We’re discussing everything you need to know about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. If you want a better option to balance your hormones and feel revitalized again, this is a great place to start.
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a popular option for men and women suffering from hormone imbalances. While there are other replacement therapy options, bioidentical replacement therapy is considered a natural solution to revitalize hormones. It’s considered natural because hormones are extracted from plant or animal sources rather than chemically produced in a lab.
At Central Wellness, the preferred method of receiving bioidentical replacement therapy is implanted pellets. Pellets implanted beneath the skin provide a quicker, more sustained hormonal level. It helps avoid metabolizing in the liver, which allows the body to use the appropriate amount needed for optimal success.
Other ways to receive bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are through creams, gels, tablets, shots, and patches. Talk to your doctor or Central Wellness hormone specialist to discover which option is best for you and your lifestyle. Could you be suffering from a hormone imbalance? Take our free quiz to find out.
Janine Discussing Hormones
How do you know if you need BHRT?
Though we don’t think about it in our day-to-day lives, our hormones constantly control most of our body’s basic functions. People who don’t have any hormone deficiencies don’t have to worry about their body’s basic functions.
On the other hand, for people who suffer from hormone imbalances, the cost is huge. Even just a slight imbalance of hormones can send your body’s functions into disarray. Bioidentical replacement therapy is a wonderful solution in these cases. The question it all comes down to is: when do you want to start feeling like yourself again?
Common Symptoms in Women
Common Symptoms in Men
- Hair loss
- Loss of muscle mass
- Lack of sex drive
- Depression
- Fatigue
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy Benefits
Whether you’re experiencing unexpected hormonal imbalances or the natural effects of aging, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy could benefit you.
Almost every patient who undergoes bioidentical treatment at Central Wellness experiences an almost immediate renewed sense of well-being. Most patients see a change in symptoms in as early as four weeks. They can expect fully balanced hormones in as little as two to four months. We’ve seen clients help age healthier and live happier because of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy!
Common benefits of treatment
- Increased energy
- Weight loss
- Improved libido
- Better sleep
- Prevention of age-related diseases
- Decreased hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood stability
Questions to consider about BHRT
When you’ve been suffering from hormonal imbalances for a long time, it’s hard to remember what you felt like before. Here are a few of the questions we ask clients considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy at Central Wellness:
- Do you experience frequent fatigue?
- Has your muscle mass decreased recently?
- Do you have mood swings that didn’t previously occur?
- Has your sex drive decreased over the years?
- Have you experienced irregular weight gain?
Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy safe?
Unlike other synthetic methods, bioidentical hormones occur naturally. To create them, professionals extract hormones from natural yam and soy plants to match precise hormones found in the body.
If you’ve heard bad stories from replacement therapy, you might be thinking of synthetic hormone therapy. In the past, clinicians used synthetic hormones to counteract decreases in bodily hormones. These types of hormones are created entirely in a lab, and the molecular structure isn’t suited to the human body.
Unfortunately, synthetic methods can increase the risk for certain types of cancer and heart disease. The good news is that bioidentical hormone replacement patients at Central Wellness are not synthetic and, therefore, not known to cause these severe consequences.
The FDA has approved hormones derived from plant sources, such as soy and yams. These are the kinds of hormones we use at Central Wellness. Our bioidentical hormones are formulated in a lab and shipped directly to the compounding pharmacy, where they are customized to fit each client’s needs. Since bioidentical hormones are completely customized to your needs, FDA regulation can be difficult.
What are the side effects?
Though severe side effects are rare with Central Wellness procedures, the possibilities are important to discuss. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common side effects include tiredness, headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, and indigestion. More side effects include weight gain, blurred vision, acne, increased facial hair, spotting, cramping, and mood swings.
Are there dangers I should know about?
In some cases, women should avoid hormone therapy to combat the negative effects of menopause. The Cleveland Clinic advises that the most severe dangers of bioidentical hormone therapy involve a higher risk of blood clots, strokes, and gallbladder disease.
Since there can be risks associated with any body treatment, always consult a doctor before starting any treatment. We perform thorough testing and evaluation at Central Wellness to disqualify patients to whom therapy would be harmful for.
The Women’s Health Initiative released a study in 2002 that caused some confusion with hormone therapy. In this study, synthetic hormones estrogen, an oral horse estrogen, and a synthetic progestin were tested. The administration of the hormones Premarin® and Provera® were given orally, causing it to pass through the liver, increasing clotting factors and inflammatory proteins.
In a more 2007 study for breast cancer research, however, when a woman was given a natural combination of estrogen and progesterone, there was no increased risk of breast cancer compared to those who never used estrogen. Additionally, those who used a natural combination containing estradiol resulted in a lower risk for breast cancer than those who never used hormone replacement.
How much does BHRT cost?
The cost of bioidentical hormone therapy depends on the form of treatment you decide to receive. Generally speaking, topical solutions like creams and gels tend to be more affordable. On the flip side, ingested or injected treatments can be more expensive but still preferred. Prices for treatment range from $45-$150.
Is BHRT covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy depends on your insurance provider and the clinic you choose to receive treatment at. Some insurance providers consider this treatment ‘wellness’ rather than sick care. In these cases, insurance rarely covers treatment.
At Central Wellness, you may be able to get insurance coverage on your lab work, depending on your insurance plan. Let’s work together to see how you can be reimbursed for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy covered by insurance.
Follow-up Care at Central Wellness
The team of medical providers at Central Wellness rely on extensive blood testing and patient evaluation to formulate a treatment tailor-made to each patient’s needs. Each medical provider is qualified and experienced in treating and monitoring your hormones. Our medical providers are Board Certified by World Link Medical in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement.
When you join our therapy program, require initial blood draw to look for any hormone deficiencies. After your blood testing, our Board Certified Nurse Practitioner prescribes a treatment to best match your results. After your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we check your levels every four to six weeks.
For every client, we prefer to check levels every six to twelve months. It’s our goal to keep you functioning at the highest level of health and well-being – so you can feel like you again.
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