HRT and insurance

[Mina417]

I will be discussing Hrt options with a urologist in Tuesday. I have searched my plan's website (Aetna) and discovered that topical gels are the only things covered.  Is that unusual? I am worried because I have read about the ineffectiveness of the gels. Anyone heard of ways around this?

[PeakT]

I will be discussing Hrt options with a urologist in Tuesday. I have searched my plan's website (Aetna) and discovered that topical gels are the only things covered.  Is that unusual? I am worried because I have read about the ineffectiveness of the gels. Anyone heard of ways around this?

Well, it's not just ineffectiveness with the gels.  There are some concerns with safety as well:

http://www.peaktestosterone.com/Testosterone_Risks (See #1.)

However, forgetting about these risk for a sec, your doc may be able to get a compounded cream if Androgel/Testim/Fortesta/Axiron do not work for you.  Your insurer should be open to that because compounding is SO much cheaper than the brands.  In fact, it's ironic that your insurer requires that, because I would guess total cost cypionate injections are probably cheaper from a reasonable provider.

Here is ome info on compounding:

http://www.peaktestosterone.com/Compounding_Testosterone

And a thread on it:

https://www.peaktestosterone.com/forum/index.php?topic=424.0

[Mina417]

Thanks Peak! Is it unusual that injections aren't covered?