Bioidentical HRT Hormone Replacement Therapy
Women now potentially spend more years in the post-menopausal state than in their reproductive years – and this is not biologically supposed to happen.
After the menopause, these hormonal changes are linked to increased risk of disorders such as heart disease, osteoporosis and cognitive decline – as well as poor quality of life due to hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, anxiety, muscle and joint pain, decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence.
Bio Identical HRT Hormone Replacement Therapy can help to improve these symptoms with a prescription specifically made to suit your naturally occurring hormone levels.
How Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Works
Not only that, but with Bio Identical HRT, ALL of your hormones are measured individually using blood tests, and the doses of your BHRT prescription are tailored specifically to the needs of YOUR body. This not only includes oestrogen, but also progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and vitamin D.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy helps to:
• Protect against cardiovascular disease
• Protect against osteoporosis
• Improve quality of life
Patient Pathway
BHRT Consultation
During your consultation, Dr Helen will spend considerable time discussing and understanding your medical history and symptoms, and will make an initial assessment of your requirements. Blood will be taken for lab testing at this consultation so that we can measure your current hormone levels. We can then determine the appropriate individual prescription for you.
The Bioidentical HRT price for this consultation is £350.
BHRT Blood Test
Blood tests are required during your first consultation and will need to be repeated at certain intervals during your treatment pathway to ensure your prescription remains accurate to your current hormone levels. Blood tests are priced at £310.
BHRT Blood Test Results
A telephone call will be scheduled 1-2 weeks after your initial consultation with Dr Helen to discuss the findings from your blood tests and a tailored personal prescription will be devised for you. Dr Helen will then send your prescription to the specialist pharmacy in order to compound your medication. It will then be your responsibility to contact the pharmacy, pay for your prescription and arrange delivery of the medication. The average cost of monthly medication is around £70-£80.
BHRT follow up appointments
Further review appointments with Dr Helen are priced at £140, and on occasion blood tests will be required during the course of treatment at decreasing frequency over time, so that hormone prescriptions remain tailored to your requirements.
Consultations with Doctor Helen
Frequently Asked Questions on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy:
What hormones are involved?
Oestrogen levels fall dramatically at the menopause, and this is associated with hot flushes, night sweats, higher risk of cardiac disease and increased bone loss (resulting in osteoporosis). Oestrogen supplementation can enhance mood, revive libido and relieve hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence.
PROGESTERONE
Progesterone levels decline faster than oestrogen levels during the peri-menopause and menopause, which results in irregular and heavy periods, headaches and mood swings. There is a misconception that women who have had a hysterectomy do not need progesterone – however, oestrogen and progesterone have a complimentary effect and so in BHRT they are always prescribed together.
Natural progesterone has very different effects to the synthetic progestins used in standard HRT. It is a calming soothing hormone which promotes sleep, improves mood, helps the use of fat for energy, stimulates bone building, improves energy levels and stamina and is a natural diuretic.
TESTOSTERONE
Although typically considered a male hormone, women also produce testosterone but in smaller amounts. Testosterone should be considered the ‘forgotten’ female hormone. Low levels of testosterone can cause fatigue, depression, aches and pains in joints, thin dry and saggy skin, osteoporosis and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Benefits of testosterone include:-
Increased energy and libido
Boosted muscle mass and strength
Increased self-confidence and vitality
Increased bone density
Improved memory
DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA)
DHEA is a hormone precursor for oestrogen and testosterone, produced in the adrenal gland and brain. It increases energy levels and enhances wellbeing. It can alleviate symptoms of fatigue, reduces body fat and has anti-ageing pro
Why is BHRT better than “standard” HRT provided on the NHS?
For how long can I or should I take BHRT?
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