Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone Therapy Treatment Options
There is more than one way to restore hormone balance. We help women and men compare their options and choose what fits their health, schedule and goals.
Bioidentical HRT
What bioidentical means
Bioidentical hormones, such as estradiol, progesterone and testosterone, have the same molecular structure as the hormones your body makes. They come in several forms, and the right form depends on your symptoms, your health history and how you like to manage your care.
Bioidentical does not mean risk free. Any hormone therapy should be prescribed after testing and monitored over time.
Delivery methods
Ways to take hormones
Each method has trade-offs. Dr. Bernell will explain which ones make sense for you.
Hormone pellets
Small pellets placed under the skin release hormone steadily for several months. No daily routine. EvexiPEL is the pellet system we use.
Creams and gels
Applied to the skin daily. Easy to adjust, but you need to remember them and avoid skin contact with others.
Injections
Common for testosterone. Given on a schedule, which can lead to peaks and dips between doses.
Patches
Worn on the skin and changed once or twice a week. Some people get skin irritation.
Oral medications
Progesterone is often taken by mouth at bedtime. Oral estrogen is processed by the liver, which affects its risk profile.
Lab-guided dosing
Whatever the method, dosing is based on your lab results and symptoms, then adjusted at follow-up.
Comparison
Pellets vs. creams and injections
Why many patients choose pellets
- Steady levels without daily dosing
- No weekly injections
- Nothing to rub on or transfer to others
- A quick in-office visit every few months
When another option may fit better
- You want to adjust your dose day to day
- You prefer to avoid a minor in-office procedure
- Your labs or history call for a different form
- You are trying to conceive (men)
Serving the Lake Houston area
Close to home
Our office is at 22186 Market Place Dr., Suites 132 & 133, in New Caney, convenient for patients from Kingwood, The Woodlands, Porter, Humble and across Montgomery County.
- Kingwood
- The Woodlands
- New Caney
- Porter
- Humble
- Lake Houston
- Montgomery County
Questions
Common questions
Which form of hormone therapy is best?
There is no single best option. The right choice depends on your symptoms, labs, health history and preferences. Many of our patients choose EvexiPEL pellets for convenience, and others do well with creams, patches or injections.
Can I switch from creams or injections to pellets?
Yes. Many patients switch. We review your current dose and labs to plan a safe transition.
Are compounded hormones FDA approved?
No. Compounded hormones, including pellets, are prepared by a compounding pharmacy and are not FDA approved. Some FDA-approved bioidentical products, such as certain estradiol and progesterone forms, are also available. We discuss both.
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