Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Why Choose Bio-Identical Hormones?

A bio-identical hormone has the same chemical and molecular structure as the naturally occurring hormone produced in the body.

A synthetic hormone has slight structural differences to a hormone produced by the body, which means it can act differently in the body and produce substantially different effects.

Bio-identical hormones are 100% identical to the chemical structure of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone found in the human body. As a result they fit the receptor sites perfectly so their messages are translated properly and their effects are more consistent with the normal biochemistry of the body.

Synthetic hormones have a different molecular-chemical structure. They bind to other steroid receptors in addition to the target ones, resulting in a number of negative effects.

Treatments with naturally occurring hormones are considered true hormone replacement therapies, whereas hormone treatments with synthetic hormones should be considered a hormone substitution therapy.

Where do Bio-Identical hormones come from?

These hormones are converted from plant sources (wild yam and soya beans)

Common concerns over HRT

Many patients are concerned about the increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and heart disease in patients on conventional (synthetic) HRT (WHI study 2002)

Amidst concerns over the safety of synthetic treatment for menopausal women, there is now a growing demand for safer treatment options. Individually prescribed bio-identical hormones often prove to be the solution when conventional medicine has failed or side effects are too severe. Bio-identical hormones are not only better tolerated, they can also be individually prescribed and fine tuned according to the patients needs.

What can bio-identical hormone replacement therapy do?

BHRT is the use of bio-identical hormones to replace and rebalance the body’s hormones during the changes leading up to menopause (or andropause in men) and beyond.

BHRT can also be used as a treatment for hormonal conditions such as pre-menstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, endometriosis, post-natal depression and most other hormonal imbalances.

For those menstruating regularly it is better to have the tests done on day 21 of the cycle. For those not menstruating regularly it is fine to have the tests anytime of the month.

Differences between Bio-identical and Synthetic.

Bio-Identical Oestrogen		Synthetic Oestrogen
Increased HDL and lowered total cholesterol		Negatively altered blood lipids
Improved insulin sensitivity		Increased carbohydrate cravings
Inhibition of platelet stickiness		Increased triglycerides
Reduced accumulation of plaque on arteries		Increased risk of gallstones / cholestatic jaundice
Decreased Blood pressure		Increased blood pressure
Reduced risk of heart disease		Elevated liver enzymes
Bio-Identical Progesterone		Synthetic Progesterone (Medroxyprogesteroneacetate)
Relief from depression		Risk of depression
Improved sleep		Decreased energy
Reduced anxiety		Increased irritability
Diuretic effect		Fluid retention
Decreased blood pressure		Headaches
Lowered Cholesterol		Increased LDL
Reduced risk breast cancer		Increased risk of breast cancer
Relief from synptoms PMS		Breast tenderness, bloating
Increase in bone density		May prevent ostoeporosis
Improved fertility		Contraindicated in pregnancy

Andropause

What is andropause?

Andropause, also known as the “male menopause”, occurs as hormone levels, particularly testosterone, decline with age. This happens naturally in men from age 30 onwards. Some men become symptomatic when their testosterone levels fall below a critical level, which is different for each man.
Common symptoms of andropause can include:

Men’s Health Check During your consultation a comprehensive medical history will be taken by your doctor, who will also assess nutrition, lifestyle and health risk factors and carry out a full physical examination.

Appropriate blood tests may also include:

Additional tests may also be recommended:

All tests will be carried out at, or organised by Gillian Thornton. Additional tests and referrals can be made subject to your needs. If appropriate, a bespoke treatment plan involving bio-identical hormones and supplements will be developed.

Process and Costs

Take Bloods and full medical history to measure where currently at. The blood results measure natural hormones so it doesn’t matter if using chemical hormones. Advice regarding other health checks and arrangements to undergo other investigations might be appropriate.

This process is usually 45 to 60 minutes
Cost £320

Review the results and correct prescription requirements, you can have copies of all results and any prescription. You might prefer to ask your GP to prescribe the hormones rather than a specialist private pharmacy. You will be advised how the prescription medication should be administered and how to place an order. Typical costs are between £2 and £3 per day.

This appointment should take 15 to 20 minutes.
Cost Visit – £120 Telephone Call – £75

A Follow-up appointment takes place between 2 and 3 months after the medication has commenced. A further blood sample and symptom checklist is undertaken to establish improvement and can be used to tweek any further prescriptions.

This will take around 45 minutes to 60 minutes.
Cost £220

Once you are settled on your regime, you will be invited to a yearly hormone blood test and check up following the initial appointment and will have access to reviews whenever you feel you have any questions or concerns.