The doctor I selected to pursue my interest in BHRT favors blood testing above saliva testing, so my first question was, “what is this going to cost me?” I was told, “well, your insurance should pick up some of the cost, although they won’t pay for everything.” The nurse suggested that I use a lab (like Quest) instead of having the blood drawn in their office, because the lab they use charges much more.

Like many people who have insurance I have a co-pay in addition to a huge deductable ($3500) in order to save premium costs. So whatever the charge, I would be paying it in full because my deductable is not yet met. In addition, I am paying for the doctor’s fee out-of-pocket because this type of doctor is not covered by my insurance.

One thing that wasn’t explained to me prior to having my blood tested (and should have been), was that most of the lab work ordered would not be covered at all, because insurance considered it to be “outside of the standard lab testing.” I say “most of” because since I had never had general tests done for such things as Cholesterol, Vitamin D, etc.

I almost had a heart attack when I logged into my insurance account and saw the bill from the lab…..$1,772.24!!! Now I know most initial charges from doctors and labs to insurance companies are inflated, but this is ridiculous! Once my insurance company rejected the claim, I was billed directly from the lab for $704.22 – still way out of my budget.

So my advice to you is that if you are going to have any blood testing done, then find out the costs in advance – ask the lab – and be prepared to pay for it all yourself. This also goes for the doctor’s consultation fees – do not be embarrassed (like I was) or afraid to ask up front what the initial consultation fee is and what they will be charging for follow-up fees whether you see them in person, or consult over the phone. After all, this is where they make (some of) their money.

It is a shame, but until insurance companies approve of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you are pretty much on your own.

This is the first of many posts I'm sure, since at 44 years old, I have just begun to experience a little bit of the fun and games that are about to start happening to me and the body I have grown to love. I am hoping that in sharing my "stuff" with you – maybe I will help to alleviate some of your worries. And maybe you will be able to help with mine!

I view this whole Menopause thing with a positive outlook, as I truly feel that I am entering the best years of my life. The kids are just about grown, one in and one almost out of college – my husband and I are really starting to enjoy ourselves. We finally have more time to do the things we want together, now that we are not involved in the everyday grind of kids in school, sports, meetings and such.

My symptoms so far? Not really too bad, irregular periods, yes. Hot flashes? Not yet – although I do tend to freak out if I feel warm, since I am usually the coldest one in the house. I find myself checking the thermostat more often. Hormones seem to be doing a number on my skin and I feel like a teen again (and that's not a good thing) facing zits in the bathroom mirror. Ugh.

Besides that, everything else seems fine.