FAQsstorey2017-07-28T18:42:32+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

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What Will Bio-Identical Hormones Do For Me?storey2017-05-01T16:59:47+00:00

Women suffering from menopause symptoms that are looking to put an end to hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain, and low libido are turning to LifePlus MD to replace their natural hormones. These certified anti-aging physicians design individualized programs specifically for each woman suffering from symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and severe PMS. Men experiencing andropause (male menopause) who want to get a grip on weight gain, lost libido, fatigue, stress, energy, muscle mass, and body fat are also finding solutions through LifePlus MD’s natural hormone therapy programs. For men, andropause happens gradually and when diagnosed, the symptoms are successfully treated using Bio-Identical hormone therapy.

Why Bio-Identical Hormones?storey2017-05-01T16:59:23+00:00

Bio-Identical hormones are an exact replica of the hormones that are naturally produced by the body. The difference between Bio-Identical hormones and synthetic hormones is that, although both are created in labs, synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally created in your body while Bio-Identical hormones match your body’s hormones molecule by molecule.

Depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs, LifePlus MD may choose to prescribe Bio-Identical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, melatonin or others as needed.

You are probably already using some hormones. Birth Control Pills, Hydrocortisone (used for rashes), and Vitamin D in milk are all forms of hormones.

Over the last 100 years as we have doubled our life expectancy, the soft tissue glands which create our hormones are being forced to produce them longer than ever. Also, our increasingly stressful lives, poor nutrition and lack of proper fitness results in declining levels of hormones in our bodies.

Men and women have successfully used Bio-Identical hormones for decades. Men suffering from the symptoms of andropause or women suffering from menopause or perimenopause, can turn to Bio-Identical hormones to replace the natural hormones that have declined as their bodies have aged.

In well known medical journals, researchers have reported that the Bio-Identical hormones, estrogen and testosterone, are not only safe but also have a positive impact on diseases like osteoporosis and prostate cancer.

Hormones before, during, and after Menopause?storey2017-05-01T16:59:00+00:00

No matter what your age, if your female hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) are unbalanced, you may suffer ill effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood swings, depression, anxiety, memory loss, vaginal dryness, fatigue, loss of your sex drive, and even weight gain. Women with balanced hormones integrated with proper nutrition and fitness can have a better quality of life as they age.

When is Bio-Identical Hormone therapy right for me?storey2017-05-01T16:58:37+00:00

In general, your body’s natural hormones begin to decline after your mid-20s and hormone imbalance symptoms are frequently present by your mid-30s. Men and women often start replacing hormones between the age of 35 and 40. If you are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, it is best not to wait.

Why do men need testosterone replacement?storey2017-05-01T16:58:19+00:00

As men age, production of the hormone testosterone begins to decline and they experience symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for maintaining mental focus, energy, metabolism, muscle mass, fat levels, and sex drive. By balancing a man’s hormones with Bio-Identical hormone therapy, men can restore their vitality and reduce the symptoms of andropause.

When will I start to see results?storey2017-05-01T16:57:57+00:00

While it varies with each person, and depends on which hormone therapy you are using, you can expect to see results within three to six months. This amount of time is needed to allow for the proper balancing of your hormones.

At what age should I start to consider Bio-Identical hormone therapy?storey2017-05-01T16:57:35+00:00

We believe that most people should have their hormones checked by the age of 40 or earlier if they are experiencing symptoms of menopause or andropause. The way to prevent illness and to optimize one’s health is to take an active role in addressing health care risks before they become a problem. Getting tested, even if you still feel good, gives you a benchmark for later comparison when the inevitable happens and your hormones begin to decline.

Will Bio-Identical hormone therapy help my stress levels?storey2017-05-01T16:57:15+00:00

High stress levels are very common in individuals with unbalanced hormones. Regulating hormones with Bio-Identical hormone therapy will certainly help to decrease stress levels and increase general feelings of well being.

Can my hormones effect my sex drive?storey2017-05-01T16:56:49+00:00

Yes. A deficiency of testosterone, estrogen, or other types of hormonal imbalance can cause a low libido.

Will I be prescribed vitamins or supplements?storey2017-05-01T16:56:27+00:00

If your doctor finds that your overall health and hormonal balance could be improved through vitamins and supplements, they will prescribe them to you. We recommend only pharmaceutical grade vitamins and supplements.

Just what are synthetic hormones?storey2017-05-01T16:56:05+00:00

Synthetic hormones are derived from plant progesterone and animal estrogens, but are not identical to the hormones your body uses (generally extra covalent bonds or molecules are added so that it can be patented).

What weight gain or weight loss?storey2017-05-01T16:55:40+00:00

Hormones are like stop-lights. When they are balanced the light is green and you will get the optimum results from your nutrition and fitness programs. When they are imbalanced the light is red, making it in many cases difficult to lose and easy to gain weight. Hormones are chemical messengers that cause the body to make changes affecting weight gain or weight loss. Changes in hormone levels are also dependent on the lifestyle we lead and can affect our mood, metabolism, and energy levels. For example, when males become less active there is often a gradual decline in testosterone. This hormone is known to boost metabolism and has the benefit of helping lower fat levels. Thus, when testosterone is balanced a man’s ideal weight is easier to achieve.

Do you replace my current doctor?storey2017-05-01T16:54:48+00:00

Although we are happy to communicate with your current physician, we encourage you to continue your usual visits with him or her.

How long will I be taking hormones?storey2017-05-01T16:54:26+00:00

Some patients can wean off various hormones once they become balanced and have fewer symptoms of menopause or andropause. There are also patients who can wean off adrenal and thyroid support once their adrenals or thyroid glands have healed. There is no single answer for everyone – it depends on your individual hormone stability and how well your diet and lifestyle will support everything else. In the worst-case scenario, if you decided to stop Bio-Identical hormone therapy, your body would return to the state it was in before initiating your program.

Do traditional doctors prescribe hormones?storey2017-05-01T16:53:59+00:00

Traditional doctors do not usually have the time or the resources to seek expertise in hormones. LifePlus MD physicians & staff undergo extensive training in hormone therapy and have specialized knowledge of anti-aging medicine.

Do I need a prescription for hormone therapy?storey2017-05-01T16:53:33+00:00

Yes. Hormones are compounded prescription drugs that are produced in a specialized pharmacy. Each prescription is hand made from the highest quality ingredients and made by pharmacists that specialize in formulating drugs. Since every patient is unique, the strength or the dosage form needs to be specially made to fit the individual.

Just what is compounding pharmacy?storey2017-05-01T16:53:07+00:00

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that hand makes individualized Bio-Identical hormone prescriptions. The quality of the ingredients used, the expertise of the pharmacist, and the quality of customer service are all critical decisions on what pharmacy you want to use. Our anti-aging physicians commonly use only a few compounding pharmacies – ones that we have personally met with to ensure that they are the very best at what they do. After all, if the prescription is not effective (due to the pharmacy) then your results will be less than optimal.

Are there any side effects with Bio-Identical hormones?storey2017-05-01T16:52:08+00:00

Because Bio-Identical hormones have the same molecular structure of the hormones made naturally by your body, there are relatively few side effects. Side effects occur mainly when the dosage of hormone is too high for the individual. LifePlus MD’s anti-aging physicians monitor and evaluate each patient consistently to assure balanced and proper dosing.

Is there any increase in risk for Heart Disease & Breast Cancer?storey2017-05-01T16:51:48+00:00

Hormones that are non-Bio-Identical use a one-size-fits-all approach to hormone therapy with hormones that are foreign to a woman’s body. We cannot generalize these study results to all estrogens. Conversely, Bio-Identical hormones, which are the same as what is in your body naturally, have been proven to be safe. As far as heart disease, Bio-Identical hormone therapy has never been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. As a matter of fact, hormone replacement with Bio-Identical hormones has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease.

Are Bio-Identical hormones approved and regulated by the FDA?storey2017-05-01T16:51:26+00:00

The ingredients in Bio-Identical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are approved by the FDA. However, state and local pharmacy boards have jurisdiction over them, not the FDA. It is important to know you are using the highest quality compounding pharmacy and that they follow the most stringent guidelines while having excellent quality assurance.

Will this treatment interfere with my current prescriptions?storey2017-05-01T16:51:04+00:00

Generally, no. Some medicines may actually be reduced or no longer needed.

What about my previous lab work?storey2017-05-01T16:50:43+00:00

You may bring along any lab work, bone density, mammograms, PAP smears, or other diagnostic tests you have had done in the past year. We do not need the actual x-rays or ultrasounds, only the report. However, you will need to do a complete female or male hormone panel, which may include both blood and saliva tests. This comprehensive test panel will tell us exactly where your hormone levels are today and assist us in starting you on your way to better health and hormonal balance.

Is the hormone therapy program covered by my health insurance?storey2017-05-01T16:50:03+00:00

LifePlus MD integrative services operates as a self-pay clinic with payment due at time of service. Although insurance may cover some of the services, labs, and diagnostics, not all services are covered by insurance plans. Please check with your insurance plans prior to each visit.

What is the cost if I start hormone therapy?storey2017-05-01T16:49:32+00:00

The cost of therapy depends on your individual needs. You may visit our contact page to read more about our billing process and contact us with any questions.