Hormones are the body’s messengers. They influence nearly every aspect of your health: energy levels, sleep patterns, metabolism, mood, skin, libido, and cognitive clarity. When they fall out of balance, the effects can be wide-ranging and hard to pin down. That’s why so many people struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight gain, hot flashes, or brain fog turn to bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) for support.
At Vida Revival, Dr. Diana Alavi offers a personalized, functional medicine approach to BHRT: tailoring treatment to each patient’s symptoms, lab values, and overall health goals. If you’re considering BHRT but aren’t sure what the first appointment entails, here’s what to expect during your consultation and why this therapy may be the turning point you’ve been seeking.
Why Choose Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Before diving into the appointment experience, it’s helpful to understand what sets bioidentical hormone therapy apart.
Unlike synthetic hormones used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources and are structurally identical to the hormones your body produces. This means they are designed to integrate more naturally with your system, potentially offering better absorption, fewer side effects, and a more tailored treatment experience.
BHRT can support both men and women experiencing symptoms related to:
- Perimenopause or menopause
- Andropause (male hormone decline)
- Thyroid imbalances
- Adrenal fatigue
- Low libido
- Sleep disturbances
- Unexplained weight gain
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Poor focus or memory issues
At Vida Revival, BHRT isn’t just about fixing lab values, it’s about helping you feel like yourself again.
Step 1: A Comprehensive Intake and Symptom Review
Your first BHRT consultation begins with a conversation—not a prescription.
Dr. Alavi will take the time to review your health history, lifestyle, and current symptoms in depth. This may include:
- How long you’ve been experiencing symptoms
- Any recent life changes (stress, illness, hormonal shifts)
- Menstrual or reproductive history (for women)
- Sexual health and libido
- Energy patterns, sleep habits, mood fluctuations
- Past or current medical diagnoses
- Any previous hormone therapy experience
The goal is to build a full picture of how your body is functioning and where you may be feeling disconnected from your usual self. You are encouraged to be open and honest about your concerns, even those that feel difficult to talk about, so your care plan is truly aligned with your needs.
Step 2: Advanced Hormone and Functional Lab Testing
Rather than relying on surface-level lab panels, Dr. Alavi typically orders comprehensive hormone testing to assess what’s really happening under the surface. This may include:
- Estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone
- DHEA (a precursor hormone)
- Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3)
- Cortisol levels (to assess adrenal function)
- Insulin and fasting glucose
- Inflammatory markers and nutrient levels
These tests help determine whether your symptoms are due to a clear hormonal deficiency, an imbalance between hormones, or other factors like stress or nutrient depletion.
In some cases, testing may also explore liver function, gut health, or detox pathways, all of which influence hormone metabolism.
Step 3: Discussing Your Treatment Options
Once your lab results are in and your symptoms are fully evaluated, Dr. Alavi will walk you through your customized treatment plan. This is not a cookie-cutter protocol—it’s designed around your individual biology and lifestyle.
Depending on your needs, BHRT may include:
- Estrogen and progesterone therapy for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause
- Testosterone therapy for men with declining hormone levels or women with low libido and muscle loss
- Thyroid support when suboptimal thyroid levels are contributing to fatigue or weight gain
- DHEA or pregnenolone support when adrenal stress is a major factor
Delivery methods vary based on what works best for your body and may include creams, patches, sublingual tablets, injections, or slow-release pellets.
You’ll also discuss how BHRT fits into a bigger picture of healing, which may involve:
- Peptide therapy to enhance hormone sensitivity and tissue repair
- IV nutrient therapy to replenish depleted vitamins and minerals
- Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to support hormone balance and detoxification
Step 4: Monitoring, Adjustment, and Follow-Up
Hormonal balance isn’t a destination, it’s a dynamic process. Once you begin therapy, you’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Dr. Alavi will check in on:
- Symptom relief and energy levels
- Sleep, mood, and cognitive changes
- Libido, strength, and physical endurance
- Lab results to track your progress
The beauty of BHRT is that it’s responsive. Dosages and delivery methods can be fine-tuned as your body adjusts, ensuring you feel supported at every step of your journey.
Follow-up labs are typically done every 8–12 weeks during the early stages, then less frequently as your levels stabilize and your symptoms improve.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About
Some patients arrive at their first consultation feeling nervous, especially if they’ve never discussed hormone therapy before or have been dismissed by other providers.
At Vida Revival, you’ll never be rushed, judged, or given a one-size-fits-all answer. This is a place where your symptoms are taken seriously, your voice is valued, and your care is collaborative.
You also don’t need to arrive with all the answers. The consultation is a place to ask questions, express concerns, and explore your options safely and openly.
When Will I Start to Feel Better?
While every patient responds differently, many begin to notice improvements within a few weeks of starting therapy. Common first shifts include:
- Better sleep and more stable energy
- Improved mental clarity and mood
- Reduction in hot flashes, night sweats, or anxiety
- Enhanced libido and physical stamina
- More motivation and emotional resilience
Deeper changes, like improved muscle tone, metabolism, or skin quality, may take a little longer, but with consistent support, most patients report feeling more like themselves again within 2–3 months.
Feel Like Yourself Again with Vida Revival
Your first bioidentical hormone therapy consultation is not just a medical appointment. It’s the beginning of a deeper understanding of your body, your health, and your potential. At Vida Revival, Dr. Diana Alavi offers compassionate, science-informed care that goes beyond prescriptions to restore true balance.
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms that don’t add up, or you’re ready to move beyond bandaid fixes and get to the root of what’s holding you back, BHRT may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Serving Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, and surrounding Los Angeles County communities. Call 818-232-8432 and schedule your first BHRT consultation with Vida Revival today and take the first step toward feeling your best again: naturally, safely, and on your terms.
