by Laura Markison, NMD
I recently saw an Instagram post promoting hormone replacement therapy online. Actual hormone cream ordered ONLINE by a “doctor”. In my opinion, ordering hormones from an online physician is not safe and may be illegal. In the state of Arizona, I must physically establish care with a patient including an in office physical exam before I can order any kind of test, medication, or imaging. Plus, doesn’t it make sense that a physician should do an in person physical before prescribing anything for a patient?
For instance, I had a patient who was concerned about her female hormones. I palpated her thyroid and felt a possible nodule. She needed a full thyroid laboratory panel ordered and an ultrasound to check for nodules and autoimmune thyroiditis. Before any hormone therapy can be ordered the thyroid must be checked. Symptoms of hot flashes, palpitations, and racing heart can be caused by the thyroid and may not be related to sex hormones.
I have patients who come in not happy about their current hormone therapy. They are presenting with a variety of side effects from hair loss, racing heart, mental issues of feeling depressed, too much aggressiveness or not feeling any better. Some men have blood building because their blood levels are not being check every three months. This is dangerous and can make them feel sluggish and can give them headaches. I recently had a patient who was put on estrogen replacement but not testosterone replacement. When I asked her why she was not prescribed testosterone she said the doctor didn’t think women needed testosterone! Everyone can benefit from testosterone replacement due to its benefits on the brain for memory and cognition let alone a lot of other benefits.
I also have many patients who come in and show me their current blood laboratory results and their doctor did not order the correct hormone lab tests including only ordering a TSH for their thyroid. Plus, I would say about 90% of my patients that come in have vitamin D deficiency and their doctor has never ordered it. They wonder why they feel tired and are getting sick all the time. I had one patient whose vitamin D level was so low they were having bone pain! That’s a symptom of adult-onset rickets…
I understand the appeal of visiting with an online doctor than making an appointment over the phone, spending the time driving to an office, and wanting to be in the comfort of one’s home. But, please, value your health and spend some time with a physician in their office for ANY health concern. Having a doctor order hormone therapy (let alone any prescription) online could be unlawful and dangerous to one’s health.
Mention this article and I will review your current blood lab results and hormone therapy treatment protocol for a free 15-minute consultation. Call our office today at Mesa Naturopathic at (480) 306-8111.