Natural Hormone Therapy for Hormone Imbalance Relief 

What is BHRT Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy) is a type of hormone therapy that uses hormones that are chemically identical to those the human body naturally produces. It is often used to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance or decline, especially during perimenopause, menopause, and andropause.

Goals of BHRT:
To restore hormonal balance and relieve symptoms such as:

  • Hot flashes

  • Night sweats

  • Fatigue

  • Mood swings

  • Low libido

  • Vaginal dryness

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Brain fog or memory issues

Key Points:

Bioidentical hormones are typically derived from plant sources (like yams or soy) and are processed to match the structure of endogenous human hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol.

Forms of BHRT:

  • Creams and gels

  • Pills or capsules

  • Patches

  • Pellets (implanted under the skin)

  • Injections

 FAQs

  • BHRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the human body. Traditional HRT often uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones that are not identical in structure. Many patients find BHRT to be better tolerated with fewer side effects.

  • Yes. BHRT is available through licensed healthcare providers in Alberta, including some naturopathic doctors, functional medicine practitioners, and medical doctors. Compounded BHRT can be dispensed by specialty compounding pharmacies. Book with Colleen Cartier at Trinity Naturopathic!

  • BHRT is commonly used for:

    • Women experiencing perimenopause or menopause

    • Men with low testosterone (andropause)

    • Individuals with thyroid imbalance, adrenal fatigue, or mood/hormonal irregularities

    • Book a consultation with a licensed BHRT provider (Colleen Cartier At Trinity Naturopathic)

    • Complete a detailed symptom and medical history review

    • Lab testing (blood, saliva, or urine) will be ordered

    • A personalized hormone prescription will be created and monitored

  • No, BHRT is not typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). However, some extended health benefits may cover lab testing or prescription costs, especially if prescribed by a medical doctor.

  • In Alberta, both compounded (customized) and commercially available bioidentical hormones are used. Compounded options are typically tailored to your individual needs and dispensed by specialized pharmacies.

  • BHRT can be prescribed as:

    • Topical creams/gels

    • Capsules or troches

    • Vaginal suppositories

    • Pellets (inserted under the skin)

    • Injections (less common)

  • Hormone levels can be assessed via:

    • Blood tests (most common and widely accepted)

    • Saliva testing (popular for adrenal/cortisol patterns)

    • Dried urine (DUTCH Test) – provides a comprehensive hormone metabolite profile

  • Most patients notice improvements in symptoms within 4–8 weeks. Full hormone stabilization may take 3–6 months with ongoing adjustments as needed.

  • While many patients tolerate BHRT well, risks may include:

    • Over-supplementation if not properly monitored

    • Breast or prostate sensitivity

    • Mood changes or weight fluctuations
      Regular follow-up testing and a knowledgeable provider are key to safe use.