If you’ve come in and spoken with us about any of our programs, you undoubtedly remember hearing about how important it is to use your diet and exercise to maintain an appropriate balance of hormones. Starting in our 30s, our bodies begin to slow down production of hormones such as Testosterone and HGH, which in turn results in an unfortunate accumulation of body fat and a regular decline in muscle mass and natural energy levels.
In order to be sure and help as many people as possible reach their fitness goals, we here at Elevation Medical Weight Loss is now offering both male and female hormone replacement therapies (HRT). We use bio-identical hormones for men (testosterone) and women (estrogen and or progesterone). In order to begin, Dr. Cooper will send you for some blood work testing to determine if such therapy would be of benefit to you.
There is an unfortunate stigma commonly associated with hormone supplementation, especially when the treatment involves testosterone replacement therapy (TRT); however this is mostly the result of abuse. By properly monitoring and treating low hormone levels, you can safely and quickly regain much of the energy and confidence that we tend to lose as we age.
The benefits of hormone therapy are far reaching and impact everything from baseline energy and exercise endurance, to increasing muscle mass and sexual performance. When paired with our recommended exercise and diet plans, you can see changes in your fitness and general well being that far exceed what you could achieve with standard diet and exercise techniques alone.
We’ve put together some information to answer commonly asked questions regarding hormone replacement (HRT) or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT):
How safe is hormone replacement?
We use bio-identical testosterone therapy for men, and estrogen and or progesterone for women. These hormones are naturally produced in your body. Based on your blood work, which is the most accurate form of testing for hormonal imbalances, Dr. Cooper will design a dose that you will feel your best in within 1-2 week with minimal side effects.
What is the difference between hormone replacement for men vs women in your program?
Generally, men will need testosterone to help them feel like they’re in their 20s or 30s again. Women’s hormone replacement may consist of estrogen and or progesterone to minimize of perimenopausal, menopausal, and age related symptoms.
What kind of work-up do I need?
Blood work provides the most accurate and best indicator of how your body is operating. Both men and women will need a very comprehensive hormone panel before starting. We test for: full blood count (CBC), metabolic panel with liver profile (CMP), Free & Total Testosterone, LH, FSH, Estradiol (sensitive assay), TSH, DHEA-S. We will need prostate level (PSA) for men over 40 year old, and then an annual PSA. We do not use saliva testing.
Do I need to fast before obtaining blood work?
No, fasting is not necessary. Evidence as demonstrated by the Journal of American Medical Association, JAMA, see article here.
Where can I go for blood testing?
At any LabCorp nationwide. The closest LabCorp to our Pittsburgh/Green Tree location is off exit 67 on I-376. You may use the same LabCorp if you live in Weirton. The closest location to our Weirton clinic is either in East Liverpool, OH, or Candiz, OH. For more locations visit this link here. No appointments needed.
How long do I need to be on this treatment program?
As long as you want to be. Similar to eating healthier and leading a more active lifestyle, if you feel your best on hormone or testosterone replacement therapy and your lab work shows positive results, we can continue you on the program.
Who would consider a consult for treatment?
Men who are between the ages of 30-65 who do no longer have the energy or workout recovery that they had in their prime and wish to regain them.
What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced sex drive & spontaneous morning erections, increased joint/muscle pain, teste decreasing in size, low sperm count or infertility, night sweats, fatigue, memory issues, mental fogginess, difficulty concentrating, decrease muscle mass and strength, increase body fat & waist size.
What about treatment for women? Who would benefit from hormone replacement therapy?
If you are between the ages of 40-65 or younger who had a hysterectomy, oopherectomy (removal of ovaries), or suffering from perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.
What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency?
Symptoms of hormone deficiency or imbalance includes: weight gain, hot flashes, irregular menses, dry hair/skin, hair loss, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, fluid retention, headaches, depression/anxiety/mood swings, fatigue, forgetfulness, and more.
How much does hormone replacement or testosterone therapy cost?
Initial consult questionnaire by phone, email, or in person is of no charge. If you are a candidate for either hormone or testosterone replacement therapy, you can call us or send us payment information for the initial lab work. Within the same business day, you will receive an order requisition to go to a local LabCorp for testing.
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- Summary of all pricing:
- Initial Consult/Blood Work testing $250.
- 12-week Testosterone Replacement Program for men $875, which includes all supplies, medications, physical exam, and follow-up labs 8-10 weeks into the program.
- 12-week Hormone Replacement Program for women $650, which includes medications, physical exam, and follow-up labs 8-10 weeks into the program.
- There are no hidden fees or contracts. Though you can consider the $250 necessary to obtain a comprehensive hormone panel to be your one time “start-up fee”.
What kind of treatment or regimen can I expect on testosterone replacement (TRT) or hormone replacement (HRT)?
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- We prescribe testosterone injections and generally 2 other medications. The treatment consist of:
- Testosterone 40 mg – 100 mg injected under the skin (SQ) twice a week
- HCG 25-50 units (250-500 IU) twice a week during the first week of the month (week 1, week 3, week 5, week 8, week 11)
- Anastrazole (Amiridex) 0.25 mg – 1 mg twice a week.
- All dosing above can be done during the same day, twice a week.
- For women, we prescribe an estrogen and or progesterone cream, gel, or tablet.
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Pricing for Hormone & Testosterone Replacement Therapy
*no hidden fees, no contracts agreements*
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| Male testosterone initial consult/lab work order $250 |
Female HRT initial consult/lab work order $250 |
| 12-week testosterone program $875
(includes all medications, supplies, and follow-up blood work panels at 10 weeks) |
12-week hormone program $850
(includes all medications and follow-up blood work panels at 10 weeks) |
How do I get started on hormone therapy?
You can either call us at Pittsburgh (412-458-5042), Weirton (304-914-3112) to answer a few questions regarding symptoms and your goals of therapy or contact us here. You should receive a response on the same business day.
Send us questions and we will frequently update our website with more information.
Elevation Medical Weight Loss of Pittsburgh & Weirton 2350 Noblestown Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15205 (412) 304-2016 241 Three Springs Dr. Weirton, WV 26062 (304) 914-3112
