Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormones are compounds that have the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced by your body. They are designed to restore hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms associated with hormone imbalances, such as fatigue, mood swings, and menopausal or andropausal changes. Bio-identical hormones are often derived from plant sources and can be customized to meet individual needs for optimal health and well-being.

While there are possible side effects with any medication or therapy, the short answer is yes. The 2002 WHI study that claimed HRT caused an increased risk of breast cancer and blood clots has been proven wrong. There are numerous studies proving that HRT is not only safe and effective for treating menopausal symptoms but it is preventative and protective over our heart, brain and bones. Read the official NAMS position statement on menopause here. 

We don’t require you to draw blood on a specific day of the month. We do ask you to note what day you are in your cycle when you do get your blood drawn. Not all women have regular cycles. When interpreting labs for your follow-up we are looking at ranges, ratios, symptoms, and goals.

Bioidentical hormones are manmade hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among the most frequently prescribed hormones. HRT is available in various forms, including:

• Pills
• Patches
• Creams
• Injections

You and your healthcare provider will help determine the best form for your individual needs.

Testosterone is an essential hormone for women, contributing to energy, mood, muscle strength, bone density, cognitive function, and libido. While often considered a male hormone, women naturally produce testosterone in smaller amounts, and levels decline with age.

Low testosterone in women can lead to fatigue, brain fog, decreased motivation, weight gain, and reduced sexual desire. Additionally, testosterone plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health by supporting blood vessel function, reducing inflammation, and helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Bioidentical testosterone therapy can help restore balance, improve overall well-being, and support heart health as women age.

Yes, progesterone is still important even if you don’t have a uterus. While it is often prescribed to protect the uterine lining, progesterone also plays a key role in brain health, mood regulation, sleep quality, and overall hormone balance. Our brains have progesterone receptors, and maintaining adequate levels can support cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep.

The best time to begin Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) varies based on your symptoms, hormone levels, and overall health. Many individuals start HRT when they begin experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, often during perimenopause or menopause. Beginning treatment during perimenopause or early menopause can offer significant benefits, including support for bone health and osteoporosis prevention. However, HRT can still be an effective option for those who need hormone support even up to 10 years post-menopause. The best approach is to consult a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms and lab results to determine if HRT is right for you.

At Joi, we believe in a holistic approach to health. While your symptoms are our top priority during your perimenopause and menopause journey, hormone levels can impact many other areas of your health, including lipids, thyroid function, and metabolic health.

Lab testing allows us to:

• Establish a baseline to track changes over time.
• Ensure safe and effective hormone optimization.
• Identify any underlying imbalances that may contribute to your symptoms.
• Personalize your treatment plan for the best possible results.

By understanding the full picture of your health, we can create a plan that supports your hormones and overall well-being—so you feel your best at every stage of life.

After starting your treatment, we recommend a lab test and clinician follow-up around 6 weeks to assess your response and adjust dosage if needed. From there, you’ll typically have check-ins every 3 months. Once your dosage is optimized and you’re feeling your best, follow-ups may be spaced out based on your needs and provider’s guidance.

We can ship testosterone to all but 15 states. Due to state regulations we ship everywhere except AL, AR, CT, DE, GA, HI, LA, MN, MO, NC, ND, OK, PA, RI and SC.

At Joi+ Blokes, we take a holistic, preventative approach to care, which means many advanced treatments and lab tests are not typically covered by insurance. However, we do offer insurance-pay options for certain prescriptions:

• Women’s health medications like estrogen and progesterone can be sent to your local pharmacy, where you may use your insurance benefits.
• Thyroid medications will be sent to your local pharmacy, allowing you to utilize your insurance coverage.
• FDA-approved GLP-1/GIP medications for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, may also be eligible for coverage.

While we assist with prior authorizations and prescription submissions, we do not bill insurance directly. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

Yes! You can use your HSA or FSA funds to cover eligible purchases. We are happy to provide a detailed receipt and a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your provider. You can then submit these documents to your HSA/FSA account for potential reimbursement. Since coverage varies by plan, we recommend checking with your provider to confirm eligibility.

Email us at info@joiandblokes.com with any more questions.