What are the signs that you need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Not sleeping well or at all
Having hot flashes and/or night sweats
Having joint, muscle, and/or body aches
Hearing from friends and family that you’re acting or reacting unusually
Feeling low in energy, or feeling like you can't be as active as normal
Feeling like you’re not as productive as normal
Getting upset by things that would not normally upset you
Feeling like you’re not in control of your body or emotions
Having problems with memory, thinking, speaking, working
Having discomfort with sexual activity
Having any discomfort that is persistent and not resolving
Wondering ‘why is this happening to me?’
What is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT involves the use of hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced in the body, particularly estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources, such as soy or yams, and are designated to replicate the molecular structure of hormones found in the human body.
BHRT is often compounded on an individual basis to meet the specific hormonal needs of each person.
While the individual hormones used in BHRT are FDA-approved, the compounded formulations themselves may not be FDA-approved, as they are tailored to individual needs.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT typically refers to the use of hormones to supplement or replace hormones that the body may not produce in sufficient quantities. Often used during menopause or in cases of hormonal deficiencies.
HRT can involve the use of synthetic hormones or hormones derived of animal sources.
Many HRT formulations are FDA-approved and available in standardized doses.
Common synthetic hormones used in HRT include conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate.
HRT often uses standardized doses, and the ratios of hormones in these formulations may differ from the natural hormones in the human body.
The Pros and Cons of HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with hormonal changes, particularly in menopause for women and andropause for men. Here are some pros and cons associated with HRT:
Pros:
Symptom relief: HRT can effectively alleviate symptoms associated with menopause (such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings) in women and andropause (such as decreased libido, fatigue, and mood changes) in men.
Bone health: In women, HRT can help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, by maintaining bone density.
Heart health: Some studies suggest that HRT might have a protective effect against heart disease in younger women, although this is a topic of ongoing research and debate.
Improved quality of life: By alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, HRT can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing hormonal changes.
Management of vaginal symptoms: For women experiencing vaginal dryness and discomfort during menopause, HRT can help restore vaginal moisture and elasticity.
Cons:
Increased risk of certain health issues: HRT has been associated with an increased risk of certain health issues, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease. The risks vary depending on factors such as age, hormone type, dosage, and duration of use.
Cardiovascular risks: While some studies suggest a potential cardiovascular benefit for younger women using HRT, others have found an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, particularly in older women and those with existing risk factors.
Side effects: HRT can cause side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, mood swings, and vaginal bleeding. These side effects usually improve over time or with adjustments to the hormone regimen.
Cost and inconvenience: HRT can be costly, especially if not covered by insurance. Additionally, it requires regular doctor visits for monitoring and prescription refills.
Not suitable for everyone: HRT may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions such as breast cancer, liver disease, blood clots, or a history of stroke or heart disease.
Are Bioidentical Hormones covered by insurance?
Bioidentical hormones are plant derived and typically come from soy or yam plants. The ingredients used to make Bioidentical Hormone therapy are FDA approved. There are a few FDA approved standardized dosages of Bioidentical Hormone products, but not many.
Most doctors and HRT specialists who prescribe Bioidentical HRT want to be able to custom dose the ratio of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Those non-standardized dosages are not FDA approved and for that reason, most private insurance companies don't cover BHRT. They may cover the doctor visit and any testing, but the meds themselves will likely need to be paid for out of your pocket.
I've been on different types of BHRT over the years and the most I ever paid out of pocket for the meds was $65-75 per month.
Hormone Therapy Clinic Near Me
It's tempting to go to google and search for Bioidentical Hormones near me, but most traditional doctors and their networks don't do a great job of helping the common patient understand what they offer and what to expect.
Personally, I felt like I was able to "shop" and make a much better decision by researching online, telehealth HRT doctors and specialists. Many of them put their products and pricing on their website and do a decent job of helping you understand their process, so you are informed along the way.
I have done some of the work for you and provide reviews in my website, Hormone Therapy Hub. Click button below to see our trusted providers and reviews of how they operate their practices.