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FAQ: Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are an exact chemical match to the hormones that are naturally produced by the human body. They are made from soy, yams and other plant extracts.

What are synthetic hormones?

Synthetic hormones are made from plant progesterone and animal estrogens, but are not identical to the hormones the body makes. Synthetic hormones can be toxic because their chemical makeup cannot be properly metabolized.

What are the benefits of using bioidentical hormones?

For women suffering from the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, bioidentical hormones can alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain, and low libido.

For men experiencing andropause (male menopause), bioidentical hormones can help with weight gain, decreased libido, fatigue, stress, low energy, loss of muscle mass, and increased body fat.

What are the side effects of using bioidentical hormones?

There are few side effects because bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made naturally by the body. If the dosage of hormone is too high, side effects can occur. Austin Wellness Clinic anti-aging physicians closely monitor each patient to ensure the proper dosage.

Will I have an increased risk of heart disease or breast cancer if I use bioidentical hormones?

No. When prescribed and monitored by educated, licensed health professionals, bioidentical hormones do not pose the increased risks of heart disease or breast cancer that synthetic hormones do.

How long will I have to take bioidentical hormones?

Each individual is biochemically unique. It depends on a number of factors including how well one’s body responds to bioidentical hormone therapy, as well as the individual’s diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns and stress levels. Some people can decrease and eventually eliminate various hormones once they become balanced and experience fewer symptoms of menopause or andropause.

When can I expect to see the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy?

Because everyone is unique, it varies with each person and depends on which hormone therapy is being used, as well as the individual’s diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns and stress levels. Some individuals will experience relief from symptoms immediately, with the majority of results typically being seen within a three- to six-month time period.

Will bioidentical hormone therapy interfere with any medications I am currently taking?

Not usually. In fact, some medications can be reduced or discontinued if no longer needed.

Are bioidentical hormones approved and regulated by the FDA?

While the ingredients in bioidentical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are approved by the FDA, the FDA does not approve any compounded products because of the lack of standardization. It is important to use the highest quality compounding pharmacy and ensure that they follow the most stringent guidelines and have excellent quality assurance.

What is a compounding pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that prepares customized medications prescribed by a licensed practitioner. The quality of the ingredients used, the expertise of the pharmacist and the quality of customer service are all critical decisions when choosing a compounding pharmacy.

Austin Wellness Clinic uses the most highly reputable Austin-based compounding pharmacies that have a proven track record of safety and reliability.

Why are compounded bioidentical hormones a better option that synthetic hormones?

Unlike synthetic hormones (hormones made by pharmaceutical companies from animals), compounded bioidentical hormones have a few important advantages:

Compounded bioidentical hormones are made specifically for you in the exact dose recommended by your doctor and based on your physiological needs
Compounded bioidentical hormones are made at the time they are prescribed, reducing the need for unnecessary additives such as fillers, binders and preservatives

Do I need a prescription for bioidentical hormones?

Yes. Bioidentical hormones are medications that are made in a compounding pharmacy and require a prescription from a licensed practitioner.

What are the testing methods used?

Austin Wellness Clinic’s practitioners use both saliva and serum (blood) spot hormone testing kits. Because some hormones are better followed by different types of testing, our doctors use saliva hormone testing to ensure accuracy when determining sex hormone levels - when it comes to thyroid function and testing, we use a virtually painless blood spot test. We use only the best hormone testing facilities in the nation to ensure consistent, reliable results.

How accurate is the testing?

Saliva testing has been extensively studied for over 30 years, and has been available to practitioners for more than a decade. It correctly measures hormone levels at the cellular level. It most accurately indicates the amount of biologically interactive form of each hormone, or the amount of hormone readily available for use by the body. Saliva hormone testing can be used to test estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol.

Unlike salvia testing, serum testing measures the amount of hormones in the blood. Serum hormone testing identifies the amount of “free” hormone, or hormone that can easily enter a cell, and “total” hormone, or hormone that is attached to other substances in the bloodstream, and sometimes a combination of both free and total hormones. Serum testing is currently the only method for testing the thyroid. This can be done through blood collection, or a simple blood spot test.

When considering BHRT, it is important to be sure you see a doctor that specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy and will be able to confidently order the appropriate testing for each specific scenario. Bioidentical hormone therapy is not a “one size fits all.” Dr. Haest specializes in individualized BHRT.

What are the delivery methods for bioidentical hormones?

Because each person is biologically different Austin Wellness Clinic offers bioidentical hormone therapy in a variety of delivery methods to ensure proper uptake, including sublingual hormones, hormone cream, and injectible hormone. Our doctor will prescribe the method that best fits your specific needs.

What are the costs involved?

Cost will vary based on a number of factors including what type of testing Dr. Haest recommends, and which hormones you are prescribed. Fixed costs are as follows:

$249 for initial hour long consultation

$125 for follow up visits

*Note: it is important to be cautious when analyzing cost differences for bioidentical hormone therapy from one clinic to the next, as some that advertise set prices do not include follow-up testing. Austin Wellness Clinic will only recommend tests that are pertinent to your specific situation and will truly tailor individual protocols on a patient by patient basis.

Do you take insurance?

Because we want to offer the best level of healthcare possible, Austin Wellness Clinic does not accept insurance, and is therefore unrestricted by the confines of the insurance based model. For example, our practitioners spend significantly more time with patients than the average doctor and only order laboratory tests that are necessary – not just what insurance will pay for.

Austin Wellness Clinic will, however, provide you with all pertinent ICD-9 and CPT codes so that you may seek reimbursement.

How do I get started?

Call Austin Wellness Clinic today to schedule your initial consultation.

Our Medical Director, Dr. John Haest, MD will spend an hour with you to review your medical history, physical and emotional symptoms, as well as answer any questions and address your preventive health concerns. At your initial consultation you will be given a saliva test kit and blood spot kit. The results will provide Dr. Haest with the information he needs to address any hormonal imbalance. At your follow-up visit Dr. Haest will review your labs and discuss the results with you, and along with Dr. Vincent Bellonzi, will customize a plan of immediate action including nutrition, fitness and, if needed, bioidentical hormone therapy with possible further laboratory assessment.