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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Q & A

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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQ

This Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) FAQ answers the most common patient questions about natural hormone therapy, how it works, safety, testing, results, and how BHRT can help restore balance, vitality, and quality of life. You’ll learn how hormone optimization differs from traditional hormone therapy, what tests are used, what symptoms BHRT can address, and how customized plans at Patients Medical in NYC deliver consistent, personalized care.

Fast Facts

What It Is

Replacement of hormones with plant-derived, body-identical hormones tailored to your physiology

Primary Benefits

 Improved energy, metabolic balance, mood regulation, sleep, libido, bone health, mental clarity

How It Works

Personalized dosing based on advanced hormone panels → restores stable hormone function

Ideal For

Menopause, perimenopause, PMS, low sex hormones, adrenal imbalance, thyroid interactions

Care Model

Functional + conventional testing, physician-guided dosing, and integrative treatment strategies

POPULAR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

  • What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?
  • How does BHRT differ from traditional hormone therapy?
  • What hormones are typically balanced with BHRT?
  • How is BHRT tailored to each individual?
  • Is BHRT safe? What are the risks and benefits?
  • How soon will I notice results after starting therapy?

WHAT PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW

  • BHRT focuses on restoring normal hormone signaling, not simply suppressing symptoms.
  • Functional hormone testing identifies subtle imbalances often missed by routine labs.
  • Personalized hormone plans include appropriate hormone types and dosing levels.
  • BHRT works best when integrated with nutrition, sleep support, stress management, and metabolic care.

Recommended Next Steps

Schedule a Hormone Evaluation & Diagnostic Panel

Review Comprehensive Hormone Lab Results with a Physician

Begin a Tailored BHRT Plan

Monitor Progress with Regular Follow-up Testing

Integrate Lifestyle & Supportive Therapies to Maximize Results

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Our bodies depend on an array of chemicals called hormones to function properly. But as we get older, our bodies begin producing fewer of some hormones that are important for good health. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, replenishes the body’s natural supply of hormones to resolve symptoms that occur when hormone levels decline.

What's the difference between bioidentical hormones and other types of hormones used in HRT?

For years, HRT has relied on synthetic hormones to replace estrogen, testosterone and other hormones. These hormones have important structural differences compared to the hormones naturally produced by the body. As a result, they don’t function in quite the same way, and they also aren’t eliminated from the body as easily, causing side effects – some of which can be quite serious. Bioidentical hormones are also created under rigorous laboratory conditions, but they are designed to be structurally the same as our natural hormones. That means the body “recognizes” them, processes them and eliminates the in the same way as natural hormones, so side effects associated with the structural differences in other synthetic hormones are eliminated or significantly decreased.

What symptoms or issues can bioidentical HRT be used to treat?

Bioidentical HRT is used for many issues and symptoms surrounding menopause, including:

  • Irregular periods
  • Abnormal periods, including very heavy bleeding
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Weight gain
  • Brain fog
  • Sleep problems like insomnia
  • Low sex drive

It can also be used in patients with other types of hormonal deficiencies or medical issues affecting hormones, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

How can I tell if bioidentical hormone therapy is right for me?

The best way to tell if you might benefit from treatment is to schedule an exam and consultation.

Testimonials

“I was lost with constant fatigue and mood swings. After BHRT at Patients Medical, I feel energized and emotionally balanced for the first time in years.”
– Upper West Side, NYCElizabeth T., 54
“They helped me understand my hormone labs and created a customized plan. My sleep, libido, and focus improved dramatically.”
– Brooklyn, NYSamantha P., 49
“I had tried conventional HRT without much success. Bioidentical therapy made all the difference — my symptoms finally settled.”
– ManhattanJanet B., 57
“The team here explains everything clearly, and I love the whole-body integrative approach. I sleep better and feel more like myself again.”
– QueensNina M., 45
“Stimulating, supportive care with real results. My energy is back, and my emotional resilience has improved a lot.”
– BronxCaitlin R., 52

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy uses hormones derived from natural plant sources that are physiologically identical to the hormones your body produces. BHRT aims to restore hormonal balance in a way that mirrors natural endocrine function.

Conventional hormone therapy can use synthetic or animal-derived hormones with structures that differ slightly from human hormones. BHRT uses hormones that match the body’s own molecular structure, which may offer more natural metabolism and fewer side effects for many patients.

BHRT commonly balances:

  • Estrogen (E1, E2, E3)
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone (bioidentical, in women when appropriate)
  • DHEA
  • Thyroid hormones (as part of integrative care)

Hormone selection depends on individual lab results and symptoms.

Our team uses comprehensive hormone panels including blood, saliva, or DUTCH testing (urinary hormone metabolites), depending on clinical needs. These tests measure free and total hormone levels, metabolites, and balance between key systems.

When managed by experienced physicians at Patients Medical, BHRT is considered safe and effective for most patients. Safety is optimized through:

  • thorough testing
  • customized dosing
  • ongoing monitoring
  • regular follow-up labs

Many patients experience significant relief in:

  • fatigue
  • mood swings
  • hot flashes
  • insomnia
  • low libido
  • cognitive fog

Results vary by individual and condition severity. 

Some patients notice improvements within 3–6 weeks, with full benefits typically developing over 8–12 weeks as hormone balance stabilizes.

Because BHRT is personalized and adjusted based on testing and symptoms, levels are maintained within optimal physiologic ranges to minimize fluctuations and maximize symptom relief.

Some patients may experience mild side effects during initial hormone adjustments, such as:

  • transient bloating
  • mood shifts
  • mild headaches

These are generally short-lived and easily managed with dose refinement.

Yes — hormones interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, cognition, and emotional regulation.

Balanced hormones can support metabolism and energy use. While BHRT isn’t a weight-loss therapy, it can help improve metabolic regulation and reduce hormonal barriers to weight control.

Yes. BHRT works best alongside:

  • balanced nutrition
  • quality sleep
  • stress reduction
  • physical activity
  • gut health optimization

Yes, therapy is fully reversible. Decisions about duration are personalized and made in consultation with your physician.

Coverage varies. Diagnostic testing and medical consultations may be partly covered, but BHRT itself is often considered elective. Our team helps with benefit verification.

BHRT principles are similar for both, but hormone types and dosing are individualized based on gender, labs, symptoms, and goals.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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