Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in St. Louis, Missouri
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are compounds chemically identical to those naturally produced by your body. Rather than using synthetic hormones derived from non-human sources, BHRT uses hormones formulated to closely match your own, often derived from plant-based precursors and adjusted to your unique hormonal profile.
At our clinic, BHRT begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We review your symptoms, medical history, and conduct detailed hormone level testing. Based on these results and your personal health goals, we develop a customized hormone replacement plan tailored specifically to you.
We also take a collaborative, patient-centered approach when selecting treatment options. We explain the pros and cons of each type of BHRT, including different delivery methods such as patches, creams or gels, pills, or other forms. Together, we consider your lifestyle, preferences, and hormone needs to determine the option that offers the best balance of effectiveness, safety, and convenience.
What to Expect: BHRT Process at Our Clinic
Initial Consultation & Hormone Assessment
Our initial intake consists of two 90-minute sessions. During the first visit, patients arrive fasting for an in-depth consultation, where we complete a comprehensive health history and order personalized laboratory testing. Approximately four weeks later, patients return for a second session to review their lab results in detail and discuss a customized plan of care.
Custom Hormone Plan Design
Based on your results and goals, we create a personalized BHRT protocol (hormone type, dosage, delivery method, schedule).
Monitoring & Adjustment
Hormone balance is not static. We monitor your response, follow up regularly, and adjust the plan as needed to optimize results and minimize side effects.
Holistic Integration
Because we practice functional medicine, we consider underlying root causes (nutrition, stress, sleep, lifestyle) that affect hormone balance, and incorporate comprehensive support beyond just hormones.
Long-Term Wellness & Maintenance
Our goal is sustainable hormone health. We plan follow-ups and reevaluate regularly to adapt therapy with age, lifestyle changes, or shifting health needs.
Reduction or elimination of hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, fatigue, and other menopausal or hormonal-transition symptoms.
Improved energy, mental clarity, mood stability, and overall sense of well-being. Many patients report better sleep, a more balanced mood, and greater mental focus after hormone levels are balanced.
Support for bone health: proper hormonal balance can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of bone loss, especially important for women after menopause.
Enhanced libido, sexual comfort, and intimacy (e.g., relief from vaginal dryness, improved sexual desire).
How We Work. Our Functional Medicine Process
Comprehensive Evaluation
We begin with a detailed review of your health history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. We may also explore environmental, emotional, and genetic factors that could influence your health.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Rather than relying solely on standard lab panels, we may order advanced tests to assess hormonal balance, gut health, metabolic function, immune markers, nutrient status, detox pathways, and more. These diagnostics help us detect subtle imbalances or dysfunctions often missed by conventional testing.
Personalized Care Plan
Based on your evaluation and test results, we design an individualized plan, which may include targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes (sleep, stress, exercise), supplement protocols (when needed), hormonal balancing, gut health restoration, and other supportive therapies.
Therapeutic Partnership
We work in close collaboration with you. You're not just a patient, but an active partner in your healing journey. This means education, guidance, support, and gradual, sustainable changes aimed at long-term wellness.
Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustment
Health is dynamic. As your body responds, we re-evaluate and adjust your plan as needed to ensure progress and long-term stability.
Important Considerations & Safety
While BHRT offers many potential benefits, it’s essential to approach hormone replacement thoughtfully and under medical supervision.
- Hormone therapy may not be recommended, or may require special caution, if you have a history (or high risk) of certain conditions such as blood clotting disorders, cardiovascular disease, stroke, or hormone-sensitive cancer (for example, breast or uterine cancer).
- Results may vary depending on individual factors: age, general health status, lifestyle, degree of hormonal imbalance, and consistency of treatment and monitoring.
- BHRT should be part of a comprehensive, holistic plan: hormones alone may not resolve all issues if lifestyle factors (sleep, nutrition, stress, exercise) are not addressed.
At Health By Design MD, we emphasize careful assessment, transparent discussion of benefits and risks, and ongoing follow-up to ensure therapy is as safe and effective as possible.
Take the First Step Toward Whole-Body Health
If you’re looking for a different kind of healthcare, one focused on prevention, root-cause resolution, and personalized wellness, we invite you to schedule a Functional Medicine consultation with us. Let’s work together to uncover root imbalances, restore your health, and help you thrive.
Contact us now to book your Functional Medicine evaluation at Health By Design MD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to feel results from BHRT?
The timeline varies depending on your hormone levels, age, overall health, and the type of therapy prescribed. Some patients begin noticing improvements in energy, sleep, and mood within a few weeks. More substantial changes, such as improved metabolism, reduced hot flashes, better libido, and overall vitality, often appear within eight to twelve weeks. Full optimization can take several months because hormone balance is a gradual process. Throughout this time, we monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment plan to ensure steady, meaningful improvement.
Is BHRT safe?
When prescribed and monitored by a trained medical provider, BHRT is generally considered safe for most patients. Because bioidentical hormones match your body’s natural chemistry, they tend to be well-tolerated. However, hormone therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, blood-clotting disorders, stroke, or certain cardiovascular conditions may require alternative approaches or additional precautions. During your consultation, we carefully review your medical history and risk factors to ensure that BHRT is delivered safely and responsibly.
What types of hormone tests do you use?
At Health By Design MD, we begin with a comprehensive hormonal assessment using blood testing or saliva testing, depending on the markers we need to analyze. These tests may include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and other metabolic indicators. Our functional medicine approach allows us to interpret results in the context of your symptoms rather than relying solely on broad “normal ranges,” which often fail to reflect optimal hormonal health.
What forms of BHRT are available?
BHRT can be delivered in several forms, including creams, patches, pills, and other personalized options. The best method depends on your lifestyle, your hormone levels, and how your body responds to treatment. We choose the delivery system that ensures consistent absorption, stable hormone levels, and the most effective symptom relief.
Will I need to stay on BHRT forever?
Not necessarily. Some patients choose to continue long-term because it helps maintain comfort, vitality, and quality of life as they age. Others use BHRT temporarily to stabilize their symptoms while they address underlying imbalances through nutrition, lifestyle, gut health support, or stress management. BHRT plans are highly individualized, and we regularly reassess your needs to determine whether continuing, adjusting, or tapering is the best option.
Can BHRT help with weight gain or metabolism issues?
Hormonal imbalances, especially declines in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol dysregulation, can significantly impact metabolism. Many patients find that once their hormones are optimized, they experience improved energy, better motivation, enhanced muscle tone, and fewer metabolic slowdowns. While BHRT is not a standalone weight-loss treatment, it often plays a major role in correcting underlying contributors to weight changes.
Is there downtime or recovery associated with BHRT?
Bioidentical hormone therapy does not require downtime. Most patients continue their usual daily activities immediately after their appointment. The process involves consultation, lab work, and ongoing monitoring, but no recovery period is needed. If your program includes hormone pellets or other specialized delivery methods in the future, we will provide specific post-care instructions.