Women's Health

Women's health is an important subject for each patient. To help women of all ages, Dr. Duncan evaluates and recommends the latest in medical procedures and technology to respond to the needs of each and every patient. If you have any questions on these health issues listed below, or if you have any other medical needs please call the office at (850) 325-1212.

Here are a few of the wide range of health issues we can help you with:

Abnormal Bleeding
Birth Control
Breast Pain
Colposcopy
Contraception
Menopause
Painful Periods
Bio-Indentical Homone Replacement

Pap Smear
PMS
Cervicitis & Vaginitis
Infertiltiy
Fibroids
Polyps
STI & STD

Gynecology

A few of the services we offer for women include: annual examinations, colpo, leep ultrasound, IUD placement, permanent birth control (essure), all GYN surgery, irregular cycle issues, and contraceptive management.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

What are they?
Bio-identical hormones are hormones that have a base chemical structure identical to the hormones naturally produced in our bodies. They have been in use since 1922. These are not synthetic hormones made in a laboratory and used by athletes.

Who needs hormone balancing?
Every woman wants relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, insomnia, vaginal dryness, decreased libido (sex drive), memory, concentration, and unwanted facial and body hair with subsequent scalp hair loss. But did you know that women who have a hormone imbalance also suffer from things they can't feel like osteoporosis, decreased cardiac output, lower pulmonary function, and decreased circulation.

Are they safe?
Yes. There are currently no studies that link and/or associate bio-identical hormones with any cancers. In fact, these are not synthetic hormones that have been reported with adverse side affects, but natural, bio-identical hormones. They are monitored by the physician and balanced to meet your specific needs.

Are they effective?
Yes. When prescribed by a physician who is an expert in the field they are not only effective in relieving symptoms of menopause but also improve general health. They help to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, health control, insomnia, cardiopulmonary function, bone density, circulation, skin thickness, skin texture, and energy.

What are my options?
Bio-identical hormones are administered in a number of ways: Pellets that are implanted in the subcutaneous tissue, topical cream to be applied twice daily, or oral troches that are taken twice daily.

Pellets
Hormone pellets have been in use since 1938. Due to supply and demand they have become reasonably priced in the past few years. They are the best physiologic way to administer any type of hormones. With all of the benefits of bio-identical hormones and the convenience of needing to be placed only two to three times a year – this option is a superior choice for your hormone balancing and overall good health. They are placed in the upper outer buttock area below the belt line under local anesthesia via a small applicator, no stitches or recovery time is required.

Topical
This popular option is a cream that is compounded by a local pharmacy and requires twice daily application for transdermal absorption. Once started, each patient's levels are titrated to their individual needs.

Troches
These are small gelatin based squares that are placed between your cheek and gum and dissolve in about 15 minutes. They are also compounded by a local pharmacy and taken twice daily. Each patient's levels are titrated to their individual needs.