Question 1

Where is JennWell Women's Health located?

Accepted Answer

11844 Standing Stone Dr., Suite 200, Gretna, NE 68028, inside Skilled Touch Health and Healing.

Question 2

Who is the provider at JennWell?

Accepted Answer

Jennifer Neilan, WHNP, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with an MSN from UNMC (2009), a BSN (1998), and 27+ years of clinical nursing and OB/GYN experience.

Question 3

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Call (402) 800-8595 or submit an appointment request at jennwell.com/booking.

Question 4

Do I need a referral to be seen?

Accepted Answer

No referral is needed to schedule with JennWell. Some insurance plans have their own referral rules, so check your plan if unsure.

Question 5

What areas does JennWell serve?

Accepted Answer

Patients come from Gretna, Elkhorn, West Omaha, Papillion, La Vista, Bennington, Millard, Lincoln and across Eastern Nebraska.

Question 6

What is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner?

Accepted Answer

A WHNP is an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate education and national board certification focused on gynecologic, reproductive, menopausal and preventive health for women across the lifespan.

Question 7

Do you see teens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. JennWell welcomes adolescents and young adults for first gynecology visits, period concerns, acne, cycle education and contraception.

Question 8

Does JennWell offer Biote hormone pellet therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jennifer Neilan, WHNP, offers Biote bioidentical hormone pellet therapy in Gretna, with a consultation and lab testing before your first insertion.

Question 9

Does JennWell offer GLP-1 weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. JennWell offers GLP-1 medical weight loss, such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, for women who qualify, with regular follow-up visits.

Question 10

Do you offer both medical and aesthetic services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. JennWell combines women's hormonal and gynecologic care with cosmetic injectables such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and dermal fillers.

Question 11

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Visits are intentionally unhurried so there is time to talk through your questions and build a plan together.

Question 12

What should I bring to my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Bring a photo ID, insurance card if applicable, a list of medications and supplements, and any recent lab results or records.

Question 13

Why am I gaining weight in my 30s or 40s without changing anything?

Accepted Answer

Insulin resistance, PCOS, thyroid problems, perimenopause, sleep and medications are common, checkable contributors.

Question 14

Why am I exhausted all the time — is it perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Perimenopause can disrupt sleep, but low iron, thyroid disorders, mood and sleep apnea should be checked too.

Question 15

Why can't I focus or remember words anymore?

Accepted Answer

Brain fog is common in the menopause transition and is closely tied to sleep, mood and stress.

Question 16

Why do I have jawline acne as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Adult acne is often androgen-driven and can be a sign of PCOS when cycles are irregular.

Question 17

Hot flashes and night sweats are ruining my sleep. What works?

Accepted Answer

Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for appropriate candidates; non-hormonal options exist too.

Question 18

My periods are irregular or have stopped. Should I worry?

Accepted Answer

Irregular cycles can signal PCOS, thyroid issues or perimenopause and are worth evaluating.

Question 19

Sex has become painful or I'm dry all the time.

Accepted Answer

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is common and very treatable, including with low-dose vaginal therapy.

Question 20

Pellets, injections, patches or pills — which hormone option is best?

Accepted Answer

Each delivery method has trade-offs in convenience, dose control, safety and cost. JennWell offers Biote pellets and FDA-approved options and helps you compare them.

Question 21

Is GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide right for me?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 medications can help adults who meet BMI guidelines lose meaningful weight alongside lifestyle changes; your health history and pregnancy plans determine if they are safe.

Question 22

My libido has disappeared and I'm exhausted. Could it be my hormones?

Accepted Answer

Changing estrogen and testosterone in perimenopause and menopause can affect libido, energy and sleep; hormone therapy, including Biote pellets, may help some women.

Question 23

What is Biote pellet therapy?

Accepted Answer

Biote is a hormone optimization method using small bioidentical estradiol and/or testosterone pellets placed under the skin, which release hormone gradually over several months.

Question 24

How often are pellets re-inserted?

Accepted Answer

Re-insertion is typically every few months, timed to when symptoms return and guided by follow-up labs.

Question 25

Is pellet therapy right for me?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your symptoms, health history and preferences. A consultation with labs reviews pellets alongside patches, gels and pills so you can choose confidently.

Question 26

Does JennWell offer Biote hormone pellets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jennifer Neilan, WHNP, offers Biote bioidentical hormone pellet therapy at the Gretna office, along with other hormone therapy options.

Question 27

How long do Biote pellets last?

Accepted Answer

Pellets release hormone gradually over a few months. Re-insertion timing is individualized based on symptoms and lab results.

Question 28

Does pellet insertion hurt?

Accepted Answer

The area is numbed first, so most women feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness or bruising for a few days is common.

Question 29

Are Biote pellets FDA-approved?

Accepted Answer

Biote pellets are compounded rather than FDA-approved for women. Consensus guidelines generally favor FDA-approved hormone products, and Jennifer reviews both options with you.

Question 30

Do I need labs before starting pellets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Baseline labs and a health history review are done before your first insertion, with follow-up labs to fine-tune your dose.

Question 31

Does JennWell offer hormone pellets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. JennWell offers Biote hormone pellet therapy with Jennifer Neilan, WHNP, as well as FDA-approved patches, gels, pills and vaginal therapy.

Question 32

Are hormone pellets safe?

Accepted Answer

Pellets are compounded and not FDA-approved for women. Professional societies including ACOG raise concerns that doses cannot be adjusted or removed once placed and that hormone levels can exceed normal ranges. Careful candidate selection and lab monitoring are part of pellet care, and Jennifer reviews the risks and alternatives with you.

Question 33

Are bioidentical hormones only available through compounding?

Accepted Answer

No. Several FDA-approved products contain estradiol and micronized progesterone that are chemically identical to the body's own hormones.

Question 34

Is a patch safer than a pill?

Accepted Answer

Observational data suggest transdermal estrogen may carry a lower risk of blood clots than oral estrogen. The best choice depends on your individual health history.

Question 35

Can I switch delivery methods later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many women change methods over time for convenience, cost or symptom control, and your plan can be adjusted at follow-up visits.

Question 36

Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Guidelines support weight-loss medication for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as prediabetes or high blood pressure. Your health history determines whether it is safe for you.

Question 37

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

Nausea, constipation, diarrhea and reduced appetite are most common, especially after dose increases. Starting low and increasing slowly helps.

Question 38

Can I use GLP-1 medication if I'm planning a pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 medications are not used during pregnancy and are stopped ahead of a planned pregnancy. Family planning is reviewed before starting.

Question 39

Does JennWell offer GLP-1 weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jennifer Neilan, WHNP, offers GLP-1 medical weight loss at the Gretna office, built around a full women's health evaluation and regular follow-up.

Question 40

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 hormone pathway. Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP pathways. Both are once-weekly injections approved for chronic weight management.

Question 41

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Accepted Answer

Results vary. In the large clinical trials that led to approval, many participants lost 15% or more of their body weight over about a year and a half when medication was combined with lifestyle changes.

Question 42

Do I have to stay on GLP-1 medication forever?

Accepted Answer

Many people regain weight after stopping. Your long-term plan, including dose tapering and maintaining habits, is discussed at follow-up visits.

Question 43

Can GLP-1 medication help PCOS?

Accepted Answer

For women with PCOS and insulin resistance, GLP-1 medication may improve weight, blood sugar and sometimes cycle regularity. It is not used during pregnancy.

Question 44

Who qualifies for weight-loss medication?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine Society guidance supports considering medication for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition, alongside lifestyle changes. Individual health history determines what is appropriate.

Question 45

Can PCOS make it harder to lose weight?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Insulin resistance, which is common with PCOS, can make weight loss more difficult. Treating insulin resistance may help.

Question 46

Will hormone therapy help me lose weight?

Accepted Answer

Hormone therapy is not a weight-loss treatment, though it may help with abdominal fat distribution and improve sleep and symptoms that make healthy habits easier.

Question 47

Can I take weight-loss medication if I'm trying to get pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Most weight-management medicines are not used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Your family-planning goals are discussed before starting any medication.

Question 48

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

PCOS is typically diagnosed when at least two of three findings are present: irregular or absent ovulation, clinical or lab signs of elevated androgens, and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound, after other causes such as thyroid disease or elevated prolactin are ruled out.

Question 49

Can PCOS be treated without birth control pills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on your goals, options can include lifestyle and nutrition strategies, insulin-sensitizing medication, cyclic progesterone to protect the uterine lining, and targeted treatment for acne or hair concerns. Birth control is one tool, not the only one.

Question 50

Does PCOS go away after menopause?

Accepted Answer

Cycle irregularity changes after menopause, but the metabolic side of PCOS, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, often continues. Ongoing screening and prevention remain important.

Question 51

Can thin women have insulin resistance with PCOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Insulin resistance occurs in women with PCOS across all body sizes, which is why testing matters even if weight is not a concern.

Question 52

Is metformin safe for PCOS?

Accepted Answer

Metformin has a long safety record. The most common side effects are digestive and often improve with extended-release forms and slow dose increases.

Question 53

What is the best diet for PCOS insulin resistance?

Accepted Answer

There is no single perfect diet. Eating patterns built around protein, fiber, vegetables and healthy fats while limiting refined carbohydrates tend to improve insulin sensitivity.

Question 54

Will treating insulin resistance regulate my periods?

Accepted Answer

For many women, improving insulin sensitivity helps restore more regular ovulation and cycles, though some need additional cycle-regulating treatment.

Question 55

Is it dangerous to go months without a period?

Accepted Answer

Going many months without a period can allow the uterine lining to thicken, increasing the risk of hyperplasia. A shedding plan, natural or prescribed, is important.

Question 56

Can I get pregnant with PCOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many women with PCOS conceive naturally or with ovulation-induction treatment. Optimizing metabolic health beforehand improves outcomes.

Question 57

Does birth control fix PCOS?

Accepted Answer

Birth control regulates bleeding and lowers androgens but does not correct underlying insulin resistance. It is often combined with metabolic care.

Question 58

How do I know if I am ovulating?

Accepted Answer

Regular cycles, positive ovulation kits, a sustained temperature rise, or a mid-luteal progesterone blood test can confirm ovulation.

Question 59

Does spironolactone work for hormonal acne?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone is widely used for adult hormonal acne and often provides significant improvement over two to three months.

Question 60

Can PCOS hair loss grow back?

Accepted Answer

Early treatment can slow shedding and may regrow some hair. Results are best when androgens, iron and thyroid are all addressed.

Question 61

Why is my acne only on my chin and jaw?

Accepted Answer

Breakouts concentrated on the lower face and jawline are a classic pattern of hormonally driven acne.

Question 62

Will lowering testosterone stop facial hair?

Accepted Answer

It slows new growth and fine hair, but established coarse hairs often need laser or electrolysis for removal.

Question 63

Can perimenopause cause weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Perimenopause is associated with a shift in fat toward the abdomen and often with poorer sleep and changes in appetite, which can contribute to weight gain. Aging and lifestyle factors also play a role, so an evaluation looks at the whole picture.

Question 64

Should I get my hormones tested if I'm gaining weight?

Accepted Answer

Targeted testing helps — especially blood sugar, thyroid and, when indicated, PCOS-related labs. Single estrogen levels are rarely useful for diagnosing perimenopause because they fluctuate widely.

Your questions, answered

About JennWell & appointments

Common symptoms

Biote® Hormone Pellet Therapy

GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss

PCOS & Metabolic Hormone Health

Perimenopause, Menopause & Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)

Cosmetic Injectables & Aesthetic Wellness

Preventative Women's Wellness & Annual Exams

Adolescent & Young Adult Gynecology

Birth Control & Family Planning

Didn't see your question?

Your questions, answered

About JennWell & appointments

Where is JennWell Women's Health located?

Who is the provider at JennWell?

How do I schedule an appointment?

Do I need a referral to be seen?

What areas does JennWell serve?

What is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner?

Do you see teens?

Does JennWell offer Biote hormone pellet therapy?

Does JennWell offer GLP-1 weight loss?

Do you offer both medical and aesthetic services?

How long are appointments?

What should I bring to my first visit?

Common symptoms

Why am I gaining weight in my 30s or 40s without changing anything?

Why am I exhausted all the time — is it perimenopause?

Why can't I focus or remember words anymore?

Why do I have jawline acne as an adult?

Hot flashes and night sweats are ruining my sleep. What works?

My periods are irregular or have stopped. Should I worry?

Sex has become painful or I'm dry all the time.

Pellets, injections, patches or pills — which hormone option is best?

Is GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide right for me?

My libido has disappeared and I'm exhausted. Could it be my hormones?

Biote® Hormone Pellet Therapy

What is Biote pellet therapy?

How often are pellets re-inserted?

Is pellet therapy right for me?

Does JennWell offer Biote hormone pellets?

How long do Biote pellets last?

Does pellet insertion hurt?

Are Biote pellets FDA-approved?

Do I need labs before starting pellets?

Does JennWell offer hormone pellets?

Are hormone pellets safe?

Are bioidentical hormones only available through compounding?

Is a patch safer than a pill?

Can I switch delivery methods later?

GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss

Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight loss?

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Can I use GLP-1 medication if I'm planning a pregnancy?

Does JennWell offer GLP-1 weight loss?

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Do I have to stay on GLP-1 medication forever?

Can GLP-1 medication help PCOS?

Who qualifies for weight-loss medication?

Can PCOS make it harder to lose weight?

Will hormone therapy help me lose weight?

Can I take weight-loss medication if I'm trying to get pregnant?

PCOS & Metabolic Hormone Health

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Can PCOS be treated without birth control pills?

Does PCOS go away after menopause?

Can thin women have insulin resistance with PCOS?

Is metformin safe for PCOS?

What is the best diet for PCOS insulin resistance?

Will treating insulin resistance regulate my periods?

Is it dangerous to go months without a period?

Can I get pregnant with PCOS?

Does birth control fix PCOS?

How do I know if I am ovulating?

Does spironolactone work for hormonal acne?

Can PCOS hair loss grow back?

Why is my acne only on my chin and jaw?

Will lowering testosterone stop facial hair?

Can perimenopause cause weight gain?

Should I get my hormones tested if I'm gaining weight?

Could I have PCOS if I've always had irregular periods and now I'm gaining weight?

Is weight gain in my 40s just inevitable?

How do I know if my acne is hormonal?

Does spironolactone work for hormonal acne?

Can birth control help acne?

Why did my acne get worse after stopping the pill?

Perimenopause, Menopause & Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)

What is the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones?

Is hormone therapy safe?

Do I need lab tests to start menopause treatment?