Dogwood Gynecology

07/05/2025

Dr. Allison Ward-Moore has moved locations! Now providing outpatient gyn and breastfeeding appointments at 1128 Clarksville St, Suite 150 in Paris, TX.
This is about a mile from the previous location.

07/24/2023

Another Missions Opportunity!

There is a hygiene drive going on at the Health Department.

We would love for you to contribute!

Drop off at 400W Sherman St.
you can stop by and say hello if Im not busy. 😉

07/03/2023

Here’s a great non traditional recipe for what to do with the classic Forth of July watermelon! It’s from the WIC calendar I have in my office at WIC where I help breastfeeding moms 6 hours a week (currently Monday and Thursdays). I also help breastfeeding moms at my regular office as well.
Happy Independence Day! Stay cool. It looks a bit better this week in Paris, Texas.

Dr. Allison Moore provides outpatient gyn and breastfeeding appointments in Paris, Texas including a

05/23/2023

Time for that yearly mammogram! Can I just take a minute to say how much more comfortable mammograms are than they were when I started them 10 years ago? So much less squeezing and discomfort. If this is the reason you are avoiding going, then don’t. If you’re afraid of them finding something, remember that early breast cancers are so much easier to treat than late ones with much better success rates. Find a friend to go with you if you get anxious.
My appointment was at 8 and I was out in about 10 minutes.

05/11/2023

The weather is warming up and this perimenopausal doc is starting to feel the heat in the mornings! Running around getting ready really brings out the hot flashes. Here are some tips.

1. Finish your shower cold.
I can hear your thoughts. “What? No way could I do that. “
Yes you can!
Start out as warm as you like. Do your first thing (shampoo/conditioner likely) and then turn it down just a smidge. Wash your face. Turn it down a bit more.
Wash your body. Turn it down a bit more.
Do whatever you need to do to finish up then keep turning it down gradually as cold as you can take it.
2. Dry off but don’t get dressed. Do as much of your getting routine as you can while minimally dressed, especially if you dry your hair with a hair dryer.
3. Finish drying your hair with the cool air/cool shot setting. If your dryer doesn’t have this feature then it’s time for a new one! Use it to cool your body if you’re starting to feel warm.
4. Get dressed at the last minute. Consider V necks and definitely no collars or scarves. I don’t do dresses at work but I think they are cooler if your legs are bare. 👗
5. Consider iced coffee. ☕️
6. Don’t be fooled if you get in the car and don’t feel hot. Blast that AC on the way to work. You’re going to get hot walking into work. 💼
7. This is the hardest for me. Don’t run late. Rushing or being stressed about being late gets me super hot.

If your having hot flashes and night sweats and life style modifications like these aren’t cutting it, come see me to discuss hormone replacement. Hormones are very safe for almost everyone.
Picture is a local milkweed plant which is important in the monarch butterfly life cycle.

Dr. Allison Moore provides outpatient gyn and breastfeeding appointments in Paris, Texas including a

04/27/2023

I’m doing Walk with a Doc today at 5 pm at Pavillon 2 next to Paris Regional! Honestly not sure if this is Pavillon 1 or 2 but it’s the view from inside the hospital!

03/27/2023

Interested in information about infant sleep and breastfeeding? This Lactfact is a good one!
“Pumping and bottle feeding or feeding formula in lieu of nighttime breastfeeding decrease breastfeeding duration and do not improve maternal sleep. “

https://lacted.org/clinical-question-week/

02/15/2023

Free breastfeeding help from the state of Texas WIC breastfeeding specialists.

Breastfeeding is important to both baby and mom so Breastmilk Counts wants to help new and expectant mothers with all their baby nursing concerns and needs.

02/13/2023

Having trouble during pregnancy or postpartum with anxiety, depression or intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or your baby?
You are not alone! More than 1 in 4 women do.
There is help that is easily accessible to you through Seven Starling if you live in Texas and they take United, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna.

This is their website and there’s a free benefits check and many women are receiving individual and group therapy online through this site.

If you need help now or don’t have coverage please schedule an appointment to see me. I’m happy to listen and help you find the care you need. Phone number in the comments.

12/06/2022

It’s official!
I’m the IBCLC for the Paris-Lamar County WIC office. This means I have regular hours for them where I work as an IBCLC. If physician level assistance is needed, I can refer to myself/Dogwood Gynecology. Lol.
Once I finish all my hours of governmental training (so many videos…some are so informative about WIC!) then I will be able to help all WIC clients in person.

Dr. Allison Moore provides outpatient gyn and breastfeeding appointments in Paris, Texas including a

10/28/2022

Breast Cancer Awareness month is almost over. Are you up to date on your screening mammogram? Did you know you can get a screening mammogram without a doctor's order? Call up your local mammogram location (in Paris that Solis Mammography 903-784-2571 or Paris Regional Medical Center 903-737-1111) to schedule an appointment. Please note that if you feel a lump or are concerned about your breast health, a screening mammogram is not the right procedure. Please schedule an appointment with me or your primary care to assess the breast and the need for a diagnostic test. 903-669-2647.

10/18/2022

While this topic may be embarrassing from your perspective, it’s just a normal part of my day to talk about these things. I offer treatment as mentioned in the article. Don’t be shy! Call and make an appointment to talk about these changes. 903-669-2647

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=669335408028443&id=105606064401383

Q: How can we older girls stay healthy s*xually after menopause? - Pepper from Kansas

A: You have options if you are menopausal or post-menopausal and experiencing va**nal dryness, urinary complaints, or painful s*x! These issues are part of the normal changes that happen in your body during and after menopause. These changes are due to declining estrogen levels, a hormone that supports our va**nal lining’s moisture, and more. However, just because these changes are expected doesn't mean you have to live with them. There is help! Talk to your clinician about treatments that will work for you. Do not suffer in silence with uncontrollable leaks or give up on activities that bring you pleasure, joy, and connectedness. 💞

For maintaining s*xual health post-menopause:
Consider non-hormonal treatments first
Both estradiol and Premarin used in the va**na are safe in most cases
Avoid compounded va**nal hormone therapies when possible: they are not tested for strength or safety. For some people, these products may be the only affordable option. If this is the case, ask your gynecologist to prescribe just estradiol and at a low dose
There are also treatments for whole-body symptoms of menopause, but that’s a different post (stay tuned, we’re working on it)!
Talk to your clinician about what’s best for you

Let’s talk about a few options.

1️⃣If you have va**nal dryness or painful s*x, your clinician may recommend you try non-hormonal treatments *first* because they often work as well and have fewer side effects.

Non-hormonal treatments include:
💦Short-acting lubricants used at the time of s*xual activity
💦Long-acting lubricants/lotions used 2-3 times per week regularly
💦Pelvic physical therapy (think power Kegels and more!)
💦Non-va**nal intimacy (more time stimulating the cl****is [invest in some vi*****rs 😉], ni***es, and other fun zones)

2️⃣If you do not find relief from non-hormonal treatments for va**nal dryness, painful s*x, or you have urinary symptoms, your clinician may prescribe FDA-approved va**nal hormone therapy. Be patient. It can take up to 3 months to feel the full effect. 🗓️ Good news: 🎉Most experts agree that low-dose hormone therapies used in the va**na have a low risk of complications, like heart problems, stroke, or cancer.

There are two types of va**nal estrogens on the market: estradiol products and Premarin.

Fun facts:

✨Both estradiol, which is an FDA-approved bioidentical hormone (glossary of terms at the end of the post), and Premarin are made in laboratories and use chemical processes to become their final products

✨Estradiol is derived from yams or soy

✨Premarin is derived from pregnant horse urine

✨In this sense, both come from "nature," and both are changed or "synthesized" in a lab. Both work well!

✨Vaginal estradiol is available in a cream, tablet, ring, and gel

Something else you might read about is called “compounded” hormone therapy. Compounded va**nal hormone therapies are made from estradiol and sometimes progesterone. They are prepared on demand by a pharmacist. They are generally not recommended, as they are not more effective, and the use of these products has safety concerns.

If you have an estrogen allergy or prefer not to use it, talk to your clinician about a daily va**nal insert such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Although it is not the first choice, it may be right for you.

Special note for people being treated for breast cancer *currently*: You may be able to continue your va**nal hormone therapy.

In August 2022, experts added the following guideline: "data support [the] general practice of prescribing va**nal estrogen for management of [va**nal and urinary complaints] in patients with breast cancer treated with *tamoxifen* but NOT those treated with *aromatase inhibitors (AI)*." UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/

Before starting hormone therapy, talk to your clinician about your individual risks. At regular intervals, reassess your symptoms and medications with your clinician.

*xpositivity *xyat50+

And continue to submit your excellent questions here: https://dearpandemic.org/.

Glossary of Terms:

Compounded medication
A medication that is combined, mixed or altered into a formulation meant for one individual patient. This altering is done at a pharmacy, not in a lab. Compounded medications can be helpful and less expensive in certain circumstances but may also come with safety concerns.

Bioidentical hormone
A hormone that is chemically identical to what your body produces (for example, estradiol from the pharmacy is identical to what the human ovaries make). People in labs still need to change (synthesize) the original item (for example, yams) into hormones that your body can use. Bioidentical does not mean risk-free. The risk of any drug/hormone depends on how much, length of use, purity, and personal health factors.

Premarin
A conjugated equine estrogen. In simpler terms, a mixture of estrogens made from pregnant horse urine. Pre(gnant)Mar(es’)U(rin)e. They are not identical to the hormones your body produces, but your body converts them into a form you can use. Counter to popular belief, this type of hormone is the fewest steps away from its original form. In other words, they are the most “natural.” Premarin is more expensive to manufacture than estradiol and therefore costs more for the patient.

Resources:

How s*x changes after menopause
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-s*x-changes-after-menopause

A comprehensive and readable guide to all things menopause
Gunter, J., & Gunter, J. (2021). The menopause manifesto: own your health with facts and feminism. Unabridged. [United States], HighBridge. https://drjengunter.com/

References:

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vulvova**nal atrophy): Treatment
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause-vulvova**nal-atrophy-treatment?search=hrt%20menopause&topicRef=7450&source=see_link

Preparations for menopausal hormone therapy
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/preparations-for-menopausal-hormone-therapy?search=bioidentical%20hormone%20replacement%20therapy&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~5&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause: Safety, Uses, and Cost
https://www.goodrx.com/healthcare-access/medication-education/bioidentical-hormone-therapy

Estrace vs. Premarin Creams for Menopause Symptoms
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/menopause/estrace-vs-premarin

Reviewing the options for local estrogen treatment of va**nal atrophy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3958523/

A comprehensive and readable guide to all things menopause
Gunter, J., & Gunter, J. (2021). The menopause manifesto: own your health with facts and feminism. Unabridged. [United States], HighBridge