What are bioidentical hormones vs. synthetic hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as yams and soy. They are designed to replicate the same chemical structure as the hormones that we have been producing naturally our whole life. Based on the levels we get from your lab work, as well as your symptoms, Dr. Pragit will individually tailor a bioidentical hormone regimen specifically designed to fit your needs.
Synthetic hormones are hormones made by pharmaceutical companies and are NOT identical in chemical structure to the natural hormones your body makes. In fact, they cannot even be measured with lab work because the chemical structure is altered and therefore different from the hormones your body makes.
Synthetic hormones are hormones made by pharmaceutical companies and are NOT identical in chemical structure to the natural hormones your body makes. In fact, they cannot even be measured with lab work because the chemical structure is altered and therefore different from the hormones your body makes.
Are bioidentical hormones safe?
When dealing with menopause (females) or andropause (males), bioidentical hormones are safer and more effective than synthetic hormones. Unlike synthetic hormones which are not the same chemical structure of our natural hormones, bioidentical hormones mimic the hormones already being made by the body. When these levels naturally decline with age, bioidentical hormones can replace these natural hormones in your body and give you symptom relief. However, it is important to remember that no drug, supplement or herb is 100 percent safe. There is always a chance you may experience an adverse reaction. That is why it is critical to consult with a hormone specialist before beginning any hormone therapy regimen. It is important to note that your Primary Care Physician is NOT a hormone specialist unless they have taken courses BEYOND what is required in medical school.
There are numerous studies that have come out attesting to not only safety, but also to the health benefits of maintaining healthy natural female and male hormone levels. That assumes treatment is done properly and monitored on a regular basis. Our Platinum yearly plan will assure that your hormones are being properly managed and that your lab work will be monitored on a regular basis.
There are numerous studies that have come out attesting to not only safety, but also to the health benefits of maintaining healthy natural female and male hormone levels. That assumes treatment is done properly and monitored on a regular basis. Our Platinum yearly plan will assure that your hormones are being properly managed and that your lab work will be monitored on a regular basis.
How long do I have to take bioidentical hormones?
The simple answer is -- as long as you want to live life to the fullest and feel incredible every day! Bioidentical hormones, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can turn back the aging clock. You will experience increased energy, increased libido (sex drive), an increase in lean muscle, softer more youthful skin, less bone loss, better bone density, fat loss, better sleep, happier mood, and less aches and pains.
At what age should I consider replacing/balance my hormones?
All men and women start to see hormone level decreases in their late 30’s. By age 35, declines are sufficient enough that some symptoms may begin to appear. By the late 50’s and 60’s, these changes become very evident. You may be experiencing symptoms such as:
* large amounts of fat deposition around the belly
* loss of sexual desire (libido)
* loss of muscle mass
* moderate to severe fatigue
* insomnia
* depressed mood
* waking up tired
* loss of personal confidence
If you are experiencing these symptoms, WE CAN HELP! The best time to start replacing hormones is between the ages of 40 and 45. However, it is never too late!
* large amounts of fat deposition around the belly
* loss of sexual desire (libido)
* loss of muscle mass
* moderate to severe fatigue
* insomnia
* depressed mood
* waking up tired
* loss of personal confidence
If you are experiencing these symptoms, WE CAN HELP! The best time to start replacing hormones is between the ages of 40 and 45. However, it is never too late!
How are menopause and andropause treated?
Replacement of bioidentical hormones comes in many forms, depending on the needs and regimen specifically tailored to the patient. It may be in the form of oral pills or capsules, creams, or injections, or a combination of all of these. Bioidentical hormones require a prescription from a doctor.
How long will it take me to feel better?
Although all patients are different, most will begin noticing some changes rather quickly. But to actually affect physiologic changes where possible, it takes as much time as your body needs. Remember that you did not develop these symptoms overnight. Your commitment to getting healthier and feeling better should last as long as you want the results. Considering the significant positive effects on quality of life, the decision to commit should be quite easy.
How much does hormone replacement cost?
It depends on the individual and their treatment regimen. We will order your hormones from a local compounding pharmacy who will ship your order directly to your home. Females may expect to pay approximately $60-100 per month, depending on your individualized treatment plan and prescriptions needed. Males can expect to pay about the same. Your insurance company may offer coverage for some of your hormone treatment depending on your plan. We do not take insurance or file insurance claims for Anti-Aging Hormone replacement patients. However, you may fill out an insurance claim with the receipt from the compounding pharmacy and file it with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse you.
Are diet and exercise important?
Establishing and maintaining the good lifestyle practices of a healthy diet, regular exercise and controlling stress are critical to optimal results from hormone therapy. As of right now, there is still NO magic pill.
Where and when do I get my lab testing?
Arizona law requires that you have a minimum one time face-to-face physical with Dr. Pragit in Chandler, Arizona. When you come in for your in-person visit with Dr. Pragit, we will provide you with a list of labs needed to get you started on bioidentical hormone therapy. It is possible, but not guaranteed, that your insurance may cover these labs. You may also take your lab order to a cash pay lab. You will need to do initial lab work at the beginning of your program, and again at 3 and 6 months. Once your regimen is established and you are at a dosage that is suitable for symptom relief and optimal health, you may have labs done on a yearly basis. Females will also need to have a yearly mammogram.
What about thyroid hormone?
ALL hormones decrease with age. HYPOthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid slows down its production of thyroid hormone to run the body’s metabolism. It is important to note that your Primary Care Physician is NOT an expert in thyroid testing and replacement if they have not taken courses beyond what is required in medical school. Most Primary Care Physicians will check your thyroid by only checking TSH, and this is NOT a sufficient test for total thyroid function. ( See the diagrammatic representation of the pathway of thyroid hormones.)
What are the symptoms of HYPOthyroidism?
* fatigue
* loss of hair, scalp and/or eyebrows
* sensitivity to cold
* weakness
* trouble losing weight or weight gain
* muscle aches
* constipation
* depression
* memory loss
* irritability
* loss of libido (sex drive)
* loss of hair, scalp and/or eyebrows
* sensitivity to cold
* weakness
* trouble losing weight or weight gain
* muscle aches
* constipation
* depression
* memory loss
* irritability
* loss of libido (sex drive)
What causes hypothyroidism?
The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a form of thyroid inflammation caused by your own immune system attacking your thyroid and preventing it from making proper amounts of thyroid hormone. Your chances of developing hypothyroidism increase with age and sex (females more than males). Hypothyroidism can also be genetic, or from previous treatment for HYPER thyroidism. It can also be caused by previous thyroid surgery or previous exposure to radiation.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
There are synthetic pharmaceuticals such as synthroid or levothyroxine (T4) and cytomel (T3). There are also natural treatments which are very effective and contain both hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormone can also be tailored to individual needs and made by a compound pharmacy. All thyroid hormone, synthetic or natural, requires a prescription from a doctor.
What about growth hormone?
Human Growth hormone or HGH is one of the most important hormones that plays a key role in the life of an organism. Secreted by the pituitary gland, it begins to decline steadily after the age of 20. Stress and environmental toxins lead to further reduction of growth hormone. After the age of about 35, most people begin to feel the signs of aging. One of the leading factors that takes part in the process of aging is the reduction of growth hormone.
What are the signs of HGH deficiency?
* growth disorders (mostly in younger patients)
* poor memory
* poor hearing
* fatigue
* loss of muscle mass
* increased fat mass
* difficulty sleeping
* saggy skin
* poor memory
* poor hearing
* fatigue
* loss of muscle mass
* increased fat mass
* difficulty sleeping
* saggy skin
Does the FDA permit the use of HGH?
The U.S. FDA approved the use of growth hormone in adult patients in August 1996 but only for specific growth disorders. However there is an alternative called Sermorelin which can be used alone or in combination with other “releasing factors.” Because it is not HGH, there are very few side effects and no specific required time to remain on treatment. Sermorelin is an injectable medication which is used nightly. It encourages the pituitary gland to make and release more of its own natural growth hormone.
What is the cost of sermorelin?
Sermorelin can cost approximately $200 per month, while HGH can cost upwards of $500 per month, and is available as a prescription for very specific growth disorders only.
What are the benefits of sermorelin?
* Increased lean muscle mass
* Improvements in workout and recovery
* Reduced body fat through lipolysis (fat breakdown)
* Increased levels of energy, strength, and stamina
* Increased muscle mass, definition, and endurance
* Decreased appearance of wrinkles and more youthful skin
* Improvements in workout and recovery
* Reduced body fat through lipolysis (fat breakdown)
* Increased levels of energy, strength, and stamina
* Increased muscle mass, definition, and endurance
* Decreased appearance of wrinkles and more youthful skin
What is included in my Hormone Replacement Treatment Package?
All new clients receive an initial consultation with Dr. Pragit, review of medical history and lab results, prescriptions for bioidentical hormone replacement for eligible candidates. The New Client Annual Platinum Package includes all of this as well as review of follow up lab work done at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months following the initial prescription date. Please note that lab work, and pre-therapy medical evaluations and the cost of the hormones themselves are not included in the package. If a client is found to not be medically eligible to receive hormone replacement treatment, their package price will be refunded, less a $25 administration fee. Beverly Hills doctors charge $1,800 of more for this specialized treatment. We designed this program to be accessible for everyone at a fraction of the price.
New clients who choose the 3 month option receive the same initial consultation with Dr. Pragit, review of medical history and lab results and prescriptions for bioidentical hormone replacement for eligible candidates. Clients who choose the initial 3 month package will receive appropriate 3 month prescriptions and a follow up at 3 months. Please note that lab work, and pre-therapy medical evaluations and the cost of the hormones themselves are not included in any of the packages. If a client is found to not be medically eligible to receive hormone replacement treatment, their package price will be refunded, less a $25 administration fee.
New clients who choose the 3 month option receive the same initial consultation with Dr. Pragit, review of medical history and lab results and prescriptions for bioidentical hormone replacement for eligible candidates. Clients who choose the initial 3 month package will receive appropriate 3 month prescriptions and a follow up at 3 months. Please note that lab work, and pre-therapy medical evaluations and the cost of the hormones themselves are not included in any of the packages. If a client is found to not be medically eligible to receive hormone replacement treatment, their package price will be refunded, less a $25 administration fee.
CAN I RENEW MY PACKAGES?
Yes! Clients can choose to renew their annual package, or continue their treatment beyond the initial 3 month package simply by purchasing another package through the web store. Please note that lab work, other necessary medical evaluations (beyond the consultation) and the cost of the hormones themselves are not included in this package. If a client is found to not be medically eligible to receive hormone replacement treatment, their package price will be refunded, less a $25 administration fee.
how do i get started?
First, make sure you have your copy of one of our E-books, to learn more about hormone replacement therapy. Get your e-book here. Next, review our process. To select your New Client Initial Package, simply follow this link to our web store.
what if i have additional questions?
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us through this Contact Form. Thank you!
Helpful Tips
Instructions for Testosterone Injection
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1. Wash hands thoroughly.
2. Remove flip cap from testosterone vial. 3. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. 4. Place the 18 gauge needle onto the syringe. 5. Insert the needle/syringe into testosterone vial. 6. Draw out the correct amount of medication per prescription. 7. Tap syringe to remove any air bubbles. 8. Remove the 18 gauge needle from the syringe. 9. Place the injection needle onto the syringe. 10. Choose the injection site (shoulder, thigh, glute). 11. Prepare skin by wiping with alcohol swab. Allow to dry. 12. Using thumb and forefinger, pinch approximately 2 inches of cleaned skin. 13. Slowly push plunger down, fully injecting medication. 14. Remove needle and apply pressure to site if needed. |
Instructions for Sermorelin and HCG Reconstitution and Injection
How to Reconstitute Sermorelin and HCG Medications
1. Wash hands thoroughly.
2. Remove flip-top cap from Bacteriostatic water and medication vials (Figure a above).
3. Wipe both rubber stoppers with an alcohol prep pad and allow to dry.
4. Withdraw the prescribed amount of bacteriostatic water using mixing syringe. (Figure b)
See the prescription label or doctor's instructions for the accurate amount.
5. Insert mixing syringe with water into medication vial (Figure c), angling needle to side of bottle, and empty contents into vial. Swirl vial gently to mix.
6. Refrigerate vial after reconstitution.
7. Choose injection site as directed (may be upper arm, thigh or abdomen).
8. Prepare skin by wiping with alcohol pad and allow to dry.
9. Withdraw prescribed amount from vial (Figure d) with injection syringe. See the prescription label or doctor's instructions for the accurate amount.
10. Tap syringe to remove any air bubbles.
11. Using thumb and forefinger, pinch up approximately 2 inches of cleaned skin on injection site, pulling skin taut.
12. Insert needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle.
13. Slowly push plunger down, fully injecting medication.
14. Remove needle and apply pressure to site if needed.
2. Remove flip-top cap from Bacteriostatic water and medication vials (Figure a above).
3. Wipe both rubber stoppers with an alcohol prep pad and allow to dry.
4. Withdraw the prescribed amount of bacteriostatic water using mixing syringe. (Figure b)
See the prescription label or doctor's instructions for the accurate amount.
5. Insert mixing syringe with water into medication vial (Figure c), angling needle to side of bottle, and empty contents into vial. Swirl vial gently to mix.
6. Refrigerate vial after reconstitution.
7. Choose injection site as directed (may be upper arm, thigh or abdomen).
8. Prepare skin by wiping with alcohol pad and allow to dry.
9. Withdraw prescribed amount from vial (Figure d) with injection syringe. See the prescription label or doctor's instructions for the accurate amount.
10. Tap syringe to remove any air bubbles.
11. Using thumb and forefinger, pinch up approximately 2 inches of cleaned skin on injection site, pulling skin taut.
12. Insert needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle.
13. Slowly push plunger down, fully injecting medication.
14. Remove needle and apply pressure to site if needed.