Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Women and Men

At HormoneSynergy®, we help women and men restore balance, energy, and vitality through personalized bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT). Our physician-guided approach combines advanced testing, evidence-based care, and individualized treatment planning to support hormone health, healthy aging, and long-term wellness in Portland, Lake Oswego, and beyond.

Hormones influence nearly every major system in the body, including metabolism, muscle mass, bone density, mood, cognition, sleep, and sexual wellness. When hormone levels shift with age, stress, or other physiologic changes, the effects can be widespread. BHRT is one approach to restoring hormonal balance when clinically appropriate.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are compounds designed to be structurally identical to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. Common examples include estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. Because their molecular structure matches the body’s own hormones, bioidentical hormones are often used as part of a personalized hormone optimization plan for both women and men.

Bioidentical hormone therapy may be considered for symptoms associated with hormone decline or imbalance, including fatigue, sleep disruption, hot flashes, low libido, brain fog, mood changes, reduced strength, and changes in body composition.

How Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Works

Bioidentical hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. At HormoneSynergy®, treatment begins with a detailed review of symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and laboratory data. The goal is to determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate and, if so, which delivery method and dosing strategy best fit the individual patient.

Our BHRT programs may help support:

• Energy, vitality, and exercise recovery
• Healthy metabolism and body composition
• Bone density and musculoskeletal health
• Mood, memory, and cognitive function
• Sexual wellness and quality of life

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Options

We offer multiple BHRT delivery methods depending on clinical needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals. These may include:

• Pharmaceutical patches and gels
• Compounded sustained-release capsules
• Topical creams or gels
• Sublingual lozenges
• Subcutaneous pellet implants

This personalized approach allows for more precise decision-making around absorption, convenience, dosing, and long-term management.

Why Some Patients Prefer Bioidentical Hormones

Traditional hormone therapy often relied on synthetic or non-bioidentical formulations. Today, many patients and clinicians prefer bioidentical hormones because they are structurally matched to the body’s own hormones and can often be integrated into a more personalized treatment strategy.

The right therapy always depends on the individual. Treatment decisions should consider symptoms, laboratory data, medical history, cardiovascular risk, breast health considerations, and long-term health goals.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term BHRT

There are different approaches to hormone therapy. Some patients pursue short-term symptom relief, while others explore long-term hormone optimization as part of a broader preventive longevity medicine strategy.

• Short-Term BHRT: typically focused on symptom relief using the lowest effective dose
• Long-Term BHRT: more individualized strategies designed to support healthy aging, function, and sustained wellness

Both approaches require thoughtful medical supervision, appropriate testing, and ongoing follow-up to support safety and effectiveness.

Dr. Kathryn Retzler’s Personalized Approach

At HormoneSynergy®, Dr. Kathryn Retzler uses a personalized, evidence-based approach to hormone therapy that includes:

• Comprehensive symptom and health history review
• Advanced lab testing before treatment when appropriate
• Individualized treatment plans based on physiology and goals
• Ongoing follow-up and prescription review for safety and effectiveness
• Integration of the latest research in hormone optimization and healthy aging

Our goal is not simply to relieve symptoms, but to support balanced hormones, metabolic resilience, healthy aging, and improved quality of life.

BHRT for Women and Men

Hormone changes affect both women and men. In women, shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone may contribute to sleep issues, mood changes, reduced libido, bone loss, and unfavorable body composition changes. In men, declining testosterone may contribute to fatigue, low motivation, reduced strength, increased fat mass, and reduced sexual wellness.

At HormoneSynergy®, we believe hormones are systemic and important for both women and men. Our care model focuses on personalized hormone evaluation and treatment strategies tailored to the individual rather than a protocol-driven approach.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy as Part of Longevity Medicine

Hormone therapy is often just one part of a larger clinical picture. Our broader personalized longevity medicine model may also include support for metabolic health, body composition, cardiovascular prevention, and healthy aging.

Related services may include:

• Hormone Optimization and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
• DEXA Bone Density and Body Composition Analysis
• Preventive Cardiology and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
• Medical Weight Loss and GLP-1 Metabolic Therapy

Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Right for You?

Bioidentical hormone therapy may be appropriate for women and men experiencing symptoms related to hormone decline, changing body composition, poor recovery, low vitality, or other concerns related to aging and hormone balance. The first step is a thorough evaluation with an experienced clinician who can help determine the safest and most appropriate strategy for your needs.

Contact HormoneSynergy® today to schedule your consultation and learn whether personalized BHRT may be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “bioidentical” mean?

Bioidentical refers to hormones that have the same molecular structure as hormones produced naturally in the human body.

Are bioidentical hormones only for women?

No. Bioidentical hormone therapy may be used for both women and men when clinically appropriate.

Are compounded hormones the same as bioidentical hormones?

Not always. Some bioidentical hormones are available as FDA-approved products, while others may be compounded depending on the patient’s needs and treatment plan.

What happens during a BHRT consultation?

A BHRT consultation typically includes a health history review, symptom discussion, medication and risk-factor review, and lab interpretation when appropriate, followed by an individualized treatment discussion.

Is hormone therapy only about symptom relief?

No. In some cases, hormone therapy may be considered as part of a broader personalized longevity medicine strategy focused on function, resilience, body composition, and healthy aging.

Does HormoneSynergy® treat both women and men?

Yes. HormoneSynergy® evaluates and treats hormone-related concerns in both women and men using an individualized, physician-guided approach.