How Are Bioidentical Hormones Administered?

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Dr. James D. Fontaine

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3/10/2025

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Hormonal imbalances can lead to unwanted symptoms like male and female sexual dysfunction, chronic fatigue, mood swings, and disrupted sleep. For those near San Diego, CA, Dr. James D. Fontaine offers an innovative solution through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

So, what is bioidentical hormone replacement, and how is it administered? BHRT can be delivered through creams, patches, pellet therapy, injections, or pills. If you want to know how to balance hormones naturally, call Fontaine MD Aesthetics and Anti-Aging Medicine to book an appointment. We're here to guide you through the process.

What is bioidentical hormone replacement?

Hormones are small chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions like metabolism, mood, and reproduction. Made in the endocrine glands, hormones get circulated through your body via the bloodstream and interact with specific cells or organs to trigger a response. But as we age and enter life stages like menopause, hormone production starts to decline.

So, what is bioidentical hormone replacement? BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are structurally identical to the ones made by our bodies. The goal of BHRT is to address imbalances in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that decline as we age.

Key benefits of BHRT:

  • More energy and mental clarity
  • Improved mood and emotional well-being
  • Better sleep quality
  • Improves male and female sexual dysfunction

How we administer bioidentical hormones

One of the reasons BHRT is so versatile is that the hormones can be administered in a variety of forms. Here are the most common methods offered by our team in San Diego, CA:

  • Creams: Topical creams are absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. They can be used daily and are often prescribed for those who prefer noninvasive, self-administered solutions.
  • Patches: Hormone patches are worn on the skin and release a consistent dose of hormones into the body throughout the day. Patches are particularly useful for those who may have difficulty remembering to apply a cream daily.
  • Pellet therapy: This method involves placing tiny hormone pellets under the skin, usually in the upper buttocks. These pellets release hormones into the body gradually over several months.
  • Injections: Hormone injections are usually done by a medical professional. During a BHRT consultation, a healthcare provider can determine the correct dosage and administer the injections accordingly.
  • Pills: Oral hormone pills are another convenient and commonly used method of BHRT. They are taken daily and can be an effective option for those who prefer traditional medication.

Is BHRT safe?

So, is BHRT safe in all these forms? If you want to know how to balance hormones naturally, bioidentical hormones are considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a qualified professional. Because they are identical to the ones produced in our bodies, BHRT can integrate seamlessly into your system. This reduces the risk of adverse side effects often associated with synthetic hormone therapies.

Discover how to balance hormones naturally

Is BHRT safe, and what type of hormone replacement therapy is right for you? One of the best ways to find out is by consulting with a specialist in San Diego, CA. Fontaine MD Aesthetics and Anti-Aging Medicine offers custom BHRT plans tailored to your goals. Dr. James D. Fontaine has extensive experience in hormone replacement therapy and can guide you through the process. Manage male or female sexual dysfunction, improve overall well-being, and regain vitality with BHRT. Contact us today.

When I came to Dr. Fontaine several years ago, I was going into early menopause and experiencing so many symptoms. Hot flashes, fatigue, pain, brain fog, and depression that were being dismissed by my regular doctors. Dr. Fontaine was truly a godsend. He listened, took my concerns seriously, and helped me create a plan that worked for my body. Over time, we adjusted my medication, and I now feel 100% better. I’m so grateful for his care and support!

A.H. Google

Louise initially treated me with Botox at an MD clinic I had been using for years. I was so pleased with my results, when she moved to Fontaine MD I followed her even though it was much farther away. Recently, I decided to also get fillers and expressed to her my desire for a very natural and youthful look, and she nailed it! She is a licensed RN with an Art degree therefore she really understands the anatomy and symmetry of the face. She is welcoming, professional, never rushes and very skilled at injecting both Botox and fillers, I highly recommend Louise!I also highly recommend Fontaine MD, great Doctor, and staff in a lovely, serene setting. They were instrumental in aiding me in a 20+ lb weight loss (so easy) and I could not be more grateful. I feel and look so much better and have maintained my new weight. That is not easy for many 60-year-old females.

L.L. Google

Louise is absolutely wonderful to work with! I have seen her for both an IPL facial and Botox (my very first time!). She took the time to answer my questions, address my concerns, and put my mind at ease. I could sense that I was in the hands of someone who was going to take care of me. Louise cares about her clients and their desired outcomes. I have done IPL facials in the past with other providers and the procedures felt very harsh on my skin. With Louise, my skin was not red, bumpy, or painful after and my sunspots were treated effectively! I also trusted Louise with my first Botox experience. Louise made me feel both comfortable and excited about the natural but effective results I was hoping to have! I am thankful I found Louise and will be a returning client!

N.B. Yelp

Louise listened to my skin concerns, made recommendations and completed Botox and filler procedures that that made an amazing difference!

C.T. Google

Before seeing Dr. Fontaine, I had no idea I could feel better. I just assumed that as I got older, low energy, hormonal struggles, and general decline were just part of life—something I had to accept. Looking back, I realize how much I had normalized feeling exhausted, unmotivated, and off-balance. My energy had dipped, my sleep was inconsistent, and no matter what I did, things like weight gain and mood swings seemed unavoidable. I wasn’t in crisis—I just wasn’t thriving. Dr. Fontaine completely changed that. From the first appointment, he took the time to listen, evaluate my symptoms, and explain what was really happening in my body. Seeing my lab results was an eye-opener—I finally had real data that explained why I felt the way I did. Within a couple of months of starting treatment, I started feeling like myself again. My energy improved, my focus sharpened, and I finally started sleeping through the night. Over time, the changes were undeniable—I was stronger, my mood was steady, and I didn’t feel like I was constantly fighting against my own body. Dr. Fontaine has been with me every step of the way, adjusting my treatment as needed and making sure I feel my best. He’s thorough, knowledgeable, and truly invested in his patients' well-being. I never feel rushed in my appointments, and he always takes the time to answer my questions. I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on until I started feeling this good again. Now, I feel like I’ve regained the energy, confidence, and vitality I thought were long gone. I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Fontaine for helping me.

C.M. Google

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* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.