BIHO

BIHO: Bio-Identical Hormone Optimization

Dr. Zakany specializes in anti-aging medicine for men and women through the use of Bio-Identical Hormone Optimization or BIHO.

The goal of BIHO is to maintain hormone harmony so each prescription is tailored to your needs and goals. Dr. Zakany will track your progress, review test results and determine any adjustments that may be needed.

Aging is inevitable, but how you age is not. Restoring deficient hormones to optimum levels results in more energy, a better memory, a healthier heart, stronger bones and a youthful glow.

How Do I Get Started with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement?

The first step to getting started with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement is to call our office at 303-666-1199 or make an appointment online for a free consultation. This is not a medical evaluation, but rather a time to meet with Dr. Zakany who explains the options available, and the costs of labs, hormones, etc. Consultations typically last 30 minutes as you discuss your concerns, medical problems and what you’re currently doing to address your issues.

What does BIHO Cost?

If you decide to pursue treatment with one of the BIHO programs, the next step is to schedule a comprehensive evaluation (about $500). You’ll complete a packet of forms at least 3 days prior to your evaluation and obtain a comprehensive lab panel. The results of the panel are used as a baseline against future lab work to determine how BIHO is working for you.

This Comprehensive Male Panel costs about $250 and includes the following tests: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel; CBC; Lipid Panel; TSH; T3, free; T4, free; Testosterone, free & total; Estradiol; PSA; SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin); IGF-1; LH; FSH; Ferritin; DHEA-S; and CRP-hs.

After the evaluation, you’ll receive a complete analysis of findings and recommendations. Any bio-identical hormone prescription will be compounded specifically for your needs and can either be picked up from your local compounding pharmacy or sent to your home. Testosterone is generally prescribed as an injection you administer yourself once weekly, after being trained in how to administer it. This is the preferred treatment recommended by Dr. Zakany since it is more predictable in maintaining optimal blood levels. It is also the most economical option with an average cost for most men of $1 daily. For those men not wanting to give themselves a weekly injection, other options such as cream or pellet implants will be offered.

Brief follow-up appointments are scheduled monthly, either in the office or via phone for a few months after the initial appointment to access progress and make any needed tweaks to your dosage. Blood work is repeated 2 to 3 months later and further dose adjustments are made, if needed. Once hormone levels are stabilized at “optimal levels”, major lab testing is typically required annually.

Unfortunately, hormone optimization is not considered medically necessary and is not covered by medical insurance. As such, we do not accept or file any insurance claims.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Men

Hormone replacement in men primarily refers to Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), although other hormones may require replacement or optimization for optimal functioning of both body and mind. Bio-identical hormones replicate the exact hormones produced by your body. Bio-identical hormones are very different from drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies to treat hormone deficiencies. Some proponents feel pharmaceutical drugs have the same effect in the body as natural hormones do, but others will claim that pharmaceutical drugs produce many side effects not found in Bio-identical hormones.

As we age, all hormone levels tend to decline. You may notice a decrease in muscle mass and bone strength, increased fat, increased insulin resistance (pre-diabetic state) and “mental fog” to name a few. By correcting or optimizing key hormones, such as testosterone, these undesirable effects can be slowed or even reversed. Hormone optimization, in general terms, means increasing levels to those found at the 75th percentile of a 25-year-old man.

Testosterone Optimization

Testosterone optimization results in increased muscle strength and lean body mass, improved sexual response, improvement in erectile function, and improved body composition. Testosterone has also been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and degenerative joint change. It improves the sense of well-being and depressed mood that are frequently seen in andropause (male menopause). It has also been shown to improve memory. Men who receive testosterone optimization consequently report that they feel sexier, stronger and healthier. They state that it makes them feel as they did when they were in their prime.