FAQ
General FAQ
At Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness, we are a cash-pay practice to ensure we provide the highest quality, personalized care without the limitations imposed by insurance companies. This allows us to spend the time necessary to fully address your health concerns, offer comprehensive services, and create tailored treatment plans that align with your unique needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach dictated by insurance guidelines. Note, however, that insurance can be used for labs and some prescriptions. We also accept FSA and HSA for your convenience and can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.
Preventive Care FAQ
Preventive care focuses on identifying potential health concerns before they become problems. Health optimization goes a step further—it’s about helping you feel your absolute best, with energy, clarity, and vitality. At Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness, we combine advanced lab testing, personalized guidance, and a whole-person approach to help you thrive—not just survive.
This service is perfect for adults—especially men and women in their 30s through 60s—who want to stay ahead of chronic illness, reduce inflammation, improve energy, balance hormones, and feel more in control of their health. Whether you’re feeling “off” and can’t quite pinpoint why, or you’re simply ready to invest in your long-term well-being, this is for you.
We begin with a comprehensive intake and lab review to understand your unique needs. From there, we’ll create a personalized wellness plan that may include nutrition, lifestyle, sleep, stress support, targeted supplements and prescription medications. You’ll have regular follow-ups with our team to track progress, adjust as needed, and offer ongoing guidance and support.
Traditional check-ups often focus on treating illness or identifying disease once it’s already developed. At Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness, we take the time to dig deeper—exploring root causes, optimizing lab ranges (not just flagging “abnormal”), and creating a proactive, personalized plan to help you feel energized, balanced, and resilient.
We are a cash-pay practice and do not accept insurance. This allows us to spend more time with you, offer truly personalized care, and use advanced testing and integrative approaches that may not be covered by insurance but are essential for optimal wellness. We do, however, accept HSA/FSA cards for your convenience.
Absolutely. Many of our patients come to us during perimenopause or menopause, and hormone balance is a key part of preventive and optimization care. We can address symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, weight changes, mood shifts, and sleep disruptions through a functional and compassionate lens.
You can schedule a consultation right from our website. We’ll start by understanding your health history, goals, and lifestyle—then build a plan just for you.
Weight Management FAQ
Labs are necessary to establish a baseline and rule out any conditions or deficiencies that may hinder weight loss.
This schedule is recommended so that medication doses can be increased or decreased as needed based on tolerance, side effects, and rate of weight loss.
Within two to three months, results depend on following guidelines and are not guaranteed.
Weight loss will vary from person to person depending on which, if any, medications are used and how healthy and physically active you are. Oral medications, for example, can cause weight loss of 3-10% of body weight and injectable medications can cause weight loss of 5-25% of body weight with diet and exercise.
It is possible to maintain the weight loss; however, it is likely that if healthy lifestyle habits are abandoned, the weight will return. Synergy prioritizes a holistic approach to weight loss and offers nutritional support and health coaching to address any barriers to change and increase the likelihood of long-term success.
While it’s possible to lose a few pounds with just the medication alone, reaching and maintaining your weight goal requires regular physical activity and healthy eating habits.
Labs done within the past three months do not need to be repeated. We request that you have your labs forwarded to us for review and we will order any labs that were not done or are outside the 3-month window.
We offer several different options including over-the-counter supplements, prescription oral medications and prescriptions for both brand name and compounded weight loss injections.
Certain individuals should not take semaglutide or tirzepatide such as individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). They should be used in caution with individuals who have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney disease, or diabetic retinopathy.
Most individuals do not experience significant adverse reactions. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include decreased appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. Vomiting, belching, acid reflux, and constipation can also occur.
Compounding pharmacies are required to use ingredients that are pharmaceutical-grade and meet the standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The ingredients must be manufactured in an FDA-registered facility, however, the FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, effectiveness or quality and compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Medical Weight Loss FAQ
Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness’ medical weight loss program supports every aspect of your weight loss journey. It combines medical oversight, lab-based assessments, nutrition, behavioral coaching, and medications! This increases your ability to lose weight successfully and long-term.
That’s actually one of the most common reasons people choose medical weight loss. Addressing insulin resistance through nutrition, targeted supplementation, and sometimes medication can help you finally lose weight that hasn’t budged in years.
The initial assessment includes a one-on-one consultation with our weight loss expert. They will support you from start to finish. Our weight loss expert will organize comprehensive testing and go through your current health status and history.
Medications such as weight loss injections are used to support your weight loss alongside lifestyle and dietary changes.
Moderate weight loss under supervision can be safe. Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness prioritizes addressing root cause health issues and lifestyle improvements which support sustainable weight loss and overall health in the long term.
We offer all our medical weight loss clients unlimited support and messaging with a licensed healthcare provider. This helps to give you peace of mind between appointments if you have questions or concerns.
Lab testing is highly recommended as a part of your weight loss journey to ensure that we are addressing the root cause of your weight gain. Testing throughout the program and assessing your inflammation biomarkers, cardiovascular and metabolic health ensures that you’re not only losing weight, but reclaiming your health overall!
You’re not alone. Most of our clients feel the same way when they start. By treating root causes (not just calories), we’ve helped many people finally see real, lasting change and shed those extra pounds!
Weight Loss Injections FAQ
Weight loss injections like semaglutide increase insulin sensitivity and decrease feelings of hunger. Using them alongside lifestyle and nutritional changes can have the best weight loss results!
No, weight loss injections may be appropriate for individuals who are overweight, insulin resistant or experiencing hormonal weight gain. You’ll work together with our weight loss expert to decide whether they’re right for you.
There are no dietary restrictions. However, our integrative dietitian nutritionist may help you improve your nutritional intake to maximize your weight loss benefits.
Weight loss injections are suitable for most people struggling to lose weight which may include those with cardiovascular or metabolic issues. Prior to starting weight loss medication, our weight loss expert will analyze all testing to ensure that they are suitable for your unique health situation.
Without supportive lifestyle habits, weight gain is possible. That’s why Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness emphasizes building sustainable habits and offers long-term support to help you keep the weight off.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQ
HRT is primarily used to alleviate symptoms of menopause and tends to use synthetic hormones that are produced with consistent dosages and formulations. BHRT, on the other hand, uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body—and they can be custom-compounded, meaning tailored to an individual’s needs. Like HRT, BHRT is used to treat symptoms of menopause, but also for other conditions like adrenal and thyroid disorders.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy relieves symptoms by supplementing the body with estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, or a combination of these. It helps to balance hormone levels, which reduces the symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance. For more detailed info, check out these blog posts: What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy? and Myths and Facts About BHRT
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is generally safe for most people when used appropriately. It’s important to discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider in the context of your specific circumstances.
It can help relieve menopausal symptoms, improve bone density, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and enhance overall quality of life. Some women also report improved sleep, mood, and sexual function.
No—BHRT can help adults of all ages and genders suffering from symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. While most BHRT clients are middle-aged women, some are young adults and some are men.
This depends on individual needs and health considerations. Some women use it for a few years to manage symptoms, while other women use it longer under medical supervision. Regular evaluations are essential.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate symptoms that contribute to weight gain, such as sleep disturbances and mood swings, but is not specifically a weight-loss treatment. For information on our weight management and weight-loss programs, go to our Weight Management and Weight Loss service page. Check out this blog post: Does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy Help You Lose Weight?
The Women’s Health Initiative launched a large-scale, long-term study to investigate the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. The results, published in 2002, found that a combined estrogen-progestin therapy was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. However, subsequent analyses of the WHI data and other studies have led to a more nuanced understanding of the effects. It’s important to note that the WHI used synthetic hormone replacement therapy; some experts believe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to be safer.
It was found that the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy vary depending on factors such as age, timing of initiation, type of hormones used, and individual health profiles. Today, hormone replacement therapy and/or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are typically recommended at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to manage symptoms. Medical organizations, including the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provide guidelines that emphasize the importance of individualized treatment decisions based on a thorough assessment of risks and benefits.
Women with a history of breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, or certain other conditions may need to avoid bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or use it with caution. Alternatives may be recommended based on your medical history.
Yes—these include lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, herbal supplements, and complementary therapies. If these are right for you, they’ll be recommended following your initial consultation and assessment of your hormone levels.
No. These are not the same. While we do offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we do not currently offer transgender or gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Thyroid Optimization FAQ
Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can relate to almost every bodily function—so the list is long. Check out this blog post for a list of symptoms associated with hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
Standard thyroid treatment follows a conventional medical approach, focusing on diagnosing and treating thyroid dysfunction based on standard laboratory ranges. The primary goal is to bring TSH and thyroid hormone levels within the “normal” range to alleviate symptoms.
On the other hand, thyroid optimization is more holistic and individualized, aiming to optimize thyroid function rather than hit a “normal” range in lab results. This approach considers many factors, including symptoms, quality of life, nutrient levels, and overall health. It involves a more comprehensive testing approach and integrates diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep optimization into the treatment plan.
We’ll begin with a comprehensive evaluation that includes an initial consultation, detailed lab testing, and symptom assessment. Based on your test results and symptoms, we may adjust your medications, supplements, and dietary recommendations. Part of your personalized treatment plan will include exercise guidance, stress management tools, and sleep optimization resources. Over time, we’ll track your symptoms and adjust as necessary as time goes on.
Yes – especially for those with thyroid imbalances. Because the thyroid gland regulates metabolism, imbalances can lead to a slowed metabolism, which leads to weight gain. By pairing thyroid HRT with lifestyle changes, metabolism can improve, making it easier to lose and maintain weight.
No – payment is due at the time of booking. We are a cash-only practice; health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are not accepted.
Gut & Metabolic Health FAQ
They’re closely connected because gut health influences digestion, nutrient absorption, blood sugar regulation and inflammation. This means that supporting your gut health can have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity, blood sugar balance and healthy weight regulation.
Gut health is best known for its role in digestion but it can also influence other areas of health. It plays a role in heart health, bone health, immune health, skin health, hormone balance, menstrual cycle health, mood and mental well-being and metabolic health.
Absolutely. Gut health isn’t only about bloating, constipation or gas. Your gut interacts with your immune system, metabolism, hormones, brain and inflammatory pathways. If you’re dealing with fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, difficulty losing weight or hormonal symptoms, taking a closer look at your gut health may provide you with the right answers.
Yes. Your gut doesn’t function in isolation—it communicates with your immune, metabolic, and hormonal systems. Gut and digestive health may influence symptoms such as bloating, inflammation, fatigue, and changes in menstrual or hormonal health. We consider these connections when developing a personalized plan, particularly for women navigating endometriosis, PCOS, perimenopause, or menopause.
The GI-MAP test provides comprehensive insight into gut bacteria, potential pathogens and digestive markers. It gives us information we can’t get from symptoms alone which helps to inform a more personalized approach to healing.
They provide different types of information. The GI-MAP looks at a range of gastrointestinal markers and the zonulin test provides information about intestinal permeability or ‘leaky gut’. Together, they provide a broader picture of your gut health.
GI-MAP and zonulin testing are generally not covered by health insurance plans because they are considered specialized or functional laboratory tests and are not routinely included in conventional diagnostic testing. Insurance plans typically require tests to meet specific criteria for medical necessity and to be part of their covered laboratory services.
These tests are generally available as cash-pay testing, and costs can vary depending on the laboratory and testing panel selected.
At Synergy Integrative Health & Wellness, we don’t recommend testing simply for the sake of testing. If GI-MAP or zonulin testing may provide helpful information for your individual concerns, we’ll discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and out-of-pocket cost with you before ordering.
It may be helpful, particularly if you’re experiencing symptoms alongside weight loss resistance such as poor digestion, energy crashes, cravings or signs of metabolic dysfunction. That’s because the gut microbiome interacts with your appetite, blood sugar regulation, inflammation and metabolism.
You won’t be left with a confusing report and a list of things to Google. Our registered dietitian nutritionist will analyze your results and help you understand what they mean in the context of your symptoms, health history and goals. We’ll then use that information to create and refine your personalized gut health reset plan.
Everyone responds differently. Some people notice changes relatively quickly while others need more time and adjustments. The goal isn’t an overnight transformation though, it’s to identify factors that may be contributing to how you feel and build sustainable changes that support your overall health long term.
This is a big reason why people seek out our more personalized approach. If you’ve tried probiotics, elimination diets, supplements or online ‘gut health’ recommendations without results, it’s time to stop guessing. We can help you take a meaningful step forward and get to the bottom of your uncomfortable symptoms.
Nutritional Counseling & Health Coaching FAQ
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), also known as a registered dietitian (RD), is a credentialed healthcare professional who applies evidence-based information about nutrition and diet to contribute to the health and wellness of individuals, groups, and communities.
All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. The difference between these two professions is the type of training each receives and their scope of practice.
In addition to the RD training, a registered dietitian who holds the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP) credential has completed five tracks (over 24 months) of functional and integrative nutrition training on a wide array of topics (including gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity and weight management, metabolic detoxification, and more), passed the IFNCP exam, and kept up with ongoing education to maintain the certification.
Due to their education and licensure, it is within a registered dietitian’s scope of practice to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy for specific health conditions and chronic illnesses. With these combined certifications, an RD with a functional background will not only focus on your particular health condition but help you to find and address the root cause.
Yes! At Synergy Integrative Health & Wellness, our registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) holds advanced certification in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, which means she looks beyond calorie counts and meal plans to address the whole person—mind, body, and lifestyle.
Because of this specialized training, she is uniquely qualified to provide health coaching that helps clients turn nutrition knowledge into lasting change. Her approach blends science-based nutrition therapy with supportive coaching strategies to help you:
Understand and overcome barriers to healthy habits
Build sustainable routines for nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management
Identify root causes of fatigue, cravings, or metabolic imbalance
Feel empowered to make changes that support your long-term well-being
In other words, she doesn’t just tell you what to eat—she helps you understand why and how to make it work in real life.
Yes! Weight loss is not as simple as “calories in–calories out.” It involves optimizing the functioning of your entire body. Your registered dietitian will look at the types of food and beverages you’re consuming along with your meal timing, sleep patterns, exercise patterns, stress level, and more to help you achieve your weight loss goals. If you have stubborn weight loss, your team can help look at the root cause, which may involve poor gut health, blood sugar imbalance, and/or hormonal shifts.
Not necessarily. RDNs can also help individuals with goals such as longevity, exercise performance, food allergies, and intolerances, increasing energy levels, improving sleep, and more. RDNs can also help individuals improve their relationship with food through intuitive eating principles if desired.
Yes! Research shows that your microbiome provides over 90% of our total body serotonin, a hormone that creates a long-lasting feeling of happiness or well-being. For this reason and many others, what we eat is directly linked to mental health.
Absolutely. Just as in Western medicine, integrative and functional nutrition is evidence-based and makes recommendations based on the outcomes of randomized controlled trials.
Vitamin Injections FAQ
Yes, vitamin injections and wellness injections are safe and well tolerated. All nutrients are professional grade and dosage is tailored to each individual.
Yes, certain vitamin injections like lipo and MICC can support fat metabolism, liver detoxing and increase energy levels. This can make it easier to reach your weight loss goals when paired with lifestyle changes.
During your consultation we’ll discuss your health goals, lifestyle and lab results (if applicable) to recommend the right injections. Your vitamin injections and wellness injections care plan is completely personalized and tailored to you!
Even with a healthy diet, you may struggle with poor nutrient absorption, especially if you suffer from gut health issues. Processed foods, stress and environmental toxins can also cause you to burn through your nutrients faster than you can replace them.
Wellness injections take a step beyond simply correcting vitamin deficiencies – they’re about optimization and longevity. The formulations are designed to support deeper cellular processes like mitochondrial function, detoxification and tissue repair. Wellness injections slow down the internal wear and tear that comes from aging.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy FAQ
Check out this blog post that Judy wrote for her former employer, Field Trip, which provides a thorough overview.
Yes, ketamine is an accepted and established treatment within the mainstream medical community. Its use for mental health conditions is often considered a breakthrough in the field of psychiatry as it can provide rapid and significant relief for individuals who have failed other treatments.
First, make sure to have the conversation at an appropriate time and place. While respecting their perspective and beliefs, you can explain to them honestly and openly why you’ve decided to use a psychedelic drug for your mental health. Share the research and scientific support for ketamine in the treatment of mental illness and involve your medical provider, therapist, or counselor in these conversations to provide guidance and facilitate communication if needed.
When administered under the direction of a qualified healthcare provider, ketamine is generally considered very safe. It has an excellent safety profile—even at much higher doses than what is used for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy—when used for surgical anesthesia. During your initial consultation, you and your provider will carefully review your medical and psychiatric history and weigh the risks and benefits and rule out any contraindications before starting treatment.
In general, side effects are self-limiting and resolve within a few hours. The most common side effects are lightheadedness/dizziness, headache, impaired balance and coordination, slurred speech, vision disturbances (e.g., double vision, photosensitivity), nausea/vomiting, sedation, confusion, and anxiety.
First, for safety—to make sure you have adequate preparation before the ketamine experience and to help ensure your physical and emotional safety during the ketamine session. Psychedelic experiences can be intense and unpredictable, and your therapist can guide you through it and help you navigate your thoughts, feelings, and insights, and also be there to ground you and provide support if you have a challenging or distressing experience. Second, ketamine is simply a tool, a catalyst, to help you dive deeper faster and get past these places where you are feeling stuck and address things you are struggling with. Working with your therapist and processing and integrating your ketamine experiences is where the magic really happens and how lasting change is created.
Ketamine’s exact mechanism is unknown, but it is thought to work in several different ways including as a dissociative anesthetic that causes temporary dissociation from one’s body and mind. This short break from usual thought patterns can be therapeutic, especially in individuals who struggle with ruminations or negative self-talk. An important way ketamine works is through its action on glutamate, a predominant neurotransmitter in the brain. Another critical way ketamine works is by enhancing neuroplasticity in the brain, which means that it increases neural pathways and connections so that individuals can develop new insights and perspectives and make remarkable changes in mindset and behavior more easily.
Ketamine is legal in the U.S. when prescribed by a licensed medical provider. The FDA approved ketamine in 1970 for use as an anesthetic and it can be legally prescribed “off-label” to treat a range of mental health conditions.
Our team will evaluate medical, psychiatric, psychosocial, and environmental factors to determine whether ketamine is right for you. In general, it’s best for people who have a mental health condition and want to be active participants in their healing process. Ketamine is best for people who are comfortable with getting uncomfortable since treatment can bring up difficult memories that were buried long ago, as well as intense feelings. Clients need to have a strong support system going into ketamine treatment—and to start at a time and place that feels safe and comfortable to them.
The ketamine experience is different for everyone and can also vary significantly for the same person depending on the dose and what one’s mindset and setting (physical environment) are like. At lower doses, you will likely feel relaxed, calm, and peaceful while maintaining your conscious awareness and ability to talk and/or communicate with others. You may also have an emotional experience and feel joy, grief, love, or overwhelming love and gratitude. You may laugh or cry during your ketamine experience. Sensory experiences may include the feeling of floating or being on a roller coaster. There may be colors or other visuals; you may also find that you are more sensitive to external stimuli (lights, sounds, etc.) and that your sense of time is altered. At higher doses, you may have a psychedelic or dissociative experience where you feel separate from your body or the external, physical world. Your Synergy medical provider, in collaboration with you and your ketamine- or psychedelic-trained therapist, will determine the ideal ketamine dose based on your goals for treatment and ensure that you are adequately prepared (physically and mentally) for your ketamine experiences.
Your ketamine experience will last about two hours, and you will not be able to drive the day of your experience. It will take about four to six hours for the effects of the ketamine to wear off, and we recommend not making any major decisions for 24 hours.
Mental Health Medication Management FAQ
Determining if medications are needed for a mental health condition is a complex process and should involve a healthcare professional. A thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and overall health is needed to gain a better understanding of the best treatment options for you.
Some mental health conditions are best treated with therapy, while others are more effectively treated by adding medication. The decision to use medications is individualized and takes into account each individual’s unique conditions, circumstances, and preferences. The severity and duration of symptoms are key when determining if medications are needed. If medications are necessary, they are just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Many mental health conditions benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, and support from loved ones.
This varies from person to person and depends on the type of medication. Some medications may start working in a few days, and while some individuals might notice improvement early in treatment, full therapeutic benefits may take several weeks to months.
Side effects vary depending on the medication, but some common side effects include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, and lightheadedness. Not everyone experiences side effects, and their severity can vary. Some side effects can improve or resolve over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
Medication management for mental health conditions is a long-term, ongoing process to ensure safety and efficacy. The frequency of follow-up appointments will depend on your specific condition and medication. When first initiating medication, we recommend that you follow up with your provider more frequently so that they can make adjustments as needed to optimize effectiveness and minimize side effects of the medication. Over time, appointments may become less frequent if your symptoms stabilize.
Absolutely. Primary care providers (PCPs) such as family physicians and nurse practitioners can and often do treat mental illness and play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and initial management of mental health conditions. They initiate treatment for mild to moderate mental health conditions, which often includes prescribing medication, providing psychoeducation, and recommending lifestyle changes or self-help strategies. For individuals with more severe or persistent mental health conditions, PCPs manage and adjust medication regimens and monitor medication effectiveness, side effects, and potential drug interactions. If an individual’s mental health condition is complex or requires specialized treatment, they are referred to mental health specialists to ensure that they receive the most appropriate and comprehensive care.