FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How is Pink Link Medical different from other healthcare facilities and doctors’ offices I’ve seen in the past?
With so many healthcare professionals claiming to be knowledgeable about bioidentical hormones and how to diagnose and treat hormone abnormalities, choosing the right one can be extremely confusing. Kala’s aspiration is for patients to know that she is your trusted advisor who is dedicated to your wellness and to offer solutions that go beyond those available through the traditional American healthcare system. Kala focuses on true restoration and optimization of your hormones. Her approach is to individualize BHRT plans for each patient based on a comprehensive medical history, assessment of symptoms, concerns, and complaints, and laboratory analysis. She takes the time to intentionally listen to her patients. Kala's mission is not to write you a prescription and send you on our way. Her goal is to transform your life.
Only healthcare professionals with proper training and experience can choose the best hormones with the most suitable method of delivery to the patient. Many healthcare professionals have not been properly educated on all the new data that is relevant to testing, diagnosing, and treating hormone irregularities. Busy schedules, resistance to change, old mind-sets, etc are just some explanations of this knowledge gap. It wasn’t until Kala made the choice to step out of the traditional healthcare system she was able to learn and implement this vital education.
Kala has been trained and continues her education in developing and refining a comprehensive treatment program that addresses the body as a whole, rather than treating individual symptoms. She is continuously researching the most effective treatments to ensure that you receive only the finest care. She is an experts in bioidentical hormones and thyroid, PCOS, nutrition, and vitamin/mineral supplementation. She is certified in Advanced BHRT through World Link Medical.
Is it possible that I may need thyroid supplementation if my lab work shows that I am within the “normal range”?
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Yes. Unfortunately, while the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is thought by most doctors as the “gold standard” used to traditionaly diagnose hypothyroidism, it actually is outdated and fails the majority of patients. While your thyroid gland may be producing enough thyroid hormones so that the TSH blood test falls within the normal range, your cells may not be able to use those hormones efficiently, which is why you would still have symptoms of hypothyroidism. It’s as simple as that. Kala will focus on your history and physical symptoms to determine if you have hypothyroidism and could benefit from thyroid supplementation.
What is PCOS? But I don't have polycystic ovaries, could I still have PCOS?
PCOS is a diagnosis that used to be called a “syndrome”. Syndromes are a compilation of symptoms with the absence of absolute diagnostic criteria. The syndrome predominantly revolved around infertility with the presence of cystic ovaries. Along with these criteria were obesity, acne, facial hair, depression, fatigue etc.
PCOS/Insulin Resistance occurs on average in 1 in 15 women and appears to be on the rise. It is the most common endocrine disorder in pre-menopausal women.
This “syndrome” needs to be renamed, as physicians know that the primary defect is NOT in the ovaries and in fact has absolute diagnostic laboratory findings. PCOS is simply insulin resistance which can be diagnosed when women’s FSH/LH levels (blood work) have a shifted ratio. In non-PCOS women, the ratio is 2:1. In PCOS women it is less than this and often grossly shifted to a 1:2 ratio or worse.
Today we know that cysts do NOT have to be present to be accurately diagnosed with PCOS. In fact women who have had their ovaries removed are frequently diagnosed with PCOS. Understanding why some women will get cysts on their ovaries and others do not, identifies why the name is not reflective of the underlying condition anymore.
The culprit in PCOS, is how insulin interacts with the receptor site on cells – nothing more, nothing less. The reason many more symptoms than the ones listed above exist is because insulin interacts with every cell in the body. Insulin is required to carry glucose (sugar) into cells. Insulin levels will increase either immediately or years after receptors become damaged. Stress is a main cause of receptor site changes. Once receptor sites changes have occurred long enough, insulin levels will begin to increase. Not all people with insulin resistance have elevated insulin levels. It depends on when the condition is diagnosed.
Symptoms of PCOS can be one or more of the following yet can be silent for many years:
• Tendency to gain weight (10 to 200 pounds)
• Mood swings (anxiety, depression)
• Fatigue
• Acne
• Excess hair growth on face
• Thinning hair
• Irregular menses
• Poor fertility
• Cystic ovaries
What is the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones (including birth control pills, Premarin, Provera, etc.)?
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure that is biologically identical to what the human body naturally makes. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are chemicals devised in a lab to mimic bioidentical hormones, but have a host of dangerous side effects.
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If I have a hormonal deficiency, will I need to take hormones for the rest of my life?
Yes, we recommend that you remain on bioidentical hormone supplementation, once you start. The reason for this is that once your levels have declined, they will not increase again and must continue to be replenished. If you stop supplementation your body will go back to producing the levels it produced before you began supplementing. Therefore, the symptoms experienced when the patient was deficient are the symptoms the patient should expect to experience when supplementation ceases.
How long can I expect to notice relief of symptoms?
There are many variables that can affect this, including what specific issues you have and how long they have been affecting you. In general, you can expect to notice gradual and steady improvement over the course of three to six months. Some patients notice improvement sooner than that, but it is different for everyone.
Do you see out of town patients?
Because of Pink Link Medical's unique, comprehensive program, patients from all over the world are reaching out for help. Out of town patients can book virtual appoints through Skype for their initial visit, which is a comprehensive exam with the physician. All follow-up visits may be completed over the phone and or through Skype.
Do you accept insurance?
Pink Link Medical does not contract with insurance companies, because to do so would mean that they could dictate the type of treatment offered, which would not allow Kala to treat patients naturally. Kala believes that the healthcare professional, not the insurance company, should recommed the treatment regimen for the patient. The work she does here is considered Preventative Medicine which is not covered by insurance. Labs are usually covered by insurance. It is the patient's responsibility to make sure of that.
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Please call our office for pricing at 469-458-0296
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Can I use my flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) for your services?
Yes.
Do you offer financing?
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Yes, we offer financing to cover yearly quarterly costs through The Help Card. Simply let us know at your 2nd appointment.
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How do I get started?
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Simply click here to request an appointment online.
You can also call us at (469) 458-0296 to set up an appointment.
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Is there a cancellation fee?
Yes, there is a $25 cancellation/rescheduling fee if you do not notify us at least 24 hours in advance.
Please refer to Cancellation Policy.
What labs does Pink Link Medical use?
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Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp
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What is Kala's preferred pharmacy?
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MEDQUEST Compounding Pharmacy
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What is Kala's preferred supplement supplier?
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