Could Hormone Therapy Relieve These Common Symptoms?
What Is BHRT in Plain Language?
BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body makes. By replacing only what is low, we aim to calm roller-coaster symptoms while supporting bone, heart and brain health.
Symptoms That Often Improve With Hormone Therapy
- Vasomotor: hot flashes, night sweats
- Mood & Cognition: irritability, anxiety, “brain fog,” memory lapses
- Sleep: insomnia, early waking, restless sleep
- Metabolic: stubborn mid-section weight gain, cholesterol shifts, insulin resistance
- Sexual & Pelvic Health: low libido, vaginal dryness, discomfort with intimacy, mild urinary urgency
- Musculoskeletal: joint aches, loss of muscle tone
- Take-away: If a symptom worsens as hormones drop, balanced replacement often helps.
How Birmingham OB/Gyn Delivers Hormone Therapy
Our physicians customize therapy after a full symptom review and baseline labs. Options include:
- Transdermal patches & gels — steady absorption through the skin
- Micronized oral capsules — FDA-approved plant-based estrogen or progesterone
- Custom vaginal creams — targeted relief for dryness or urinary urgency
- Subcutaneous pellets — for patients who prefer a 3-4-month, no-maintenance option
You and your clinician will choose the formulation that best matches lifestyle, goals and medical history.
Who Is—and Is Not—a Good Candidate?
- People with bothersome peri- or post-menopausal symptoms who have tried lifestyle changes first
- Individuals whose hormone changes impact quality of life or metabolic health
- Exclusions: active breast or uterine cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe liver disease, untreated clotting disorders
What Results Can You Expect?
Many patients notice better sleep and fewer hot flashes within two weeks. Mood, cognition and body-composition changes usually follow over 6–12 weeks. Dose adjustments are based on your follow-up labs and symptom journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bio-identical therapy FDA-approved?
Several bio-identical hormones—such as transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone—are FDA-approved. Custom-compounded options follow pharmacy standards but are not individually reviewed by the FDA.
How many lab tests will I need?
Baseline labs, then at 6 weeks and every 6–12 months—or sooner if we change your dose.
Ready to talk about hormone balance? Call 205-271-5601.
About Dr Michele M. Christine, MD (NPI 1134185143)
Board-Certified Gynecologist — Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology
Education & Training
MD, Emory University School of Medicine (1991) (birminghamdoctors.com)
Internship (Internal Medicine) & OB/Gyn Residency, UAB
Years in Practice — began private practice in 1996; in 2016 she chose to focus exclusively on gynecology and women’s health care after 20 years of obstetrics (birminghamobgyn.com)
Clinical Interests
Minimally-invasive laparoscopic & robotic gynecologic surgery
Sexual-function care and certified provider of the O-Shot™
Bio-identical hormone therapy, mood-disorder management, weight-loss counseling, and Botox® for women’s wellness (birminghamobgyn.com)
Hospital Privileges — Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham AL (birminghamobgyn.com)
Practice Location & Contact
Birmingham OB/Gyn, 2321 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 213, Hoover, Alabama 35244
Appointments: 205-933-8334
Full profile: https://birminghamobgyn.com/people/michele-m-christine-m-d/
Professional Memberships — Fellow, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG)
Recognition — Named a B-Metro “Top Doctor” for Gynecology (birminghamobgyn.com)
Dr Christine brings more than three decades of experience to comprehensive, patient-centered women’s health—delivering evidence-based care with empathy across every life stage.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for education only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific situation.
