FAQ

Naturopathic doctors are among the 3 types of licensed primary care physicians (medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, and osteopathic doctors). Like medical doctors, naturopathic doctors are trained extensively in clinical sciences, diagnostics, and undergo rigorous medical licensing examinations. The primary difference is that naturopathy focuses on the whole person, and seeks to identify and treat the underlying imbalances, rather than addressing health issues or symptoms in isolation. Most importantly, naturopathic doctors treat health conditions with safe and effective natural medicines that the body can process easily. Pharmaceutical drugs and surgery are recommended when necessary, and often they can be prevented and/or worked in conjunction with supportive, evidence based natural therapies to speed your healing.

Can I Get Prescriptions From A Greater Whole Physicians?

Yes. Our naturopathic doctors have prescriptive rights in Washington state. We use botanical medicines, nutraceuticals, and other effective treatments whenever possible, but can have a pharmacy fill pharmaceutical prescriptions as needed.

What Is Anti-Aging Medicine?

Traditional medicine and doctors focus on the absence of disease. When a disease is diagnosed, treatment is often aimed at managing the symptoms as opposed to determining the root cause. Anti-Aging Medicine is concerned with optimal health and looks at an individuals physical, emotional and mental health. Anti-Aging Medicine looks at organ systems, hormones, toxins, nutritions, and stress management as ways to reach optimal health and prevent diseases. The result is looking and feeling your best!

What Is My First Visit Like?

Before your first visit, it is important to complete a Health History questionnaire to tell us your medical history and health concerns. Then, we conduct a comprehensive review and prepare an individualized ‘Greater Whole Health Guide’ for you. During your first visit, we will do a physical exam, discuss health concerns, and provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment to get you feeling better! Our goal is to get your feeling results as early as the first visit.

What Type Of Testing Is Used?

At A Greater Whole, we use a wide range of diagnostic tests to determine deficiencies, dysfunction, and disease. Typically, the tests examine blood, urine, stool, and/or saliva. Some tests are conducted in the office, while others are take-home tests you can do on your own. The home tests are easy to use, and include instructions on what to do. You mail those tests directly to an outside lab, and they send results to us so we can review and discuss everything with you. In your customized ‘Greater Whole Health Guide’ we provide you with helpful info about your tests, results, current research, health tips, and explanations of your progress.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as yams and soy, and are designed to replicate the chemical structure of the hormones that are produced naturally by our bodies. Based on your hormone levels, a specialized compounding pharmacy can formulate a bioidentical hormone regimen specifically designed for you.
On the flip side, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Pharmaceutical companies can’t patent bioidentical hormones because each regimen is specifically formulated to treat each patient on an individual basis. Instead, they manufacture synthetic hormones that are patentable.

Are Bioidentical Hormones Safer & More Effective than Synthetic Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are more appealing when dealing with hormonal issues such as menopause and andropause because they are derived naturally and our bodies can metabolize them properly. Another advantage of using bioidentical hormones is that they are specifically designed to match your individual hormonal needs – unlike synthetic hormones, which use a one-size-fits-all approach to symptom relief.
There is an overwhelmingly large body of evidence that supports the claim that bioidentical hormone therapy is safer and more effective than synthetic hormone replacement. However, it’s important to remember that no drug, herb, or nutritional supplement is 100 percent safe – there is always a chance that you may experience an adverse reaction. That’s why it’s critical for women and men to consult with a hormone specialist before beginning any hormone therapy regimen.