Hormone Replacent Therapy with Dr. Warren Willey ( board certified functional physician)
The Different Types of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) Explained
When it comes to easing the rollercoaster of perimenopause and menopause, many women turn to bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT). These hormones are made to be chemically identical to the ones your body naturally produces, and they can be delivered in several different ways. Choosing the right option depends on your symptoms, lifestyle, and what feels most comfortable. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Patches
• Thin patches that stick to your skin and release hormones into your bloodstream.
• Steady absorption—helps avoid hormone “spikes.”
• Convenient for women who don’t want to take daily pills or apply creams.
2. Creams and Gels
• Applied directly to the skin (like the inner arm or thigh).
• Hormones absorb through the skin into the bloodstream.
• Easy to adjust dosing, but absorption can sometimes vary depending on skin type.
3. Vaginal Preparations (Creams, Rings, or Suppositories)
• Target local symptoms like dryness, discomfort, or painful intimacy.
• Provides relief right where you need it without affecting the whole body as much.
• Typically lower doses than systemic options.
4. Pellets
• Tiny rice-sized implants inserted under the skin by a provider.
• Slowly release hormones over several months.
• Low maintenance once inserted, but dosage can’t be easily adjusted until the pellet dissolves.
5. Oral Capsules or Troches (Dissolvable Lozenges)
• Some providers prescribe bioidentical hormones in capsule or lozenge form.
• Easy to take, but oral estrogen can affect the liver differently than transdermal methods.
• Troches dissolve under the tongue or cheek for faster absorption.
⸻
Things to Keep in Mind
BHRT isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some women love the ease of pellets, while others prefer the flexibility of creams or patches. The best option depends on your body, your symptoms, and guidance from a hormone specialist who can tailor therapy to your needs.
Where to find Dr. Willey: https://tmc-idaho.com/
Dr. Willey is also working on getting his telehealth clinic set up and will be able to work internationally with patients as well! This should happen in October, so stay tuned!
In my 2 and half years of being on my perimenopause journey, I have used BHRT and it has helped a lot of my symptoms. I also use peptides to help with weight gain, muscle loss, skin and hair loss, gut health, joint pain and more. I used to get them through my functional dr, but they were more pricey. I now get them through a telehealth company that gives me access to a functional provider 24 hours a day. Check out where I get them and my free peptide guide below:
