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Q: Where do Bio-Identical Hormones come from?
A: Bio-Identical hormones are derived from a molecule called diosgenin found in the soy and yam plant. This molecule is similar to the human cholesterol molecule and is then put through a 6 to12 step conversion process to form a molecule which is identical to the hormones found in the human body.
Q: Are "Natural Hormones" the same as "Bio-Identical Hormones"?
A: Yes, the term "Natural Hormones" has often been used to describe plant derived hormones that are identical to human hormones, thus the term "Bio-Identical Hormones".
Q: Are Phytoestrogens (ie Black Cohosh,) and Wild Yam Creams/Capsules considered Bio-Identical?
A: No, phytoestrogens and the yam's diosgenin (hormone-like molecule) are molecules found in plants that are similar in structure and function to human estrogen and progesterone but are much less effective. These hormones WILL NOT convert in the human body into estrogen or progesterone.
Q: Are Bio-Identical Hormones safer than synthetic hormones?
A: Bio-Identical Hormones can not be assumed to be safer or more dangerous than synthetic hormones until further long term studies are complete. However, synthetic estrogens and progestins do carry documented risks. These risks were most recently outlined in the Women's Health Initiative Study. Physicians working with Bio-Identical Hormones rely mostly on well established knowledge of human physiology and the endocrine system.
Q: Are Bio-Identical Hormones safer than synthetic hormones?
A: Bio-Identical Hormones can not be assumed to be safer or more dangerous than synthetic hormones until further long term studies are complete. However, synthetic estrogens and progestins do carry documented risks. These risks were most recently outlined in the Women's Health Initiative Study. Physicians working with Bio-Identical Hormones rely mostly on well established knowledge of human physiology and the endocrine system.
In every other area of endocrinology, "Bio-Identical" substances are the "Standard of Care":
- Type 1 Diabetes: Recombinant Human Insulin
- Hypothyroidism: T4, T3 replacement (same molecular structure)
- Growth Hormone Deficiency: Recombinant Human Growth Hormone
- Why should the treatment of sex hormone deficiencies and imbalances be treated any differently? Nothing works better than the authentic human molecules.
We follow the same philosophy of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist on hormone replacement therapy which states; use the lowest effective hormone dose for the shortest period of time. We recommend you educate yourself, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider and then make an informed decision that is best for you and your individual situation.
Q: What are the benefits of compounded Bio-Identical Hormones?
A: Compounded Bio-Identical Hormones can be customized to your individual needs. That means we can give you the exact dose you require, no more "one dose fits all" mentality of commercially produced hormones. Compounded Bio-Identical Hormones can also be made into a dosage form that works best for you, such as creams, capsules, sublingual drops, or troches.
Q: Will my insurance cover Bio-Identical Hormones?
A: Most insurance companies will cover Bio-Identical Hormones. We recommend contacting your pharmacy benefits company and ask how to file a manual claim for a compounded prescription and ask what the reimbursement would be. While we do not file insurance at Stanley Apothecary, we will provide you with an insurance claim form which you can submit for reimbursement.
Q: Do I need a prescription for Bio-Identical Hormones?
A: Yes, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is available only by prescription. You must obtain a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a medical doctor, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife. Currently naturopathic physicians, homeopathic physicians and chiropractors do not have prescriptive authority in North Carolina and therefore cannot prescribe Bio-Identical Hormones for you.
Q: What hormones can be tested thorough saliva?
A: Estriol, Estradiol, Estrone, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEAS, Cortisol.
Q: How much saliva is needed for the test?
A: Approximately 3 -5 ml of saliva is needed for the test.
Q: When do I collect my saliva sample?
A: We recommend a one-time collection, within one hour after awakening in the morning before eating, drinking, flossing or brushing your teeth. Pre-menopausal women should collect in the luteal phase, the second half of their cycle (days 19-21) counting Day One as the first day of your period in a normal 28-day cycle. Women who are not having menstrual cycles or who have had a hysterectomy and are not taking hormones may collect at any time. Women taking hormones should collect toward the end of a hormone treatment cycle (you should collect saliva three to four days before you intend to stop using your hormones for that cycle). Women who take hormones every day can collect at any time of the month.
If you have only recently started using hormones, saliva can be collected any day after you have been on hormone therapy for at least two to three weeks and before you intend to stop using your hormones for that cycle.
Men who are not taking hormones can collect at any time. Men taking hormones should follow the same guidelines for women taking hormones. If you take hormones daily, saliva can be collected any day after you have been supplementing for at least two to three weeks.
Q: Will my insurance cover saliva hormone testing?
A: We recommend contacting your insurance company and ask #1: do they cover saliva hormone testing; #2: how to file a manual claim for reimbursement. While we do not file insurance at Stanley Apothecary, we will provide you with an insurance claim form which you can submit for reimbursement.
Q: Do I need a doctor's order to do the salvia hormone testing?
A: Yes, the state of North Carolina does require a doctor's order for saliva hormone testing. What if I can't get a doctor's order? No need to worry, the laboratory we use has physicians on staff that can authorize the test, although we recommend getting your own doctor's order if possible. Click here to download a Doctor's Order Form.
Q: How long does it take to get my results?
A: Expect the process to take 2 - 3 weeks from sample collection to getting your results. Be sure to fill out all the necessary forms and follow the collection directions in the kit to assure you get your results back in a timely manner.
Q: How do I get my results?
A: Your results are sent from the laboratory to Stanley Apothecary. At that point, we can email, fax, mail, or hold for pick-up your results. A copy of the results can also be sent to your healthcare provider, given your permission.
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