Hormone screening and optimization is available at Jefferson Community Health & Life.
Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C, has received specialized training and sees patients at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic.
“Hormones affect all of us,” Afuh said. “My goal is to bring bio-identical hormone therapy here, do it in the safest way possible, and make these services more affordable.”
Bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT) can help both men and women with symptoms such as decreased libido, weight gain, mood swings, memory loss, joint pain, fatigue, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats and low energy levels. Bio-identical hormones are plant-derived and are chemically identical to hormones produced in your body. They replace hormones that are out of balance to help alleviate symptoms.
Recommended lab screenings are available through JCH&L include Estradiol; FSH; Prolactin; Progesterone; Testosterone free; Testosterone total.
Hormone therapy medications are typically not covered by insurance, but often the cost is very reasonable. If cost is an issue, she will work with the patient to try to find more reasonably-priced options. She said patients will have charges for office consultations, but unlike some clinics which do BHRT, there are no membership fees.
Afuh believes strongly in involving the patient in their care, and listening to their needs, feelings and concerns. She asks patients to keep her informed in how they are feeling if they start on a treatment plan, so that she can adjust if necessary. She said there are not typically many side effects from the treatments, but it’s all individual.
Consultations are available to determine if a person is a good candidate for BHRT. Afuh will also work with specialists, if needed, to make sure the treatment won’t interfere with other health treatments.
Appointments can be made by calling JCH&L Fairbury Clinic at 402-729-3361, option 1, and asking for an appointment with Afuh for hormone consultation.