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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - What to Know and Where to Start

06
Mar

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy – What to Know and Where to Start

It is common for people over 40 years old to begin experiencing hormonal imbalances. Throughout our lives we encounter environmental and dietary toxins that contribute to aging which, in turn, lead to the natural decline of hormones. With today’s medical technology, this decline can be remedied by bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has emerged as the go-to way to restore one’s optimal hormone levels. If you are considering treatment, it is important to make sure you know what to expect to get the best results possible.

Many typical signs of aging can be resolved by hormone replacement treatments. If you are experiencing and/or suffering from one or more of the following symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be helpful for you.

  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Sleeplessness
  • Memory loss/Brain Fog
  • Fatigue/Low Energy
  • Mood swings
  • Hair loss
  • Dry, loose skin
  • Low libido
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Joint pain/muscle aches

What exactly is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy? Is it the same as natural hormone therapy?
Bioidentical Hormones are hormones that have the same chemical structure of those that are made in our bodies. “Natural” hormones are naturally occurring, but not necessarily natural to the human body. For example, Premarin is natural but is derived from pregnant mare urine and is not bioidentical to human estrogen. Although it can serve as a substitute for women with less than healthy levels of estrogen, it cannot serve the purpose as well as that of a bioidentical substitute. The body can’t distinguish bioidentical hormones from the ones that our bodies make. This is significant because non-bioidentical hormones can often trick our bodies into responding like it would to our own naturally occurring hormones. However, as extensive studies have shown, these synthetic hormones may have significant long term consequences — one, in particular, being an increased risk of cancer.

Why doesn’t my traditional primary care doctor or gynecologist prescribe it to me?
Traditional insurance based medical practitioners doctors are often not able to prescribe bioidenticals for a couple of reasons. First of all, it requires an intensive amount of additional training and knowledge to properly understand and prescribe bioidentical hormones. Many physicians in the U.S. are generally overwhelmed by the numbers of patients they need to see, barely able to serve their patients in the time allowed. Secondly, insurance-based practitioners also must use the medication formularies required by medical insurances. Medical insurance does not generally cover BHRT because they are not mass produced by big pharmaceutical companies. BHRT is compounded specifically for each patient’s needs by compounding pharmacies. Naturally occurring substances in the body are not easily patented and thus rarely funded by “Big Pharma.”

How will I know if I am a good candidate for BHRT?
It is as simple as a blood test and a quick review of your symptoms. At The Med Spot, we work with labs to get your blood drawn at a reasonable price and with help from your insurance. Dr. Reyes will then review the results of your lab work with you in consultation. Together, you will determine if your specific symptoms could be alleviated with hormone therapy.

There Are Multiple Options to Suit Your Needs
One major benefit of these bioidentical compounded hormones is that treatment is available in a variety of methods and forms. Dr. Reyes has over 15 years of experience in all forms of these supplements. These methods of administration can be tailored to your specific needs and could include any of the following forms of application:

  • Creams
  • Gels
  • Injections
  • Patches
  • Pills
  • Sublingual troches (under the tongue)
  • Pellets

Woodland Hills’ Go-to Specialists
If you are suffering from issues related to hormonal imbalances and believe that BHRT may be good for you, come to see why so many Los Angeles based residents turn to the experts at The Med Spot. Led by Dr. Michelle Reyes, we are proud to be the Woodland Hills’ area’s leader in hormone therapy.

The Med Spot staff will work closely with you to find the best course of action and the best plan of treatment for you. Living with a hormone imbalance can sometimes feel like you’re hardly living at all. To learn more about BHRT or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reyes or another member of our friendly staff please call or visit us today.

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