Cassie Lane Aesthetics Team

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Why choose Chadwick, PA-C

Chadwick, PA-C
  • Chadwick is a board-certified Physician Associate who specializes in hormone replacement. She has extensive training in women’s bioidentical hormone replacement.
  • Chadwick learns everything about you! She manages every aspect of your individualized care. Her consistency ensures nothing is missed.
  • Chadwick is available to answer your questions, and calls and you unlock unlimited appointments and check-ins as needed in our program.
  • Chadwick offers creams, patches, and pellets–all the options! It’s so important to have in-person procedure treatment options and follow up with a provider you trust.
  • This is a very specialized area of medicine that can lead to negative side effects if dosing is not right for you. Chadwick is your local expert with a passion for helping fellow women.

Find out why our unlimited in-person visits with Chadwick are so important!

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy For the LP

I’m Chad Steinham and I’m a PA here at Cassie Lane Aesthetics. I provide our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy program, and I provide our weight loss program. Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT is where we replace or supplement hormones that naturally decrease as we age. And so the bioidentical part of that is where we use hormones that are chemically and structurally the same as the ones that are created in your body rather than using synthetic hormones. Symptoms that people might experience as we age are things like brain fog, weight gain, low libido, changes to your hair, skin and nails, fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, any of the things that women go through as they age or go through menopause. And so with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we can address a lot of those symptoms and concern. Not everyone’s going to be a candidate, but that’s why we do a really good health screening. We look at all your risk factors, we talk about the side effects, pros and cons, and we can see if it’s a good fit for you. But really we’ve shown in the data that it’s really safe and effective for most women and can actually really improve your quality of life.
Initially, when patients first started it, they might feel like they get a little bit of increased energy, a little bit of increased mood, and then as they continue and as the hormones really get in their system and kick in, people will notice an improvement in the way they feel, the way they look, the way their hair and skin feel. They’ll notice they have more energy, they have better libido. They feel like their mood is improved, and especially women in menopause who suffer from things like hot flashes or night sweats, those can be drastically improved. And again, like I said, just some of the health benefits to women are noticing they have lower risk of stroke and heart attack, lower risk of osteoporosis, lower risk of breast and colon cancer. I encourage any woman who’s experiencing any sort of hormonal imbalance symptoms to come in and see if it could be a good fit for them.



50% off Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Customized Plan ($250 value)


What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

At Cassie Lane Aesthetics, we can help you improve your appearance and health from the inside out! With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, women in Richmond, Virginia, can experience remarkable improvements in their overall well-being and vitality. Many women use BHRT to balance their hormones when they are out of harmony.

BHRT involves replacing or supplementing hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body. These hormones, derived from plant sources, are often compounded or customized to match an individual’s specific hormonal needs.

With BHRT, patients can see improvements in energy levels, sleep, mood swings, brain fog, joint aches and pains, weight management, and libido! It is also very effective in improving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

By supplementing these hormones, it can help balance a patient’s hormone levels to ensure they feel and function at their best!

What are some of the benefits of BHRT?

Estrogen Benefits

  • Protects against heart disease and stroke
  • Increases bone density
  • Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Protects against vaginal atrophy (vaginal dryness)
  • Helps with urinary incontinence and UTIs
  • Treats hot flashes and night sweats

Testosterone Benefits

  • Enhances sense of well-being
  • Increases libido
  • Supports a healthy cardiovascular system
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Increases bone density
  • Increases exercise tolerance
  • Contributes to muscle mass and strength
  • Decreases fat

Progesterone Benefits

  • Prevents estrogen dominance
  • Protects against uterine cancer
  • Helps women relax and sleep better

How is BHRT administered?

BHRT can be administered in various forms, including creams, gels, pills, or pellets. The method of administration may vary based on the specific hormones being used and individual preferences.

What is BHRT Pellet Therapy?

Hormone pellets are small, custom-compounded cylinders containing bio-identical hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone. These pellets are made from plant-based sources and are designed to deliver a consistent, slow release of hormones into the body over an extended period, usually three to four months. This method mostly closely mimics our bodies natural hormone release.

Why choose Cassie Lane Aesthetics Program over online subscription options?

  • We have NO hidden fees unlike online monthly subscriptions that usually have costly mandatory nutrition memberships.
  • Our program includes immediate access to our board certified providers in person or by phone to answer medical questions versus multiple days for online pharmacies.
  • We offer unlimited in office and telemedicine visits for 1:1 individualized support and medication titration with consistent providers versus inconsistent and standardized care from online pharmacies.
  • Cassie Lane Aesthetics is open 5 days a week with same day scheduling for appointments to refill you medication versus 10-12 days turn around for online pharmacies.
  • In our program, you only pay for the medicine you need vs blanket subscription fees. We find many of our clients only require small doses of semaglutide and tizepatide to see success. We sell you the medication YOU need and don’t charge you a penny more! We find our program can save you a lot by making sure we match you with your perfect dose.
Why choose us

How do I know which method of Hormone Replacement Therapy is right for me?

The two most common types of hormone replacement therapy we offer are pellets and creams. Pellets are the most popular form of hormone replacement therapy for a number of reasons, the first being convenience! Pellets are inserted once every 3-4 months, so you don’t have to remember to take a daily medication. This method is ideal for someone who is busy and active and has a hard time remembering to take a daily medication. The release of hormones is also more identical to your body’s natural hormone release, so you may have better and more consistent symptom relief with pellets.

For someone who scars easily, or likes the idea of a daily medication that can be stopped at any time, a cream may be a better options for you. It is applied once daily (ideally in the morning) and needs about half an hour to dry. You have to be careful about others coming in contact with creams that are not fully dried, as transference of the cream to another person or animal can occur. If you are new to hormones and don’t want a longer-term therapy like pellets at the beginning, then starting with creams may be the best option for you! Your provider will get a detailed medical and personal history and help you decide which option is best for you during your consultation!

What are the benefits of Hormone Pellets?

Hormone Levels

Hormone pellets offer several advantages, including consistent hormone release, avoiding daily medication, fewer fluctuations in hormone levels, and potentially reducing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Additionally, they may require fewer office visits for re-administration compared to other hormone delivery methods.

How are Hormone Pellets inserted?

The insertion process is minimally invasive and performed in a medical office in under 15 minutes. A tiny incision is made, usually in the hip or buttock area after numbing the area. The pellets are then placed just beneath the skin through a specialized insertion device. After insertion, the incision is closed with adhesive strips.

How soon will I feel the effects of the Hormone Pellets?

The time it takes to notice the effects or results from hormone pellets can vary from person to person. In general, some individuals may begin to notice changes or experience the effects of hormone pellets within a few days to a few weeks after the insertion. However, it’s essential to understand that the timeline for experiencing noticeable effects can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Hormone levels before insertion: Individuals with significantly low hormone levels before receiving the pellets might notice effects sooner than those with less severe deficiencies.
  • Metabolism and absorption rates: Each person’s body processes and absorbs hormones differently. This can affect how quickly the hormones from the pellets begin to exert their effects.
  • Type and dosage of hormones: The type of hormone used in the pellets and the dosage administered can influence the time it takes to see noticeable changes. Some individuals may require higher doses to achieve desired results, which might take longer to manifest.
  • Individual response and sensitivity to hormones: People respond differently to hormone therapy. Some individuals might be more sensitive to changes in hormone levels and notice effects sooner, while others may take longer to perceive changes.

Typically, we recommend waiting several weeks to a few months to assess the full effects of hormone pellets. During this time, we might monitor hormone levels through blood tests and evaluate your response to the therapy to determine if adjustments in dosage or treatment are necessary.

BHRT Pricing

What does our BHRT program entail?

Step 1: HORMONE BALANCING CONSULTATION

Our Physician Assistant Hormone Specialist will take a detailed medical history to learn more about you and your hormone balance. If you are a good candidate, we will draw a full set of labs to assess your hormone levels, thyroid levels, electrolytes, blood count, and vitamin levels. From there, we can tailor a hormone replacement plan for you.

Step 2: HORMONE REPLACEMENT

About one week after your lab draw, you will come back to review your lab work and your customized comprehensive BHRT plan. This includes which hormones you may need, what doses, and how you can take them.

Step 3: FOLLOW UP LABS AND A “BOOST” AT 5-6 WEEKS

Five to six weeks after you start BHRT, we will bring you back in to see how you’re feeling and to draw labs. Based on your symptoms and lab results, we can make any adjustments. For pellet therapy, we may place a “boost” treatment to optimize your hormone levels.

Step 4: MAINTENANCE

Most people feel better within 2-3 weeks of starting hormone replacement, but it can take up to several months, depending on your baseline lab levels. Once we’ve found the perfect balance, you will come into the office about every 3 months for pellet insertion or every 6 months for prescription follow-ups. Adjustment appointments can be made at any time if you have any questions or you feel like your hormones just aren’t quite right. We’re here to help you get your symptoms under control and your hormone levels in the optimal range!

What labs do we draw?

During your initial consultation you have the option to have your blood drawn to evaluate your hormones. We draw a CBC that looks at your red and white blood cells and platelets, a CMP that looks at your electrolytes, kidney function and liver function, a lipid panel that looks at your cholesterol, a complete Thyroid Panel, Vitamin D level, Vitamin B12 level, Testosterone level, FSH level, and Estrogen level.

We look at all of these labs to get a full view of your health and rule out other causes of your symptoms. We like to get yearly blood work to monitor your levels and make sure you stay on top of your health!

How do I learn more from a hormone specialist near me?

BHRT is a successful treatment option for those suffering from hormone imbalances and can be an excellent solution for women looking for an answer. If you live in or around the Richmond, VA area and want to speak to Cassie Lane about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we invite you to visit our office at 5805 Staples Mill Road and call (804) 913 2262.

BHRT FAQs

What conditions or symptoms might BHRT address?

BHRT is often used to help with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, fatigue, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, poor sleep, weight gain, and other symptoms related to menopause.

What are the hormones commonly used in BHRT? How are they prescribed?

The hormones used typically include bioidentical forms of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This can be in the form of pellets, pills or creams.

How is BHRT different from traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

BHRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the body, while traditional HRT often uses synthetic hormones. BHRT is often considered more customizable, as doses can be tailored based on individual hormone levels. Synthetic hormones can be pro-inflammatory and cause adverse effects.

What are the potential risks or side effects associated with hormone pellets?

Side effects may include minor bruising, infection at the insertion site, or extrusion of the pellets. Moreover, there might be risks associated with the specific hormone being used. Each individual’s response to hormone therapy varies, so it’s crucial to discuss potential risks with your healthcare provider.

How long do hormone pellets last?

The duration varies but typically ranges from 3-4 months. However, stress, physical activity, and individual metabolism can increase the rate of absorption of the pellets. Some people may require pellets to be re-inserted sooner than others, and we will follow your labs and symptoms to determine when pellets should be replaced.

Do the pellets need to be removed?

The pellets will completely dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed. Once inserted, it is very difficult to remove pellets, as they start dissolving right away. They can only be removed if your body is rejecting the pellets and pushing them out towards the skin (this is rare).

What are some possible side effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

As with any medical treatment, there are some possible side effects that may occur, though they are not very common when monitored by a medical professional. Some of the changes you might notice when starting BHRT include:

  • Weight gain
  • Bloating
  • Spotting/Cramps
  • Tenderness in the breasts
  • Headaches
  • Skin changes
  • Increase in facial hair
  • Fatigue

While these may be present initially when beginning BHRT, they may dissipate over time as the hormones become more balanced with regular treatment and hormone adjustments.

Who is NOT a candidate for BHRT?
  • If you have a history of a hormone-sensitive cancer, like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer
  • If you have a history of blood clots or stroke
  • If you have a history of a heart attack
  • If you have liver disease
  • If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant
Why are in-person treatments better than online-only options?

In-person visits allow our healthcare providers to conduct a thorough physical examination. In-person care also offers many more treatment options. Additionally, we genuinely value the deeper connection and support when we can see you in our office. Our program offers unlimited office appointments with PA Chadwick. Ongoing care with a consistent provider leads to a better understanding of your unique clinical picture.

Make Your Initial Consultation Appointment With Us Today

Call (804) 913 2262 with questions or to schedule an appointment

You may also reach us online via this website.