What Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy Are There?

If you have been experiencing fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, or decreased libido, hormonal imbalance may be the culprit. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a proven, effective approach to restoring balance and reclaiming your quality of life. But with several types of HRT available, how do you know which is right for you?

At My Skin in St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Florida, our provider offers personalized hormone therapy consultations to help you find the best fit. This guide breaks down the main types of hormone replacement therapy so you can walk into your appointment feeling informed and empowered.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy involves supplementing or replacing hormones that the body produces in lower amounts due to aging, menopause, andropause, or other hormonal conditions. HRT can address a wide range of symptoms and support long-term health, from improved energy and mental clarity to better skin, stronger bones, and a healthier metabolism.

Because no two patients are alike, our experienced provider Leah Michel, APRN FNP-BC tailors every treatment plan to your unique hormone levels, medical history, and wellness goals.

The Main Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

There are several categories of hormone replacement therapy. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision — and find a provider whose approach aligns with your wellness goals.

1. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. Because they mirror your own hormones at the molecular level, BHRT is highly personalized, well-tolerated, and effective for both men and women.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy at My Skin can address estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones — all customized to your individual lab results and symptoms.

BHRT Delivery Methods Available at My Skin:

• Pellets inserted under the skin (slow, steady hormone release)

• Topical creams and gels

• Patches worn on the skin

• Oral capsules or troches (dissolve under the tongue)

Why BHRT? Unlike synthetic options, bioidentical hormones are compounded to match your exact hormone levels — making treatment precise, personal, and as close to your body’s natural chemistry as possible.

Other Types of HRT

While the following types of hormone therapy exist and are used by other providers, My Skin exclusively offers Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). We believe BHRT’s personalized, plant-derived approach delivers superior results for our patients. The information below is provided to help you understand the broader HRT landscape.

2. Conventional (Synthetic) Hormone Therapy

Conventional HRT uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones that are similar to, but not structurally identical to, human hormones. These are FDA-approved, available in standardized doses, and widely prescribed elsewhere. Common examples include conjugated equine estrogens and synthetic progestins. Because they are not an exact molecular match to your body's own hormones, some patients experience more side effects compared to BHRT.

3. Estrogen-Only Therapy

Estrogen-only therapy is typically used for women who have had a hysterectomy. It is effective for reducing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and supporting bone density, but it is not the approach used at My Skin. Through BHRT, we can address estrogen imbalances in a bioidentical, personalized form.

4. Synthetic Progestin Therapy

Synthetic progestins are often combined with estrogen in conventional HRT to protect the uterine lining. Unlike bioidentical progesterone, synthetic progestins are structurally different from the progesterone your body produces. Many patients prefer bioidentical progesterone for its gentler side effect profile — which is exactly what we use at My Skin within our BHRT programs.

5. Thyroid Hormone Replacement

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a common hormonal condition that can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and dry skin. While thyroid hormone replacement is often managed by an endocrinologist or primary care provider, balancing thyroid levels is something we discuss as part of your overall hormonal picture during a BHRT consultation at My Skin.

6. DHEA Therapy

DHEA is an adrenal hormone that declines with age and serves as a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. DHEA supplementation can support libido, energy, bone density, and immune function. At My Skin, DHEA can be included as part of a comprehensive, customized BHRT treatment plan based on your blood work.

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Affects Your Skin

One of the most visible benefits of balanced hormones is healthier, more youthful skin. Estrogen, in particular, plays a critical role in:

• Maintaining skin thickness and elasticity

• Stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production

• Preventing dryness, sagging, and fine lines

When combined with cosmetic dermatology treatments such as microneedling, fillers, or our advanced anti-aging services, HRT can amplify and extend your results from the inside out.

Our holistic approach at My Skin means we look at your whole health picture — not just your skin surface — to help you look and feel your best at every age.

HRT and Weight Management

Hormonal imbalances are frequently linked to unexplained weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and metabolic changes. Restoring hormonal balance through HRT can make it significantly easier to maintain a healthy weight especially when paired with our medical weight loss programs (GLP-1) designed to support sustainable, long-term results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy?

HRT may be a good fit for you if you are:

• Experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms (women)

• Dealing with andropause or low testosterone (men)

• Struggling with unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or brain fog

• Facing weight gain or decreased muscle mass

• Noticing changes in skin texture, libido, or sleep quality

The best way to know for certain is to have your hormone levels tested through a simple blood panel. Based on your results and symptoms, our provider Leah Michel will build a customized HRT plan tailored specifically to you.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?

HRT has been extensively studied and, for most people, the benefits outweigh the risks when prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider. The key is individualized care: the right hormones, the right dosage, and the right delivery method for your specific situation.

At My Skin, we take a thorough, evidence-based approach to HRT — beginning with comprehensive lab work, reviewing your full medical history, and monitoring your progress over time. We are with you every step of the way.

Why Choose My Skin for Hormone Replacement Therapy in St. Pete & Bradenton?

At My Skin, we believe that true skin health starts with total body health. That is why we offer hormone replacement therapy alongside our full range of medical and cosmetic dermatology services, aesthetician treatments, and medical weight management programs — all under one roof.

What sets us apart:

• 30-minute personalized appointments — Leah takes time to really listen

• Comprehensive hormone testing and evidence-based treatment plans

• Exclusively BHRT — personalized, plant-derived, bioidentical hormones

• Two convenient locations: St. Petersburg and Bradenton, FL

• Integrated care that connects hormone health with skin health and weight management

Ready to Restore Your Hormonal Balance?

If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, do not wait. A simple consultation and blood panel can reveal exactly what your body needs. Our team at My Skin is here to help you feel like yourself again.

→ Book Your HRT Consultation Today

St. Pete: (727) 295-7223 | Bradenton: (941) 330-5805

Contact Us | myskinstpete.com

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.