Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps correct imbalanced or low hormone levels to relieve symptoms and restore balance.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a personalized, more natural form of hormone therapy that helps restore balance when your body’s hormone levels become depleted or irregular. At Valencia Medical Center, we specialize in BHRT using plant-derived hormones that are molecularly identical to those your body naturally produces, allowing for better absorption, fewer side effects, and long-term wellness benefits.

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What Makes BHRT Different from Traditional HRT?

While traditional hormone therapy often uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones, bioidentical hormones are designed to match your body’s exact hormonal structure. This makes them easier for your body to recognize and process — leading to a gentler, more effective treatment experience.

Our BHRT programs are customized to your lab results, symptoms, and long-term health goals. We monitor closely and adjust as needed, helping you feel like yourself again without the harsh side effects often associated with conventional HRT.

We offer several delivery methods for bioidentical hormone therapy, depending on your needs and preferences:

  • Pellets: Derived from plant sources and compounded to match your body’s natural hormone structure. Inserted just under the skin for long-lasting release.
  • Injections: Bioidentical hormones injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously for quick absorption.
  • Pills: Orally administered and absorbed via the digestive system, then metabolized by the liver.
  • Creams: Applied to the skin and absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.
  • Troches: Dissolvable lozenges placed under the tongue or in the cheek for direct absorption through the mucosa.

It’s essential for individuals considering HRT to consult with our physician to assess their condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

What are the symptoms of hormone imbalances in men?

When men have low testosterone, the resulting imbalance is treatable with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. If your testosterone is depleted, you can experience problems like:

  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Decreased Desire / Libido
  • Anxiety
  • Depressed Mood
  • Declining Mental Ability
  • Sleep Problems
  • Joint Pain
  • Rapid Hair Loss
  • Weight Gain
  • Breast Development
  • Low testosterone is most common after age 45, though it can arise from testicular injuries, cancer treatments, and other non-age-related causes, too.

What symptoms do hormone imbalances cause in women?

Women experience hormone depletion of the hormone estrogen as they approach menopause, usually between ages 45 and 55, but bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can treat the symptoms. Yours might include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Weight gain
  • Low sex drive
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Vaginal atrophy
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Depressed mood
  • Memory loss
  • Hair falling out
  • Sleep problems

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Process

  1. Initial Consultation
    • Scheduling an Appointment: You’ll start by scheduling an appointment with a physician or healthcare provider at the center. During this visit, you’ll discuss your symptoms and concerns, such as fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, or any other signs of hormone imbalance.
    • Medical History: The physician will take a detailed medical history, including information about your lifestyle, past illnesses, medications, menstrual cycle (if applicable), and any family history of hormone-related conditions.
  2. Blood Work (Lab Testing)
    • Hormone Panel: Based on your symptoms and medical history, the physician will order blood tests to assess your hormone levels. This can include tests for hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and others, depending on your needs.
    • Timing of the Blood Draw: Timing can be crucial in hormone testing. For example, hormone levels can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, so the physician may ask you to have your blood drawn at a specific point in the cycle for more accurate results.
    • Additional Tests: Other tests might be ordered to rule out underlying conditions that could be affecting your hormone balance, such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal imbalances.
  3. Review of Lab Results
    • Analysis of Results: Once your blood work is completed, the physician will review the results in detail. They will assess your hormone levels and compare them to the normal reference ranges for your age and health status.
    • Identifying Imbalances: If your hormones are found to be outside the normal range, the physician will work to identify which specific hormones are imbalanced (e.g., low estrogen, low testosterone, high cortisol) and how this could be contributing to your symptoms.
  4. Personalized HRT Plan
    • Discussion of Treatment Options: Based on the lab results and your symptoms, the physician will discuss your options for HRT.
    • Customized Dosage and Method: The physician will also recommend a dosage and delivery method tailored to your needs.
    • Monitoring Plan: HRT is often a dynamic treatment, and the physician may schedule follow-up visits to monitor your hormone levels, symptoms, and any potential side effects. They may adjust the dosage or type of therapy over time based on how your body responds.
  5. Start HRT Treatment
    • Prescription and Follow-up: Once the physician has designed the appropriate HRT regimen for you, they will provide a prescription for the medication. You may begin your HRT regimen as directed, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
    • Ongoing Support: Valencia Medical Center offers continuous support throughout the treatment process. This may include phone consultations to ensure the HRT is working as expected and that you’re not experiencing significant side effects.
  6. Adjustments Over Time
    • Periodic Lab Work: As part of your ongoing care, additional blood tests may be performed at certain intervals (e.g., 3-6 months after starting treatment) to ensure the treatment is effective and that your hormone levels remain in balance.
    • Symptom Management: The physician will also assess your symptoms during follow-up visits and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you’re achieving the desired results without any adverse effects.