Women's Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
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Women's Bioidentical Hormone Replacement -
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances in Women
Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency:
Hot flashes, Night sweats
Vaginal dryness, Painful intercourse
Urinary incontinence, Recurrent UTIs
Mood swings, Depression, Anxiety
Dry hair and skin
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue, Joint pain
Breast tenderness or changes
Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
Short menstrual cycles (less than 21 days)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Anxiety and/or Mood swings
Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
Increased risk of miscarriage
Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency:
Low libido and/or sexual satisfaction
Fatigue and/or Lack of motivation
Decreased physical endurance
Difficulty concentrating
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Increased body fat
Thinning skin and/or Hair loss
Depression
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Estrogen: Topical Cream, Topical Gel, Pellet Therapy
Testosterone: Subcutaneous Injection, Oral Troche, Topical Gel, Pellet Therapy
Progesterone: Oral Capsule, Sublingual Tablet, Oral Troche, Topical Gel, Topical Cream
WHAT TO EXPECT
Non-Pellet Hormone Therapy
All non-pellet therapies are prescribed in three month intervals. The hormones prescribed are all bio-identical and will be drop-shipped directly to your home from our properly certified and highly trusted compounding pharmacies.
Pellet Hormone Therapy
The patient and provider will conduct an initial consultation visit via video. The patient will be required to have blood work drawn in order to aid the provider in determining the necessity for, and safety of, hormone therapy treatment for the patient. The patient and provider will meet again via video to review blood work results and develop the treatment plan. This is the visit at which the provider will clear, or not clear, the patient for pellet hormone therapy treatment. Upon gaining medical clearance, the patient and provider will schedule an in-home concierge visit at which the provider will perform the minimally-invasive pellet insertion.
The patient will be required to have new blood work drawn at 5 weeks post pellet insertion. If required, a Booster Visit will be performed to insert additional pellets in order to reach the optimal serum hormone levels.
The range of effectiveness for pellet hormone replacement is 3-6 months, which will depend on patient-specific variables. These variables may include metabolic rate, smoking status, activity level, hormone sensitivity, and more.
AVERAGE COST EXPECTATIONS
Initial Consultation and Follow Up Visit with Lab Review: $99
Non-Pellet Follow Up Visits: $69
Non-Pellet Medication Costs: $75-$350
Initial Pellet Insertion: $500
Pellet Booster Visit: $250
Follow Up Pellet Insertions: $400
Hormone Replacement FAQ’s
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with bioidentical hormones is often considered safe and effective by many healthcare providers, especially when compared to traditional synthetic hormone therapies. Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced by the human body. Many patients report experiencing fewer side effects with bioidentical hormones compared to synthetic hormones. This may be due to the body’s better recognition and utilization of these hormones.
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Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is available in various forms to suit different preferences and medical needs. These forms include:
-Oral Tablets or Capsules
-Transdermal Patches
-Adhesive patches
-Topical Creams and Gels
-Transdermal Sprays
-Vaginal Creams, Gels, and Suppositories
-Pellets
-Injectables
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Blood Testing: Hormone levels are tested in blood samples through a process where a healthcare professional draws a small amount of blood from a vein, typically in the arm. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes analysis to measure the concentrations of specific hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.
Urine Hormone Testing: MOST ACCURATE. DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) urine hormone testing is a method used to measure hormone levels and their metabolites in a dried urine sample. This test provides a comprehensive analysis of various hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and their metabolites, offering insights into hormonal balance and overall endocrine health. Patients collect urine samples on filter paper at specific times over a 24-hour period, which are then dried and sent to a laboratory for analysis. DUTCH testing is valued for its ability to provide a detailed picture of hormone production and metabolism.
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Some women may need to stay on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for an extended period or indefinitely due to various factors. For some, HRT effectively manages menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings, significantly improving their quality of life. Additionally, HRT can help prevent osteoporosis by maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fractures. In cases of premature or surgically-induced menopause, HRT may be necessary to mitigate the abrupt loss of hormones and associated symptoms. Furthermore, for individuals with certain medical conditions like hypogonadism or hormone deficiencies, ongoing hormone therapy is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and overall health. Ultimately, the decision to stay on HRT is individualized, based on a thorough evaluation of risks, benefits, and the woman's specific health needs, with close monitoring by a healthcare provider.