Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in Indianapolis
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect much more than your menstrual cycle. Changes in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone may contribute to hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, brain fog, mood changes, vaginal dryness, low libido, changes in body composition and fatigue.
At Dragonfly 360 Wellness in Indianapolis, Dr. Melanie MacLaren, with her supervising physician, Dr. Scott Nall, take an individualized approach to hormone health. Rather than looking at one symptom or one hormone in isolation, we consider your symptoms, health history,
lifestyle and lab results to help determine whether Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may be appropriate for you.
Contact us at (317) 344-9840 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Melanie in Indianapolis or via virtual consultation — and start your path to healing today.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure that is chemically identical to hormones
produced by the human body. Hormones used in BHRT may include:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
Hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The type of hormone, dosage, and method of administration should be individualized based on your symptoms, medical history, laboratory findings, and response to treatment.
Signs Your Hormones May Be Changing
Perimenopause can begin years before your final menstrual period, and symptoms can look different from woman to woman.
Common symptoms associated with changing hormone levels can include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Mood changes or irritability
- Vaginal Dryness
- Discomfort with intercourse
- Low libido
- Changes in weight or body composition
- Loss of muscle mass
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Bone loss (osteopenia, osteoporosis)
- Increase in cholesterol and blood sugar
You don’t need to experience every symptom to have a conversation about your hormones.
Our Approach to BHRT at Dragonfly 360
Hormones don’t work in isolation. They communicate with multiple systems throughout your body.
That’s why our approach may look beyond estrogen and progesterone alone.
Depending on your symptoms and history, Dr. Melanie may evaluate areas such as:
-
Estradiol
This test will assess both cellular and serum levels of micronutrient status. By assessing what nutrients are available in the blood and what is actually getting into the cell Dr. Melanie determines the underlying causes of chronic issues. i.e. Certain patterns in deficiencies may point to adrenal fatigue, blood sugar imbalances, digestive issues or detoxification issues.
-
ProgesteroneThese may be tested using blood or saliva testing.
-
Total and free testosteroneThese tests can help refine the NAET protocol.
-
Thyroid functionThese tests can help refine the NAET protocol.
-
Blood sugar and insulinThese tests can help refine the NAET protocol.
-
Nutrient statusThese tests can help refine the NAET protocol.
BHRT for Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. During this time, hormone levels can fluctuate significantly.
Some women first notice changes in sleep, menstrual cycles, mood, energy, weight, libido or temperature regulation.
A personalized evaluation can help determine whether symptoms may be related to hormonal changes and whether hormone therapy or other nutritional and lifestyle strategies should be considered.
BHRT for Menopause
As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, some women experience symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life.
Hormone replacement therapy may be considered for appropriate candidates experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms, and other concerns.
The decision to use hormone therapy should be individualized and include a discussion of your
symptoms, goals, medical history, potential benefits and potential risks.
It’s About More Than Hormones
Sometimes symptoms that appear hormonal can have multiple contributors.
Fatigue, weight changes, poor sleep, and brain fog, for example, can also be influenced by
thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, nutrient status, stress, sleep and other factors.
Dr. Melanie’s approach is to look for patterns and connections rather than assuming one hormone explains everything.
Is BHRT Right for You?
BHRT isn’t automatically the right choice for every woman.
Your health history, symptoms, age, time since menopause, risk factors, medications, and personal preferences all matter when considering hormone replacement therapy.
If you’re wondering whether BHRT may be appropriate for you, the first step is an individualized evaluation.
Schedule a Hormone Consultation in Indianapolis
If you’ve been experiencing hot flashes, disrupted sleep, brain fog, low libido, vaginal dryness, fatigue or other changes during perimenopause or menopause, you don’t have to guess whether your hormones may be part of the picture.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Melanie MacLaren at Dragonfly 360 Wellness to discuss your symptoms, health history, labs and whether Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy may be an appropriate option for you.
Call or text 317-344-9840 or book an appointment online.
New to Dr. Melanie? Book a Discovery Call.
What is the difference between BHRT and traditional hormone replacement therapy?
The term"bioidentical" refers to hormones that are chemically identical to hormones naturally
produced by the human body.
Is BHRT only for women who have already reached menopause?
No. Hormonal symptoms can begin during perimenopause, which may start several years before menopause. Treatment decisions are based on the individual woman's symptoms, history, and clinical evaluation.
What symptoms can hormone replacement therapy help with?
Hormone therapy is commonly used to address menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal symptoms. Women may also discuss sleep, libido, mood, and other changes with their healthcare provider as part of their overall evaluation.
Do you test hormone levels before prescribing BHRT?
Yes. Lab testing in conjunction with your symptoms tailor your treatment plan. Dr. Melanie may also evaluate other areas such as thyroid function, blood sugar, and nutrient status when appropriate. Insurance may be used for your labs under Dr. Melanie’s supervising physician.
Do you prescribe estrogen, progesterone and testosterone?
Yes. The hormones considered depend on the individual patient. Your treatment plan is personalized rather than based on a standard hormone protocol.
Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy safe?
Hormone therapy has benefits and risks, and those risks vary based on factors including the type of hormone, dose, route of administration, age, health history, and timing of treatment. An individualized medical evaluation is important before beginning therapy.
Will BHRT help me lose weight?
BHRT is not a weight-loss treatment. However, hormonal changes during midlife can affect body composition so balancing hormones may help with weight loss. As an example, if a woman is estrogen dominant this may lead to weight gain.
How long does it take to notice a difference with BHRT?
Response varies from person to person but typically within weeks you can notice improvement in symptoms. Follow-up and monitoring allow the treatment plan to be adjusted when appropriate.
How often will my hormones be monitored?
Follow-up is an important part of hormone therapy. The timing of appointments and laboratory testing depends on your individual treatment plan, symptoms, and response. Dr. Melanie requires that patients be seen every 6 months for ongoing scripts to provide the best care.
Do you offer BHRT appointments in Indianapolis?
Yes. Dragonfly 360 Wellness is located at 8435 Keystone Crossing, Suite 155, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. Virtual appointments are also available unless testosterone is prescribed.
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Learn More About BHRT & Natural Medicine
Whether you are familiar with alternative medicine and natural medicine solutions or are interested in learning more, Dragonly360 can help! We proudly provide the Indianapolis, Carmel, and nearby areas with effective techniques and natural remedies for a variety of health issues. Contact us at (317) 344-9840 to learn more at our location that conveniently serves Indianapolis, Carmel, and nearby areas or via a virtual consult.