Bio-identical hormones are one type of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Bio-identical means the hormones are the same as your ovaries made. There are many forms of bio-identical HRT including most of the patches (including the Vivelle-dot), Estrace pills, some of the injections and pellets, and many compounded creams, gels, lotions, troches, sublingual drops, etc. Bio-identical hormones can be manufactured (Vivelle-dot, Estrace) or created by a compounding pharmacy. Those manufactured by a drug company are more likely to be covered by your insurance plan. Those created by a compounding pharmacy may or may not be covered, you would need to check with your insurance carrier.
I would recommend you click on the Hormones tab in blue bar at the very top of the screen. Read through the information we have and then sit down and talk to your doctor about your symptoms and your concerns regarding HRT. Your doctor can discuss the various options with you. It would be wise to keep a symptom diary detailing your symptoms along with any medications, supplements, vitamins, etc. that you take.
You may also want to consider looking for a doctor who thoroughly understands hormones to give you anther opinion. One good way to find a doctor knowledgeable about prescribing hormones is to call a compounding pharmacist and ask which doctors use the pharmacy's services. If you don't know of one in your area, use the free locator feature on this site:
www.iacprx.org. This doesn't mean that the doctor you find will necessarily prescribe compounded hormones, but a doctor who is aware of the option can be a good one to have working with you on this important aspect of your well-being.
I hope this helps!
s
Post Hyster 8yrs need direction for treatment
