Here at Cheyenne OBGYN, we are constantly learning new ways to better serve mothers. Our newest service, SneakPeek®, does exactly that. It is a blood-sample-based test that delivers your baby’s gender results at just 8 weeks – half the amount of wait time it takes for conclusive ultrasound gender results. This helps provide peace of mind early on in your pregnancy, so you and your loved ones know exactly what is to come.

How it Works

A small blood test is taken from the arm and sent to the SneakPeek® labs. Once the sample is sent to the lab, the test looks for male chromosomes in the fetal DNA found in mom’s blood. If there is no fetal DNA in mom’s blood, the test will return a girl result, because mom is a girl. On the off chance that the test is contaminated with outside male DNA (even pets!), it may return a boy result. It is recommended to confirm pregnancy with our doctors prior to taking SneakPeek®.

Safety Facts

The SneakPeek® Early Gender DNA Test is a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), and it’s safe for both mom and baby. As a test that only takes a small blood sample from mom’s arm, it is very safe and does not affect baby at all. Additionally, it is not affected by other hormone prescriptions, diagnoses, blood thinners, menstruation, or current breastfeeding so you can receive 99.9% accurate results regardless of current circumstances.

Scheduling your Appointment

Seeing as the test is simple and effective, SneakPeek® appointments are very quick and convenient. For more information about the service and for more FAQs, visit our SneakPeek® page.

Call our office at 307-634-5216 to set up your SneakPeek® appointment today!

Despite its small size, the thyroid gland contributes greatly to our body’s overall health. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck. Its main purpose is to produce the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) which are key in regulating the body’s metabolism, brain development, digestive system, and mood.

Thyroid problems may be easy to miss because symptoms are like those of other conditions. Although thyroid disease can affect anyone, according to the American Thyroid Association, women are 5 to 8 times more likely to experience problems. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid does not produce a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, weight gain and heavy menstrual periods. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is when the thyroid produces excess thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include weight loss, irritability, and irregular menstrual periods.

It would not be unusual for a dermatologist to recognize symptoms before you do since thyroid conditions may affect hair, skin and nails, too. Hypothyroidism can cause hair loss, dry, scaly skin on the heels and elbows, while hyperthyroidism may cause unusual skin rashes and severe hair loss.

Since thyroid disease can be difficult to diagnose, doctors rely on blood tests, scans, biopsies, and other tests to help with their diagnosis.

For the most part, thyroid disorders can be managed with medications. More serious conditions may require surgery. Medications can be used to balance hormones. For hypothyroidism, a pill can be given to supplement the insufficient production of the thyroid hormone. In hyperthyroidism, medication will help to decrease the production of the thyroid hormone. Surgery may be necessary if there is a chance for thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove a large goiter (an overall enlargement of the thyroid) or abnormal mass.

A good diet can help maintain a balanced thyroid. Fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates help keep the thyroid gland healthy. Foods that are not good for the thyroid include drinks that are high in fluoride which may damage the thyroid gland. Soy foods and foods like broccoli and kale may deter the production of hormones.

If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of a thyroid disease, please contact your doctor to be examined. You may be asked to take a few tests before getting an official diagnosis.

Let’s get the answer out right away – PMS is a real condition. Symptoms vary amongst women, but for many, PMS can cause great physical and emotional discomfort.

PMS, which is the acronym for premenstrual syndrome, refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience after ovulation occurs. Symptoms can continue up to five days after menstruation begins. Common physical symptoms include abdominal bloating, acne, and cramping. More acute physical symptoms may include headaches or increased sensitivity to noise and/or light. Common emotional symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and food cravings. More intense emotional symptoms may include depression, mood swings and difficulty remembering or focusing.

What causes PMS?

The specific cause of PMS is unclear. It is believed to be related to the fluctuations in hormone levels that happen before menstruation occurs. Estrogen and progesterone levels significantly decrease after ovulation. The decrease in those hormones may also negatively impact a woman’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is the brain chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

Women may not immediately realize that some of the symptoms they are feeling are related to PMS, especially if they have an irregular cycle. It is a good idea to keep a record of symptoms; look for patterns and see if they are surfacing at the same time each month.

How to treat PMS

There are some over-the-counter medications and home remedies that may help relieve PMS symptoms. Exercise and diet changes may also help manage them. Some women may choose to take hormonal birth control pills to alleviate PMS symptoms. However, anyone experiencing severe symptoms should consult a doctor. Severe symptoms may be a sign of a much more serious condition, like premenstrual dysphoric disorder or endometriosis.

The reality is many women experience different premenstrual symptoms. How they treat or deal with it will vary depending on their lifestyle.

Call our office to schedule an appointment if you believe your PMS symptoms are unusual or severe, or have questions on how you may better manage them.