BHRT are compounded hormones that are molecularly identical to those your body produces. They are created from naturally occurring plant sources, most commonly soy and wild yam. Because bioidentical hormones fit your body’s hormone receptors exactly, they allow them to function the same way your natural hormones do.

Traditional (or conventional) hormone therapy typically uses synthetic or animal-derived. While effective, they are not identical to human hormones, which can sometimes lead to less predictable responses or more side effects.

Coverage can vary depending on your extended health benefits plan and insurance provider. Sometimes initial & follow up assessments with a licenced Nurse Practitioner may be eligible for coverage under “naturopathic/ medical practitioner” or “nurse practitioner” services, depending on the wording of your plan. 

Hormone prescriptions are sometimes eligible for coverage under “prescription drug benefits” if your plan reimburses for compounded medications. Coverage largely depends on the insurer and the specifics of your plan.

Laboratory testing for BHRT is mostly standard bloodwork. Additional specialized or advanced hormone tests (if required) may not be covered and patients should expect an out- of – pocket fee.  Some extended benefit plans will reimburse for specialized bloodwork. 

BHRT is a safe and effective treatment option when it is properly prescribed, monitored and individualized. Because they are molecularly identical to the hormones your body naturally produces, many patients find then well- tolerated. Like any medical treatment, BHRT is not appropriate for everyone. It may not be recommended for individuals with certain conditions, such as hormone-sensitive cancers, advanced cardiovascular disease, or clotting disorders. That is why treatment is always personalized and overseen by a licensed medical professional. 

Yes there is a growing body of clinical research supporting the use of bioidentical hormones for managing hormone imbalances and age-related changes. Studies have shown that bio-identical estradiol, progesterone and testosterone can be effective in improving symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, low libido, mood changes and fatigue. 

Some research also suggests that BHRT may offer a more favourable safety profile compared to certain synthetic or animal derived hormone therapies, though large scale studies are still ongoing. 

At the beauty development we use the latest clinical evidence and partner with trusted compounding pharmacies to ensure every treatment is both personalized, and medically supervised with precise dosing and continuous monitoring. 

At TBD, we emphasize that BHRT is a journey, not a quick fix. Every patient responds at their own pace and our own medical team ensures your treatment is adjusted as your body adapts. Here is an approximate timeline of when client’s can start to feel changes after starting BHRT:

Weeks 2 – 4

• May start to experience subtle shifts in sleep, mood and energy, sometimes early improvements in hot flashes or night sweats. Some patients feel clearer and more balanced

Months 2 – 3 

• Usually noticeable improvements in libido, stamina and focus. More consistent energy in the day. Stabilization of mood and reduced irritability. Improved skin hydration and elasticity

Months 4 - 6 

• Changes in body composition (muscle tone and reduced belly fat). Strengthening in bone health and density. Improved endurance and recovery for active patients. Hormones start to feel more steady

Long Term (6 months – years) 

• Sustained improvements across energy, sleep, mood, cognition and physical health. Ongoing protection for bone, brain and heart health with monitoring. A greater sense of vitality and overall wellbeing. 

BHRT can be prescribed in several forms, depending on your needs, preferences and what is best absorbed by your body. Common delivery methods include:

• Creams or gels – applied to the skin for steady absorption
• Capsules – taken orally
• Tablets – taken orally 
• Troches – dissolved under the tongue for faster absorption
• Injections – typically testosterone, administered at regular intervals

During your consultation we’ll determine the best delivery method for your lifestyle and health goals. 

BHRT may benefit both men and women experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance – including fatigue, mood changes, hot flashes, low libido, weight changes brain fog, and PCOS – related symptoms. 

Step 1: Book your consultation -  your BHRT journey starts with a one-on–one consultation with a Nurse Practitioner with BHRT training from World Link Medical Education Academy. During this consultation, we’ll review and explore symptoms, health history and wellness goals.

Step 2: Comprehensive lab work – We use detailed lab testing to provide insight into your hormone levels and overall health, ensuring your treatment plan is safe, targeted and effective.

Step 3: Personalized treatment Plan – Once your results are back, we’ll review them in detail and create a customized treatment plan. This may include bioidentical hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, DHEA, and desiccated thyroid.

Step 4: Ongoing Support & adjustments – Your body is unique and so is your BHRT journey. We provide ongoing monitoring and follow up appointments to make sure your treatment continues to work for you. Adjustments are made as needed to keep you balanced and thriving. 

** Your first step is booking your consultation. From there, we’ll guide you through the process with care, expertise and ongoing support.

Not always. Some clients stay on BHRT long term for consistent support, while others may use it temporarily. Your plan is always personalized and reassessed as needed. 

For BHRT prescriptions, we partner primarily with Trutina Pharmacy in Ancaster, as they meet our high standards for compounding hormone medications.

After your appointment please call Trutina Pharmacy (905 – 304 - 9300) the following day to set up your billing information. They will then ship your medications directly to your home at no additional cost. For renewals your prescriptions will be sent in after your renewal appointment with your practitioner. 

For all compounded hormone medications, Trutina Pharmacy remains our preferred partner due to their consistent expertise and quality. In certain situations, such as medications shortages or other circumstances, we may use an alternate pharmacy when necessary. 

In the early stages, you will need an appointment once every 3 months to renew your prescriptions so we can monitor your response and fine tune your treatment. This can be done in-person or over the phone. 

Once your hormone levels and symptoms are stable, renewals are usually extended to once annually after being on your medication for 1 year. This allows for ongoing care while giving you more flexibility, as long as your lab results and overall health remain consistent. 

Please note that refills can take a minimum of 7 days or longer to process and ship. We provide a 4 month supply and schedule follow up appointments every 3 months to ensure there is no interruption in your medication. Please plan ahead and complete your appointment and lab work on time to avoid running out of your prescriptions. 

You may have your bloodwork done at LifeLabs or Dynacare. We recommend Dynacare as they typically send results to us more quickly, but the choice is yours.

Your bloodwork should be done 2-4 weeks before your renewal appointment. It is your responsibility to ensure your bloodwork is completed on time for your scheduled appointments. This is a medical therapy, it is our duty to prescribe and monitor safely and bloodwork is an essential part of that process.

If your renewal appointment is booked and your bloodwork has not been completed on time, you will need to reschedule your appointment. Please note that appointments not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance will be subject to a late cancellation fee. We encourage you to plan ahead to ensure your care and medications continue smoothly.