Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is an alternative to conventional hormone therapy such as conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. BHRT uses both natural and synthesized hormones which are identical to the molecules of hormones that the human body produces. It is customizable to your body’s needs and requirements, unlike “one size fits all’ conventional therapy.

There are many symptoms that respond to BHRT, not just the traditional menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Fatigue, weight gain and the inability to lose weight, irritability, depression, anxiety, poor sleep, headaches, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms, low sex drive and exercise intolerance may all respond to appropriate therapy. Men also benefit from BHRT when they have symptoms of loss of muscle mass, fatigue, poor sex drive and function, and decreased mental acuity.

The goals of BHRT are to restore the levels of various hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol. There are age appropriate levels of hormones and this is a consideration of therapy. Generally, it is not an appropriate use of BHRT to give a 50 year old male or female the levels of hormone found in someone 20 years old. Therefore, a careful history and reliable testing are necessary to assist in therapy. Good follow up is also necessary to maintain the gains made with therapy.

So how do you get started? First, call our office for an appointment. Then, go to the “forms” section of this website and print out the appropriate questionnaire. Please fill them out and bring them with you to your appointment. We will review these forms, take a health history and make testing recommendations based on these. Testing recommendations are individualized based on your symptoms, history and health status. If you have copies of any previous testing, please bring it with you.

You may receive recommendations of saliva and/or blood testing. Salivary testing is generally recommended for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and DHEA levels. Blood testing may be recommended for thyroid testing or if other heath conditions are suspected. If salivary testing is recommended, you will be sent home with a kit and instructions for its use. It is then mailed directly to the lab. If blood work is needed it can be drawn in our office. There is an additional charge for any testing and this will be discussed at the time of the initial evaluation. Charges are reasonable and you will be informed of costs in a direct and respectful manner beforehand.

After your test results have returned, usually 1 or 2 weeks, you will be contacted and asked to make a return appointment to review them. A treatment plan will be outlined for you at that time. As previously mentioned, good follow up is necessary to maintain good results. BHRT is a ‘fluid’ process as your needs and requirements will change over time.

We at LifeTime Health Center are very excited to be able to offer Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy to the men and women of East Texas. Please call our office or email us with any questions.