What is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
The ability of the human body to produce hormones can decline and become imbalanced with age. Surgical procedures and long periods of stress can cause hormones to become unstable as well. However, the body’s need for hormones still remains. Hormone replacement can be used to help maintain the proper functioning of the body.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, can restore a hormone balance by using plant-derived hormone precursors that have been modified to become structurally identical to what the human body makes. These hormones include estrogens, progesterone, and the androgens (i.e., testosterone and DHEA). Each hormone has a multitude of functions in the body. Some of these include helping with memory, promoting weight loss/gain, improving sleep, increasing energy levels, raising libido, regulating body temperature, and maintaining moisture in the skin. Finding the right balance of these hormones for each woman is essential for optimal benefits.
4 Easy Steps in our Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Program
Meet our Specialist
Dr. Carrie Brown, PharmD
Dr. Brown is a highly skilled and dedicated pharmacist specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). She has been on the Hawthorne team since 2016, starting as a student. She completed her PGY1 residency with Hawthorne Pharmacy upon graduation, after which she became a pharmacist with the company. Through her professional journey, she honed her expertise in BHRT and committed herself to providing top-notch, comprehensive care to her patients.
Background
Dr. Brown holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from South University. She has completed multiple educational courses since graduation in the field of BHRT and has received an HRT Compounding Specialist designation from the Professional Compounding Centers of America. Her commitment to ongoing education and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field ensures that her patients receive the most effective and up-to-date care.
Approach
Dr. Brown approaches her work focusing on functionality, aiming to set actionable and attainable patient goals. Her method involves educating and empowering patients to participate actively in their healthcare. This, coupled with her goal of providing customized treatment plans, ensures each of her patients receives the individualized solutions they expect and deserve when they use Hawthorne Pharmacy.
If you’re interested in learning more, reach out, and we’ll be happy to help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I get a saliva test kit?
You can pick up a saliva test kit at any of our eight Hawthorne Pharmacy locations. This is a 2-point Saliva testing kit.
- What does the saliva test kit test for?
The saliva test kit tests the following: Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHT, DHEA, Cortisol AM & PM, 17-OH Progesterone, Androstenedione, Melatonin AM & PM
- Can I begin the Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Program without doing the saliva test?
A comprehensive hormone panel is required in order for our hormone specialist to adequately evaluate your specific needs. We highly recommend the saliva test kit because of the clinical benefits the panel offers. It specifically measures free and active hormone levels for primary sex hormones, intermediate substrates as well as some specific adrenal markers. This gives us a great holistic view of how your body produces, utilizes and metabolizes hormones as well as your body's physiological response to stress. In some situations, a blood panel drawn at your doctor's office may be used if it provides adequate information. Note, a standard hormone blood panel does not measure all of the levels we evaluate.
- Where do I drop off the saliva test kit once I have gathered my samples?
Once you have completed the step-by-step instructions on the saliva test kit you must drop it off at a local UPS facility. We recommend getting a receipt for this so that you can track the kit.
- How much does a saliva test kit cost?
The saliva test kit costs $109.00 (plus tax) which is due when you pick up the test kit.
- How much does a consultation cost?
Initial and follow-up consultations cost $75.00. The consultations are not billable to insurance, but they are HSA-eligible.