Bioidentical Hormones FAQs

Synthetic hormones (like those used in traditional HRT) differ chemically from your body’s natural hormones and may carry higher risks. Bioidentical hormones are designed to match your body’s chemistry, which may reduce side effects and improve results.

Bioidentical hormones can help restore balance, relieve symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, poor sleep, and low libido, and support long-term health — especially during perimenopause, menopause, and andropause.

We go beyond symptom management. A functional medicine approach focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of hormone imbalances using advanced testing, personalized treatment, and lifestyle support.

The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was a large study of synthetic hormone therapy. Its findings raised concerns about increased health risks. However, those findings do not apply to bioidentical hormone therapy, which uses different compounds and dosing.

Yes. BHRT should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Some doctors are more familiar with traditional HRT or may not be trained in the use of compounded bioidentical hormones. At Forum Health Las Colinas, our providers specialize in BHRT as part of a holistic, functional medicine approach.

Sometimes. Women in their 20s or 30s may have imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone due to stress, PCOS, birth control use, or other factors. Testing can help determine whether BHRT may be beneficial.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, poor sleep, mood swings, brain fog, or low libido, or if you’re in perimenopause or menopause, hormone testing can help determine if BHRT is right for you.

Yes. Men can experience hormone decline, particularly in testosterone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, depression, irritability, belly fat, or low sex drive. BHRT can help restore vitality and mood.

Estrogen dominance means you have too much estrogen relative to progesterone. It can cause weight gain, PMS, bloating, breast tenderness, and mood issues, even if estrogen is in the normal range.

Yes. Testosterone supports muscle tone, libido, mental focus, and mood in women. Low levels may cause fatigue, low sex drive, and brain fog.

Yes. Fluctuating or low levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are linked to mood disorders, especially during menopause, perimenopause, or postpartum phases.

Absolutely. Hormonal imbalances can lead to insulin resistance, increased fat storage (particularly belly fat), a sluggish metabolism, and carbohydrate cravings. All of these can make weight loss more difficult.

Insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play key roles in metabolism and fat storage.

Optimizing hormone levels can help regulate cortisol and other stress hormones, leading to better mood stability and stress resilience.

Yes. Low levels of testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone can all contribute to decreased libido. BHRT can help restore hormonal balance and revive sex drive.

Yes, we can review recent labs, but we may request additional testing to ensure accuracy and track progress.

Some patients experience symptom relief within 2–3 weeks, although it may take up to 12 weeks for their hormones to fully stabilize.

Not necessarily. Your provider will reassess regularly and adjust as needed. Some patients choose to continue for long-term wellness, while others taper over time.

Yes. Ongoing testing helps us monitor your hormone levels and adjust dosing for best results and safety.

No. Your provider will review all current medications and supplements to ensure safe integration with BHRT.

No. Birth control uses synthetic hormones to suppress ovulation. BHRT is designed to restore the natural balance of hormones.

Pellets are tiny implants inserted under the skin that release hormones steadily over time, usually lasting 3–5 months. They offer convenience and consistent levels without daily dosing.

Yes, when managed by a trained provider. We monitor labs regularly to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Most patients require pellets to be inserted every 3 to 5 months, depending on how their body metabolizes hormones.

Side effects are generally mild and may include breast tenderness, bloating, spotting, or mood changes, which are often attributed to dose adjustments. These are usually temporary and manageable.

Studies suggest that bioidentical hormones, when properly prescribed, may carry fewer risks than synthetic hormones. We use the lowest effective dose and closely monitor your health.

We do not bill insurance for office visits; however, we offer transparent pricing and can review this with you during your free phone consultation.

Some lab work may be covered by your insurance. We’ll discuss your options and provide cost estimates if needed.

We work with affordable lab partners and can provide upfront pricing before testing.

Yes. Nutritional support is often part of our approach, and your provider may recommend targeted supplements to support hormone balance.

In addition to hormone therapy, we provide functional medicine services, nutritional counseling, weight management, thyroid treatment, aesthetic services, and more, all tailored to help you feel your best.