My Approach to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Discover a renewed sense of vitality and well-being with bio-identical hormone replacement.

What are Bio-identical Hormones

Let's demystify the concept of bio-identical hormones. When we say "bio-identical," it simply means that these hormones are an exact replica of the ones naturally produced by your body. In theory, your body should be unable to differentiate whether the hormone originated internally or was obtained from a pharmacy. Some bio-identical hormones are available from traditional pharmacies like estradiol and micronized progesterone, while others need to be compounded like testosterone cream for women.

What are Synthetic Hormones

Let's shed some light on synthetic hormones. Unlike bio-identical hormones, synthetic hormones are artificially created chemicals that aim to mimic the actions of natural hormones. However, they fall short of being an exact replica. This means that synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones your body produces. As a result, there ARE differences in the risks and benefits associated with their use. Furthermore, measuring the levels of synthetic hormones in your body through lab tests is not currently possible.

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, is a process that involves utilizing hormones that have the same structure as those produced by humans in order to treat an array of hormone imbalances, more often than not caused by (1) menopause or (2) andropause. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy strives to produce identical hormones including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone to manage the symptoms and side-effects of conditions such as menopause to stabilize hormone imbalance.

What is the cost of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

It depends! Typically, the cost of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is $200-$500 per month. Embedded within this cost is

A customized and personalized treatment plan tailored to you and your individual needs
Follow-ups and intermittent check-ins with Dr. Rajka
Necessary medications and treatments

Depending on your insurance coverage, BHRT may be covered (or partially covered) to alleviate its cost.

Is Estradiol a bioidentical hormone?

Yes it is! Estradiol is a type of estrogen, and the most common prevalent of estrogen produced prior to menopause.

Note that estradiol can be taken orally or topically.

What is the Difference Between Bioidentical and Synthetic Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are extracted and produced from natural sources, and then adjusted in a laboratory setting to ensure its structure is identical to natural hormones. Synthetic hormones, meanwhile, are created and derived entirely from a lab, without natural sources. Synthetic hormones may not be chemically identical to natural hormones, therefore leading to a variance in efficacy and quality.

What are Bioidentical Hormones Made From?

Bioidentical hormones are made and derived from natural sources, including but not limited to:

Soybeans (e.g. estradiol, estrone, and progesterone)
Yams (e.g. diosgenin)
Cactus (e.g. estriol)

Symptoms of Menopause/Perimenopause

Hot flashes and/or night sweats
Irregular periods
Fatigue
Changes in memory
Poor sleep/insomnia
Low libido
Vaginal dryness
Breast Pain
Mood swings
Anxiety or panic
Frequent urinary tract infections

Bloating
Thinning hair
Dizziness
Weight Gain
Joint or muscle pain
Bladder leakage
Headaches
Burning tongue
Digestive issues
Thin skin and/or brittle nails
Irregular heartbeat
Difficulty concentrating

Symptoms of Andropause

(as you can see similar to menopause!)

Fatigue
Reduced energy levels
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Muscle loss or weakness
Weight gain or increased body fat
Mood changes, such as irritability or depression

Sleep disturbances
Decreased bone density
Memory and concentration difficulties
Decreased motivation or drive
Hair loss or thinning
Increased sweating or hot flashes
Decreased physical stamina or endurance

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Are Hormones Safe in Men or Women ?

For Women

While there are risks and benefits to everything, the benefits of hormone replacement far outweigh the risks for most women, especially women who are within 5-10 years of menopause.
Extensive research conducted to date has failed to establish a correlation between any form of estrogen and an elevated risk of breast cancer.
Conversely, studies have indicated that synthetic progesterone is the only hormone associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer.
On the other hand, bioidentical progesterone has long been regarded as a potentially protective factor for breast health.

For both
Men and Women

It is important for individuals undergoing bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to undergo regular monitoring of hormone levels on an ongoing basis

For Men

Extensive research and clinical studies have demonstrated the overall safety of testosterone replacement therapy for men.
When used appropriately, testosterone replacement therapy does not appear to significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer.

“Are Bioidentical Hormones Right for me" ?

Take the Hormone Health Assessment now!

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What you should know before Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy?

We strongly feel to simply give hormones does the patient a disservice. We are all bio-individual meaning we will all have different hormonal needs AND will all breakdown hormones in a different fashion.

It is important for your medical doctor to assess not only your hormone levels but to ALSO measure hormone metabolites to see how you breakdown your hormones BEFORE you start hormone replacement therapy. Otherwise, you may end up losing your hair which is no good particularly if you are a woman. Men may end up with gynecomastia (man boobs) which is also not desirable.

Our approach

We do a comprehensive intake, labs are ordered to assess hormone levels: Sex, adrenal and thyroid. Your body is optimized to receive the hormones in a process that delivers Dr Rajka’s proprietary “3-D” protocol in a 1-2 punch. Your labs are reviewed and then you are started on therapy that is individualized to you. 3 months after starting your labs are repeated. From start to finish you are supported to walk you through the the process to optimize your response.

If you want to work with us to balance your Hormones

Apply Now

Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement:

Reclaim Your Energy :

Say goodbye to the overwhelming fatigue that has been holding you back. Our tailored hormone therapies are designed to restore your energy levels to new heights, allowing you to seize each day with boundless vitality.
Achieve Hormonal Harmony :

Bid farewell to the rollercoaster of hormone imbalances that have been wreaking havoc on your body and mind. Our expertise in bio-identical hormones ensures that your delicate hormonal equilibrium is restored, bringing you back to a state of harmony and well-being.
Sharpen Your Mental Clarity :

Wave goodbye to brain fog and reclaim your mental sharpness. Our innovative hormone therapies are designed to optimize cognitive function, allowing you to stay focused, alert, and at the top of your game.
Regain Control of Your Mood :

Say adieu to unpredictable mood swings that have left you feeling like a passenger in your own life. Our personalized hormone treatments can help stabilize your mood, bringing back emotional balance and serenity.
Restore Restful Sleep :

Tossing and turning night after night? No more! Our tailored hormone therapies address the underlying causes of sleep disruptions, helping you achieve deep, rejuvenating sleep and waking up refreshed and revitalized.

What if I don’t want to take hormones but want to restore balance?

We are glad you asked. You still need your other hormone levels balanced: thyroid adrenal, insulin. There are non-hormonal ways to support hormone balance including peptide therapy which our office also offers.