Baltimore thyroid specialist, Eric Nager, M.D. offers treatment for thyroid disorders using functional medicine including natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Baltimore - Washington DC Metro.
The endocrine system is a complex web of hormones and the glands that produce them. An essential part of that system is the thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. The primary functions of thyroid hormones are to help the body use energy effectively in order to keep your body warm and ensure regular and proper function of your muscles, brain, heart and other organs. When this little gland does its job well, you’d never even think of it. However, when normal thyroid function is disrupted, it can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms in your body.
Because the thyroid hormone controls so many different systems and processes in your body, when it isn’t functioning correctly the resulting symptoms can be severe and widespread. Thyroid disorders come in two forms. When your thyroid does not produce enough T3 and T4 for healthy function, the resulting condition is call hypothyroidism. When the thyroid produces too much T3 and T4, the resulting condition is called hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid specialist, Eric Nager, M.D. helps Baltimore patients achieve thyroid balance using functional medicine . Call (443) 737-4456 to schedule your thyroid consultation today!
The Role Of Your Thyroid
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism can mimic those of other health conditions, like joint and muscle pain, irregular menstruation, and weight gain. So, a diagnosis cannot rely on symptoms alone. Because of this, Eric Nager, M.D. of OptiHealth Institute will perform a blood test. This measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T-4 within the blood. If the results show an elevated level of TSH with an insufficient level of T-4–Hypothyroidism is diagnosed.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. This results from an excess production of T-4 and T-3 which speeds up the body’s metabolism. An overactive thyroid can cause symptoms like weight loss, hand tremors, and irregular heartbeat. Like Hypothyroidism, Eric Nager, M.D. of OptiHealth Institute will perform a blood test in addition to a physical exam. If the results show excessive T-4 levels with insufficient TSH levels, Dr. Eric Nager may perform further testing to diagnose why your thyroid is overactive. Additional tests to determine the cause of Hyperthyroidism include radioiodine scans with uptake tests and a thyroid ultrasound.
Healing Your Thyroid With BHRT
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help bring your endocrine system back into balance and relieve your thyroid of the pressure being placed on it. BHRT helps alleviate your imbalances with bioidentical hormones–which are an exact chemical match to those produced by your body.
Progesterone deficiency or estrogen dominance is common in people with thyroid disorders. Supplementing your body with bioidentical progesterone may help bring your body back into balance.
Other hormone-related conditions may be affecting your endocrine system and thyroid. Eric Nager, M.D. of OptiHealth Institute will help you find the underlying cause of your symptoms and together, we will customize a treatment plan for your specific needs.
Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About BHRT
Beginning a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) protocol typically comes with several questions. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions related to starting BHRT and answered them here below. If you have any further questions or need any clarification, please contact Dr. Eric Nager at (443) 737-4456.
How Is BHRT Different From Regular HRT?
The main difference between bioidentical HRT and other forms of HRT is the kind of hormones that are used. In regular HRT, the synthetic hormones used contain additional chemical components that allow the drug manufacturers to patent their chemicals. At best, these added components do nothing for you. At worst, your body may recognize them as foreign chemicals and they may cause unpleasant side effects.
In BHRT, the hormones used are bioidentical, which means that they are the exact chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body. This means there is no risk of your body not accepting them. Plus, they are derived from natural plant sources such as yams and soy.
Can I Buy Bioidentical Hormones Online?
While you may find websites claiming to sell bioidentical hormones, there are many risks involved in purchasing hormones online. First, it is often difficult to trace the origin of these products, meaning they may not be regulated for accuracy. This leads into the second problem, which is that it is very hard to be sure of the ingredients of these products. You may not be getting hormones at all!
Even if you find legitimate bioidentical hormones online, without seeing a doctor you can’t know for certain which hormones you need, what dose you need them in and what form of BHRT will work best for you. Here at Dr. Eric Nager, you will receive proper care and treatment while experiencing minimal side effects.
What Form Does BHRT Come In?
Bioidentical hormones are prepared by a compounding pharmacy where they are produced into several forms including: pills, patches, subdermal pellets, creams, injections and more. Everyone responds to these various forms differently, and your BHRT doctor can help find the form that will most benefit you and your body.
What Is The Cost Of BHRT?
The cost of BHRT varies by the hormones needed, the doses needed, the form of BHRT, and the length of time that you receive treatment. For a more accurate quote, please call Dr. Eric Nager at (443) 737-4456 to schedule a consultation.
Is BHRT Covered By My Insurance?
Because insurance plans and providers vary considerably, there is no way for us to provide a blanket statement. Your plan may cover BHRT under certain circumstances. The best course of action is to call Dr. Eric Nager at (443) 737-4456 to discuss whether we accept your current insurance plan and provider. After you call us, we recommend contacting your insurance provider as a follow-up to ensure that your treatment is covered or to discuss how your treatment may be covered.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?
When prescribed and supervised by a BHRT doctor, BHRT is generally safe. Any risks or side effects associated with your particular treatment will be reviewed thoroughly before you begin BHRT.
What Conditions Are Treated With BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is used to treat a number of conditions caused by hormone imbalance or that result in hormone imbalance. In some cases, BHRT is used to treat the underlying condition while in others it is used to treat the symptoms. You can find some common conditions that BHRT may be used to treat listed above.
What If My Question Is Not Listed Here?
Patients often have a great many questions before beginning BHRT. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have before, during and after treatment. Contact Dr. Eric Nager today with any further questions or to schedule your initial consultation.
Start Feeling Better With A Customized BHRT Plan Today!