HORMONES

Hormone levels decline as we age. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) replenishes the hormones that your body needs to function optimally. The molecule of the bioidentical hormone is identical in structure to the hormones naturally found in the body. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are similar to, but not exactly the same as the hormones produced in your body. Synthetic hormones act differently, produce different effects and have different side effects than the safer, more effective bioidentical hormones. We at Chadds Ford Wellness use bioidentical hormones instead of synthetic hormones. We assess your individual needs and help to bring your hormone levels into an optimal, more youthful range. The program is customized and personalized based on your symptoms, lab levels, and family history. In order to assure an adequate dose and response to treatment, your hormone levels are monitored and adjusted to maintain optimal levels. Common hormone levels that are commonly checked are as follows. Signs and symptoms of deficiencies are listed, as well.

• Thyroid: Fatigue, weakness, weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight, coarse, dry hair, dry, rough skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, muscle cramps or aches, constipation, depression, irritability, memory loss, brain fog, irregular periods, low libido

• Testosterone: Fatigue, loss of lean muscle mass, difficulty gaining muscle, increased fat around the waist, reduced overall sense of well being, depression, erectile dysfunction, decreased sensitivity during sex, loss of ability to orgasm, delayed climax, muscle and joint pain, impaired healing, difficulty recovering after working out, premature aging of the skin

• DHEA: Mood disorders, adrenal fatigue, poor immune system function or presence of chronic disease, poor bone density ( diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis or family history)

• Estrogen: Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, vaginal dryness or atrophy, pain with intercourse, bladder incontinence, fatigue, low libido, poor cognitive function, poor memory, poor bone density, skin dryness, and drooping breasts

• Progesterone: PMS symptoms, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, acne, cysts on ovaries and in breasts, uterine fibroid tumors, endometriosis, hot flashes, night sweats, water retention, bloating, weight gain at puberty, childbirth, and menopause, irregular period, breast tenderness, insomnia, headaches or migraines, early aging of skin, hair loss, brittle nails, chronic fatigue, low libido, poor bone density, dry skin, psoriasis, varicose veins, and urinary incontinence

Office visits are not covered by insurance. The cost for our bioidentical hormone replacement program is $500 per hour. Typically the initial visit is about an hour and follow up visits are approximately a half hour. Blood work is checked at every appointment. Follow ups are required every 2-3 months until symptoms and hormone levels are optimized. Once optimized appointments are required twice a year - once may be done over the phone at the same price for convenience and the other must be in person as a physical exam is required.