Six Best Questions About BHRT

Six best questions about BHRT. Talking about Hormone Optimization can be a little scary, and the idea of starting Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be scary. Often, our doctors open the discussion with patients to address their concerns. Here are the top 6 questions about starting BHRT that our patients ask.

1. Can I afford BHRT, and will my insurance cover it?

Many insurance companies will cover the tests and blood work needed for therapy. Health insurance does not usually cover BHRT. The pellets are time-released and may require as few visits as three times a year.  This is usually much less expensive than other methods of hormone replacement. It is also vital to look at the importance of BHRT over the long term.  Optimized hormones can help prevent expensive medical procedures and health concerns (heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s) in the future.

2. Will the procedure hurt, and can I go home or back to work?

The pellet procedure is relatively painless.  First, the location where the pellets are inserted is numbed with lidocaine, which can be a little uncomfortable.  Next, a small incision is made in the buttocks area, which the patient should not feel. After the area is numbed, no pain should be felt, only pressure with the insertion of the pellets. The procedure takes less than 5 minutes, and patients can return to their daily routine immediately afterward. (Intense exercise, bathtubs, and swimming pools should be avoided until the bandage is removed for three days for females and seven in males.)

3. As a woman, will I grow a beard?

A tiny number (about 2%) of women will experience a few facial hairs, but it is easily avoided and fixed with waxing, shaving, depilatory creams, or a laser. There are also some medications and supplements that can help prevent and reduce facial hair.

4. Will I gain weight?

Testosterone will help eliminate visceral fat and increase lean muscle mass. This will lead to body composition changes associated with enhanced overall health. Healthy diet, adequate exercise, and hormone optimization will result in fat loss and muscle gain.

5. Will testosterone make me irritable or angry?

Testosterone and hormone balancing actually has a calming effect on the body. One symptom of testosterone of deficiency is irritability. By optimizing hormones, patients notice an increase in overall mood and a decrease in agitation and mood fluctuations.

6. Can I get pellets if I am pregnant or trying to conceive?

Testosterone is not recommended during pregnancy, so adequate birth control is recommended. External testosterone in men will also diminish natural testosterone production, lowering sperm count. If a man is currently trying to conceive, it is recommended that they not get on an external source of testosterone until after.

If you want answers to more than the top 6 questions about starting BHRT and would like to speak to a certified BioTE provider, contact our preferred provider, they’re more than happy to answer your questions!