Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

  • BHRT uses hormones that are identical to those produced by the human body. They are used to balance hormone levels for individuals experiencing hormone imbalances due to menopause, perimenopause, andropause, aging, or other conditions.

What conditions can BHRT treat?

  • Menopause, perimenopause, or andropause symptoms (ex. hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, low sex drive, etc.)

  • Hormonal imbalances in both men and women (e.g., low testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)

  • Fatigue, weight gain, and sleep disturbances due to hormonal shifts

  • Low libido and sexual dysfunction

What types of hormones are used in BHRT?

  • Estrogen (estradiol, estrone, estriol)

  • Progesterone

  • Testosterone

  • DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

  • Cortisol (in some cases)

How is BHRT administered?

There are multiple routes of administration for BHRT. Administration route can vary, and will be discussed during your consultation with a provider.

  • Pills (oral tablets)

  • Creams, gels or patches

  • Injections

  • Pellets (inserted under the skin)

  • Vaginal suppositories or rings

What are the potential benefits of BHRT?

  • Relief from menopause symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)

  • Improved mood and mental clarity

  • Increased energy levels

  • Better sleep quality

  • Enhanced libido and sexual function

  • Preservation of bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis

Is BHRT safe?

  • Yes! Bio-identical hormones are often considered to have very few side effects because they are structurally identical to natural hormones. Safety depends on individual health, the type of hormones used, the delivery method, and the dosage needed- which is determined and monitored by a healthcare professional.

How do you determine if you need BHRT?

  • After a thorough consultation, a healthcare provider will conduct blood tests to evaluate your individual hormone levels. Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance (ex. fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, low libido) can also help guide the decision if BHRT is an appropriate treatment option for you.

How long does it take to see results with BHRT?

  • Results can vary, but many individuals report feeling better and improved symptoms within a few weeks to a couple of months.

  • Long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare provider to ensure safety, and adjust doses as necessary.

What’s the cost of BHRT?

  • Costs vary widely depending on the mode of administration, amount of provider visits needed, length of time on BHRT, and type of hormones used.

  • We do not take insurance at this time for BHRT. This will be an out-of-pocket expense.

Is BHRT FDA-approved?

  • Most forms of bio-identical hormones are FDA-approved (ex. estradiol patches, progesterone pills), while others, like custom compounded hormones, are not.