Hormone Replacement Therapy

Alvin-Manvel Family Clinic is a certified Biote provider. “Bio-identical” describes hormones that are chemically identical to hormones made by the body; it does not by itself mean a product is safer, more effective, or “natural.” Your provider will explain the specific medication being considered.

We offer several hormone therapy options. Some pellet formulations are compounded; compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality before marketing. Your provider will discuss FDA-approved and compounded options, when applicable, and help you weigh the differences.

Learn more from the FDA about hormone therapy and compounded “bio-identical” products.

Pellet insertion is performed in-office through a small incision, typically near the hip. Duration and response vary, and insertion carries risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, or pellet extrusion. Ask your provider how follow-up and adverse effects are handled.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Hormone Imbalance

• Fatigue and low energy
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Low libido or sexual dysfunction
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Poor or disrupted sleep
• Weight gain and difficulty losing fat
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Vaginal dryness (women)
• Erectile dysfunction (men)
• Decreased bone density
• Thinning hair or dry skin

What to Expect

Your provider begins with a clinical evaluation and orders labs when appropriate. If treatment is selected, the clinic reviews product-specific instructions, monitoring, follow-up timing, and when to report side effects.

Hormone therapy may be considered for appropriate adult patients after evaluation. These symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, so a symptom list or single lab value does not establish that hormone treatment is needed.