Perimenopause and Menopause is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when there is a gradual decline in the production of estrogen hormones along with an increase of the follicle-stimulating hormone. This phase begins to happen AS EARLY AS 40 YEARS OF AGE and can continue on into your mid-50s. During this same time, the thyroid-stimulating hormone may also be in flux which sometimes mimics signs of perimenopause and menopause. This slow, gradual imbalance lends itself to a woman’s acceptance and rationalization of symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight gain, decreased sexual drive, hair loss and moodiness.

While perimenopause and menopause do not need to be treated as a medical condition, the proper balance of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and testosterone can ease these symptoms.

Bioidentical hormones are compounded hormones derived from natural sources and designed to be structurally indistinguishable from naturally-occurring human hormones. The term “bioidentical” refers to the exact-match replication of hormones which leads to a reduced number of side effects in patients, as well as the increased effectiveness and satisfaction of the treatment.

Bioidentical hormones are created in a lab and compounded into tailored prescriptions at a compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies operate under specified guidelines established by the FDA to compound bioidentical hormones in the exact strength and dosage as prescribed by the attending practitioner. Dr. Lai partners with MedQuest to provide quality, customized pharmaceutical products to our hormone replacement therapy patients.

During your consultation, Dr. Lai will perform an extensive evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle, concerns and lab results to create a tailor-made treatment just for you.

STEP 1 - COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL

The first step in getting BHRT is to make sure you are a suitable candidate for our hormone replacement program. During the initial complimentary discovery call with Dr. Lai, you will get answers to your questions and determine whether you will benefit from BHRT.

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STEP 2 - INITIAL OFFICE CONSULTATION AND BLOOD PANEL

Once Dr. Lai determines that you are a good candidate for the hormone replacement program and you are comfortable moving forward, we will schedule an in-office visit. Prior to this first visit, we will send you an online questionnaire to gather information about your medical history, background, lifestyle, overall health, and concerns. Dr. Lai will use this questionnaire during the in office consultation to determine whether adjustments need to be made to the treatment regimen.

During your visit, you will receive concierge services including a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Lai and a blood draw taken in the comfort of our relaxing office to test your hormone levels, which include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and thyroid. You and Dr. Lai will work together as a team to target your concerns and come up with viable solutions. We know that your time is valuable and this will allow us to gather all the information we need during one appointment.

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STEP 3 - PROGRAM ASSESSMENT

Once the results come back from the lab, Dr. Lai will discuss the findings with you before customizing your personal BRHT program. Based on your concerns and medical history, along with the results of your lab work, Dr. Lai will prepare a tailored program just for you. He will provide you with a report that contains all his findings and suggested program to address your needs.

Every patient’s BHRT is compounded to their exact requirements. Estrogen, progesterone and thyroid medications come in pill form. Testosterone can come in injectable form and topical creams. Depending on your specific needs and concerns, Dr. Lai may prescribe additional hormones and supplements to your program. To ensure that you are always taking the optimal quantities of hormones, Dr. Lai repeats the testing process at regular intervals. If there are any changes, he can alter your prescription accordingly.

Hormonal balance in women has been shown to support increased mood and vitality, bone density, increased energy levels, improved body image, and overall sexual satisfaction. Furthermore, balancing levels of hormones help protect against osteoporosis, Altzeimer’s and depression.

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STEP 4 - FOLLOW UP VISIT

Prior to this visit, Dr. Lai will require you to perform a blood workup. Again, this can be done in the comfort of our office where we will get you in and out quickly. Once the lab results are received, you will come in for another office visit during which Dr. Lai will review new lab results, discuss your progress, address any concerns you may have, and adjust the program accordingly. We recommend that you repeat this process at 3 month intervals so we can maintain your results and/or adjust the medications depending on your individual reactions. These office visits are included in the program cost as well as any phone calls you may need to have with Dr. Lai. We value your trust and want to ensure your confidence in us every step of the way.

The initial discovery call with Dr. Lai is complimentary. During this call, you will have your questions answered by a board certified doctor and raise any concerns you may have before proceeding. We want you to feel comfortable with Dr. Lai before incurring any out-of-pocket costs.

The comprehensive in office consultation with Dr. Lai is $250. Given the body’s adjustment period to hormone replacement therapy, it may take approximately 2-3 months to notice a change in your mood, physical appearance, energy levels and libido. Therefore, we provide our patients with 2 program options: six (6) or twelve (12) months.

Female Program Pricing

• Comprehensive In Office Consultation with Dr. Lai $250

• Six Month Program $795

• Annual (12 months) Program $1495

All office visits and telephone appointments are included as well as any fees for ordering, prescribing and managing customized programs

• Prescription and Supplement costs are in addition to all other fees and vary between $100-$120 monthly.

• Lab work will be taken approximately 4 times during the first year and vary between $80-120 each time. After hormone levels are optimized, annual lab work will be performed to make adjustments to the medications.

Insurance

Our office is a cash-based practice. We do not accept or participate in any insurance programs. Our services are elective and therefore we require the patient to pay upfront for services rendered. We have also opted out of the Medicare Program and are only able to see Medicare patients who are willing to sign a Medicare Waiver, which restricts the patient’s ability to seek reimbursement from Medicare for medical services received at our office.

We understand that this may be disappointing to hear at first, but once you visit our office and experience the difference in convenience, quality of care, and our advanced treatments, you will understand the benefits of an independent medical practice. We are here to serve YOU, not the insurance companies and their complicated health plans. Transparency is a priority to us and you will be provided with treatment or program costs before you agree to proceed.

Our office has negotiated discounted rates for the required lab work. We pass these discounted rates on to our patients and do not profit from these labs. If your insurance plan provides reimbursement for out-of-network providers, our office will provide you with an itemized statement that you can submit for possible reimbursement. Because health insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company, we cannot guarantee any level of insurance reimbursement.