Considering bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) as a way to help get your perimenopause or menopause symptoms under control? Like most women who find themselves entering—or in the middle of—this stage of life, you could use support.
We get it. Menopause isn’t an easy path to navigate. Every patient experiences this transition in a different way. That’s why we put together some helpful information about what you need to know before talking to your hormone health specialist, and important questions to ask at your appointment.
You’ve got this, Menopause Maven.
Before prescribing any kind of hormone therapy, doctors use different kinds of tests to measure hormone levels, requiring blood, urine, or saliva samples. If your prescriber (MD, DO, ND, NP) is well-informed about BHRT, they may be able to determine your specific imbalances through diagnostic hormone testing and a thorough assessment of your symptoms. If appropriate, a prescription for bioidentical hormone medications that can be filled at a compounding pharmacy like Belmar Pharmacy. Personalized formulas can make hormone therapy simple and convenient.
Comprehensive diagnostic testing—which may vary from doctor to doctor—can help to ensure an accurate diagnosis, so she or he can prescribe the ideal combination of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy you need to feel your best on your menopause journey. Regardless of which type of doctor you choose, it’s important to find a physician who listens respectfully, answers questions, makes you feel comfortable, and addresses your unique needs.
Does Insurance Cover Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement?
Medical insurance may cover the cost of doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and ongoing care, but may not cover compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurer to find out if a doctor is in your network and what’s covered before beginning any therapy, as it will depend on your specific policy and benefits.
Some hormone health specialists are fee-for-service providers. This means that patients pay for covered and uncovered services out of pocket and may submit their own claims for insurance reimbursement for covered services. Your insurance is not billed directly.
Some other payment options may include a program or bundle where your labs, consultation, and/or medications are included in one price. Some practices charge by the program, by the month, or may even offer an annual membership—like a concierge medical practice. These options vary from practice to practice. This is certainly something to ask the provider as you are making your decision to start hormone replacement therapy.
Good news! Most practices will accept your HSA or FSA card. If for some reason they don’t, you can submit your payment receipts. There are financial and tax benefits to using these payment methods for all or part of your treatment.
What Should You Bring to Your First Appointment?
You have an idea or two about the best kind of menopause doctor for you and perhaps you’ve scheduled an appointment. So, what about that first visit? How do you confidently engage with your new menopause medical partner?
To get you started, Hormone Therapy Specialist, Dr. Angela DeRosa, DO, CPE, MBA; Founder of the Hormonal Health Institute and Medical Director of Belmar Pharma Solutions, has created a letter that you can share with your doctor, which could help make the first steps of inquiry easier. You are welcome to print out the letter, but if you’d rather take a more direct approach, here are a few conversation starters:
- I’ve been doing a little research with some reliable sources, and I think hormone replacement is for me!
- Will you help me optimize my hormones?
- Do you have specialized training in this field and are you comfortable prescribing bioidentical hormones for women going through menopause?
- How long have you been using BHRT?
- Beyond getting your medical degree, what organizations have you received specialized training from?
Once you find the right provider for you, it may take some time to get an appointment. Specialized providers dedicate more time with their patients than an average doctor’s visit. Your first appointment could last an hour or more.
If you must wait several weeks for your first appointment, use the time to prepare for your visit. Check your symptoms and learn more, so you can ask questions when you do see your doctor. Remember: Even if your symptoms are “normal”, that doesn’t mean you have to ignore them and deal with being uncomfortable or miserable! Feeling bad is never OK. Life is too short.
Track everything. There are 11 key symptoms of menopause, and here are the five you should pay attention to:
- Hot flashes and
- Sleep problems
- Feeling unhappy
- Physical and mental fatigue
- Sexual problems
Get ready, friend! Nothing beats leaving that first visit feeling empowered, knowledgeable, and heard!