FAQ's

1. What are Bio-Identical Hormones?

Bio-identical hormones are basically an exact copy or replica of the body's own hormones. The word "bio-identical" is just a fancy name for it and some people use the term "natural" instead to refer to these hormones. They are completely different from the synthetic hormones which are made by pharmaceutical companies. Though it is interesting to note that some pharmaceutical companies also make certain natural hormones as well and therefore it is important to differentiate the natural ones from the synthetic counterparts. Because of this the benefits and risks of using bio-identical hormones often gets confused with the synthetic hormones as most people including health care practitioners do not understand what the real differences are between the two kinds.

2. How do they compare to synthetic hormones?

Synthetic hormones are very similar in chemical structure to natural hormones. However, because of these small differences they are more likely to cause side effects and complicationscompared to the natural hormones. Because natural hormones are exact copies of the body's own hormones they bind and fit the hormone receptors in the body perfectly. On the other hand synthetic hormones even though they look similar will not provide the same fit like their natural counterpart. Another analogy would be to compare two keys that look very similar. As most will know from personal experience unless the key is cut to the exact shape it will not open the lock. It may go into the lock but will not open the lock because the fit is not exact. Likewise with a synthetic hormone it will not produce the desired physiological effects we are looking for as it does not fit the hormone receptor exactly.

3. What is the difference between Provera (medroxyprogesterone) and progesterone? Are they the same?

These two hormones often get confused for being the same thing and is the classic mix-up that most people do not understand. Please take note that progesterone is a natural hormone and medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic hormone. They are not the same or even remotely close! While progesterone is essential for a successful pregnancy and helps to build strong bones, Provera is contraindicated in pregnancy and actually can contribute to bone breakdown. Provera is categorized as a progestin but unfortunately many people including healthcare practitioners and drug authorities have put progesterone in the same category. The truth is progesterone is progesterone and has its’ own separate category by itself. Progesterone is NOT a progestin!

4. Are natural hormones effective and safe?

Yes, generally they are very effective and safe when used appropriately and your treatment is followed up by experienced and trained practitioners. The key is to pick the right hormones at the right doses and to use them on the right days! It is important to determine the correct balance and/or ratio of hormones for each individual. Dosages in excess may produce an imbalance or cause your hormones to be even more out of balance and consequently new symptoms may emerge or current symptoms may worsen as a result of this. However with the appropriate selection of hormones, many clients have reported a significant improvement in their symptoms and hence their overall well being and vitality!

5. I heard hormones can cause cancer. Is this true?

Yes and no. When estrogen levels are in excess compared to progesterone the risk for various cancers may increase. An individual may have excess amounts of estrogen due to the body making too much, overexposure to chemicals in the environment that mimic the effects of estrogen or too high of an estrogen dose through hormone supplementation. However, when this excess estrogen is neutralized or balanced off by a sufficient amount of progesterone the risk for cancer decreases. Ironically, many women who develop cancer have never used hormones before. In these women it is possible with proper hormone balancing the cancer may not have developed in the first place and could actually have been prevented! Please refer to Dr. John Lee’s book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell you about Breast Cancer for more information.

6. Do I need an RX for these hormones or can I purchase them without a prescription?

Yes, natural hormones do require a prescription from either a medical doctor or a naturopathic doctor. In general, most medical doctors will have limited knowledge working with natural hormones as this type of treatment has not caught on with conventional medicine readily. Though there are some MDs who have advanced training in this area and are very knowledgeable and experienced but unfortunately their services are not covered through medical services plan (i.e. MSP). While most naturopathic doctors will have some experience with natural hormones there is a smaller number who actually specialize in this area. My suggestion is to work with either a MD or ND that has extensive experience in this area so you can get a comprehensive assessment and have a suitable treatment plan outlined for you to follow. Our pharmacy would be happy to help you find a doctor who would be a good fit for your personal health situation.

7. Do I need to take these hormones indefinitely?

That would really depend on your personal health goals and ultimately how well you are able to care for your body. In general the more attention you can devote to taking care of yourself (i.e. eating/drinking sensibly, managing stress more effectively, moving/exercising regularly etc.) the fewer hormones and shorter duration they may be needed. On the other hand there are many individuals ages 50 and better who will use natural hormones at physiological doses (i.e. what the healthy body would typically produce) indefinitely combined with healthier lifestyle choices and an excellent supplement program as a framework for healthy aging. Please see Peter’s Core Health Values for my tips on how one can work towards this optimal state of health!

8. Where can I purchase these hormones?

Natural hormones can only be purchased through specialty compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies have very specialized equipment and staff who have undergone extensive training to ensure your preparations are made to the highest standards in a carefully controlled environment. Please take note that just about every pharmacy will advertise compounding services. While it is true that each and every one of these pharmacies compound but it is usually to varying degrees. The reality is only a smaller number of these pharmacies will actually have the necessary equipment and training to prepare these hormones properly as prescribed by your doctor.

Our suggestion is also to work with a pharmacist who can not only provide you with a high quality preparation but is also able to spend time with you on giving information complementing your doctor's treatment plan. He or she should also be able to help you troubleshoot any potential problems that may arise with your compounded hormones. This will greatly help improve your success rate with your therapy as most doctors only have so much time in your appointment to discuss the actual product with you. Re-enforcement and follow-up are the keys to your success in any kind of treatment! There is the old saying "The more you put into it the more you get out of it!” and that certainly is applicable here.

9. Do insurance companies cover these hormones?

Yes, the majority of insurance companies will cover natural hormones. You just need to manually submit your prescription receipt from the pharmacy to your plan. In general, pharmacies are not able to bill your plan directly for the natural hormones as they are specially compounded and do not have a unique drug identification number (DIN) like commercially available drugs. However, for commercially available natural hormone products such as Estrogel, Prometrium, Estradot, Vagifem etc. we are able to bill your insurance plan if you have a pay direct plan.

If the hormones are purchased from our pharmacy part of the service that we offer to our clients is a letter to help support your claim should it get rejected from your plan. Past experience has shown this to be somewhat helpful in getting clients coverage in which the original claim was rejected. Please note there will always be a smaller number of insurance plans who just do not cover natural hormones. Hormones like progesterone and estrogen have a higher tendency to be covered. On the other hand hormones such as DHEA and Pregnenolone are less likely to be covered.

"Your Natural Hormone Compounding Specialist"