Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: The Basics

Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body produces to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance. People most often consider it during perimenopause, menopause, or andropause, when shifting levels of estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can cause fatigue, hot flashes, low libido, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping.

What “bioidentical” means

Bioidentical hormones match the molecular structure of your natural hormones. They can be prescribed as standardized, FDA-approved products or as custom-compounded formulations tailored to your dosing needs. The right choice depends on which hormones you need, your symptoms, and your health history.

Who it may help

BHRT may be appropriate for adults experiencing symptoms tied to declining or imbalanced hormones. Common reasons people seek evaluation include menopausal symptoms in women and fatigue or reduced vitality in men. It is not right for everyone, and a thorough evaluation is the first step to deciding whether it fits your situation.

Testing comes first

Good hormone care starts with measurement, not guesswork. A detailed evaluation may include bloodwork and, when a fuller picture is helpful, advanced testing such as the DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones), which shows both your hormone levels and how your body processes them. Testosterone, cortisol, and adrenal testing can be added to pinpoint imbalances before any treatment is designed.

Delivery options

Bioidentical hormones can be delivered several ways, and the best method depends on your profile and preferences:

• Pellet therapy, small pellets placed under the skin that release a steady dose over several months
• Topical creams and gels
• Troches that dissolve in the mouth
• Injectable therapy

Questions to ask before starting

1. What does my testing actually show, and what is being treated?
2. Which delivery method fits my lifestyle, and why?
3. How will my levels and symptoms be monitored over time?
4. What are the risks and benefits for someone with my history?

Hormone therapy is most effective when it is personalized and monitored. At Avita MD, BHRT begins with comprehensive testing, includes a clear discussion of options, and is followed with ongoing lab work and symptom tracking so your plan can be adjusted as your body responds.

If you are weighing whether hormone therapy is right for you, an evaluation will give you the clarity to decide. Same-day and next-day appointments are available at all three Avita MD locations.