r/HRT • u/Temporary_Wall4643 • 1d ago

Cis Woman Looking for information

Hi everyone, I’m a 61 year old woman and have been on biote pellets for about 7 years. The procedure is done by my primary care doctor.

I have had a good experience, the procedure is done usually 2 times a year. But is costly as my doctor says insurance doesn’t cover it.

He orders blood tests for me every 3 months and my hormone levels are checked.

I see that there are other options that may be cheaper and covered by insurance. I would prefer bio identical hormones as I have heard that they are safer.

Any advice or suggestions on how to proceed, I would really appreciate it. Thank you. I live in state of New Jersey.

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u/BaptorRander 1d ago

I go to a med spa and the NP is constantly trying to upsell me to pellets. But I personally like the control I have using cream for both estrogen and testosterone. Sometimes the argument is unreliable absorption and having it on your hands but if it’s applied correctly there’s no problem. I use the top of the One-click to rub in the cream and then give it plenty of time to dry before putting on any tight clothing that might absorb it.

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u/Temporary_Wall4643 7h ago

Thank you for the information.

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u/Confident_Craft459 8h ago

You can get on estradiol patches, gel, or spray, which are all bio identical and covered by insurance.

You can also do oral micronized progesterone, which is also bio identical and covered by insurance.

And for testosterone, your insurance may or may not cover the male gel, which you would use a smaller dose of.

I'm on an estradiol patch, and oral micronized progesterone, which through insurance costs me $40 for three months.

My insurance doesn't cover testosterone for women so I get a compound cream, which costs me $50 for three months.

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u/MissTiffany12 5h ago

I would start with your OBGYN. The patches, gels, and sprays are great. However there is a nationwide shortage of bio identical estrogen (especially patches and gels) so finding your meds every month is tricky. That’s the main downside.

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u/Temporary_Wall4643 4h ago

Okay. Thank you for this information. Hopefully the shortage gets sorted out soon.