Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Are you tired all the time?
Do you experience frequent mood swings?
Are hot flashes turning your life into an impromptu sauna?
Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective way to provide you with relief from these problems. At Vital Life, our hormone therapy specialists can evaluate your condition and find out if a hormone imbalance could be affecting your health. It all starts with a detailed personal consultation.
No Mess, No Pain—Just Steady, Dependable Delivery
What is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is available in many forms, like topical creams, dissolvable tablets, and once-daily pills. But if you’ve got a busy life, this might not be the most convenient method to get the hormonal balance and subsequent relief you seek.
At Vital Life, we recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pellets, which contain compounds chemically identical to the sex hormones that the body produces naturally. BHRT pellets offer a simple and effective method for hormone delivery. With as few as two insertions per year, you can avoid the hassle of taking a daily pill or remembering to apply a cream. The pellet provides a steady, slow release of hormones directly into the bloodstream, ensuring stable hormone levels.
BHRT pellets are:
- the size of a grain of rice
- inserted subcutaneously (under the skin)
- absorbed as the body needs them, helping optimize hormone levels
- dosed precisely for each individual’s needs
Why Hormone Replacement Therapy?
As we enter perimenopause, our hormone levels begin to decrease. This hormonal decline can begin up to 15 years before menopause, and it often comes with a range of unwelcome physical and emotional symptoms. That is why it’s so important to consider seeking treatment sooner rather than later. By tackling these symptoms early, we can significantly improve your overall health and well-being during this time of change.
Think you may be experiencing a hormone imbalance? HRT can help with:
Hot Flashes
Sleep & Night Sweats
Mood & Memory
Sexual Wellness
Period Problems
Weight
At Vital Life, our clinicians take the time to assess your hormone levels, including progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-s, FSH, and all three forms of estrogen. This thorough testing ensures we can balance everything appropriately. When HRT is prescribed correctly, it effectively addresses those frustrating symptoms by replenishing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to their appropriate levels—helping you find relief and feel more like yourself again.
Science-Backed, Holistic Solutions for Healthy Aging in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women
- ✓ All clinicians trained in menopause care
- ✓ Expert care, personalized to you
- ✓ Flexible follow-ups to ensure your well-being
- ✓ Proactive, holistic approach to addressing health needs
- ✓ Partnering with you to achieve your optimal health
What to Expect at Vital Life Wellness Center
At Vital Life Wellness Center, you can trust that you’re receiving the best care tailored specifically to your health needs. Our experienced medical providers have years of expertise in women’s midlife health and supporting healthy aging. We understand the unique needs of women during this important phase of life, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Step 1
Book your consultation by giving us a call at (210) 595-1019 or filling out our contact form.
Step 2
During the consultation, discuss your symptoms and concerns with your Vital Life clinician.
Step 3
We listen, establish your health goals, and craft a personalized treatment plan for your body.
Step 4
Book follow-up appointments and receive continued care for as long as you need us.
Expertly Tailored Treatment Just For You
HRT is an excellent option for many women, but it is not suitable for everyone. During your consultation, your Vital Life clinician will review your symptoms, health history, and genetics. Together, we’ll create a customized treatment plan tailored to you.
📋 Safety
Vital Life prescribes FDA-approved bioidentical hormones, which have been tested for safety in an FDA-approved lab. For patients who have a uterus, progesterone or progestin is added to estrogen to reduce any risk of uterine cancer.
💊 Form
HRT is available as a topical cream, rapidly dissolving tablets, injections, or an implanted pellet. Your clinician will work with you to prescribe the option that best suits you.
🫙 Dosage
Your Vital Life clinician will order appropriate blood testing before determining the best dose for your individual needs. If you do not feel relief, your clinician can adjust your dose or discuss switching you to a different form of HRT.
Patient Testimonials
Hear Directly From Our Patients
Cecilia C. says:
“The entire team works seamlessly together to create a positive, stress-free environment. I truly appreciate the outstanding care and customer service from start to finish and highly recommend this office.”
Kim M. says:
“Dr. Gonzalez has been managing my hormone replacement therapy for more than 20 years. I feel great, and people say I look much younger than my actual age. “
Dalia A. says:
“I have been coming to Vital Life Wellness Center for HRT treatment, and it has been life-changing and definitely in a positive manner! I love my visits with Dr. Bernice Gonzales. Her bedside manners are incredible. I feel like she really cares about my well-being, and she definitely knows what she is doing. I totally trust her with my treatment and anything she recommends.”
Sherry C. says:
“Been seeing Dr. Bernice Gonzales for many years. She pays attention to my physical issues, runs lab work when needed, and has me on a hormone therapy that actually works for me (instead of assuming I was hysterical and offering me anxiety meds like a previous male doctor did).”
Jennifer P. says:
“NP Davison & Briana are the best! I came for HRT, and they took very good care of me.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy stands out as the most effective treatment for alleviating the challenging symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and recurrent urinary tract infections. This is strongly supported by the latest guidelines from The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). HRT has also been proven to be especially effective in combating other distressing symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, low libido, weight gain, mood swings, and brain fog. While on HRT, patients report better sleep, increased physical endurance, a heightened sex drive, enhanced mental clarity and focus, and an overall sense of health and happiness.
It is also important to note that a substantial amount of recent research has revealed major benefits to starting hormone therapy within ten years after the last menstrual period. Women who take this proactive step can experience a substantial reduction in menopausal symptoms, along with a significantly lowered risk of heart disease and bone loss. Embracing HRT not only enhances quality of life but also promotes long-term health and well-being during and after menopause.
Is HRT covered by insurance?
We understand that managing healthcare costs can be challenging, and we want to help ease that strain. Scheduling a consultation with us could be more affordable than you think. Your initial evaluation and some select labs may be covered by insurance.
With that in mind, please be aware that full coverage for hormone replacement therapy is not guaranteed. Some plans, particularly those that accept only generic FDA-approved bioidentical hormones, offer financial support. However, coverage can vary widely depending on your policy and the type of hormone replacement therapy prescribed. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider to clarify what is covered under your policy. Our goal is to help ensure you feel informed and supported. If you have any questions about the insurance we accept at Vital Life, feel free to give us a call at (210) 595-1019.
We accept the following commercial health insurance:
- Aetna
- Aetna CVS
- Ambetter Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Cigna Healthcare
- Community First Health Plans
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- Oscar Health Insurance
- Tricare West Region
- United Healthcare
We accept the following Medicare health insurance:
- Aetna
- Allwell/Superior Health Plan
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Community First Health Plans
- NGS/Novitas Traditional Medicare
- WellMed – HealthSpring
- WellMed – Humana Gold
- WellMed – United Healthcare
- WellCare
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) faced significant controversy following the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study, which linked it to an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease. This understandably caused panic among women, leading many doctors to halt prescriptions. However, it’s important to recognize that this study is over 20 years old, and our understanding of HRT has evolved significantly since then.
Today, bioidentical hormone therapy, which has been in use since the 1930s, is now regarded as the preferred approach to hormone replacement. Recent research indicates that women who begin hormone therapy within 10 years of their last menstrual period enjoy a considerable decrease in menopausal symptoms, along with a reduced risk of heart disease and bone loss. Thus, the current guidelines reflect a much more nuanced understanding of the benefits and risks of HRT.
When should I begin HRT?
Research indicates that starting hormonal replacement therapy within ten years of your last menstrual period is best for maximizing its benefits. However, some women may need to begin treatment earlier, particularly during perimenopause when they first notice menopause symptoms.
How long can I safely be on HRT?
The latest guidelines emphasize that the duration of hormone replacement therapy should be determined collaboratively between the patient and their doctor. This means you and your clinician can assess your symptoms, health history, and overall quality of life while on HRT to make an informed decision together.
Some patients at Vital Life choose to use HRT for a limited time until their most severe menopause symptoms subside, while others find such relief and improvement in their well-being that they continue treatment long-term. Both approaches can be valid options.
Can I take HRT after a hysterectomy?
Women who have undergone a hysterectomy, or uterus removal, do not require progesterone to protect against uterine cancer. As a result, they are often prescribed estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. Research indicates that women aged 60 and younger, who do not have a uterus and begin estrogen HRT within ten years of menopause, have a lower risk of breast cancer.
Ready To Get Started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified doctors or nurse practitioners to see if you’re a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy by calling (210) 595-1019 or filling out the form.
Vital Life Stone Oak Clinic
418 N Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78232
Vital Life Broadway Clinic
2520 Broadway, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78215
Phone: 210-595-1019
Fax: 210-251-3194 (for both clinics)
Email: [email protected]
Medical services are rendered by providers licensed in the state of Texas.
Patients must be physically located and reside in Texas at the time of care.
This health center receives Health and Human Services (HHS) funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. This is a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) deemed Organization. 2026 © Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Care Center, Inc. DBA Vital Life Wellness Center. All rights reserved.