2125 S. El Camino Real, Suite 210
Carlsbad, CA 92054
Carlsbad, CA 92054
760-721-4000
Bio-identical Hormones
What are natural hormones?
From a physiological bio-identical perspective, natural hormones are hormones identical to those that the human body produces for itself, in their physiological proportions. When we are "replacing" the body's hormones, we feel it makes more sense to use entities which the body recognizes as its own, rather than hormones from farm animals, imbalanced versions or overly potent syhthetic versions. The hormones we use are mainly Estradiol, Estriol, (E2, E3, respectively), progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA.
How can I get natural hormones?
With the exception of low potency progesterone creams, Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy can only be obtained with a physician's prescription.
What is a compounding pharmacy?
This is actually the oldest type of pharmacy in the world: an apothecary with a pharmacist trained in formulating prescriptions and who prepares them from pure ingredients on the order of a physician. A caring and competent pharmacist works closely with the prescribing physician to create just the right dosage form and strength for you, the patient.
What dosage forms are available?
Compounded dosage forms are numerous and variable in nature. Each method has its advantages for use. Usage of specific dosage forms depend on patient compliance, type of response desired and medications involved. Oral capsules, vaginal suppositories, transdermal creams, gels, and troches (a lozenge that dissolves between the gum and tongue) are types of dosage forms available to be compounded and ideally each patient's medications would be tailored to their individual needs for treatment.
Where do the actual bio-identical hormones come from?
Natural plant sterols are extracted from soybeans and/or Mexican yams. These are taken to a laboratory where they are converted chemically, or semi-synthesized to hormones that are identical and indistinguishable from the body's own.
From a physiological bio-identical perspective, natural hormones are hormones identical to those that the human body produces for itself, in their physiological proportions. When we are "replacing" the body's hormones, we feel it makes more sense to use entities which the body recognizes as its own, rather than hormones from farm animals, imbalanced versions or overly potent syhthetic versions. The hormones we use are mainly Estradiol, Estriol, (E2, E3, respectively), progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA.
How can I get natural hormones?
With the exception of low potency progesterone creams, Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy can only be obtained with a physician's prescription.
Once my doctor has prescribed Natural Hormones, where do I get them?
Since the ingredients for Natural Hormones are naturally derived, it is impossible for a manufacturer to obtain a patent on these substances. Without a patent, it is unlikely any drug manufacturer will go to the expense of pursuing these products for marketing and sales. Bio-identical hormones must be prepared for the patient from pure chemicals by a pharmacist at a compounding pharmacy.What is a compounding pharmacy?
This is actually the oldest type of pharmacy in the world: an apothecary with a pharmacist trained in formulating prescriptions and who prepares them from pure ingredients on the order of a physician. A caring and competent pharmacist works closely with the prescribing physician to create just the right dosage form and strength for you, the patient.
What dosage forms are available?
Compounded dosage forms are numerous and variable in nature. Each method has its advantages for use. Usage of specific dosage forms depend on patient compliance, type of response desired and medications involved. Oral capsules, vaginal suppositories, transdermal creams, gels, and troches (a lozenge that dissolves between the gum and tongue) are types of dosage forms available to be compounded and ideally each patient's medications would be tailored to their individual needs for treatment.
Where do the actual bio-identical hormones come from?
Natural plant sterols are extracted from soybeans and/or Mexican yams. These are taken to a laboratory where they are converted chemically, or semi-synthesized to hormones that are identical and indistinguishable from the body's own.
If they are synthesized in a lab, doesn't that make them "synthetic"?
Although these hormones are derived from substances in soybeans and yams (diadzein and genistein), they are natural in the sense that they are biologically identical in structure and function to hormones produced in the body. For that reason, these hormones are referred to as "Bio-identical, plant derived." The term, "synthetic" is used to describe those entitites chemically altered to be many times more potent than the "natural" hormones.
Will my insurance company cover these treatments?
Although compounds such as these cannot be processed at the commercial pharmacies like mass-produced medications, most insurance companies will reimburse a percentage of the cost to the patient or the Compound Pharmacy may accept various insurances, which would follow the same guidelines as the Commercial Pharmacies (i.e. co-payments for prescriptions may be similar, etc.). It is important to look closely at your medical benefits package to understand what is covered. Unless you find specific exclusions, they are likely obligated to participate to some extent. If you have a flexible spending account of HSA (Health Savings Account), you may use your account to pay for your consultations and/or hormone prescription(s).
Are these medications FDA approved?
The Food & Drug Act of 1938 contains specific exemptions to the approval process, with the specific intention of NOT interfering with a doctor's ability to treat his patient. "The FDA cannot approve or disapprove of how a legally marketed drug is used by a physician in practice. The agency approves of what the manufacturer may recommend about uses in its labeling (packet inserts) and advertising." (Editorial, JAMA 1984; 252:1054-5) In other words, the physician has the ultimate responsibility for judging the suitability of a medication for his or her patient regardless of whether it is patented ro whether the use is listed on the label.
How will the medical practitioner know what dose is right for me?
EVERY PATIENT IS UNIQUE! The prescriber will take many issues into account when dosing replacement therapy: Age, weight, symptoms, gynecological history and prescriber experience will all affect the choice of dose and dosage form. Saliva or blood spot testing to identify specific imbalances of one or more hormones eliminates physician guesswork when prescribing and regular monitoring with use allows adjustment of dosed as needed.
Although these hormones are derived from substances in soybeans and yams (diadzein and genistein), they are natural in the sense that they are biologically identical in structure and function to hormones produced in the body. For that reason, these hormones are referred to as "Bio-identical, plant derived." The term, "synthetic" is used to describe those entitites chemically altered to be many times more potent than the "natural" hormones.
Will my insurance company cover these treatments?
Although compounds such as these cannot be processed at the commercial pharmacies like mass-produced medications, most insurance companies will reimburse a percentage of the cost to the patient or the Compound Pharmacy may accept various insurances, which would follow the same guidelines as the Commercial Pharmacies (i.e. co-payments for prescriptions may be similar, etc.). It is important to look closely at your medical benefits package to understand what is covered. Unless you find specific exclusions, they are likely obligated to participate to some extent. If you have a flexible spending account of HSA (Health Savings Account), you may use your account to pay for your consultations and/or hormone prescription(s).
Are these medications FDA approved?
The Food & Drug Act of 1938 contains specific exemptions to the approval process, with the specific intention of NOT interfering with a doctor's ability to treat his patient. "The FDA cannot approve or disapprove of how a legally marketed drug is used by a physician in practice. The agency approves of what the manufacturer may recommend about uses in its labeling (packet inserts) and advertising." (Editorial, JAMA 1984; 252:1054-5) In other words, the physician has the ultimate responsibility for judging the suitability of a medication for his or her patient regardless of whether it is patented ro whether the use is listed on the label.
How will the medical practitioner know what dose is right for me?
EVERY PATIENT IS UNIQUE! The prescriber will take many issues into account when dosing replacement therapy: Age, weight, symptoms, gynecological history and prescriber experience will all affect the choice of dose and dosage form. Saliva or blood spot testing to identify specific imbalances of one or more hormones eliminates physician guesswork when prescribing and regular monitoring with use allows adjustment of dosed as needed.
