What I Do

• Individual health assessment at mid life
• Bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT)
• Clinical breast exams and supervised instruction in breast self- exams (BSE)
• Referral for primary care when appropriate

I have practiced medicine continuously since 1977 first in Montana
and now in North Idaho. My primary focus has always been women’s health. Astonishingly, some of the baby girls who I ushered into this world are now themselves mothers. Some are even my patients! I value so much this woman-to-woman connection and continuity.

Each individual woman knows herself better than anyone else. A key component of my job is to create a space where I have time to hear a woman’s whole story and then create a plan to address her issues. I see my role as a combination of teacher, detective, mechanic, and researcher for my patients.

Some women come with a straightforward set of symptoms and the gift of trouble free health. Others come with a complex interplay of problems that may be interacting in unique and unpredictable ways. I believe all women benefit from an overview of the biology of hormonal events. This allows them to fully appreciate their treatment options.

When I characterize the women I serve, they display a full spectrum of health beliefs. At one end are women who are very identified with the conventional medical model. They choose the latest drugs and diagnostic tests and often research new treatments even before they are widely known. At the other end are women who choose a more complementary approach to their health. They may be somewhat skeptical of the medical model and choose to use self-treatments avoiding pharmaceuticals, physicians, and hospitals. Instead of telling a woman what her health beliefs should be, I match her values with compatible options and advise her of the risks and benefits of her choice.

It is my truest belief that health is the first wealth, and food is
the first medicine. I am most comfortable using pharmaceuticals
only after the patient and I have tried other options first.

Everyone who seeks my care is reminded of the key roles that diet,
supplements, exercise, and sleep play in a healthy state of balance.

You can expect a first office visit at Women Of A Certain Age to last sixty minutes. Most often it includes hormone evaluation and may include other tests as well. Follow up visits usually last thirty minutes. In addition, I am available each day during office hours for complimentary brief phone check-ins. Scheduled appointment phone consultations during office hours are also available.

I connect my patients with a choice of compounding pharmacies if bioidentical hormone therapies (BHRT) are needed, and I am available for second opinions concerning current drug therapies (HRT) or surgical recommendations.

I believe women have special needs throughout their life span. Hormonal balances ebb and flow from the onset of menstruation until the menopause transition is completed. These changes are essential factors in each woman’s sense of well being and must be considered when treating the whole woman.

I welcome a chance to assist you in your quest for health and well being.