When Hormones Shift, So Does Everything Else
Brain fog. Weight gain. Trouble sleeping. Low energy. These symptoms are often dismissed as stress or aging, but they may be rooted in something deeper: hormonal imbalance. Hormones regulate nearly every system in the body, from metabolism and mood to sexual health, bone density, and cardiovascular function. When those levels fall out of sync—due to age, stress, lifestyle, or underlying conditions—the result can be a cascade of frustrating symptoms that affect how you feel, function, and move through your day. At Physical Healthcare of Jacksonville, we offer Bioidentical Hormone Optimization Therapy using the BioTE® Method to help patients rebalance from the inside out. Whether you’re struggling with low energy, poor sleep, or stubborn weight gain, we take a whole-body approach to identify the root cause and explore whether hormone therapy fits into your wellness goals.
What Is BioTE Hormone Optimization Therapy?
BioTE is a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) delivered through tiny, subcutaneous pellets inserted just beneath the skin in a simple in-office procedure. These pellets are custom-compounded to match the exact molecular structure of your body’s natural hormones—typically estradiol for women and testosterone for men. The Biote Method is designed to deliver steady, consistent hormone levels over time, without the fluctuations often seen in creams, pills, or patches. The result? A more stable path to symptom relief and long-term balance. Most patients begin noticing improvements in 2 to 4 weeks, with full optimization typically achieved after a few cycles (often around 6 months). Each pellet insertion generally lasts between 3 and 6 months depending on your metabolism, activity level, and individual hormone needs.Signs You May Have a Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal shifts often develop gradually, and many people don’t realize they’re experiencing imbalance until symptoms become disruptive. Some of the most common signs in both men and women include:For Women
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Mood swings or irritability
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Weight gain despite diet/exercise
- Low libido or vaginal dryness
- Fatigue and brain fog
For Men
- Low energy or chronic fatigue
- Difficulty maintaining muscle mass
- Poor sleep or night sweats
- Reduced sex drive or performance issues
- Weight gain (especially abdominal)
- Anxiety, low mood, or irritability
Why We Use Pellets for Hormone Delivery
Not all hormone therapies are created equal. BioTE pellet therapy offers distinct advantages:- Consistent dosing – steady hormone levels throughout the day
- Convenience – no daily pills, creams, or patches
- Longer duration – pellets typically last 3 to 6 months
- Tailored treatment – dosing is based on individual lab work, symptoms, and health goals
Is BHRT with BioTE Safe?
BioTE uses bioidentical hormones, meaning they are structurally identical to those your body produces naturally. The pellets are made in highly regulated compounding pharmacies, adhering to rigorous sterility and potency standards. In a review of over 2.5 million insertions, BioTE’s complication rate was less than 1%, and growing research supports the safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous BHRT, particularly when integrated into a broader, individualized wellness plan. Please note: While many patients experience significant benefits, results vary. BioTE and its associated therapies have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.What to Expect from Your BioTE Experience
If you’re a candidate for BHRT, here’s how the process typically works:- Comprehensive Testing – We assess your hormone levels, symptoms, and health history.
- Personalized Plan – Based on your results, we develop a customized hormone optimization strategy.
- Pellet Insertion – The procedure is quick, often completed in under 15 minutes.
- Follow-Up & Adjustments – We monitor your response and refine your dosing over time.
Integrative Support for Whole-Body Wellness
Hormonal health doesn’t exist in isolation. At Physical Healthcare of Jacksonville, we take a whole-body approach to care, recognizing that energy, mood, and recovery can be influenced by more than just hormone levels. We may pair BioTE® hormone therapy with complementary modalities designed to support the body’s broader healing systems. When clinically appropriate, care plans may include:- Nutritional Support and Supplementation Hormones rely on micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins for synthesis, metabolism, and detoxification. Targeted nutrition helps ensure the body has what it needs to process and utilize hormone therapy effectively.
- Advanced Cold Laser Therapy Inflammation can interfere with cellular signaling, immune regulation, and tissue repair, all of which influence how the body responds to hormone optimization. Cold laser therapy may help calm inflammation and improve circulation to support systemic healing.
- Structural Alignment and Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic The endocrine and nervous systems are closely connected. Misalignments in the spine, especially at the upper cervical level, may impact nerve communication and contribute to symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, or hormonal irregularities. Atlas Orthogonal adjustments are designed to restore balance in a gentle, precise way.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, or weight gain, you may have a hormonal imbalance. We recommend scheduling a consultation at our Jacksonville clinic. After a detailed assessment and lab testing, we’ll determine if BioTE is a good fit for your health goals.
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones your body produces naturally. This is different from synthetic hormones, which may have slight structural variations. BioTE uses bioidentical estradiol and testosterone for more natural integration and fewer side effects.
The pellet is placed just under the skin—typically in the hip or upper buttock area—during a quick in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used, and most patients return to normal activity the same day (with minor limitations for a few days post-procedure).
Most patients receive a new pellet every 3 to 6 months. The duration depends on your metabolism, activity level, and how quickly your body processes the hormone.
Many patients notice symptom relief within 2 to 4 weeks, but full optimization may take several months. The greatest improvements often come after the second pellet insertion as hormone levels stabilize.
BioTE pellets are produced in highly regulated compounding pharmacies and follow strict sterility and potency protocols. Complication rates have been reported at less than 1%. However, as with any therapy, results and experiences vary. We’ll review your medical history carefully before recommending treatment.
Yes. BioTE is commonly used to manage symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and andropause—supporting everything from hot flashes and sleep disruption to libido, energy, and mental clarity.
The hormones used in BioTE therapy are compounded and not individually approved by the FDA. However, the ingredients themselves (bioidentical estradiol and testosterone) are FDA-approved. Our therapies follow evidence-informed protocols and are offered as part of a broader integrative care model.
