Hormone replacement therapy
What if I can’t afford testing for hormone therapy?
Q: I have been told I need a hysterectomy, and that HRT will be offered to me afterward. My doctor suggested hormone testing before the surgery as a way to learn what my normal hormone levels are, but my insurance policy doesn’t cover it. I don’t want to spend the money on testing if I don’t have to. Do I really need it?
A: If you can afford testing, either saliva or blood, and your practitioner is willing and able to put that information to good use, then it can be beneficial. A baseline level is wonderful pre-hysterectomy for reference as well, because it helps the practitioner to provide a dose of bioidentical HRT (bHRT) that most closely mimics your natural levels. It’s especially useful when compounded bHRT is used.
But while testing hormones can be a great tool, it is not mandatory for using low doses of FDA-approved bioidentical HRT products. This is important for those who are financially tapped out, or for women working with a doctor who doesn’t believe in testing. Many practitioners who don’t have access to pre-hysterectomy hormone levels must still prescribe hormone doses based on age, symptoms, exam findings, period status, body weight, and response to hormones used previously. And, as imperfect as these indicators are, most providers can still determine a dose that is close to the target. A skilled practitioner should be able to read the person, and not rely just on tests.
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Our Personal Program is a great place to start
The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.
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Related to this article:
References & further reading for FAQ’s about HRT
Original Publication Date: 03/02/2009
Last Modified: 08/17/2009
Principal Author: Marcy Holmes, NP, Certified Menopause Clinician