Customized Medicines

Customized Medicines
Dr. Sonja O'Bryan, Pharm.D., ABAAHP Board Certified Health Practitioner Diplomate-American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine: "Creative Medicines" for Hormones-Weight-Pain-Fatigue-Skin Diseases-Pediatrics-Autoimmune Disorders-Veterinary Needs. Using Complimentary, Integrative, Regenerative, Bio-Identical, and Lifestyle Medicine For Health and Healing.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

My most Credible Source: FAMILY!! Proud of Stacy, my sister-in-law on her journey to better health

Stacy Weaver O'Bryan Testimonial
" Unfortunately, for years I had suffered from endometriosis, fibroids, and a couple of other factors, which ended with me having a full hysterectomy at age 39. My hormones were already very out of whack, and, thinking back on things, my gyno NEVER questioned me about my moods, only my "plumbing" issues.
FORTUNATELY, my sister-in-law is Dr. Sonja Pinnell O'Bryan!! After a casual yet in depth conversation about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, I decided to pursue treatment through Sonja. I had to talk to my gyno about using Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, who wasn't familiar with it but was willing to work with Sonja to design my hormones. He now refers clients to her :) Wait, wait, back to ME! Since starting my Bio-Iden's, I have felt GREAT! My moods are mellow, I have energy, and I finally feel like myself. Also, I have found it easier to lose weight - actually 47 lbs! It seemed before that no matter what I did I couldn't lose weight. Once I started seeing my weight loss efforts were finally paying off, it was easier to change my eating lifestyle since I could see it was now beneficial!
Dr. Sonja has been a blessing to work with, she is very concerned to help me be as normal as possible :) I have found it very important to communicate with Sonja about issues I may be having - it's amazing what hormones control. Many many many thanks to my sister-in-law, my friend, my medicine maker!!!"

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

My 2 cents on The Dr. Oz show

I received the news on Friday, through a national networking forum that I participate in, that Dr. Oz would be doing a show on reducing stubborn belly fat through the use of a product called DHEA.  Fortunately, I was able to watch the show yesterday, and today I want to just give my 2 cents on this topic.  Thank you to all who have sent FB messages, texts, and made phone calls surrounding the information given on the show.  Your questions are always welcomed.

DHEA is a steroid hormone (key point) secreted in greater quantity by the adrenal glands than any other adrenal steroid.  For many years, scientists assumed that DHEA served as a reservoir for the body to provide other hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.  But recent findings indicate that higher levels of DHEA  are associated with increased longevity, prevention of heart disease and cancer, and as you heard yesterday, weight control. 

Here's just a few things I want you to know before you go out and purchase DHEA for your bulging waist line.
1. DHEA is a hormone.  (remember key point)
2.  DHEA can turn into other hormones which may already be high.  Another key point!
3. 7-keto DHEA is structurally different (hence the name, and the one that the show mentioned), but the dosing is higher than I have seen patients be able to tolerate throughout my years of doing this.
4.  I think testing is critical.  Just going out and buying magic products that affect hormone producing glands is NOT good medicine.
5.  Saliva testing is a great way to look at your adrenal markers.  The cost to do a good hormone panel is $120-$240 depending on what problems you are experiencing. I can help guide you through that process. The testing is something you can do from the convenience of your own home. 
6. I do have many patients on DHEA therapy, but I customize it in the lab according to their deficiencies.  Sometimes I recommend over the counter versions when no concerns prohibit doing that. I use pure 100% pharmaceutical grade product purchased from an FDA approved supplier and by prescription. 

I don't want to overwhelm you with too much information, but I do want you to know additional facts that the show did not present.  The waves of treatments, cures, lotions, and potions have been many throughout the years.  I'm excited that the national media is bringing these alternative treatments to light, but as a healthcare professional, I want to go the extra mile and keep my circle of clients informed. So there you go! 

My two cents,
Dr. Sonja

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Our Top 10

Got a question? I want to know. Of the many questions that I receive daily, I have compiled a list of the top 10 for you.  Just in case you also want to know.

Here we go:

1) I watched Dr. Oz, Oprah, Robin McGraw, and the new Suzanne Somers show and wondered if you do Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement? Yes!  This, believe it or not, is one of the top questions that patients ask when they first seek out my name and number. 

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement has been around for decades, but recently through the avenue of major media resources (TV, Radio, Talkshows) and celebrities such as Dr. Oz, Oprah, Robin McGraw, Suzanne Somers, and Linda Evans, women are seeking this more natural treatment approach to their hormone problems.  An quite honestly, the TV commercials on low-T are driving men into our office as well for Testosterone testing.  I'm just thankful that whatever the source, people are coming to a better understanding of this key treatment to feeling better and looking better.

2) Can you test my hormones? Yes!  The testing phase of hormones and analysis of deficiencies can be accomplished in two ways.  1) Through getting a blood sample by your physician or medical provider 2) By obtaining a saliva kit from our offices.   There are certain key hormones to be tested.  I can help in that process.  I also do private consultations for JUST $50.  An appointment is required.  This is a great way to get up close and personal information about hormones and aging.   I also offer testing for iodine deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid levels, and neurotransmitters. 

3) How much does the actual therapy cost? Most of the customized formulations that we prepare are similar in out-of-pocket cost to what you would pay as a co-pay to your private insurance.  A good ballpark figure is $40-50 per month.  Some insurance plans will cover compounded hormones and we can work with you and your insurance to determine if we can get things approved.

4) What is a customized formulation?  It's simply the individual hormone components that you need in the dosing that you need.  Nothing more. Nothing less.  It's a PERSONAL formulation for YOU. One size does NOT fit all and this is why this area of medicine is growing at such a rapid pace.


5) How do I go about doing the saliva test?  We carry the home testing kits in our office along with a plethora of reading material on Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.  If you would like us to mail you the kit and information, we would be happy to.  We charge $20 to mail the kit and all of the material to your home. IF you happen to live near our office, you are welcome to pick one up with no appointment necessary.

6) How do I complete the actual testing?  The kit is designed with everything you need.  Inside the kit you will find: a form to fill out, a vial for your saliva collection, a credit card form for processing, a mailer kit and pre-paid label, and specific instructions on what to do.  We are here to help guide you as well.  It's just a simple phone call to me or my staff . We can walk you through the dates to test and the "how-to's".  It's Easy Breezy and  I saliva test every year.  If I can do it, you can do it!  If you want me to be the one to assess your hormone imbalances and stress, the kit DOES NEED to come from my office so the lab knows where to send the results.  email drsonjaobryan@gmail.com

http://youtu.be/GLcKQoD3qzw

7) What do you do with the results?  I call YOU with the results as soon as they post to my private web portal.  I will discuss with you the hormone levels and what they mean.  It's very enlightening, let me tell you.  I read saliva and blood hormone levels everyday.  I can tell you things about yourself that you've been waiting to hear someone acknowledge.  It's not all in your head in case you've ever been told that.  Then, I will forward your results along with a treatment recommendation to the physician or provider of your choice.  I prepare a nice packet with a cover letter, your results, and an analysis for your doctor to see.

8) I have a daughter that is having problems, can you test young people?  Yes!  I have more and more young women seeking answers to infertility issues, PMS symptoms, weight gain, painful periods, absence of periods, etc.  Please don't hesitate to call me if you know a young woman who is having problems.  Call or email ASAP!! 

9) Where are you located?  IN BRANSON MO NOW!! But, we have patients all over the U.S. and can coordinate testing and shipping from the good ol' Midwest.  The personal/professional guideline that I follow is that I do want to spend some time on the phone or in person with my patients.  It just works better to know and understand what challenges are going on and if I think I might be able to help.  It's just the right thing to do for you.  (I cringe when I hear that people are buying things online without any kind of guidance.) Often a family member has found me and will share their positive testimonial with you.  In that case, call me and tell me who sent you, and then we can talk privately about your need from there.

10) Do you travel and teach this?  Yes I do!  I LOVE teaching seminars to physicians, community groups, church women's groups, and so on.  I realized some years ago just how many women and men were sitting out there in the crowd not knowing that they had an explanation to the way they were feeling.  It compels me to get the word out to as many as I can.  email me at drsonja@onpurposewomen.com to find out a fee schedule and some of the programs available to suit your event.   Anti-Aging, Hormones, Stress, Fatigue, and Weight Management programs are some of the BIGGIES that are relevant to people wanting to live, look, and feel better, longer.

The event can be tailored to your group and your goal.  I've taught in salons, health food stores, churches, government offices, physicians offices, and so on.  I just need a screen, a projector, and people to listen.  If you're looking for something that every person attending your event will love, plan to do something like this.  I can share some of the fun topic titles I've done throughout the years.
BTW.....It's always a hit when you're talking HORMONES!  My book can also be added to your event registration packet at a reduced price to those in attendance. 

Well that's the Top 10 list.   I'm excited to be taking care of stay- at-home moms, physicians, executives, entertainers, teachers, administrators, and a host of other women from all walks of life who want to look and feel great. 

Get tested!  Get treated!

To your good health,
Dr. Sonja