What is Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (cBHRT)?
The most significant and meaningful treatment for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms by far is the use of compounded bioidentical hormone replacement (cBHRT) with estrogen, progesterone and testosterone when needed.
Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (cBHRT) is a personalized, natural approach to restoring hormonal balance during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which uses synthetic hormones, cBHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body produces naturally. These hormones are derived from plant sources, primarily yams or soy, and are then compounded in a pharmacy to meet your individual needs.
At The Teggatz Clinic for Functional Menopause Medicine, we specialize in compounded BHRT, which allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific hormonal needs. This personalized approach helps address symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, fatigue, and more, while supporting overall well-being.
Why Choose Compounded BHRT?
There are several reasons why many women choose compounded BHRT (cBHRT) over traditional HRT:
- Customization: cBHRT is customized to fit your exact needs. We test your hormone levels and then create a treatment plan based on your specific imbalances, symptoms, and goals.
- Natural Hormones: cBHRT uses hormones that are identical to those produced by your body, providing a more natural and effective solution for balancing hormones.
- No Artificial Additives: Traditional synthetic hormones can contain preservatives and additives that may cause adverse reactions. With compounded BHRT, you can be sure that you’re receiving pure, bioidentical hormones without unnecessary fillers.
- Self-titration and dosage: We support our patients to titrate their own dosage of hormones based on the subsiding of their symptoms. You start at a small dose and slowly increase until you feel well without symptoms of hormonal excess. cBHRT does not replace hormone levels back to youthful levels, but to the lowest dose to remove the undesirable physical and emotional symptoms of perimenopause and menopause while also maintaining levels in a therapeutic range known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and dementia.
How Does Compounded BHRT Work?
The process of compounded BHRT begins with an in-depth consultation, where our team will assess your health history, symptoms, and current hormone levels. This is typically done through blood or saliva tests to measure your hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol.
Once your results are in, we will develop a customized treatment plan designed to restore balance to your hormones and alleviate any symptoms you may be experiencing. The compounded hormones are then prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy, ensuring a precise dosage that fits your unique needs.
We have partnered with a small, local compounding pharmacy to provide topical hormones in an organic oil base without solvents or fillers. Currently, the most prescribed transdermal form of estradiol comes in the form of a patch which uses an adhesive with other inactive ingredients. We desire to provide a more natural, chemical free compounded hormone in organic oil.
See the ingredients in a common Estradiol Patch:
Vivelle-Dot is comprised of three layers. Proceeding from the visible surface toward the surface attached to the skin, these layers are (1) a translucent polyolefin film (2) an adhesive formulation containing estradiol, acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, oleyl alcohol, NF, povidone, USP and dipropylene glycol, and (3) a polyester release liner which is attached to the adhesive surface and must be removed before the system can be used.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/020538s028s029s030lbl.pdf
Our approach doesn’t just stop at hormone replacement. We also focus on lifestyle management, including proper nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction techniques, to optimize the effectiveness of your treatment and promote overall health.
The Benefits of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (cBHRT)
- Symptom Relief: BHRT can help alleviate common symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue.
- Improved Quality of Life: With hormone levels restored to balance, many women experience an improvement in energy, vitality, and mental clarity.
- Hormonal Balance: cBHRT supports overall hormonal equilibrium, which can help prevent long-term issues such as bone loss, heart disease, cognitive decline, poor vaginal health, urinary incontinence and muscle loss.
- Fewer Side Effects: Because compounded BHRT uses hormones that are identical to your body’s own, it is often associated with fewer side effects compared to synthetic hormone treatments.
- Safe and Effective: When monitored closely by a medical professional, cBHRT is a safe and effective way to manage the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the difference between compounded BHRT and traditional HRT?
Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses synthetic hormones that are not identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body. Compounded BHRT, on the other hand, uses bioidentical hormones that are chemically identical to your body’s own hormones. This allows for more personalized treatment and often results in fewer side effects.
2. How is compounded BHRT tailored to me?
We take a personalized approach by completing a detailed initial assessment which includes the initial consultation, hormone-related questionnaires and lab testing. Based on the results, we will create a customized treatment plan, partnering with you to determine the most appropriate hormones and dosages for your specific needs.
3. Are there risks associated with compounded cBHRT?
As with any medical treatment, cBHRT carries some risks, which can include allergic reactions or improper dosage. However, when monitored by a qualified healthcare provider, the risks are minimized. We ensure that your treatment plan is safe, effective, and adjusted as needed to maintain balance in your body.
4. How long does it take to see results from cBHRT?
The time it takes to see results can vary from person to person. Some women begin to feel improvements within a few weeks, while others may take a few months to notice the full benefits. We monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment as necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes.
5. What forms of cBHRT does Dr. Teggatz prescribe?
Compounded BHRT can be delivered in various forms, including:
- Oil or cream: Applied directly to the skin, usually on the arms, legs, or abdomen. This is the safest way to deliver estrogen and testosterone, and progesterone may be delivered this way as well.
- Oral Capsules: For progesterone only.
- Suppositories or Troches: Can be prepared for vaginal or rectal use if other routes are contraindicated or ineffective (much less common).
6. How often do I need to see a provider while on cBHRT?
Dr. Teggatz will likely recommend regular follow-ups to monitor your hormone levels and adjust your treatment plan as needed. During the initial 3-6 months while optimal dosages are being determined a typical schedule would be monthly. After optimal dosages are confirmed every 3-6 months is typical. Eventually annual visits may be all that is required but patients are always encouraged to check in when any changes or questions occur.
7. Is compounded BHRT covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for compounded BHRT can vary, depending on your provider and plan. Some insurance companies may cover a portion of the cost, while others may not. Our team can help you explore your options and discuss payment plans or financing if needed.
8. How do I know if compounded BHRT is right for me?
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, or mood swings and if you are concerned about your risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, urinary incontinence and muscle loss as you age then compounded BHRT may be a great option for you. We offer consultations to evaluate your symptoms, review your health history, and discuss whether BHRT is the right treatment for you.
Get in Touch
Call us at 319-393-4307 or fill out the contact form below to discuss working with us.
