Answers to Frequently
Asked Questions
-
What are
bioidentical hormones (BHRT)?
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Who needs BHRT?
-
Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic
hormones?
-
What are the benefits of bioidentical
hormones?
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How do I get started?
Bioidentical
hormones are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones
made by your own body. Synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug
companies can’t patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic
hormones that are patentable (Premarin, Prempro and Provera being the most
widely used examples).
Although
bioidentical hormones have been around for years, most physicians are unfamiliar
with them. There are several branded versions now available for use in the kind
of hormone replacement therapy (“HRT”) typical of synthetic hormones. This is
generally a one-size-fits-all dosage regime.
Individuals who suffer from PMS, menopausal/andropausal
symptoms, loss of sex drive, chronic fatigue,
insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches, weight
gain, persistent pain, or many other common
conditions could benefit from our BHRT program.
We long ago
concluded that the answer to this question is yes. But that doesn’t mean
bioidentical hormones are perfect. The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is
that they are natural, and our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to
do, minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often
produce intolerable side effects. Moreover, the compounded bioidentical hormones
can be matched individually to each person’s needs – something that’s just
impossible with mass-produced products.
Our BHRT program
provides many benefits for patients with hormonal
imbalances including:
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Restored
hormone balance and relief of related
symptoms
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Improved
heart health
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ยทIncreased
bone production and prevention of
osteoporosis
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Enhanced
energy and sex drive
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Reduced
wrinkles and improved skin tone
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Improved
mental sharpness and better memory
In our
practice, we have an individualized approach.
To get started,
contact us at the below number to set up your
appointment. We will send you a medical
questionnaire by fax, e-mail or snail mail to
complete. Once you have completed the questionnaire
you would send it back to us prior to your first
visit. The doctor will review your history prior to
your arrival. The initial consultation usually lasts
one hour. At that time, initial laboratory tests
will be ordered.
Treatment
usually
begins with the follow-up appointment which will
last about 30 minutes. Your laboratory work (which
should be back in a week or two) will be evaluated
and an individualized treatment plan will be made at
this time. We will prescribe a precise dosage of
BHRT that is made up at a compounding pharmacy.
Follow-up:
You will
then be monitored carefully through regular
follow-up hormone panels to ensure that you get
symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the
initial stages, we will do a hormone panel every
three months. A follow up appointment will also be
made at this time to review your laboratory tests
and response to treatment. Adjustments will be made
at that time if needed. Further follow-up will
depend on your individual needs but typically is
every 6 months until hormone levels are stabilized.
Once balance is restored, we’ll do one panel a year
at the time of the annual exam.
