How much does Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) cost?

All women experience menopause, but many don’t really think about it until it comes along. The challenges we face when the first signs of perimenopause appear are quite often a surprise for some women and confusing for others.

During the build-up to menopause, known as perimenopause, our hormones go through a significant transformation process. Their levels fluctuate and can alter our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing resulting in symptoms such as brain fog, hot flushes, anxiety, depression, joint pain, vaginal dryness and weight gain.

It’s important that women are aware that they aren’t alone in their menopause journey and understand that there are plenty of options available to help.

Both men and women can benefit from a treatment known as Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), an alternative to the synthetic hormones used in conventional Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT).

What is BHRT?

There’s a symphony of hormones at play throughout your life. When your hormones are balanced, you generally feel good. But when the balance of your hormones changes – as it will during perimenopause – that’s when you begin to experience problems. BHRT allows us to custom tailor hormones for your unique lifestyle and symptoms.

Bioidentical hormones, or BHRT, are especially effective because their molecular structure is identical to the hormones created by the body. They fit the body’s hormone receptor sites perfectly, ensuring that messages are correctly translated, and the effects are consistent with the biochemistry of the body.

Bioidentical hormones are derived directly from natural plant sources such as yams and soy. These are then manufactured into medication which can be taken orally or through creams and skin patches.

Why BHRT?

Studies show that bioidentical hormone therapy can help many problems, including skin ageing and preservation of bone density. BHRT is a versatile treatment that can improve conditions in women who cannot tolerate other types of treatments whilst boosting overall health and quality of life.

As bioidentical hormones have an identical chemical structure to our own hormones, the body does not reject them nor consider them to be foreign in any way, and the way that the body handles them is the same as for your naturally occurring hormones. They are also entirely bespoke to your needs and symptoms, giving you the precise amount of each hormone you require for optimum results.

How much does it cost?

Women who are contemplating BHRT will naturally want to know how much it will cost. It’s important to understand that BHRT is an ongoing treatment requiring follow-up appointments to re-test hormone levels and assess the subsequent prescriptions and medications.

Your BHRT journey will start with a thorough assessment of your medical history, lifestyle and symptoms and this consultation can range anywhere between £300-£600. Your practitioner will likely perform some bloodwork to understand your existing hormone levels and then monitor your levels every three to six months throughout your treatment programme. In many cases, you will need to pay for the initial consultation, tests and medication, and your subsequent review appointments.

These costs for BHRT are ongoing, but you can often spread them out more easily over the time of the treatment programme once up-front fees are paid.

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