Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe
The WHI findings highlighted some of the serious risks associated with HRT. Since then, researchers have learned more about its potential benefits and risks.
Today, experts agree that most healthy women who are within 10 years of menopause can benefit from FDA-approved HRT to provide symptom relief. And there are ways to navigate some of these risks, like using the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time, and opting for local vaginal estradiol instead.
Your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits and risks of your specific situation to decide if hormone therapy is right for you.
As mentioned earlier, experts dont recommend compounded hormones. Thats because they havent been evaluated by the FDA. And because theyre made just for you, quality can vary by pharmacy. In fact, the FDA has tested compounded hormones from multiple pharmacies. The results showed hormone strengths ranging from less than 70% to almost 270% of what they should be.
This variability may cause the product to not work as well or cause more side effects. Yet, your healthcare provider may determine that a compounded hormone is right for you. If thats the case, its important to fill your prescription at an accredited compounding pharmacy they trust.
Cost Comparison Of Bioidentical Hormone Treatments
Comparing prices for BioBalance Health bioidentical hormone replacement with other forms of bioidentical hormones is like comparing apples to oranges. In terms of effect and bringing you back to your younger health and libido, there truly is no comparison between pellets and sublingual, vaginal or any other form of bio-identical hormone therapy. However, if cost is your major concern, the following may help you make a decision about your therapy.
BioBalance Pellets allow you to stop taking medications such as anti-depressants, migraine medication, anti-anxiety medication and many others. The co-pays for those traditional meds are going up all the time. Most of my patients end up saving money spent on medication when they use BioBalance Pellets!
The average cost of Bioidentical hormone replacement depends on the number of hormones in a preparation and the type of delivery system used for the hormones. Below is the cost comparison for a 4-month supply. It does not include shipping and handling for Sublingual/Vaginal and Duragel, or the time necessary to go to the pharmacy to fill the prescription.
Hormone Pellet therapy is based on the number of pellets received. Therapy is performed every 3 to 6 months. The cost for women averages $500 to $800 every 4 months
Sublingual/Vaginal Tablets given daily comes to between $126 and $222.00, plus a $40 compounding fee. The total would be from $166 to $ 262.00 every 4 months.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy For Men
For men, hormone replacement therapy generally refers to medications that raise the level of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is the primary male hormone, which dictates many aspects of health, including sexual interest and performance, as well as brain and bone health. When testosterone lowers as a result of the natural aging process, men become more vulnerable to health issues. Hormone replacement therapy can act as relief for these issues and a preventative measure at the same time.
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Will Insurance Cover Hormone Replacement Therapy
BioBalance Healths bioidentical hormone pellet therapy is a convenient, proven, and effective treatment for many symptoms of aging, and is superior to all other hormone replacement therapies.
BioBalance Health does not take insurance assignment, but we attempt to use insurance for labs before and after the first pellet insertion. We provide the paperwork necessary to receive reimbursement from insurance companies. Fortunately, medical savings accounts generally pay for BioBalance Health pellet replacement.
For men, the chances are good that their bioidentical hormone pellets will be covered by their insurance long before the next pellets are inserted usually six months. However, Women have more trouble getting reimbursement. This is not fair, but its up to patients to pester their insurance company to change this inequity.
Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe
In general, yes. A 2014 study showed bioidentical hormones have a better safety profile than synthetic hormones and a 2017 phase III study, the REPLENISH trial, produced an excellent safety profile. As with any therapy, there are risks of side effects but these can be mitigated with a personalized risk analysis based on personal and family history along with a regimented monitoring system.
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Your Health Is A Wise Investment
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal circumstances, and what youre realistically able to afford. More often than not, theres an option out there that will fit your budget.
Keep in mind that the potential future costs involved in treating other ailments or illnesses that arise as a result of hormonal imbalances such as chronic fatigue, depression, or a low sex drive can often cost much, much more.
Ask yourself, can you really put a price on your happiness and well-being?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms but youre unsure about whether you can afford the cost of treatment, contact us and a member of our staff will get in touch to talk you through your options.
Do YOU have low testosterone?
Hormone Replacement Therapy Doctors You Can Rely On
Inspire MedSpa offers hormone replacement therapy doctors near you! We work to help you find balance. Also, to help you feel better. If youre looking for hormone replacement therapy doctors near you in Blacksburg, VA, then consider working with us.
HRT is usually used as people age and hormone levels drop. Particularly, for women who are in perimenopause or menopause. Its used to bring up the levels of the hormones that have dropped and improve menopause symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes
- Loss of interest in sex
We serve a large region of patients for hormone therapy. Some of our geographic areas include:
- Blacksburg
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Is Bhrt Covered By Insurance
Current medical standards and research confirm that hormone replacement therapy, like BHRT, are effective for symptom relief from hormone imbalances. However, insurance plans offer different levels of coverage, and so various aspects of your treatment may or may not be included under your current plan. Talking to your insurance provider directly will help you determine which hormone treatments are covered, including specific lab tests and bioidentical hormone preparations.
Investing in Your Health
Insurance coverage is a consideration for many patients, but what your insurance does or does not cover is not necessarily an indication of what treatments will effectively improve your health and quality of life.
BHRT is also often most effective as part of a comprehensive plan to address lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, exercise, and treating any underlying conditions that contribute to hormone imbalance. At Nava Center, we see BHRT as an investment in your health and quality of life. We also believe in a holistic, functional approach to treating hormone issues its part of the Nava Method.
Untreated hormone-related conditions like depression, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and osteoporosis can have a significant tool on your emotional, physical, and even financial health in the future. We believe that investing in your health today is vital to your future happiness.
Personally Adapted Individual Doses
Therefore, everyone receives the exact amount of hormones that they actually require in their current phase of life customized hormones, for you personally!By constantly adapting the dosage , the hormones are adjusted step by step, aiming to perfectly meet the individual needs.
That way we can be sure to find the optimal dose for the individual person in their current stage in life theres no better way!
Because of the fact that hormone levels are regularly checked, hormones can also be neatly adapted to changes in life.
If there is only one dose available as is usually the case , then thats like having one size of swimsuit to fit everyone it will always be too tight or too loose somewhere.
Because we are able to avoid over and underdosing, the symptoms you are suffering from will become less and less after a certain amount of time, until all the unwanted effects have disappeared thats when the hormone dose is a perfect fit!
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Will My Insurance Cover It
Typically, hormone therapys true out-of-pocket expenses are difficult to pin down, as they vary wildly from patient to patient, provider to provider, insurer to insurer. You see, every treatment plan is individualized to your exact needs, so just as theres no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, the same is true for pricing.
If you lack the requisite health coverage, the prescription alone can cost anywhere between $30 to $50 for men, and $40 to $60 for women . This price is dependent on the treatment administered , the extent of the treatment required, as well as the type of artificial or bioidentical hormones used.
When you combine the cost of medication with the various other services and consultations, treatment can average anywhere between $250 $500 per month. Do note that your costs should fall over time. The initial outlay is often higher, as the amount of lab work and consultations required to track the root cause of your symptoms, and then tailor a plan to suit, are time-intensive tasks.
Lab work, for example, can cost upwards of $1,500 without financial help from your insurer, but providers like Genesys Medical Institute go that extra mile to ensure your health comes first by providing a FREE initial hormone evaluation, followed by a 45 minute review of labs for half the normal cost at just $75.
The Process Of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
There is always a procedure followed when you require therapy. First, there should be a consultation between the doctor and patient, which is used to provide the best options for the client. You should undergo series of tests and have candid discussions with your doctor to determine the best plan and whether bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is good for you.
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How Much Does Hrt Cost
Your cost for hormone replacement therapy will be based on your specific treatment needs. To make HRT accessible for most patients, we offer affordable subscription plans. Our average HRT subscription plan costs $150 per month and includes medications, provider consults, all lab work, and more. You can learn more about the cost of hormone replacement therapy at Rejuvime and get answers to commonly asked questions on a related page.
What To Expect When Starting Bhrt
When beginning your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treatment, you will first consult with a hormone health professional.
You will be asked to provide your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and will undergo extensive lab tests to measure your hormone levels. You and your doctor will also discuss your health goals, and your doctor will explain your hormone treatment options.
Once your test results are in, your doctor will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. You will be taking personalized bioidentical hormones prepared specially for you or standardized BHRT products based on your lab results and symptoms.
This type of treatment is designed to work over a long period of time. It is designed to ease your hormone imbalance symptoms, and provide balance back to your body.
In the long term, you can expect a few follow up appointments with your doctor per year to track your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
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What Are Bioidentical Hormones Used For
As you get older, your hormone levels decline. These changes are usually most significant during menopause, especially with estrogen and progesterone. Lower levels of these hormones can result in symptoms like hot flashes, sleeping problems, and vaginal dryness.
Hormones including bioidentical hormones are used to replace these hormones in your body to help provide relief. This is referred to as hormone replacement therapy . Sometimes the term BHRT is used when specifically talking about bioidentical hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are used to treat a number of menopause symptoms, including:
-
Hot flashes
-
Pain during sex
-
Bladder problems
Some hormone products are also used to help prevent certain medical conditions that are influenced by hormone levels, like osteoporosis.
Depending on your specific symptoms, your healthcare provider will recommend the best option for you. For example, vaginal estradiol may work best if youre experiencing vaginal symptoms. And some healthcare providers may treat other symptoms, like low libido, with testosterone. But this is considered an off-label use for FDA-approved testosterone products.
Bioidentical hormones arent just for women. Theyre used in men, too. Thats because age and other factors can cause testosterone levels in men to decline. Low testosterone can cause symptoms like hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes. Read more about testosterone replacement options here.
Can Bhrt Be Combined With Other Treatments
If youre suffering from other health concerns that arent related to hormonal imbalance, BHRT can be incorporated into your wellness plan and used alongside other treatments to help you feel your best. Many patients are able to achieve their fitness goals by combining BHRT with a healthy weight loss program, while others may benefit from adding PRP therapy or IV infusions to their holistic treatment plan. Bioidentical hormones can also be included as part of an anti-aging regimen to give your skin a healthy glow or used to alleviate the symptoms and side effects of certain medical treatments or pharmaceutical drugs. Whatever your needs, our team of doctors and scientific experts can recommend the right approach for achieving an optimal outcome and devise a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Interested in learning more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy? Book a consultation with one of our BHRT therapy San Diego doctors. Our clinicians can answer any questions you may have and even suggest other treatment options based on your specific health and wellness goals.
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What Makes The Rimkus Method Better
As explained above, we exclusively use human-identical hormones in our therapy according to Dr. Rimkus, which is one step further than the conventional and vague concept of bio-identical hormones.
You will be prescribed unmodified hormones, which are exactly right for humans and not only similar to them.
Due to individual doses and the fact that no additives are used, side effects can be avoided, but the positive effects of hormones start showing up again!
Its like being rejuvenated from inside.
Why do we sometimes initially encounter unwanted or unexpected effects from applying the Rimkus Method ?
Here the explanation and what to do:
Will Insurance Cover My Testosterone Treatments
The large majority of insurance providers will often cover most, and in some cases all, of the ongoing prescriptions costs. They may also cover additional expenses, including blood tests and lab work.
In the case that insurance will not cover labs or prescription hormones, we can arrange for huge cash discounts. That said, its always best to consult with your insurer to see just how much youll be paying, and how much theyre likely to cover.
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Applying Bioidentical Hormones Correctly And Measuring Levels According To Dr Rimkus
When we refill hormone levels, then we should think up ahead what approximate levels we are aiming for.
Dr. Volker Rimkus simply tried it out by prescribing higher and lower dosages and minutely recording how his patients were doing. That resulted in a TARGET CORRIDOR, into which he gradually led his patients.
Dr. Dr. Thomas Beck looked into it and was fortunately able to confirm these target ranges with studies he came upon, verifying the exact same range.
The TARGET CORRIDORS or target ranges partly differ considerably from the common standard levels, as these common standard levels are STATISTICAL average hormone levels. But we have long since known that hormone levels drop while we get older, causing the well-known symptoms of a deficiency.
If we define these statistically normal low hormone levels as standard, then that would tell us that hormone levels decrease as we get older. But thats nothing new. So, the question must be: How high do our hormone levels need to be at least so that NO MORE SYMPTOMS OF A DEFICIENCY show up.
And that would then exactly be the Rimkus target range or Rimkus target corridor .
Bhrt Is An Investment In Your Health
BHRT practitioners often specialize in bioidentical treatment options because they have seen a failure of conventional care to meet the needs of their patients, and they strive to find a better way. They believe strongly in BHRT as part of a comprehensive plan that includes personalized dosing along with lifestyle recommendations to help you feel your best. As such, choosing BHRT is an immediate investment in your quality of life. Within days to weeks, patients commonly experience relief from the physical and emotional symptoms of hormonal fluctuation and imbalance, paving the way for enhanced overall well-being.
BHRT can also be a preventive investment in your future health. Untreated hormone-related conditions can take a significant emotional, physical, and even financial toll. By limiting the development of the serious sequelae of long-term hormone imbalancessuch as depression, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosisyou will be improving your outlook for continuing good health.
High-quality, individualized care that includes regular monitoring will ensure that an appropriate risk-to-benefit balance is maintained. This means finding an experienced, hormone health practitioner who can customize the best dosage, route of administration, and treatment duration for youand track your progress over the long-term.
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