Get the FAQs on Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and Restore Testing

The response to the Oprah shows highlighting natural hormone therapy has been amazing! We'’ve heard from thousands of women all over the country who want to “feel like myself again!” If you’re ready to begin low-dose bioidentical hormone therapy or test your hormone levels and rate of bone loss through our innovative Restore Program, start here for the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Q: Do I have to wait until my appointment to start my hormone level testing through Restore?

A: No. If you have an appointment, we can contact your doctor now to order your testing so that your test results will be ready at your visit. The process is simple:

• Your doctor will call or fax your Restore Enrollment Form to us:
  phone: 800-558-7046     fax:888-898-7412
• We will contact you to explain the Restore Program and how to collect samples, and we will verify your payment and shipping information.
• We will ship the test kit to you. You will collect your sample and return the kit to our lab for analysis. (Complete instructions are included in your kit.)
• We will notify you when results are sent to your healthcare provider.
• Your healthcare provider will discuss test results and recommendations with you.
• If you choose prescription therapy, your healthcare provider will call or fax your prescription(s) to Women’s Health America, Madison Pharmacy Associates.
• Our case management specialists will monitor your hormone levels through free follow-up testing at regular intervals as long as you receive prescriptions through us.

Q: How much does Restore testing cost?

A: The Restore program costs $195 and includes 5 saliva hormones and 1 urine NTx measuring rate of bone loss:

• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Cortisol
• Urine NTx

Q: I'm taking hormone therapy but would like to switch to a bioidentical hormone prescription. Do I have to wait for my appointment?

A: No. In most cases your doctor will allow us to convert your current prescription to an appropriate bioidentical prescription. Our pharmacists will call your health care provider to make the changes. And when Women’s Health America fills your new prescriptions, your medications will be delivered right to your door.

Q: Do I have to have hormone testing before starting hormone therapy?

A: No. Many women prefer to know their hormone levels, but if you are having severe symptoms, we can get started with natural hormone therapy right away. We’ll contact your doctor to discuss options for prescription therapy through Women’s Health America.

Q: What other tests should my doctor do in addition to hormone testing?

A: There are some additional tests your doctor can order that will help our specialists develop a program of self care and prescription therapy that’s just right for you. You may want to print this page and take the list with you to your appointment.

• TSH
• Free T3 and T4
• Reverse T3
• Thyroid antibodies
• Ferritin
• C-Reactive protein
• Vitamin D3

Q: I'm having my prescriptions filled by another pharmacy, but I'm interested in enrolling in the Restore® Program.

A: No problem! You may transfer your prescriptions by giving us the prescription numbers and pharmacy phone number online, by phone, or fax. We’'ll call your old pharmacy and make the arrangements.

Q: What can I do to relieve vaginal dryness/mood swings/insomnia or other symptoms right now?

A: You can call or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for an immediate recommendation. Many women share these concerns. We invite you to start with our online Symptom Assessments to determine if hormone imbalance might be the source of your discomfort. Then explore our extensive online Health Library featuring articles that address these issues and many others that affect women. Here are some specific links to get you started:

• Vaginal Health
• Vaginal Dryness
• Prescription Solutions for Vaginal Dryness
• PMS
• Perimenopause
• Menopause
• Bone Health
• Hysterectomy

Q: I've had a partial or full hysterectomy. Is low-dose natural hormone therapy still an option for me?

A: Absolutely. For women who enter into menopause naturally, deficiencies in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone occur gradually. For women who undergo a hysterectomy and/or bilateral ovariectomy the effect of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone deficiency is more profound. Women who retain one or both ovaries at the time of their hysterectomy may also face the loss of ovarian function and the onset of menopause.

For both groups, low-dose individualized hormone therapy (HT) can have life-enhancing benefits. Many women on low-dose HT experience improved bone and vaginal health. One devastating issue with hormonal imbalance is lack of sexual energy before and after menopause and hysterectomy. Analyzing hormone levels through testing can help both healthcare providers and patients determine whether low-dose hormone therapy would be a means to restoring a sense of sexual desire.

Q: How do I talk with my current doctor about natural hormone therapy?

A: Start by remembering that natural hormone therapy is a choice every patient has. If your healthcare provider is not offering this choice to you, then it is up to you to take responsibility for educating yourself and your provider about this important option for healthy living and healthy aging. Click HERE for our recommendations for starting this important conversation.

Q: My healthcare provider is not willing to work with bio-identical hormone therapy. How do I find a knowledgeable expert in bioidentical hormone therapy to work with right now?

A: You can contact us for a referral. We're also excited to have two experienced women'’s health professionals who are offering a personalized hormone consultation over the phone for you and your current healthcare provider.

ABOUT SUZANNE ROTH: Suzanne M. Roth, MSN, ANP-BC, RNC is a Women’s Health and Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and hormone specialist that has appeared on Oprah in the past. Formerly of The Berman Center in Chicago, Suzanne has a specialty focus and expertise in the area of female sexual health and menopause transition management. Suzanne is currently in private practice in the Boston, MA area, specializing in the use of bioidentical hormones to treat menopausal and sexual health concerns of women throughout the United States. To schedule your personalized hormone consultation with Suzanne Roth, NP, call 617-913-7703 If you are willing to travel to the Boston, MA area for the initial consultation: Ms. Roth will be happy to schedule an appointment. Thereafter follow-ups can be done over the phone. Visit her website at: http://www.menopauseandsexualhealthcare.com/

Stephanie Bender, M.A. has conducted pioneering research into women's hormonal health for over 25 years. She has appeared on national television many times. Such shows as Oprah, CBS Morning News, The Today Show, Sally Jesse Rafeal and Geraldo consider her an expert in her field. She is also a respected author of two books: "PMS: Women Tell Women How To Control Premenstrual Syndrome" and "The Power of Perimenopause". To schedule your personalized hormone consultation with Stephanie Bender, call 800-418-4040

• Your personalized hormone consultation will include: A one hour phone call in which either Ms Roth or Ms Bender will conduct a comprehensive menopause assessment and order Hormone level and rate of bone loss testing through our Restore Program (Full baseline panel of 5 hormones: estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and 2 point cortisol tested through saliva and urine test to determine rate of bone loss—regularly priced at $195.00). Cost for this consultation and testing is $200.00 
•  A one hour follow-up phone consult covering results of testing, and appropriate treatment options including suggestions for individualized low-dose natural hormone therapy prescription(s) should test results suggest it might be beneficial. Ms Roth and Ms Bender will also consult with your provider. Cost for this assessment and consultation is $150.00
• Total cost for consultation, testing and coordination with your provider: $350.00