Hormones are chemical messengers that help our bodies function at their best.
When hormone levels fluctuate due to normal causes like aging or disease, our body’s ability to function properly is greatly reduced. For some men and women, hormone fluctuations can cause extreme discomfort and can negatively impact their overall quality of life.
This is where bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) comes into play. BHRT is a personalized treatment option that uses standardized or personalized hormone treatments to balance hormones over a long period of time.
Keep reading to find out what this treatment can do for you and how much bioidentical hormone replacement therapy cost.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormones are used in the body to communicate between different systems and organs to trigger responses. These molecules are an important part of our body’s physiology, and we can not function properly without them.
If you find that you’re experiencing hormonal fluctuation symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help balance your hormone levels, and produce lasting benefits to your health.
One of the most common uses of BHRT is the easing of symptoms in menopausal women. Studies now show that menopause symptoms are linked to the beginning of a woman’s health decline. Although, by addressing the hormone imbalances happening in the body during this time, the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia in women can be greatly reduced.
In men, testosterone levels begin to drop as you age. The long term effects of low testosterone can cause weight gain, depression, and fatigue. By using BHRT these symptoms are greatly reduced as testosterone levels begin to rise.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help ease immediate symptoms of hormone imbalances, and prevent future health complications caused by these symptoms.
What to Expect When Starting BHRT
When beginning your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treatment, you will first consult with a hormone health professional.
You will be asked to provide your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and will undergo extensive lab tests to measure your hormone levels. You and your doctor will also discuss your health goals, and your doctor will explain your hormone treatment options.
Once your test results are in, your doctor will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. You will be taking personalized bioidentical hormones prepared specially for you or standardized BHRT products based on your lab results and symptoms.
This type of treatment is designed to work over a long period of time. It is designed to ease your hormone imbalance symptoms, and provide balance back to your body.
In the long term, you can expect a few follow up appointments with your doctor per year to track your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
How Much Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Cost?
BHRT is a relatively affordable option for men and women who are combating hormone imbalance symptoms due to aging and/or disease.
The average treatment cost for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is between $200-$500 per month. This cost includes high-quality medications, customized treatment plans, and follow-up appointments. The price of your treatment plan will greatly depend on your individual plan and your insurance eligibility.
Often times bioidentical hormone replacement therapy includes pills, gels, creams, and patches. The price of the hormones alone can range from $45-$150 per month.
You can expect your initial treatment cost to be higher than your monthly rate. This is due to the cost of the comprehensive lab tests necessary to determine the cause of your hormone imbalance.
Many people who have undergone bioidentical hormone replacement therapy have shared that the longterm benefits of this treatment are well worth the cost.
Many say that they have lost weight, stopped taking other medications for cholesterol or hypertension, and have saved money and time on other doctors’ visits for unknown symptoms since they started their BHRT treatment.
Will Insurance Cover BHRT?
There is no simple answer to this question, it all depends on your health insurance provider. In some cases your insurance will cover the full cost or part of the cost of BHRT, and in others they will not.
If your primary healthcare provider recommends bioidentical hormone replacement therapy it is more likely that your insurance will cover it, as opposed to reaching out to a provider outside of your network. The best way to know if your insurance will cover the cost of BHRT is to reach out to your insurance provider.
It is also possible that your insurance will cover some types of hormones but not others. If your insurance company does not cover “holistic” or “natural” treatments than it will likely not cover BHRT.
In any case it best to reach out to your insurance prover to discuss your coverage option before proceeding with a BHRT treatment.
Will Medicare Cover BHRT?
Medicare is known for having limited prescription drug coverage under the original Part A and B plans. It will likely not cover hormone therapy at all under these plans. Although, if you have a Part D Perscription Drug Plan it will cover your prescription drugs including hormones.
If you are covered by an original Medicare plan, but still want coverage that will pay for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy you can opt for a private insurance plan, or add a stand-alone Part D Perscription Drug Plan to your existing one.
If BHRT is something you are considering you can ask your doctor for a list of medications that your plan does cover. If your doctor prescribes a medication or hormone that is not on the list you can ask for a substitute for it that it will cover.
Are You Ready to Feel Like You Again?
The bioidentical hormone replacement therapy cost should not be the reason you shy away from balancing your hormones and living a more comfortable life. By taking part in this treatment option you can be your own advocate and bring balance back to your life.
Did you enjoy learning about the cost of bioidentical hormone therapy? To learn more about your hormone therapy options check out our website here to schedule your free consultation today.