Benefits Of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Improves the sexual life. As men age, their testosterone levels decrease. The effect always results in poor sexual life. Testosterone is known for its sexual activeness it also deals with the mass formation of muscles, fat distribution across the body, and even sperm production. The reduction of this hormone will alter a lot of things in a mans life. It is important to plan for the cost and go on with the procedure.
In women, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease with an increase in age. Results in some negative impacts experienced due to these hormonal changes. Women experience some negative impacts, and it is always better to get bioidentical hormone therapy for better results.
How Does My Healthcare Provider Select My Dose
People on hormone treatment are watched very closely by their healthcare providers. The goal is to relieve symptoms with the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time. Depending on your healthcare provider, you might have routine blood, urine or saliva tests to check your hormone levels. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on your changing hormone needs.
The FDA recommends against using hormone levels to guide the dosing of hormone therapy in women, as normal levels fluctuate day to day. In particular, salivary hormone levels are known to fluctuate and have not been shown to be related to menopausal symptoms.
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Does Medical Insurance Cover Bhrt
The bioidentical hormone replacement therapy cost can be covered by your medical insurance. Because BHRT is still under investigation, some insurance providers may offer only partial coverage, but you can also claim full reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider and find out if they cover BHRT.
If you receive a BHRT prescription from an endocrinologist, so the therapy is indicated to you based on your officially diagnosed deficiency, it is likely going to be covered by insurance. However, some insurances may exclude some types of bioidentical hormones. If your insurance plan covers holistic or natural treatment, it might cover BHRT. You can also ask your therapist to choose bioidentical hormones that are included in your insurance.
Take into account that the Medicare standard plan doesnt cover bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Plans A and B also have a limited list of medications they cover. However, you may expand your plan with a Part D drug plan or get private insurance to get reimbursed.
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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:
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Pain during sex
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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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How Much Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Cost
Hormonal changes are a natural part of getting older but it can still become a major hindrance to your quality of life. Hormone Replacement Therapy is one of the most effective ways of overcoming the many symptoms linked to menopause and other major life changes. Dr. Cheryl Geer takes great pride in delivering transparent and personalized treatment. This starts with a consultation that offers full insight into the expected costs and much more.
Signs For Women To Consider
Your Periods Are Irregular
Since estrogen is a key component of healthy reproductive development in women, any change in levels will manifest during the menstrual cycle. About 25% of women are thought to experience irregular periods, and health experts suggest that you may be suffering from a drop in estrogen levels if you have periods that are lighter or heavier, longer or shorter, or more painful than usual.
You Have UTIs More Often
When estrogen levels drop, the lining of a womans urethra becomes thinner. This makes it easier for bacteria to get into the urinary tract. If you find that youre struggling with more frequent UTIs, the problem could be estrogen.
You Arent Enjoying Sex
Your Metabolism Has Slowed
As with men and testosterone, estrogen in women is important to keeping a healthy metabolism. When estrogen levels drop, women see a significant change in their energy levels. If this is happening to you, you may find that you suddenly feel no motivation to do things or that you struggle to accomplish routine tasks. You may also start to gain weight, even if your diet does not change. If you notice these changes, talk to us about whether BHRT can help.
You Experience Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Youre Having Mood Swings
Estrogen controls the mood by staying in balance with other hormones and helping in the production of natural chemicals that boost mood, like serotonin. When levels drop, it becomes harder to stay positive and calm.
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Bioidentical Hormone Test Cost With Insurance
Many insurance companies in the U.S. cover all the vital tests like the bioidentical hormone test. However, the coverage provided by private health insurance companies and national health insurance programs like Medicare varies widely. Most of the health insurance policies cover bioidentical hormone test costs only once or twice a year and when your physician orders more than twice in a year, you should pay the test cost out of pocket. So, you are recommended to check if your health insurance policy covers the bioidentical hormone test cost.
Our bioidentical hormone testing providers do not accept any kind of health insurance policy. However, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details viz the name of the test, code of the test, and CPT code which is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones are used in the body to communicate between different systems and organs to trigger responses. These molecules are an important part of our bodys physiology, and we can not function properly without them.
If you find that youre experiencing hormonal fluctuation symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help balance your hormone levels, and produce lasting benefits to your health.
One of the most common uses of BHRT is the easing of symptoms in menopausal women. Studies now show that menopause symptoms are linked to the beginning of a womans health decline. Although, by addressing the hormone imbalances happening in the body during this time, the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia in women can be greatly reduced.
In men, testosterone levels begin to drop as you age. The long term effects of low testosterone can cause weight gain, depression, and fatigue. By using BHRT these symptoms are greatly reduced as testosterone levels begin to rise.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help ease immediate symptoms of hormone imbalances, and prevent future health complications caused by these symptoms.
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Give Patients A Clear Understanding Of The Bhrt Treatment Process And Benefits
When it comes to the overall cost of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for patients, they should clearly understand everything about the therapy at the outset.
We suggest starting with these key talking points when explaining your services:
Wellness practitioners are already aware of such points. But your approach with the patients can change their minds.
Be sure to explain the steps that are involved in creating an individualized care plan, and what you have to offer that will help them become more empowered regarding their health.
Oprah And Bioidentical Hormones: Faq
Oprah Is Talking About Bioidentical Hormones for Menopause Experts Weigh In
Bioidentical hormones are one form of therapy for menopausal symptoms. Winfrey, who turns 55 this month, writes in February’s edition of O, The Oprah Magazine that she felt “out of kilter” and had “issues” for two years that she suspected were hormonal. Upon a friend’s recommendation, Winfrey went to a doctor who specializes in hormones.
Winfrey writes that the hormone specialist told her that her “hormonal tank was empty” and gave her a prescription for bioidentical estrogen.
“After one day on bioidentical estrogen, I felt the veil lift,” Winfrey writes. “After three days, the sky was bluer, my brain was no longer fuzzy, my memory was sharper. I was literally singing and had a skip in my step.”
Winfrey isn’t recommending bioidentical hormones for every menopausal woman. Instead, she urges women to “take charge of your health” and says it’s time to “start the conversation” about menopause and bioidentical hormones.
Oprah writes that bioidentical hormone therapy is controversial and confusing to many people.
What’s the controversy about? Are bioidentical hormones better or safer than other hormone therapy? WebMD has answers from experts.
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Side Effects Of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
As with most medications, bioidentical hormones can cause side effects. Some examples of side effects you may experience with estrogen and progesterone replacement include:
Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms like chest pain that doesnt go away, shortness of breath, or slurred speech. And make sure that youre performing regular self-exams to check for lumps in your breasts.
If you still have a uterus, using estrogen by itself can raise the risk of uterine cancer. Taking progesterone with it may help lower this risk. But if youve had a hysterectomy , using estrogen by itself is typically OK.
Are Natural Bioidentical Hormones The Best Choice For You
As women approach mid-life and start to experience menopause, many often wonder if hormone therapy is the right choice for them. hormone therapy is an important consideration for women, and for many, the choice as to which type to use, can be quite confusing. There are basically two types of hormone therapy: traditional, or the more natural approach, which is called bioidentical hormone replacement therapy .
Traditional hormone therapy, sometimes referred to as synthetic, are FDA approved medications that have been most commonly prescribed for hormone replacement. Bioidentical hormone therapy, or sometimes referred to as natural, are compounded at special pharmacies. With natural bioidentical hormones, there is good evidence that women can find relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance without the risks that come along with synthetic hormones.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as soy or yams, and are designed to replicate the same chemical structure as the hormones that are produced naturally by our bodies. Based on your hormone levels, a compounding pharmacy can individually tailor a bioidentical hormone regimen specifically designed for you by your physician. BHRT allows for the greatest ability to create custom therapy best suited for you as an individual. Typical cost should be $40-$45 per month.
Dr. Haley Explains Bioidentical Hormones
What are the Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
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Is Biote Right For You
Biote might be a good option for those who are experiencing hormone imbalances related to estrogen or testosterone deficiency. While a Biote-certified provider can help determine whether its right for you based on an initial evaluation and hormone panel, consider reaching out to your primary care physician first, as they will likely give you their honest opinion about the therapy.
However, its important to keep in mind that compounded hormone therapy is not FDA-approved, nor does the ACOG recommend it over available FDA-approved therapies.
Because they vary in strength and purity, customized compounded hormones pose more risk. Also, the risks and side effects associated with bioidentical hormones may vary depending on an individuals medical history, says Dr. Roskin. So that you fully understand the benefits and disadvantages, I recommend talking to your healthcare provider first to see if you might be a good candidate for this type of treatment.
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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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Side Effects Of Bioidentical Hormones
Though side effects can occur when a dose is first given many side effects get better as the body adjusts to the new level of hormones. Common side effects may include:
- Increased facial hair in women
Apart from this, you may also feel itchy around the area where you get a shot or where you apply your hormones if you use a patch, cream, or gel.
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.
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What Should I Expect From Bioidentical Hormone Therapy For Women
Balancing estrogen in your body takes careful consideration and a comprehensive approach. Our healthcare providers advise patients to follow the treatment plan very carefully. Your symptoms may worsen at first, but this is a sign that your body is adjusting to the higher levels of estrogen. If you experience any issues that are especially troublesome, speak with our staff so we can intervene as needed. Given time and patience, your body will regain a normal and healthy balance of estrogen, and you will see a gradual improvement in your physical health and emotional well-being.
One way that many of our patients see progress is by keeping a journal. Take notes about problems that you have, such as changes in mood, poor hair and skin quality, vaginal dryness, low libido, fatigue, and insomnia. Check these symptoms each week and look for even small improvements. Try not to focus on one specific symptom, but how these symptoms ebb.
Estrogen is important for feminine health, and it affects many aspects of your quality of life. Progressive Health & Rejuvenation Institute offers bioidentical hormone therapy for women in Jupiter, Wellington and Palm Beach County, FL, and communities throughout the United States. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
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