FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General & New Patient Questions
Q: What is the first step to becoming a patient?
A: The first step is to schedule a confidential consultation. You can do this by filling out the appointment request form on our website or by calling our office. This initial meeting allows Dr. Pierre to understand your health concerns and determine the best course of action for you.
Q: Do you offer telehealth appointments?
A: Yes. We offer convenient and secure telehealth appointments for patients in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, South Carolina, and Florida. This allows you to receive expert medical care from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Q: How do prescriptions work with telehealth appointments?
A: If medication is part of your treatment plan, Dr. Pierre will send the prescription electronically to your preferred local or mail-order pharmacy for easy pickup or delivery.
Q: Is my information kept private?
A: Absolutely. We operate with the strictest standards of patient confidentiality. All communication, appointments, and medical records are completely private and compliant with HIPAA regulations.
Women's HRT Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
A: Symptoms can vary widely but often include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, anxiety, vaginal dryness, "brain fog," and unexplained weight gain.
Q: What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
A: HRT is a treatment used to relieve the symptoms of menopause by replacing the hormones (primarily estrogen and progesterone) that your body no longer produces in sufficient amounts.
Q: I've heard there are risks with HRT. Is it safe?
A: Many women are understandably concerned about the risks of HRT, largely due to the results of a single, major study from over 20 years ago. That study used older, different types of hormones on a different patient population, which led to broad, cautionary warnings.
Today, the medical community recognizes that a personalized approach is key. Decades of new research have shown that for most healthy, symptomatic women, the benefits of modern HRT (especially when started within 10 years of menopause) far outweigh the risks.
This updated understanding is now reflected in new medical guidelines, which have moved away from the blanket 'black box' warnings of the past. At FrugalDoctor, we practice this modern, evidence-based approach. We conduct a thorough health assessment to create a plan that is tailored specifically to you, ensuring you receive the safest and most effective care.
Q: How do I know if HRT is right for me?
A: The best way to find out is through a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Pierre will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and may order lab work to determine if you are a good candidate for a personalized HRT plan.
Q: What does "personalized" or "bioidentical" HRT mean?
A: "Bioidentical" hormones are chemically identical to those your body produces. A "personalized" or "compounded" approach means your specific dose and combination of hormones are tailored to your unique needs based on your symptoms and lab results, rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.
Q: How soon will I start to feel better after starting HRT?
A: Many women begin to notice an improvement in symptoms like hot flashes and sleep within a few weeks. Other benefits, like improved mood and energy, can continue to develop over several months as your body adjusts.
Q: What does the follow-up care for HRT involve?
A: Your treatment plan is not "set it and forget it." We will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, discuss how you are feeling, and make small adjustments to your dosage to ensure you are on the lowest effective dose to manage your symptoms.
Q: Are there alternatives to HRT?
A: Yes, for some women, non-hormonal medications, lifestyle changes, and certain supplements can help manage milder symptoms. Dr. Pierre will discuss all available options with you to create a plan you are comfortable with.
Weight Loss Questions
Q: What is medical weight loss?
A: Medical weight loss is a physician-supervised program that uses science-based methods and treatments to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It goes beyond simple diet and exercise, focusing on the biological factors that affect weight.
Q: How do medications like Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) work?
A: These medications, known as GLP-1 agonists, work by mimicking a hormone in your body that regulates appetite and food intake. They help you feel fuller faster and longer, reduce cravings, and regulate blood sugar, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Q: Who is a good candidate for medical weight loss?
A: A good candidate is typically someone who has struggled to lose weight through traditional methods and meets certain BMI and health criteria. The best way to find out if our program is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pierre.
Q: Is it just a shot? What else is involved?
A: While the medication is a powerful tool, our program is comprehensive. It includes nutritional guidance, lifestyle counseling, and ongoing medical supervision to ensure you are losing weight safely and developing healthy habits for long-term success.
Q: What happens if I stop taking the medication? Will I gain the weight back?
A: This is a common concern. Our program is designed to use the medication as a tool to help you implement sustainable lifestyle changes. We focus on building new habits around nutrition and activity so that you are equipped to maintain your results long-term, even after you've stopped the medication.
Q: How is this different from getting weight loss medications from an online-only provider?
A: Your care is managed directly by a double board-certified physician who takes a comprehensive look at your overall health. We provide ongoing, personalized medical supervision to monitor your progress, manage side effects, and make adjustments to ensure your plan is both safe and effective.
Q: How much weight can I expect to lose?
A: Results vary depending on the individual, their starting weight, and their commitment to the program's lifestyle components. During your consultation, Dr. Pierre can discuss realistic and healthy weight loss goals for you.
Q: What are the common side effects of these medications?
A: The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea or constipation, especially when first starting the medication. These are typically mild and often resolve over time. Dr. Pierre will discuss a plan to manage any side effects you may experience.
Low-T Treatment Questions
Q: What are the common signs of Low Testosterone (Low-T)?
A: Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, mood swings or irritability, and "brain fog."
Q: What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
A: TRT is a medical treatment designed to restore your testosterone levels to a healthy, optimal range. This is done under strict medical supervision after blood work confirms a deficiency.
Q: What results can I expect from TRT?
A: Patients who are good candidates for TRT often report significant improvements in energy levels, sex drive, mood, mental clarity, and body composition.
Q: Is TRT safe?
A: When prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician, TRT is a safe and effective treatment for men with clinically diagnosed low testosterone. We conduct thorough initial evaluations and regular follow-up monitoring to ensure your safety and optimal results.
Q: How is Low Testosterone diagnosed?
A: A diagnosis requires a blood test to measure your testosterone levels, combined with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. A number on a lab report alone is not enough; we treat the patient, not just the lab value.
Q: How long does it take to start feeling the benefits of TRT?
A: While some men report improvements in energy and libido within a few weeks, changes in body composition and other areas can take 3 to 6 months. It is a gradual process of restoring your body's hormonal balance.
Q: How are Low Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) related?
A: Low testosterone is a common cause of low libido (sex drive), which can contribute to ED. While TRT can often improve both, sometimes ED has other causes (like blood flow or nerve issues). Dr. Pierre will evaluate you comprehensively to determine the right treatment for your specific situation.
Q: What are the different ways TRT can be administered?
A: There are several methods, including injections, gels, and patches. Dr. Pierre will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you to decide which method best fits your lifestyle and treatment goals.
Addiction Treatment Questions
Q: What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
A: MAT is the use of medications, like Suboxone, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a "whole-patient" approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. It is considered the gold standard for treating opioid and alcohol addiction.
Q: How does Suboxone work?
A: Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, which helps to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the constant discomfort and distraction of cravings.
Q: Am I just trading one addiction for another?
A: No. This is a common misconception. When taken as prescribed under medical supervision, Suboxone is a safe and effective medication that normalizes brain chemistry and body functions without producing a "high." It is a therapeutic tool that helps you manage a chronic disease, much like an insulin pump helps a person manage diabetes.
Q: Can I get a Suboxone prescription online?
A: Yes. After a comprehensive initial telehealth consultation, Dr. Pierre can electronically prescribe Suboxone to your preferred pharmacy, provided it is clinically appropriate for you.
Q: How long will I need to be on medication like Suboxone?
A: The duration of treatment is highly individualized. Some patients may use it for a few months, while others may benefit from long-term maintenance. The goal is to use it as long as it is beneficial for your recovery. Dr. Pierre will work with you to create a tapering plan when the time is right.
Q: What are the side effects of Suboxone?
A: Like any medication, Suboxone can have side effects, such as constipation, headache, or nausea, which are often mild and manageable. Dr. Pierre will discuss all potential side effects with you and how to manage them during your consultation.
Q: What happens if I have a relapse?
A: Relapse can be a part of the recovery process and is not viewed as a failure. Our clinic provides a judgment-free environment. If you have a setback, it's crucial to contact us immediately so we can adjust your treatment plan and get you back on track.
Q: Do I still need counseling or therapy?
A: Yes. Medication is one important tool, but it works best when combined with counseling or therapy. We strongly encourage our patients to engage in behavioral support to address the root causes of addiction and develop healthy coping strategies.