Two common questions we get all the time is: how much does BHRT cost? And will my insurance cover it?
If I had a dollar for every time, I have been asked this question I might have a pair of those fancy Christian Louboutin heels. It’s okay because I can’t stand heels anyway, but the cost of Bioidentical Hormones is undoubtedly a significant concern.
People have budgets, so they need to know if their BHRT is going to cost them a car payment, nothing or something in between. Considering BHRT can be an ongoing monthly prescription, these are valid questions.
I have been prescribing BHRT since 2004. In that time, the cost of BHRT and insurance coverage has changed a lot. Since BHRT has increased in popularity, some compounding pharmacies have started charging more and more.
Injectable growth hormone is a perfect example. Per month growth hormone has gone from the price of a fancy dinner to more than a round-trip airline ticket to Hawaii. Also, we are well aware of the breakdown and many changes to our healthcare system. This change made what used to be almost 100% coverage of BHRT to pretty much 0%.
I work with a few compounding pharmacies, and I am very particular which pharmacies those are. Price is an essential factor, but quality and safety is the main priority. BHRT is not a supplement or vitamin. BHRT are prescription medications. That means you do not want to take something that you might be questioning quality over price.
Compounded thyroid medication is a good example. If the T3 (Liothyronine) dosage is altered by the smallest of micrograms, a patient can end up in the emergency room with a heart arrhythmia.
So what are you going to pay for BHRT? Unfortunately, this is a loaded question without a definite answer. It depends on how many BHRT prescriptions you are taking. As well as what dosage and the type you need for your specific health goals.
To be incredibly broad (sorry) each prescription is going to cost between $30 to $70. With the average cost of a prescription being right around $50.
Sorry to break this to you, but insurance is most likely not going to cover any of it. Some insurances might cover a portion of the prescription, but usually not the full cost.
Conventional hormone replacement can be covered by insurance, but these hormones cannot be tailored to the individual and have some unwanted side effects. This is why patients do well on custom BHRT, but unfortunately, there is going to be an out of pocket pricing. I understand this episode may seem vague and might leave you frustrated. But honestly, this is the best I can tell you. And I am sure the cost and insurance coverage will continue to change.
If you have concerns, questions or even your personal story, please post in the comment box below or email us at [email protected]
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In this episode, we discuss the best way to reduce triglycerides. Sasha, a podcast listener, asked us how to lower her triglycerides. We then go into depth about triglycerides, how to lower them, and why they could be high in the first place.
How to read a lipid panel
Supplements for lowering triglycerides
Lifestyle changes for lowering triglycerides
What do high triglycerides mean?
Building blocks for triglycerides
Improving metabolic health
Can menopause increase triglycerides?
High triglycerides and thyroid hormones
Sacha’s Question:”I know this isn’t a hormone question but was hoping you could give me some direction. I was wondering what is the best way to lower triglycerides? thank you for your help!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a podcast listener’s question. ‘Alesha’ is concerned that she should not take estrogen replacement therapy because she has fibroids. This is a common concern. The idea that estrogen can cause or propagate fibroids has left many menopausal women without support for their symptoms. Just because women have or have had a history of fibroids does not mean they are not a candidate for estrogentherapy. In fact, women with fibroid can take estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
In this episode, we go into depth about taking estrogen with fibroids. And we break Alesha’s question into:
What are fibroids?
Fibroids and estrogen replacement therapy
Can I take estrogen if I have fibroids?
What is adenomyosis?
Estrogen’s role in fibroids
Difference between perimenopause and menopause
How menopause can affect prediabetes
Alesha’s Question:
“Is there any hope for someone with adenomyosis take estrogen? If so, when is the right time? I know adenomyosis is stimulated by estrogen. I even had 1 dr offer a hysterectomy so I could take estrogen without any issues ??!! I have a history of heavy periods have had many trans vag ultrasounds and biopsy’s over the years Uterus was enlarged, lining was wnl. Had a hysterscopy to remove some cysts they found 4 hrs ago. Last ultrasound showed probable adenomyosis.i am almost 57and I am in late perimenopause. Cycles have been erratic just went 6 months without a cycle then had a normal cycle…for years of perimenopause I had symptoms of high estrogen. Most of the time for the last year I had symptoms of low estrogen. Poor sleep waking up 4-5x night, dry skin, vaginal dryness, night sweats, brain fog, difficulty concentrating which makes my job very difficult. I have also developed mild sleep apnea(sleep lab) and after my last physical I am on the edge of pre diabetes. ( am normal weight, I walk daily and lift weights, eat high protein diet with lots of veggies and healthy fats.) I am currently taking a progesterone troche( 1/4 lozenge 50mg 2x day) and vaginal estrogen. I was taking an oral progesterone 300 mg thought it would help with sleep but didn’t. The progesterone has helped with GI issues, puffiness, bloating, cramping and anxiety.”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we talk about POI (primary/premature ovarian insufficiency) and earlymenopause. Samantha sent in a question about whether she is in menopause or hasPOI at the age of 36.We break Samantha’s question into:- What is POI (Premature/Primary ovarian insufficiency)?- Taking estradiol during perimenopause- Difference between perimenopause and menopause- What is an FSH?- Insulin resistance and perimenopauseSamantha’s Question:I am 36 and have been slowly noticing perimenopause/low estrogen symptoms for thepast year and a half. I went to an online provider and started HRT and haveexperienced so much relief! From mental symptoms to night sweats to dryness(everywhere) I have started to feel so much better being on estradiol and progesteronefor 3 months. I have been working with a functional nutritionist on my diet, walking daily,etc.i had gestational diabetes for all 3 pregnancies and also got my tubes removed lastyear. After I came off the birth control all of my symptoms started! I recently saw mynormal OBGYN so I could get my HRT through insurance and he agreed- but made itclear this isn’t menopause, could be POI, but seemed skeptical. I got bloodwork doneand my FSH has risen in the past few months from a 3.7 to an 8. But it’s still considerednormal. All of my thyroid and other bloodwork also comes back normal. Is POI apossible diagnosis? I feel crazy!!If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Can you be in both in perimenopause and menopause? Can you be menopausal andperimenopausal at the same time? The difference between perimenopause andmenopause is not a line in the sand. It is not like crossing through the Peace Arch fromBlaine Washington to the country of Canada. And at times, there is nothing peacefulabout perimenopause or menopause.There is a gray area where you are just moving out of perimenopause and intomenopause, where you are not quite in perimenopause but are not completely inmenopause. We delve deeper into the place that is between perimenopause andmenopause:- What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?- Can you be both in perimenopause and menopause?- The difference between perimenopause and menopause- What it feels like to go from perimenopause to menopause- Can you take estrogen or biest when you are going from perimenopause tomenopause?- Is bleeding in menopause considered perimenopause?- Top symptoms of perimenopause- Top symptoms of menopause- Are you a candidate for estrogen replacement in perimenopause?If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question about how to apply estriol to your face. ‘Connie’ is confused about whether she can use her Biest cream on her face. And she wanted to know the difference between estriol and Biest when it comes to treating menopausal symptoms.
We analyze Connie’s question into:
Applying estriol to the face
What is biest?
What is estriol?
What is the difference between estriol and biest?
Applying estriol vaginally
It is not a good idea to apply biest to vaginal tissues if you have a uterus
Connie’s Question:
“HI there, I loved your article on estriol for the face. I was prescribed an 80-20 bi-est cream for HRT. My question is, how is that different from a 0.3 estriol cream for the face like the kind My Alloy makes? Could I just use more of my Biest cream on my face? Would that be stronger than the My alloy 0.3 estriol cream? Lastly, the .3 estriol cream is not supposed to affect your overall hormone levels, but the Bi-est cream is supposed to affect your hormones and relieve symptoms of menopause. Why does one estriol work differently than the other? Thank you so much for any guidance you may be able to offer. It’s so hard figuring all of this out!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode we talk about where to apply hormone creams. Sadie, our listener wants to know if she needs to rotate the application sites of her hormone cream.
In this episode we discuss:
Where to apply biest cream
What to apply testosterone cream for females
Places you should not apply your testosterone cream
Best absorption sites for hormone creams
Sadie’s Question:”I have been using hormones for a little over a year. I swear by them!! I have not rotated sites at all. I use testosterone/DHEA cream behind both of my knees and E3/E2 on both of my inner thighs every morning. I take a progesterone capsule at bedtime. My doctor and everything I read says to rotate sites. I found an article by Dr. Collins and now I found your article about not having to rotate sites, so I am going to keep doing what I have been. I put the cream on both of the backs of my legs and thighs. My question is should I alternate one back of knee and then the other and the same with the inner thighs or does it matter?
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
