CNN (3/27, Lamotte) reports that research on “more than 1,000 postmenopausal women, ages 50 to 80, found that those who were currently taking hormones had significantly lower levels of tummy fat than women who had never used them.” The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

MedPage Today (3/27, Minerd) reports that “the mean percentage of body fat in women undergoing” hormone replacement “therapy was 34.6%, compared with 36.2% for women who had therapy in the past and 35.9% for women who never had hormone therapy.” The study indicated that “mean visceral fat mass, measured as the fat deep in the abdomen around the internal organs, not subcutaneous abdominal fat, was 0.42 kg for women undergoing therapy, compared with 0.48 kg both for women with past therapy and those who never received it.” Meanwhile, “the mean body-mass index (BMI) was 24.9 for current users of menopausal hormone therapy, versus 25.6 for past users and 25.8 for never users.”

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Dr. Thomas earned her medical degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and then served a residency in OB/GYN at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas in Houston. She then completed her Fellowship at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

After teaching for a decade at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, she left to devote more time to research, charitable work and running her private practice. She is currently leading clinical trials for incontinence treatments.

What is the difference between a urologist and a urogynecologist?

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the urogenital system, which means they treat problems affecting the urinary tract and the reproductive organs. They thus treat problems affecting organs like the kidneys, bladder, urethra, testicles or vagina. A urologist may earn board certification from the American Board of Urology. Unlike urogynecologists, who treat only women, urologists may treat both sexes, although some do specialize in disorders that affect only one sex.

Urogynecology is considered a subspecialty of obstetrics/gynecology. Thus, a urogynecologist’s early training will be similar to that of a gynecologist: They serve a residency in OB/GYN that lasts four years and earn board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Since a urogynecologist specializes in treating disorders of the pelvic floor, they will need to undertake a fellowship devoted pelvic floor disorders. That training takes two or three years.

Urogynecologists treat problems like prolapse of the uterus or bladder, certain types of incontinence, and severe constipation. They don’t treat cancer or kidney stones, however.

Both urologists and urogynecologists do perform surgery.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is the layer of muscles that runs across the bottom of the pelvis and supports the pelvic organs. They include the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to incontinence and other problems. Such weakness can be caused by the following factors:

• Age
• Obesity
• Chronic constipation
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Chronic coughing
• High impact exercises
• Heavy lifting

What is prolapse of the uterus?

Prolapse of the uterus or uterine prolapse is a condition in which the uterus protrudes of slides down into the vagina. It is caused by weakened and distended muscles and ligaments within the pelvic floor. In the early stages, uterine prolapse causes no symptoms. As the condition worsens, the patient may experience such symptoms as:

• Painful intercourse
• Problems urinating
• Sensation of heaviness in the pelvic floor
• Constipation
• Discharge from the vagina

If you are in the Thousand Oaks area and experiencing gynecological issues, you may need more treatment than a general urologist can provide. Instead, you can visit our trusted urogynecologist at the office of Dr. Sherry Thomas in Agoura Hills. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.

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Do you suffer from vaginal dryness, itching, or burning? Are you noticing vaginal laxity and/or chronic urinary tract infections? Is intercourse painful and you’re unsure why? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you are not alone! Millions of women deal with these symptoms whether they are pre/postmenopausal, or have previously undergone a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatment. Most women have suffered in silence due to embarrassment, or a lack of confidence in finding a solution. Fortunately, there is a simple solution using the revolutionary new medical technology of NeuViva.

Before, surgery may have been the only option for you, and what an intimidating and daunting option that was, but now with our non-invasive, pain-free treatment, patients can walk out of the office and resume daily activities immediately after.

What does NeuViva entail?

Administered in office without the use of anesthesia, Dr. Thomas inserts the NeuViva probe into the vaginal canal, where it delivers the ideal amount of energy, all while monitoring the dermal temperature. While producing more collagen fibers, this 10-15 minute procedure requires no downtime. Patients should refrain from sexual activity for a few days following treatment, but can resume other daily activities immediately after.

More information available here: http://www.neuvivamd.com

What Results Can I Expect?

Most women experience some immediate reduction in such symptoms such as dryness, itching, burning, and pain during intercourse. Optimum results require three to four follow-up appointments, several weeks apart. Improvement can be noticed and can continue to increase five months post-treatment.

Patient Satisfaction:

“My sex life wasn’t pleasurable after having kids. I chose NeuViva with Dr. Sherry Thomas to improve my sex life, and I am very happy with the results. I would definitely recommend!”
– Patient, August 2017

“I had been suffering from vaginal laxity and dryness and was interested in finding a solution. After seeing an ad for ThermiVa, I saw Dr. Thomas thinking that would be the right solution for me. Dr. Thomas steered me in the right direction for treatment and suggested NeuViva. After completing my last treatment, I can say the results are a definite improvement from where I started and I am very happy.”
– Patient, September 2017

Is NeuViva Right for Me?

Schedule an appointment with Dr.Thomas and let her consult with you on the best treatment options for your current situation. Each person is different and Dr. Thomas prides herself on making sure each patient gets the attention they deserve and need.

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Dr. Thomas earned her medical degree from the University of Texas in San Antonio and completed an OB/GYN residency at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas in Houston. She then pursued a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Thomas thus became one of the first women in the US to receive fellowship training in that subspecialty. When female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery was declared an official subspecialty within OB/GYN in 2013, Dr. Thomas was among the first doctors to earn board certification in it.

Our Simi Valley gynecologist has also earned board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and she has a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) that she received from the UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Thomas taught at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA for a decade, before leaving in 2000 to establish a private practice and pursue her charitable works and medical research. She has become known as a pioneer in using radiofrequency and laser therapies to treat her patients. She also founded a non-profit in Africa called Life Changing Moments that provides free surgical treatments for obstetric fistulas.

What Is Uterine Prolapse?

Uterine prolapse is a condition caused by weakened muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor that allow the uterus to slide down into the vagina. The condition is most common in women who have undergone menopause and/or have had multiple vaginal births.

Mild cases of uterine prolapse may not cause any symptoms. As the condition worsens, the patient may experience symptoms such as the following:

• Painful intercourse

• Vaginal discharge

• Trouble urinating

• Constipation

• Feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area

Some patients note that the symptoms feel worse after they’ve been walking a lot. Mild cases can be treated by simply doing special exercises called Kegel exercises to make the pelvic floor muscles stronger. In more severe cases, Dr. Thomas may implant a pessary to hold the uterus in place or perform surgery to repair damaged or weak muscles.

What Is da Vinci surgery?

Dr. Thomas is one of the few surgeons in southern California to have earned certification for using the da Vinci system to perform gynecological surgery. Da Vinci surgery is a type of robotic assisted surgery or “robot surgery.” The system includes a 3D camera that provides clear pictures of the patient’s insides. There are also four robotic arms that Dr. Thomas controls and that mimic her movements. She uses the arms and high-tech surgical instruments to perform very minimally invasive surgery. This provides the patient with many benefits, including less blood loss during surgery and a much shorter recovery period.

If you are looking for a compassionate and trusted gynecologist in Simi Valley or the surrounding areas, consider visiting the office of Dr. Sherry Thomas in Agoura Hills. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about the services our gynecologist provides.

The post Dr. Sherry Thomas: Your Go-To Gynecologist in Simi Valley appeared first on Dr. Sherry Thomas.

Training and Experience

Your first priority may center on finding a gynecologist who is well-trained and experienced in this field of medicine. While you may understand that newly graduated doctors must gain experience somehow, you may prefer that it not come at the expense of your own health.

Instead, you should look for a provider who has years’ worth of experience in gynecology and who has treated dozens of patients prior to taking you on as a client. This experience could translate into more competent care for you and any gynecological issues you might face.
Reviews

Another tactic that you might use to find a gynecologist involves considering the reviews of other patients. The Internet has dozens if not hundreds of websites that you can visit to find out how other patients have reviewed the doctor you plan to visit. Based on the details in those reviews, you can decide whether or not to continue with your appointment or reschedule with another provider.

You should note, however, that many people leave reviews that are not objective and instead based on bias and misunderstanding. You should utilize a fair amount of skepticism and common sense as you read the reviews of the gynecologist.

Empathy and Understanding

You can also base your choice of a gynecological provider on how understanding and empathetic the doctor is to your health concerns. If the doctor appears to take your concerns seriously and listens thoroughly to what you are saying, you may have every reason to believe that this provider has your best interests at heart and can provide the level of care you need.

However, if your gynecologist appear to be rude, dismissive, or disinterested in your concerns, you may take these behaviors as signs that you should find another provider. You want anything you discuss with your doctor to be given its due credence and your concerns to be acted upon as necessary to safeguard your health.

Schedule Your Appointment

Dr. Sherry Thomas offers the utmost care and compassion to her patients. Located in Agoura Hills, for decades, she has helped patients dealing with gynecological issues, and she looks forward to helping you, too. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

The post Selecting the Ideal Gynecologist appeared first on Dr. Sherry Thomas.

The Formation of Wrinkles

As people grow older, they often begin to form fine lines and creases on their skin. If you are dealing with fine lines and wrinkles, these can be treated with one of our skin procedures that aims to tighten the skin in a non-surgical manner. This will give you a more youthful and line-free appearance.

Signs of Facial Volume Loss

Extensive wrinkling can occur during the later stages of aging as the result of facial volume loss. As people grow older, the structure and overall integrity of their skin starts to break down. Not only will this cause the development of lines and wrinkles, but it can additionally result in the formation of loose and sagging skin. For issues like these, various skin procedures can be used to restore fullness. Best of all, these treatments can be customized to suit the preferences and needs of every patient.

Minimizing the Appearance of Superficial Skin Issues

Not all forms of skin damage are age-related. Normal wear and tear, hormonal changes, and a host of chronic skin issues can all take their toll on a person’s appearance, leading to even more line and wrinkles on the skin. Fortunately, there are a number of non-surgical skin procedures available at our office that are designed to tighten the skin by stimulating the body to produce healthy substances.

Contact Us Today to Learn More

If you live in or near the Thousand Oaks area and are researching your options regarding non-surgical skin tightening, consider the many skin procedures available at the office of Dr. Sherry Thomas in Agoura Hills. You can learn about your options during an initial consultation at our office. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started.

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The best thing about the same-day hysterectomy procedure is that it can be done on almost any woman. The development of uterine cancer is the only thing that will prevent you from qualifying for a laparoscopic hysterectomy. You will have to decide whether you want to keep your ovaries before getting the surgery. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, then it is usually recommended that you have them removed during the hysterectomy.

The same-day hysterectomy procedure is performed by Dr. Sherry Thomas in the comfort of her office. A small camera will be inserted into the body through the belly button. This will allow our doctor to see inside your stomach without making a large incision. A special surgical tool is then used to remove the uterus through tiny openings.

Once the procedure is completed, there will be a brief period of observation. If there are no complications, then you will be able to go home after spending two or three hours in the recovery room, depending on the situation. This is a far better alternative than spending days in the hospital recovering from a traditional hysterectomy.

Everyone recovers at their own pace, so you should return to your normal activities once you are fully healed. While you may feel fine after some time, it is still recommended to abstain from exercise and sex for a set amount of time after the same-day hysterectomy.

Dr. Sherry Thomas is proud to offer same-day hysterectomy procedures using the innovative daVinci Surgery System. You can learn more about the benefits of this procedure during a consultation at her office in Agoura Hills. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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Non-surgical skin tightening works by targeting the conditions that caused the skin to become loose in the first place. The skin will start to loosen over time as the level of collagen in it begins to drop. Collagen is a substance that is found in the dermis, or the layer beneath the surface. It is a protein that is naturally produced by the body. Its purpose is to help tissue to stick together and to provide fullness to the skin. The amount of collagen that the body produces does not remain constant through all phases of life. As you start to age, collagen production decreases. This naturally leads to a loosening of the skin as a result of less protein to keep it tight. Loose skin will necessarily cause lines and wrinkles to form.

Non-surgical skin tightening works by stimulating the skin to produce extra collagen. Doing so will return the substance to levels that more closely resemble what they were in previous years when the skin was tight. As the collagen grows over the following months, the skin will tighten and the wrinkles will disappear accordingly.

Loose skin will also cause sagging around the jowls. Restoring fullness through collagen growth can help with this issue as well. If you have sagging skin that has not reached the level at which you would consider it extreme, non-surgical skin tightening may be right for you. Our specialist can help you choose the right therapy to bring you the most favorable results.

If you are considering non-surgical skin tightening, make an appointment with Dr. Sherry Thomas at DrTite.com in Agoura Hills. She can explain the benefits of the available skin tightening therapies to you in more detail. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for non-surgical skin tightening!

The post Is Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Right for Me? appeared first on Dr. Sherry Thomas.

What Does a Urogynecologist Do?

A urogynecologist focuses on the pelvic organs that are specific to women. Many issues can arise that revolve around connective tissues and muscles that hold the organs in place in your pelvis. Your uterus and bladder are usually the biggest concern. Over time, they can begin to droop. Organ prolapse is a major problem that can lead to the uterus dropping down into the vagina. When the connective tissues and muscles weaken, the shift can result. This can be caused by the trials of childbirth or aging. As you get older, your collagen production drops. This can cause a loosening that makes your organs shift. Our urogynecologist can help you address these issues with care and expertise.

What Will Our Urogynecologist Do for You?

Whether you are suffering from an overactive bladder, you are dealing with the embarrassment of female incontinence or you are troubled by organ prolapse, you need to know that our urogynecologist will be by your side. You need someone who will help you find solutions so that you can feel your best again. Choose wisely when you settle on a urogynecologist.

Conduct plenty of research to make sure you are choosing the best urogynecologist for your needs. Online reviews are especially helpful. Dr. Sherry Thomas strives to give all her patients the care they deserve, which you can see with her many online reviews.

Schedule Consultation Visits

Before you can find relief for your problem, you need a doctor who will put you completely at ease. The best way to choose the right doctor is to set up an appointment for a consultation visit. Your consultation will be your first opportunity to speak to Dr. Thomas and her dedicated team in person and learn about our environment and the services we offer.

Once you find the right urogynecologist, you will have peace of mind. You will be able to sit down and have a heart-to-heart about your condition. Your troubling symptoms will be discussed, and you will learn about potential solutions. Once you have a clear sense of direction, our doctor will help you feel your best once again. Choosing the right doctor for any health problem is the key to your well-being. At the office of Dr. Sherry Thomas, our skilled urogynecologist may be the right doctor for you. Contact us at our office in Agoura Hills to schedule your consultation and learn more.

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