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Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones are chemical messengers that control many vital functions in the body. When hormones become unbalanced, which often occurs as people age, significant health problems can result. These can include conditions such as diabetes, brittle bones, and heart disease. For men with clinically low testosterone levels and women with abnormal estrogen and progesterone levels associated with menopause, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is crucial for regaining optimal health.

An internist with over 17 years of clinical experience, Dr. Patel provides highly individualized evidence-based hormone treatment focused on holistic wellbeing. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which utilizes organic medications to treat a wide array of symptoms, is a major part of Dr. Patel’s functional medicine approach to comprehensive patient care. In many cases, bioidentical hormones have an anti-aging effect for men and women, allowing them to live life to the fullest once again.

FAQs

Hormones Basics

What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system consists of nine major glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. The major glands are the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, hypothalamus, pineal, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries (in women), and testes (in men).
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that send signals to organs and tissues throughout your body. These chemical signals tell the various body parts what to do, when to do it, and for how long to continue.
As chemical messengers, what bodily functions do hormones control?
Hormones control many vital processes in the body, including:
  • Growth and development
  • Respiration
  • Metabolism
  • Reproduction
  • Sensory perception
  • Movement
  • Mood
  • Sexual development and function
Can hormone imbalances lead to serious health problems?
Yes. When the proper amount of key hormones such as estrogen or testosterone are not produced by the glands, physical problems usually result. This can include dangerous medical conditions such as diabetes, brittle bones, and heart disease.
Do hormone irregularities also impact my emotions and overall psychological wellbeing?
Absolutely. Depression, anxiety, irritability and other emotional problems are common among both men and women suffering from hormonal imbalances.
What is testosterone?
Produced in the testes, testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. It essential for good health and overall wellbeing. A clinical deficiency of testosterone can result in numerous physical and emotional problems, including a lack of sex drive and greater risk for serious medical conditions.
Do women produce testosterone as well?
Yes, but in much smaller quantities than men. For women, proper levels of testosterone is necessary for a healthy sex drive.
What are estrogen and progesterone?
Produced in the ovaries, estrogen and progesterone (along with testosterone) are the primary sex hormones in women. Many women, particularly those experiencing menopause, suffer a wide variety of physical and psychological problems stemming from the body’s inadequate production of these essential hormones. These women can also be at greater risk for serious medical conditions because of their hormonal imbalance.
Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) effectively treat women and men suffering from the negative symptoms of hormonal deficiencies?
Yes. This includes the many physical and emotional difficulties commonly encountered by women experiencing menopause and men with clinically low testosterone levels. We encourage you to explore the detailed information on this website to see how HRT may be able to significantly increase your overall health and wellbeing, allowing you to live a richer, fuller life on a daily basis.
Does Dr. Patel treat all types of hormone problems?
No. In some cases, a patient may need to see an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist) to treat a particular disorder. Dr. Patel will discuss this with you during your free initial phone consultation.
Is it potentially dangerous to take hormones (of whatever kind) without proper lab testing beforehand and careful ongoing medical supervision?
Yes. Very serious health problems can result from unmonitored or unprofessional hormone therapy. For example, an investigation by the federal government discovered that 28% of men receiving new testosterone prescriptions from physicians had not had their hormone levels tested beforehand. This means some men might end up with dangerously high levels of testosterone as a result of treatment, which in turn increases their risk for serious medical conditions such as prostate cancer.
So Dr. Patel believes in the careful use of HRT for women and men?
Absolutely. He also believes in the necessity of providing highly individualized patient care. This emphasis on the uniqueness of each patient is explained in more detail in the drop-down category below.

Individualized Treatment

What does 'individualized treatment' mean? 
We at Natural Clinic MD strongly believe that every patient we treat is a unique individual with a unique personal and medical history. No two people’s health condition and life circumstances are identical. Neither are their treatment preferences, needs, and goals.
What is the most important element of individualized treatment?
Dr. Patel and his staff believe it is vital to carefully and respectfully listen to each patient’s current health concerns and  priorities for wellbeing. Only then can they provide the best medical advice and treatment possible.
How do I know if Natural Clinic MD is right for me?
We understand that every patient has different treatment needs and expectations. (And in some cases may require the services of a medical specialist other than Dr. Patel.) That’s why we offer a free initial phone consultation to determine whether Natural Clinic MD can meet your hormone therapy goals.
So Dr. Patel will talk with me on the phone before my first appointment for no charge?
Yes. He will discuss your medical case, along with your hormone treatment expectations and options. You can then decide whether Natural Clinic MD is the right holistic health care provider for you. 
Am I under any obligation if I speak with Dr. Patel?
Absolutely not. But we can help you make your first appointment with our clinic if you so choose. 
Is it important that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) be individually tailored for each male and female patient?
Yes. Each person’s body, history, symptoms, and lifestyle are different. That is why Dr. Patel carefully:
  • Listens to your current problems and concerns
  • Studies your medical history, with special attention paid to health risk factors
  • Considers your personal preferences for hormone treatment
  • Works with you to determine what type of HRT will produce the best results in your particular case
  • Monitors the course of your treatment to ensure it remains as safe and effective as possible.
What are the specific elements of individualized HRT?
In helping to design the best hormone protocol for you, Dr. Patel will recommend:
  • What type of treatment to use
  • The exact hormone formulation
  • The method of administering your medicine
  • How long you should continue using it
  • What type of follow-up care is needed.
Are there “magic numbers” for lab results that indicate optimal hormone balance in all individuals?
No. Every man and woman is a unique individual with unique biological needs. Hormone balance is not achieved with certain specific lab results. Balance is achieved when a patient is functioning as optimally as possible in their daily life.
What factors are important when considering whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you?
In addition to the severity of your symptoms, it is important to take into account your personal and family medical history. It is also important to accurately evaluate your current life status. For example, an older postmenopausal woman still experiencing severe hot flashes must consider her age and the amount of time since menopause before deciding about HRT, as these factors help determine her risk for blood clots, breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease as a result of treatment. 
So there is no one-size-fits-all treatment protocol at Natural Clinic MD?
Absolutely not. No two men or women are identical—and neither are their medical histories, symptom severity, or personal treatment preferences. This is why individualized treatment is essential for maximizing health benefits and minimizing risks.
Is it common to have to adjust the medication type or dose during hormone therapy?
Yes. It is difficult to always know in advance exactly what hormone protocol will work best in each patient’s body. It sometimes requires a period of trail and error. Dr. Patel will carefully monitor your treatment results and make necessary adjustments over time to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety. 
Does Dr. Patel believe in a shared decision-making process between patient and physician?
Absolutely. He believes that medical professionals must take the time to carefully listen to their patient’s unique health story. This is essential for developing a trusting, collaborative treatment relationship where both people share the same ultimate goal: maximizing the patient’s physical and emotional health so they can enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Office Visits and Lab Tests

Will Dr. Patel prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to anybody who wants it?
No. There must be a legitimate medical reason for prescribing HRT in each case. Depending on a person’s medical history and current health circumstances, HRT might or might not be a wise treatment choice.
How can I find out if I might qualify for HRT?
You can contact Natural Clinic MD for a free phone consultation to determine if HRT is appropriate for you. If your choose, our clinic staff will then make your first appointment with Dr. Patel and help you obtain necessary medical records for his review.
What happens during my initial visit to Natural Clinic MD?
During your first appointment, which lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, Dr. Patel will:
  • Ask you in detail about the physical and emotional health symptoms you are currently experiencing
  • Assess your past medical history (including any risk factors related to HRT)
  • Conduct a thorough physical examination
  • Review available lab test results to determine your current hormone levels
  • Help you choose the best hormone therapy option for your unique health and lifestyle needs
  • Establish a treatment schedule for future lab tests and office visits.
Are follow-up office visits really that important?
Yes. Although hormone therapy significantly improves the health and wellbeing of many men and women, it is crucial that Dr. Patel monitors your treatment and medical condition on an ongoing basis. Hormone and other blood levels that become too high or too low can indicate or cause serious health problems.
Do HRT protocols sometimes need to be adjusted or changed over time?
Yes. Hormone medications do not always impact the body as expected or desired. Treatment modifications are a common necessity for both male and female patients. During your office visits, Dr. Patel will also help you determine whether the health benefits of a particular HRT still outweigh the health risks in your particular case.
Does Dr. Patel treat thyroid conditions as well?
It depends. In some cases he can treat thyroid issues along with other hormone-related conditions. In other cases he may need to refer a patient to an endocrinologist for specialized thyroid care.
What is the purpose of getting follow-up lab tests?
Blood work is needed to make sure levels of sex hormones and other key biological indicators in your body are at safe and healthy levels. This testing needs to be repeated on a set schedule because your body’s reaction to hormone therapy can change over time.
How often do I need to get my blood tested?
It varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on your medical history, current health status, other medications, and specific hormone protocol. Once your symptoms and blood levels stabilize, you will generally need lab work done every 6 months. Dr. Patel will review the results with you during your next office visit and offer treatment recommendations to help you maintain optimal holistic health and wellbeing.

Treatment Costs

How much does the initial office visit with Dr. Patel cost?
The initial appointment—which lasts 60 to 90 minutes—costs $185.
How much do follow-up appointments cost?
Office visits beyond the first follow-up cost between $150 and $200, depending on the patient.
Does medical insurance cover the cost of these office visits?
No. Because Dr. Patel does not belong to the provider networks of major insurance companies, they will not cover the cost of office visits.
How much does the lab testing for my hormone condition cost?
That depends on what specific tests Dr. Patel orders. This varies between male and female patients. It can also vary between patients of the same sex, depending on their medical history, diagnosis, and current symptoms.
Does medical insurance usually cover the cost of these lab tests?
Yes—even though Dr. Patel is not part of any provider networks. (Insurance companies pay for lab tests differently than how they pay for office visits.) Please contact your insurance provider to verify this information.
I have no insurance—how much will lab work cost me?
Our clinic realizes that not all patients have medical insurance. We will work with the testing laboratory to obtain a significant out-of-pocket discount for blood work for uninsured individuals. Our office can provide you with more information about lab fees.
How much do hormone medicines from a compounding pharmacy cost?
It depends. Costs for compounded hormone medications vary depending on the specific ingredients, dose, quantity, and method of application. Our clinic will work to help you obtain high-quality biomedical medications at the best price possible.