Bio identical hormone replacement - have I been ripped off?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Ive been suffering severe anxiety and depression since September and cant go on much longer. I'm taking sertraline (week 7) but doesnt seem to be helping much yet - im praying its early days. I would say im perimenopausal, periods getting shorter, hot flushes and deep depression (suicidal) leading up to and during period. My mum and her mum died of ovarian cancer so Gp has said HRT is out the question. In my desperation to get better I contacted a private hormone clinic. Using all my savings I paid £400 for a consultation, £300 for hormone blood test and a further £120 for some bioidentical progestorone cream and DHEA (oestrogen alternative) suppliments. The psychiatrist said they were going to be made up bespoke to match my blood results. After the products arrived this week i noticed there were no ingredients, information or warnings on the packaging. Ive since been told that its impossible to get an accurate hormone blood test due to fluctuations, the NHS website says that there is no evidence that this kind of unregulated medicine works. Another Dr has written about how this is all a big money making racket taking advantage of women suffering during their menopause/perimenopause.
Has anyone used similar products and had results or is it a big scam and Ive been robbed? considering my current mental health this was the last thing I needed whilst trying to find hope.
0 likes, 5 replies
jude84900 SallyGoldie
Edited
Hi Sally,
Seems like your private practice dr should have explained things better to you. Also it takes a little time for things to work and feel better once getting on them.
I've been on bio identical hormones for 6 years. I was lucky and they worked beautiful for me. Now I do pellets. Women need testosterone replaced too and some docs don't address that part.
Hormones can be tracked, through urine samples. Mine was done for 3 days tracking urine 4 times a day. Lots of lab work too, but all worth it to get my happiness back. It is pricey initially but if you can get things "right" it will be worth it. I think you certainly should be able to ask your clinic questions too.
paulina475 jude84900
Posted
Hi Jude84900,
I am currently working with a Naturopath who is considering starting me on Bio identical estrogen. Did the bio identical hormone replacement therapy help with psychological symptoms ie, Anxiety, depression? Not sure you experienced these symptoms prior to starting bio identical hormone replacement.
thank you for sharing!
jude84900 paulina475
Posted
Hi Paulina,
Yes I was experiencing some anxiety and depression but it wasn't full blown. The hormones helped with that along with hot flushes and sleepless nights. I plan to stay on hormone replacement for the duration of my life. It has been very rewarding to me. My husband is on testosterone pellets as well and a changed man.
paulina475 jude84900
Posted
That provides me with some reassurance-thank you for sharing.
I am so amazed at the power of hormones and how the lack of or erratic they become during this time causes so much upheaval. Ive tried herbs ans supplements and still feel out of sorts. Im beginning to think bio identical hormone replacement is the best option. Did your hormonal test show that you were low in estrogen/progestrone?
jude84900 paulina475
Edited
Paulina,
Yes, all my hormones were at the bottom including testosterone. My dr started me off with creams that really helped all my issues and after 3 years I opted for the biote pellets. I emphasize testosterone not only for intimacy but I think it helps our mental status along with muscle tone and it seems to add a calming effect for me where little things in life just don't bother me quite as much.