Bioidentical Hormones

Restore Balance

At Southeast Aesthetic + Wellness in Clayton, NC, we specialize in hormone balancing to address a range of wellness concerns and optimize overall health. Our personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy aims to restore balance and vitality by addressing hormonal imbalances that can affect energy levels, mood, metabolism, and more. Whether managing mild symptoms or addressing more complex hormonal issues, our tailored treatment plans ensure effective and lasting results for each patient’s unique needs.

We offer a comprehensive treatment plan involving the use of bioidentical hormones to restore hormonal balance. This program may include hormone testing to assess current hormone levels, personalized hormone replacement therapy prescriptions, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing monitoring from our Wellness Team to optimize hormone levels and manage symptoms effectively.

The goal of our bioidentical hormone program is to address hormonal imbalances and alleviate associated symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and decreased libido, among others.

What Can BHRT Treat?

Menopause and Perimenopause Symptoms

Menopause and the transitional phase of perimenopause bring hormonal fluctuations that can disrupt everyday life. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue are common, but they don’t have to be your “normal”. BHRT treatments can stabilize these hormone levels and provide relief from the effects of these changes.

Low Libido or Sexual Dysfunction

Hormonal imbalances often affect sexual health. Decreased levels of estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can lower libido and contribute to sexual dysfunction in women. BHRT aims to restore hormone levels, which may improve sexual drive and overall satisfaction.

Sleep Disturbances

Many people experience disrupted sleep patterns due to changing hormone levels. Insomnia, frequent waking, and unrestful sleep are common concerns that can affect daytime function. By rebalancing hormones, BHRT may promote better sleep quality and help you wake up feeling more refreshed.

Mood Disorders

Hormone fluctuations influence mood and imbalances can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. BHRT treatment seeks to restore hormonal stability, which may help reduce these mood disturbances and contribute to a more stable emotional state.

Brain Fog and Cognitive Decline

Brain fog, which is characterized by forgetfulness, lack of focus, and slowed mental clarity, is a common sign of hormone imbalance. By supporting optimal hormone levels, BHRT can help improve cognitive function and provide a sharper, more focused mental state. It can also help promote cognitive health during the aging process.

Weight Gain and Muscle Loss

As hormone levels decline, women may experience weight gain, especially around the midsection. These changes can also lead to muscle loss. BHRT aims to address these metabolic shifts by supporting hormone levels which may promote a leaner body composition and help maintain muscle mass.

Bone Density Concerns

Reduced hormone levels over time can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. BHRT supports bone health by helping to preserve density and strength as we age.

Can BHRT Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?

A work by Howard N. Hodis, MD, and Wendy J. Mack, PhD, published in The Cancer Journal in 2022, suggests that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), particularly estrogen, may have protective effects against cardiovascular disease when started soon after menopause. Their research found that women who begin hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause or before age 60 may experience reduced risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overall mortality. However, the timing of the treatment is important for this particular benefit. For those in early menopause, BHRT may not only help alleviate menopausal symptoms but also support long-term heart health and quality of life, potentially reducing the healthcare burden associated with aging.

What Is BHRT?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone therapy that helps support your body’s natural hormone balance with hormones that closely mimic those it naturally produces. As we age, levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone naturally decline, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. BHRT supports your body through these shifts by supplementing hormone levels with bioidentical hormones—compounds derived from plant sources like soy or yams rather than animal sources.

Why BHRT?

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

BHRT offers minimally invasive and non-invasive methods that fit comfortably into daily life. BHRT provides options that require little downtime or disruption to your schedule. It can be a great choice for patients who want to address hormone imbalances with as little fuss as possible.

Personalized Treatment Adjusted to Your Needs

Each patient’s hormone needs are unique, so we adjust hormone replacement treatment plans based on your specific symptoms, health history, and hormone levels. We can even make adjustments over time if your needs change or the current prescription is not effective. With a commitment to our patients, we work to find the balance that works best for you.

Sustainable Improvements

With BHRT we want to offer you lasting improvements by addressing the root of hormone imbalance. We also help you adjust your lifestyle to support your body’s natural hormone balance and make treatments more effective. With these strategies, you can enjoy longer-lasting improvements to your energy levels, mood, and physical health.

Hormones That May Be Included

Estrogen

Estrogen is a major hormone in women’s health and often the first one people think of in relation to women’s hormones. It is responsible for regulating many bodily functions, particularly related to the reproductive system. Estrogen actually consists of three forms which each have different purposes in the body:
  • Estrone (E1): This is the main form of estrogen in women after menopause. While it’s less potent than the other forms, it helps support bone health and some aspects of metabolic function.
  • Estradiol (E2): The most active form of estrogen in premenopausal women, estradiol helps manage reproductive functions including menstruation and fertility. It also supports mood, bone density, and skin health.
  • Estriol (E3): Known for its milder effects, estriol is more dominant during pregnancy and helps support various bodily processes in lower doses.

Progesterone

Progesterone is also important for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and fertility support. It works closely with estrogen to balance mood, improve sleep, and support overall hormonal harmony. Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain, promoting restful sleep and reducing anxiety symptoms. In perimenopause and menopause, progesterone levels also decline, which can contribute to negative health effects.

Testosterone

Although commonly associated with men, testosterone is also important for women’s health. In women, testosterone supports muscle strength, bone density, and libido. It can also positively affect mood and energy levels. Women can also experience low levels of testosterone as they approach menopause or at other times of their lives. In BHRT, carefully measured bioidentical testosterone for those who need it can help restore energy levels, improve muscle tone, and support a healthy libido.

Details About Our Treatments

Testing for Hormone Imbalance

The first step in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is testing to determine your unique hormone levels. We begin with a detailed blood, saliva, or urine analysis to measure hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. By identifying any imbalances or deficiencies, we can create a treatment plan to target these needs.

Hormone Administration

Once we determine the right levels for your treatment, we’ll discuss the administration options that best suit your lifestyle. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers several methods for delivering hormones into the body, each with distinct benefits. Topical applications like creams and gels are easy to use and allow for gradual absorption through the skin. Patches, applied directly to the skin, provide a steady hormone release over time. Pellet therapy involves inserting a tiny pellet under the skin, releasing hormones gradually over several months. Each method has its advantages, and we’ll help you choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and daily routine.

Lifestyle Adjustments

While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be an important part of restoring hormonal balance, lifestyle adjustments also make a difference in how effectively you respond to your treatment. We’ll work with you to identify areas like nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep habits that may need some adjustments to support your hormonal health. Simple changes in diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques can improve how your body processes hormones and responds to BHRT.

Regular Follow-Up Appointments

Hormone levels can change over time so regular follow-ups are always a part of the treatment process. We’ll schedule periodic appointments to monitor your progress, discuss any new symptoms, and adjust your dosage if necessary. We can fine-tune your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as needed and stay responsive to your body’s changes.

What to Remember During Your BHRT Treatment

Results Take Time

BHRT therapy works gradually and hormone levels don’t shift overnight. It may take several weeks or even a few months before you start feeling like yourself again. Subtle changes, such as better sleep or improved mood, may appear first, followed by more noticeable shifts in energy, focus, and other symptoms. Remember that patience is essential with BHRT, and allowing your body time to adjust can lead to more sustainable, long-lasting benefits.

Consistency Is Important

For BHRT to be effective, consistency is foundational. Following your prescribed dosage schedule and adhering to the recommended form of administration, whether it’s a cream, patch, pellet, or other method, can help maintain stable hormone levels. Missing doses or changing your routine may disrupt your hormone balance and change your results. We’re here to help make your treatment as manageable as possible, so please reach out if you have any concerns about maintaining consistency.

Listen to Your Body

While BHRT aims to create balance, each person’s response is unique. It’s important to stay mindful of how you’re feeling throughout treatment and to communicate any new symptoms, changes, or concerns. If you experience shifts in mood, energy levels, or physical symptoms, let us know so we can assess whether any adjustments to your therapy are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About BHRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be a good option for women in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause who have been medically evaluated and found to have hormone imbalances. Candidates often include women looking to support long-term health, especially those with a family history of osteoporosis or cardiovascular concerns.

There are certain contraindications for BHRT. Women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast or ovarian cancer), unexplained vaginal bleeding, or active blood clotting disorders may not be ideal candidates. Those with certain liver conditions or who are prone to cardiovascular complications may also need to approach hormone therapy with caution.

As with any hormone therapy, BHRT can carry some risks and side effects. Some patients may experience mild symptoms like bloating, headaches, or breast tenderness as their body adjusts to new hormone levels. More serious risks can include blood clots, stroke, or an increased risk of certain cancers, often linked to factors like age, health history, and duration of treatment. With BHRT, we use bioidentical hormones, which may potentially reduce side effects compared to the use of synthetic options. Regular monitoring allows us to adjust your treatment as needed, and we’ll discuss all potential risks before you begin therapy to help ensure that BHRT is a good choice for you.

The duration of BHRT varies by individual and depends on how well your body responds to the treatment and your health goals. Some women choose to continue BHRT for several years to maintain their quality of life, while others may transition off once they reach a stable balance. Regular check-ins with us help determine whether adjustments or gradual discontinuation of therapy might be beneficial over time. BHRT isn’t necessarily a lifelong commitment; it’s designed to support your body through hormonal transitions, and we’ll personalize the timeline based on your progress and needs.

You can discontinue BHRT, but it’s best done gradually and with guidance. Stopping suddenly may cause symptoms to return, as your body readjusts to lower hormone levels. If you decide to stop, we’ll work with you to taper off therapy in a way that minimizes any discomfort. It’s important to have an open conversation with us about your goals and concerns at any point during treatment, so we can support you in making the best choice for your well-being.

$400 Initial Consultation Fee Includes:

  • One Hour Consultation
  • Basic Hormone Labs
  • Detailed Treatment Plan

Quarterly Fee

Covers One Visit every 90 Days (can be done in person or virtually)

Members of our Aesthetic Membership Program: $700/quarter

Non Member Pricing: $800/quarter

Plan Includes:

  • Hormones shipped directly to patient or administered in house
  • Monthly B12 shot (at home or at our facility)
  • 20% off all Supplements, Weight Loss Programs, IVs, Peptides
  • Free Monthly Inbody Composition Analysis

Peptide Fees

Same $400 Initial Consult with labs plus

$300/month for each Peptide

Other Information:

  • Can use HSA cards
  • Can submit insurance for any additional labs*

*Will be considered out of network and will be patients responsibility

Call today to schedule your initial consultation!

A blonde woman looking out through a palm leaf

Interested in BHRT? Take the Next Step!

Schedule your consultation with Angel Turlington, WHNP where she can evaluate you fully without that feeling of rush at most medical practices and let you know how hormone balancing could positively impact your everyday life now and in your future! Not sure If you need hormones? No worries, she may suggest other non-hormonal therapies to improve your quality of life!

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a solution for women in Clayton, NC, aiming to support hormonal balance and improve their quality of life as they age. With BHRT, women can experience a more consistent sense of well-being, energy, and mental clarity. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation, reach out to Southeast Aesthetic + Wellness through our online form, or by phone at (919) 243-8146.