Send us a text

Dr. Charles Virden, a pioneer in plastic and reconstructive surgery, joins us to unravel the multifaceted world of anti-aging medicine and hormone therapy. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Virden has seamlessly integrated innovative treatments into his practice in Reno, Nevada, and shares how a personal health crisis at age 55 became the catalyst for this evolution. Discover how his approach has been shaped by the unique demands of working in a smaller city and how it allows him to handle an intriguing mix of reconstructive and cosmetic cases.

Learn about the groundbreaking advancements in medical procedures as we delve into the creation of atraumatic trocars, a tool designed to enhance patient outcomes during pellet procedures. Dr. Virden reveals the engineering processes and challenges involved in bringing the patented Atrocars to life. With a focus on reducing complications associated with traditional sharp trocars, this innovation highlights subtle procedural differences for male and female patients and showcases the transformative power of thoughtful design in medicine.

As we explore the success stories fueled by hormone therapy, Dr. Virden shares the heartwarming journey of an elderly man whose life and business have been rejuvenated through hormone pelleting. The strategic shift to more comfortable pellet placement has not only increased patient satisfaction but also retention rates, illustrating the profound impact of procedural efficacy. Through Dr. Virden's experiences and dedication to education, we celebrate a collaborative community striving to enhance patient vitality and quality of life, inspiring future advancements in this promising field.

Support the show

Send us a text

Ever had a doctor tell you "your labs are fine" when you knew something was wrong? You're not alone. This eye-opening conversation with functional medicine practitioners Melissa Donahue and Kristen Kirby reveals the critical health issues hiding beneath "normal" test results.

The journey begins with Kristen's personal struggle—a medical professional herself who faced dismissal from multiple physicians despite debilitating fatigue and brain fog. Her path from frustrated patient to functional medicine practitioner offers hope for anyone caught in the diagnostic wilderness of unexplained symptoms. Through specialized testing, Melissa uncovered Hashimoto's thyroiditis, gut dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic viral infections that standard bloodwork missed completely.

Their approach to type 2 diabetes challenges conventional wisdom with remarkable results. "Type 2 diabetes is completely reversible," Melissa explains, detailing how dietary interventions focusing on carbohydrate reduction rather than simple calorie restriction can achieve what medications alone cannot. The practitioners share practical, accessible solutions including supplements like berberine and chromium that research shows rival prescription medications with fewer side effects.

Perhaps most groundbreaking is their work with complex conditions like long COVID. Rather than the "stay home and hope you don't die" approach many experienced during the pandemic, these practitioners developed comprehensive protocols addressing the unique inflammatory patterns and symptoms of each patient. Their integration of treatments like ozone therapy—delivered through various methods including IV, ear, rectal, and vaginal application—demonstrates healing possibilities largely unexplored in conventional medicine.

The conversation culminates in powerful advice: "Advocate for yourself. Don't take 'everything is normal, it's all in your head' as an answer," urges Kristen. For healthcare providers, Melissa adds, "Be curious, go beyond what you've been taught... Everybody doesn't fit in a box."

Ready to transform your understanding of what optimal health truly means? Visit ffrhealth.com or call 765-756-5077 to learn more about functional medicine approaches that could reveal your path to wellness.

Support the show

Send us a text

Your burning hot, tongue-tied moments, and middle-of-the-night anxiety might not be random quirks—they could be hormone deficiency symptoms your doctor is missing. Just ask Dr. Hope Honisberg, who at 38 was told she was "just getting old" when she couldn't remember basic medical terms during patient consultations.

This eye-opening conversation takes you behind the scenes at Youthful Med Spa with founder Pam Mahone and functional medicine expert Dr. Hope as they share both professional insights and deeply personal experiences with hormone therapy. Their candid discussion demolishes outdated approaches to hormone health and reveals why the "normal for your age" lab result might be keeping you from feeling your best.

You'll discover why treating hormones requires looking at the entire endocrine system—what Dr. Hope brilliantly describes as "gears on a clock"—and how cutting-edge therapies like peptides, oxytocin, and NAD are revolutionizing wellness. From BPC-157's healing properties to the surprising benefits of nasal oxytocin for anxiety and sexual health, these practitioners explain complex concepts in refreshingly accessible terms.

The conversation doesn't shy away from sensitive topics either. Men's hormone health gets special attention, with the practitioners noting increasingly younger men experiencing testosterone deficiency due to stress, yet often overlooking the critical roles of estrogen and progesterone in their bodies. As Pam notes, "For many years it's been focused on women, and that's really unfair to the male population."

Whether you're experiencing unexplained symptoms, considering hormone therapy, or simply curious about optimizing your health, this episode offers hope that proper treatment exists beyond conventional approaches. As Dr. Hope beautifully summarizes, "There is great strength in vulnerability." Find a practitioner who listens, individualizes your care, and helps you live your most vibrant life at any age.

Support the show