How To Conveniently Get Started With Bioidentical Hormones Call Dr. Riegel’s office at (888) 386-0237. Your first virtual appointment will be with Dr. Riegel by phone to answer a few simple health questions. You then will use the convenience of your Alabama local LabCorp draw center to have your blood drawn.
Full Answer
Should I start hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
The decision to start male-to-female hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an exciting choice. For many people, hormone treatment is the first step to transitioning physically into a female body.
Why choose hormone therapy?
If you are transitioning, hormone therapy may be your first medical step, regardless of whether you plan to have other gender-affirming treatments. At OHSU, providers will tailor your therapy to your goals.
What is hormone therapy for transitioning?
Hormone therapy is medication to increase or suppress feminine or masculine hormones. It causes physical, emotional and other changes so you more closely match your gender identity. How much you take and for how long depend on your goals and other factors. Many people transition only through hormone therapy.
How do I start male-to-female hormone replacement therapy?
The decision to start male-to-female hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an exciting choice. For many people, hormone treatment is the first step to transitioning physically into a female body. First, you will need to find a doctor who can prescribe you female hormones.
Where can I get HRT in Alabama?
Magic City Wellness Center (Birmingham)Will start HRT for patients with a letter from a mental health professional.Also offers general practice services.Website, (205) 877-8677.
How do I get access to hormone therapy?
You don't need to participate in therapy or provide information from a mental health provider to receive hormone therapy. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 1-800-230-7526.
How old do you have to be to start HRT in Alabama?
If you are on hormone therapy, you can utilize the health center for ongoing care and monitoring. In order to receive Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy you need to be over 18 and capable of providing consent.
How much does it cost to go on hormones?
Pills: Monthly prescription costs for oral HRT run $130 to $240 per month, for an annual fee of $1560 to $2440. But, because most insurance companies pay for HRT pills, most people only see their prescription co-pay costs, which typically average $30 per month or $360 per year.
Can I get HRT without seeing a doctor?
Right now, if you want to take any of the various forms of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), you can only access the medication after a consultation with your GP or another specialist doctor.
How much does HRT cost per month?
On average, the typical cost of hormone replacement therapy is somewhere in the range of $30 to $90 per month. The cost of your treatment will depend on a few factors, such as the treatment method you are using and the level of hormones you require in each dose.
Can you buy over the counter estrogen pills?
Fortunately, estrogen supplements are now available over the counter. These medications contain either lower doses of naturally-occurring estrogen or other compounds that prompt the body to produce more. Nature's Way Dim-Plus Supplement is a bioidentical form of estrogen that can help relieve the symptoms of menopause.
How do you get diagnosed with gender dysphoria?
Your health care provider might make a diagnosis of gender dysphoria based on:Behavioral health evaluation. Your provider will evaluate you to confirm the presence of gender dysphoria and document how prejudice and discrimination due to your gender identity (minority stress factors) impact your mental health. ... DSM-5.
How can I get estrogen?
Estrogen can be taken in a variety of methods, including as a pill, by injection or in skin preparations, such as a cream, gel, spray or patch. Don't take estrogen orally, however, if you have a personal or family history of venous thrombosis.
Does insurance pay for hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is covered by most health insurance plans, but some do not cover it because they consider hormone-level decline a normal part of aging. For example, several women on WebMD's menopause support forum[2] stated that their Kaiser plans did not cover HRT.
Does insurance pay for hormone pellets?
In fact, no insurance covers bioidentical hormones, bioidentical hormone pellets, but will cover the lab work necessary to calculate the optimum dose of the bioidentical hormones.
Is there an estrogen pill?
Estrogen Treatment: Pills Oral medication is the most common form of ERT. Examples are conjugated Estrogens (Premarin), estradiol (Estrace), and Estratab. Follow your doctor's instructions for dosing. Most estrogen pills are taken once a day without food.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, osteoporosis and even some types of cancer are age-related conditions that are linked to low hormone levels. Bioidentical hormones are identical to the hormones which are produced naturally in the body. They are so identical that, in fact, the body cannot distinguish the difference.
What Are The Benefits For Women?
Women in Alabama who receive hormone therapy report increased energy, weight loss, improved sleep, increased libido, better regulated menstrual cycles, and a decrease in hot flashes and night sweats, among other benefits.
What Are The Benefits For Men?
Men can also benefit from hormone therapy! Male patients in Alabama report a noticeable increase in the capacity to exercise, greater energy, muscle growth, better mood and sexual desire, better work performance, and even a more optimistic outlook on life.
Where Can I Get HRT in Alabama
Diagnosing and treating hormone deficiencies and imbalances in women requires the attention of a physician specializing in adult female hormone replacement therapy. Every woman is an individual, and likewise, will have to be treated as an individual.
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?
As with menopause itself, there’s a lot of confusing and conflicting information out there about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – its benefits, its drawbacks, its risks. What’s often missing from the discussion is that there are different kinds and methods of HRT.
Where Can I Get HRT in Alabama
Diagnosing and treating hormone deficiencies and imbalances in men requires the attention of a physician specializing in adult male hormone replacement therapy. Every woman is an individual, and likewise, will have to be treated as an individual.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy For Men?
Lost testosterone can be replaced – as a medication that commonly is applied to the skin in gel or slow-release patch form according to a dosage and regime to suit a man’s individual makeup. It’s also sometimes given as a troche to be dissolved under the tongue.
Redefining Healthcare
We believe healthcare should be easy, convenient, and center the unique needs of the trans community. If you are trans, it doesn’t always mean you need or desire gender-affirming hormone therapy (“GAHT” or “sometimes known as “HRT”), but if you do, we are here to help. You are our priority.
Direct Access
Plume’s trans-specializing medical providers are available for questions, appointments, and information from the convenience of your smartphone. No phone trees. No leaving messages with the front desk. We promise!
Jerrica Kirkley, MD
Dr. Jerrica is a trans woman, physician and educator. She has been both a patient and provider of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and has provided training across the country on gender-affirming care. She started Plume to radically increase access to gender-affirmation services.
Meet Our Medical Team
Our diverse and dedicated team is here to support you along every step of the journey, no matter where you are in the process.
Services & Pricing
Membership provides everything you need to begin your journey or maintain your routine. There are never hidden fees or unexpected costs.
How to transition from male to female hormones?
First, you will need to find a doctor who can prescribe you female hormones. You will take these hormones by patch, pill, or injection.
How long does it take for hormone therapy to work?
Wait 2 years before considering plastic surgery. It can take up to 2 years for the full bodily effects of hormone therapy to take effect. Your breasts, hips, and face may not completely feminize until this time, and it may take a while for fat to redistribute in your body as well.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy can take the form of estrogen patches that you place on your skin, pills, or regular injections. For more tips, including how to deal with side effects of hormone replacement therapy, read on.
How often should I check my estrogen levels?
Your doctor may decide to increase your estrogen or anti-androgen doses. After the first year, your doctor may only need to monitor you every 6-12 months.
What hormones are used to reduce male hormones?
You will be prescribed a form of estrogen to introduce female hormones into your body, as well as an anti-androgen to reduce male hormones. In rare cases, you may be given progesterone as well. Estrogen includes estradiol, estriol, and estrone. It is the “female” hormone. Estrogen comes in pill, patch, or injection form.
What is the most common form of estrogen?
The most common form is Spironolactone, which comes in pill form.
How old do you have to be to get hormone replacement?
To start your hormone therapy, you’ll generally need to be 18 and understand all of the risks and side effects involved with the treatment.
What is the most ecologically diverse area in Alabama?
Perhaps the most amazing place in Alabama is the Mobile Delta, which has proven to be one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the United States, if not the earth.
What is the University of Alabama known for?
The University of Alabama is notable for its business and legal programs, among other fields. Sports spectatorship in Alabama revolves primarily around College Sports, and the Birmingham area is the largest consumer of college football in the United States.
What are the major universities in Alabama?
There are a number of major universities located in the state of Alabama, including Auburn, the University of Alabama Birmingham, South Alabama, Montevallo, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Birmingham Southern, Samford University, Troy University, and the most well-known, the University of Alabama.
Where is Alabama Adventure located?
Alabama Adventure is located a short drive Southeast of Birmingham and is the premier amusement park in the state. For lovers of nature, there are a number of wonderful parks across the state, including Desoto State Park, Little River Canyon State Park, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, and Oak Mountain State Park.
Where is the USS Alabama?
Gulf Shores is the primary beach destination in the state of Alabama, and has some of the best beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile is home to the USS Alabama, a World War 2 battleship which now serves as a museum of naval history.
Is testosterone deficiency a problem in Alabama?
Testosterone Deficiency is a Growing Problem in Alabama. Though more and more men are turning to treatment, there are tens of thousands of men across the state of Alabama that suffer from Andropause and don't get the Prescription Testosterone that they need and deserve. There are a lot of reasons for this.
What is hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy is medication to increase or suppress feminine or masculine hormones. It causes physical, emotional and other changes so you more closely match your gender identity. How much you take and for how long depend on your goals and other factors. Many people transition only through hormone therapy.
How long does it take for hormone therapy to start?
Timeline: You can often begin hormone therapy within a few weeks of your first visit with your provider. You will probably see some changes within months. Others can take years. You may decide to take hormone therapy for most of your life to maintain the effects.
What is the Transgender Health Program?
Transgender Health Program: Hormone Therapy. If you are transitioning, hormone therapy may be your first medical step, regardless of whether you plan to have other gender-affirming treatments. At OHSU, providers will tailor your therapy to your goals. OHSU’s Transgender Gynecology clinic and many OHSU primary care clinics offer:
How does hormone therapy affect your body?
Hormone therapy effects. Physical: Your body will change over time . Your hair, skin, muscle mass and fat distribution will become different to varying degrees. Emotional: Hormone therapy can have some of the same effects on your emotions as puberty does. For example, you may swing from highs to lows often.
Can hormone therapy change your voice?
Bone structure and voice: Hormone therapy will not change your bone structure and may not alter your voice. Voice therapy, vocal surgery and facial feminization surgeries are options.
Do you need a mental health letter to start hormone therapy?
Many people transition only through hormone therapy. Others use it in addition to gender-affirming surgery. Mental health therapy: You do not need a mental health letter of support to begin hormone treatment. We do recommend that you see a mental health professional to support you in your transition.
Can hormones help with gender?
Hormones can also help your health after gender-affirming surgery, such as preventing bone loss if you’ve had your ovaries or testicles removed. Risks: Hormone therapy is likely to affect your sexual function and fertility, perhaps permanently. There may be long-term health risks.
