Women's Health - Amy DePue, DO

Ask A Doctor
Amy DePue, DO
Family Practice – Women’s Health

Q: I’ve been dieting all my life but have never enjoyed results. How can I lose weight?
A: There are many reasons why people struggle to lose weight and there are various treatment options that can help you lose that weight.

Adipex (phentermine) is an appetite suppressant approved by the FDA. It is generally only used for six months, in conjunction with healthy eating and exercise, to jump start weight loss.

Adrenal fatigue, caused by cortisol imbalance, can also make it difficult to lose weight. Cortisol is a hormone that signals your body to store fat to prepare for stress. Using vitamins, we can reset the cortisol imbalance which will help you to lose weight and may also help with other issues such as insomnia, memory loss, aches and pains.

Q: What are the signs of menopause that women in their 40s should look out for? What are the symptoms that should raise concern?
A: It is interesting that many women will mimic their mothers’ cycles and start experiencing menopause at the same age their mothers did. However, there is no particular pattern to the symptoms signaling the onset of menopause. Some women will experience more frequent and heavier bleeding while others will have fewer and lighter periods. And of course there are the common symptoms of mood swings, irritability and hot flashes. You should see your physician if menopause interrupts your life or if you have extreme mood swings or heavy bleeding that leaves you feeling tired or weak.

Q: What are my options for controlling symptoms of menopause?
A: Women’s One-A-Day Vitamins for Menopause are very effective for relieving menopause symptoms. Estroven can also help and has weight loss, energy and other formulas to fit your specific requirements. If your symptoms continue, hormone therapy is an option you should discuss with your physician.

Q: Are there any alternatives to birth control pills to help regulate my menstrual cycle?
A: Yes. We have the Depo shot, NuvaRing or IUDs that can regulate and even stop menstrual cycles altogether.

Q: My mother is suffering bone loss and I’m afraid I may be at risk as well. Is there anything I can do now to prevent bone loss in the future?
A: Taking calcium alone is not enough to stop bone loss. It is a good idea to see a physician and get your vitamin D tested. It is very common to have low levels of vitamin D and this makes it difficult for your body to maintain strong, healthy bones. The amount of vitamin D in your multi-vitamin may not be enough. A simple blood test will tell.

Q: When should I consider getting help for depression?
A: Some depression is situational, brought on by events such as loss or excessive stress. Short-term use of antidepressants can be very helpful in getting through these events. Symptoms of depression can include trouble sleeping, change in eating habits – either not eating or eating too much, and sometimes friends and family might note a change in your behavior. Antidepressants are not the only option. If your preference is to avoid pills, you should talk to your physician about alternatives.

Q: My husband and I have been married for many years now and we seem to have lost our luster. How can we increase our libido?
A: I usually hear this question a few times a day. It is very common for women in their 40s-60s to experience a notable decrease in libido which can be attributed to several things, most notably low testosterone.
With a small dose of bio-identical testosterone, one drop per day, your libido will increase slowly over time. If you do not experience any results after three months, we should explore other reasons for a decreased libido. It could be a mental block, especially if you are harboring any bad feelings towards your husband.

Q: What are bioidentical hormones?
A: Bio-identical hormones are chemically the same as the hormones we produce in our bodies. It is thought that the bio-identical hormones act more naturally in our bodies than synthetic hormones such as Premarin, which is made from pregnant horse urine. However, bio-identical hormones have not been studied by the FDA so should be used under the care of a physician and you should have your hormone levels checked regularly.

Bio-identical testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen are derived from wild yams. You cannot get the hormones by simply eating yams; they must be extracted. The hormones are available in drops, pills and creams, however I usually recommend drops because the dosage can be adjusted more easily. I do not recommend the creams because the hormones can rub off onto your husband, children and even pets.

Bio:
Amy DePue, DO, received her medical degree from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is board-certified with the American Osteopathic Board. She is also a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

Dr. DePue grew up in a military family and has lived in many places. Before moving to Sonora in 2010, she practiced in Oklahoma. She now works at Greenley Primary Care, where she has been for the last year and where she enjoys spending time getting to know her patients. Away from work she enjoys all the fun things the Sierra Nevada provide including kayaking, hiking, biking, skiing and wildlife photograph.