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Hormone Therapy

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the use of exogenous hormones; in other words, hormones not made by your own body. Synthetic HRT came about in the 1940s and was highly popular until the 1970s when the studies indicated that oral conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs) were associated with cancer. Popularity of course declined rapidly, but in the 1980s it was shown that cancer was not significantly increased in patients whose progesterone and estrogen levels were well balanced. Progestin (synthetic progesterone) was then developed to balance estrogen.  

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Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BioHRT) uses hormones which better mimic hormones that your body produces making them both safer and more effective.  By compounding bioidentical hormones, we have more control over the ingredients and the dose which we prescribe patients. This is great for patients who are sensitive to certain ingredients and clinically I prefer to use the lowest effective dose possible which cannot always be achieved with standard pharmacy prescriptions. Prescriptions may include progesterone, biest, testosterone, DHEA, and more. 

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BioHRT Research Articles: 

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Frequently Ask Questions

Who should consider bioHRT?

This is a very individualized decision and takes several factors into account - symptoms, age, general health & well being, and family history.  Contraindications aside, bioHRT is well-suited for those who have failed other interventions, have a documented hormone deficiency or imbalance, and experiencing the following symptoms: 

  • Hot flashes

  • Fatigue

  • Reduced stamina

  • Declining muscle mass

  • Mood swings, anxiety, depression, PMS

  • Heavy and/or painful periods

  • Irregular periods

  • Infertility

  • Joint pain

  • Weight gain

  • Hair loss/thinning

  • Acne

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What delivery methods are available?

There are several options for bioHRT including capsules, troches, lozenges, topical creams, gels, injections, and pellets. We do not offer pellets at this time. 

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How do you test for hormone imbalances and deficiencies?

There are several options for testing and which one we choose for you depends on several factors.  Here is a breakdown of the benefits of each: 

  • Blood

    • Typically covered by insurance.

    • Industry standard. 

    • Easy to do in office or at a draw station. 

  • Urine​

    • Gives you a 24-hr average of levels. 

    • Provides insight into how the body is metabolizing hormones. 

    • Out-of-pocket cost ($250 on avg)

  • Saliva

    • Can collect at home. ​

    • No needle stick!

    • Great for cortisol. 

    • Not accurate for oral progesterone or if using troches or sublingual hormones. 

    • Out-of-pocket cost ($180-250)

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