go over some of the common symptoms of diabetes in a later section so you can see if you have common signs of the disease. Getting annual health exams can also help with early diagnosis and treatment, as during these appointments we look for common signs of health conditions that might be easy to overlook.

    Everyone who suspects they have diabetes should get treatment as soon as possible because of the potential health risks. However, women may be particularly at risk for complications. While diabetes is more common in men, women are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease and kidney disease.

    Women with diabetes are about four times as likely to suffer from heart disease, while men are two times more likely to develop heart disease if they have diabetes. As heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, this is a serious concern. Heart disease increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. In addition, women with diabetes are more likely to die due to heart disease compared to men.

    Diabetes can also increase your risk for kidney disease, as the kidneys work in overdrive to get rid of excess blood sugar. Over time, your kidneys can become damaged from all the extra work and they can’t filter your blood properly. This can lead to major health complications, including kidney failure. Both men and women with diabetes are at risk for kidney disease, but kidney disease is often more severe for women with diabetes.

    In addition, women with diabetes have higher risk for other complications, such as blindness and depression. Diabetes can damage your circulatory system, including the sensitive blood vessels in your eyes, which can eventually lead to vision loss and blindness. Diabetes is also linked to higher rates of depression. Therefore, there are many risks associated with diabetes, which is why you should get help from our women’s health care providers if you think you might have diabetes or have an increased risk for diabetes.

    Women’s Health Care for Prediabetes and Diabetes

    If you develop prediabetes, there are often several things you can do to treat your elevated blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Our women’s health care providers can test your blood sugar levels and create a personalized treatment plan for you. Oftentimes, these treatments include weight loss, improving your diet, and getting active. We may also recommend quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight and losing even a small amount of weight, such as 10% of your total weight, can help reduce blood sugar levels significantly.

    If you have diabetes, there are several ways our team can help. While there is currently no cure for this condition, diabetes management can help you reduce your symptoms and health risks. Typically, diabetes treatments involve a mixture of lifestyle changes, like losing weight and beginning an exercise program, as well as medications. Insulin is one of the most common medications for people with diabetes, however there are also other medications that may work better for you. Our women’s health care team works with you to find treatments that work well for your diabetes and your lifestyle.

    Visit HerKare: A Women’s Health Clinic that Cares

    Like many other health conditions, you might have a higher risk for developing diabetes due to certain risk factors. For instance, if you have a family history of diabetes, you might have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes. Some other risk factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

    In addition, other health issues can also increase your risk for diabetes. Women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are more likely to develop diabetes because it can cause insulin resistance.

    Gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and typically goes away soon after birth.

    It’s important to discuss your risk factors with our women’s health care providers. This helps you understand your risks and what you can do to help prevent diabetes. Our team may recommend lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or losing weight to reduce your risk for diabetes. Depending on your risks, we may also recommend more frequent screenings to help with early detection of diabetes and prediabetes.

    Addressing your whole health is easy with our team at HerKare. We are dedicated to empowering women through top quality health care services from providers that listen and care about you. Our team offers personalized treatment solutions and ongoing monitoring for a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, menopause, high cholesterol, and other common health issues. Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations!

    Does Hormone Replacement Delay Menopause?

    Does Hormone Replacement Delay Menopause?

    Perimenopause and menopause affect every woman differently. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one option that can provide relief, though it doesn’t stop menopause itself. 

    Schedule a consultation with our team at HerKare to create a personalized hormone replacement treatment plan.

    Perimenopause vs Menopause

    Perimenopause and menopause are related but distinct stages in a woman’s life, marked by changes in hormone levels, primarily estrogen.

    Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause. It typically starts in a woman’s 40s but can begin earlier or later. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, causing menstrual cycles to become irregular and symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings to emerge. Perimenopause lasts until menopause, which is officially reached 12 months after the final menstrual period.

    Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It’s diagnosed retrospectively after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. While the ovaries still produce some estrogen, levels are significantly lower. Menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, can persist for several years.

    Can You Slow Down or Prevent Menopause?

    women pre and post menopause smiling after hormone replacement treatment

    Hormone replacement helps smooth the transition through menopause.

    While hormone replacement can effectively relieve many menopause symptoms, it doesn’t actually prevent or delay menopause itself. Menopause is a natural biological stage, not an illness that can be cured.

    Think of it like this: HRT is to menopause as insulin is to diabetes. Insulin helps manage blood sugar and its associated problems, but it doesn’t eliminate diabetes. Similarly, HRT can ease the transition through menopause by replenishing estrogen, but it doesn’t stop the underlying process.

    Even with HRT, you’re still experiencing menopause, but with fewer uncomfortable symptoms. It’s about improving your quality of life during this natural transition. Actually, delaying menopause could do more harm than good. Research suggests that late-onset menopause (after age 55) could increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.

    Instead of delaying the inevitable, focus on managing your symptoms and improving your well-being during this natural transition. 

    When Does Menopause Typically Start?

    While you can’t control whether you go through menopause, several factors influence when it begins. Genetics plays a significant role; your menopausal age is often similar to your mother’s.

    However, lifestyle choices also have an impact. Smokers tend to reach menopause earlier than non-smokers. Women with a higher BMI may slightly delay menopause due to estrogen production in fat tissue. And while less impactful, certain medical treatments (like chemotherapy) and surgeries (such as ovary removal) can also induce menopause.

    Although the exact timing of menopause can vary, understanding these factors can help you anticipate and prepare for this natural transition in your life.

    Why Take Hormone Replacement if It Doesn’t Stop Menopause?

    It’s true that HRT doesn’t halt the natural progression of menopause, but it can be incredibly effective in managing the challenging symptoms that often arise. By replenishing your body’s declining estrogen levels, hormone replacement can provide relief from:

    • Hot flashes and night sweats: These sudden surges of heat can disrupt sleep, concentration, and daily life. HRT can significantly reduce their frequency and intensity.
    • Mood changes: Menopause can bring about irritability, anxiety, and even depression. HRT may help stabilize mood and improve emotional well-being.
    • Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep is common during menopause. HRT can promote better sleep quality.
    • Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Lower estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissues to thin and dry, leading to discomfort during intercourse. HRT can help restore vaginal health.

    Beyond addressing these immediate concerns, HRT can also provide long-term health benefits by:

    • Protecting bone health: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. HRT can help prevent osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk.
    • Reducing cardiovascular disease risk: While the relationship between HRT and heart health is complex, some studies suggest that HRT may offer some protection against heart disease in certain women when initiated early in menopause.

    Types of Hormone Replacement Available During Peri and Menopause

    During perimenopause and menopause, your body’s production of estrogen and progesterone declines. Estrogen therapy replaces the estrogen your body no longer produces in sufficient amounts using bio-identical hormones that precisely mimic the characteristics of your natural estrogen. Progesterone therapy is typically combined with estrogen for women who still have a uterus. It counteracts estrogen’s effect on the uterine lining, reducing the risk of endometrial cancer.  

    Reduce Your Menopause Symptoms with HerKare

    Experiencing the challenges of menopause? At HerKare, our women-led team provides compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. We’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief. 

    Book an HRT appointment today and let’s discuss your journey to menopause wellness.

    Forms of Hormone Replacement Treatment Available for Women

    Forms of Hormone Replacement Treatment Available for Women

    Hormone replacement treatment can gently restore balance and help you reclaim your well-being. There are many different types of HRT, and finding the right one for you can feel overwhelming. Today we’ll look at the different options available so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.

    If you’re ready to explore how HRT can help you feel like yourself again, HerKare is here to help. We offer personalized treatment plans with a focus on bioidentical hormones and convenient injection options. Schedule a hormone replacement appointment with our team now.

    How Do I Know If I Need Hormone Replacement Treatment?

    Your hormones act as messengers within your body, affecting everything from mood and sleep to metabolism and reproduction. When these chemical messengers fall out of balance, it can lead to a cascade of unwelcome changes. While often associated with menopause, hormonal imbalances can occur at any age and for various reasons. When this happens, hormone replacement treatment is often needed to help your body restore balance.

    Causes of Hormonal Imbalances in Women

    woman with young children restored to balance after hormone replacement treatment

    Feel like yourself again at any age with hormone replacement treatment.

    Natural Life Transitions: Puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause are all periods of significant hormonal fluctuation. These shifts can sometimes lead to imbalances as the body adjusts.  

    Medical Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and adrenal gland disorders can disrupt hormone production.  

    Lifestyle Factors: Chronic stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep can all contribute to hormonal imbalances.

    Medications: Certain medications, including birth control pills and steroids, can influence hormone levels.  

    Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances

    While symptoms vary depending on the specific hormones involved, common signs of a hormone imbalance include:

    • Menstrual irregularities: Changes in cycle length, flow, or missed periods.  
    • Mood swings and irritability: Feeling more emotional, anxious, or depressed.  
    • Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor quality sleep.  
    • Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.  
    • Fatigue and low energy levels: Feeling constantly tired or lacking motivation.  
    • Skin changes: Acne, dryness, or thinning hair.  
    • Decreased libido: Reduced interest in sex.  
    • Vaginal dryness: Discomfort during intercourse.  

    If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and personalized hormone replacement treatment options.

    Exploring Different Forms of HRT

    Hormone replacement therapy comes in various forms, each with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s explore the most common HRT options:  

    Oral HRT  involves taking estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both in pill form.  

    • Pros: Oral HRT is widely available and easy to take.
    • Cons: Pills must pass through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream. This “first-pass metabolism” can reduce the effectiveness of the hormones and potentially cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and bloating. Oral HRT may not be ideal for women with liver conditions.  

    Topical HRT delivers hormones through the skin via creams, gels, and patches.  

    • Pros: Topical HRT bypasses the liver, potentially reducing side effects and improving absorption. 
    • Cons: Skin irritation is a possible side effect, and the hormone can transfer to others through skin contact. Achieving consistent dosage accuracy can also be challenging with topical applications.  

    HRT pellets are inserted under your skin, typically in the hip or buttock area.  

    • Pros: Pellets take up to 90 days to dissolve, eliminating the need for daily or weekly applications.
    • Cons: This method requires a minor surgical procedure for insertion and removal. Dosage adjustments are difficult once the implant is in place. There’s also a risk of infection, pellet extrusion, and discomfort at the implant site.  

    Injections deliver hormones directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver.  

    • Pros: This method offers precise dosage control and maximum absorption. It avoids potential gastrointestinal side effects, and is suitable for women with digestive issues.
    • Cons: Injections require regular administration, typically weekly or bi-weekly, which some women may find inconvenient. 

    What is the Best Type of Hormone Replacement Treatment?

    While all forms of HRT have their place, injections offer distinct advantages, particularly when combined with bioidentical hormones. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical HRT is naturally derived from plant sources to mimic hormones produced by your body.

    With injections, your dosage can be finely tuned to achieve optimal hormone levels and symptom relief. Although it means more frequent appointments than other options, the appointments are quick, and these regular injections maintain stable hormone levels much more effectively. This helps reduce hormonal fluctuations and provides a more consistent therapeutic effect.

    If you’re seeking a direct, natural, and effective approach to hormone replacement treatment, injections may be the ideal choice for you. However, you should always consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to determine the most suitable method based on your individual needs and medical history.

    Your Partner in Women’s Hormone Treatment – HerKare

    If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of hormone replacement treatment, our team can support you. Our healthcare professionals specialize in personalized HRT plans. Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced you. Visit one of our locations for a consultation and learn more about how we can help you thrive.

    Announcement

    It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Dr. Sridevi Panchamukhi will be discontinuing her affiliation with HerKare. Dr. Panchamoukhi’s last day with HerKare was Monday, March 27, 2023. As a patient you may obtain copies of your medical records or arrange transfer of your medical records to another physician. HerKare Physician Group, PLLC will continue to maintain your medical records. You may reach out to [email protected] to obtain copies of your records. We wish Dr. Panchamoukhi the very best.