Hormone changes can happen gradually, often long before menopause. Many women begin to notice shifts in sleep, mood, metabolism, and energy between ages 35 and 55, yet are told “everything looks normal.”
Dr. Corey Howard helps women understand what’s really happening in their bodies at Howard Health & Wellness, located in Naples, Florida. He offers evidence-based treatment through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
Dr. Howard is board-certified in Internal and Functional Medicine and has practiced in Naples since 1996. He provides wellness services to improve your quality of life and protect your long-term health. Whether you are in perimenopause, menopause, or simply feeling “off,” Dr. Howard can help you regain vitality.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally makes. Unlike synthetic hormones, they work with your body’s receptors to restore balance without disrupting normal physiological processes.
BHRT can ease symptoms caused by hormonal decline and may also support bone, heart, brain, and sexual health when monitored correctly.
The goal of BHRT is to restore optimal function so you feel and perform at your best. Therapy typically includes estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone (for women or for men), depending on your specific needs and lab results.
Why Hormone Balance Matters
Hormones regulate nearly every system in the body, from metabolism to brain function. When estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels drop, you might experience:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Mood swings, irritability, or depression
- Weight gain and slower metabolism
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Decreased libido
- Brain fog or forgetfulness
- Joint pain and muscle loss
While these symptoms are common, they’re not something you have to live with. Bioidentical hormone therapy helps rebalance your system.
How Dr. Howard Personalizes BHRT
Dr. Howard takes an individualized approach to hormone care. Every treatment plan begins with:
- Comprehensive Hormone Testing: Blood, saliva, or urine analysis evaluates estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid function, and other key markers.
- Thorough Health Review: Your medical history, risk factors, and lifestyle are carefully assessed to ensure safety and accuracy in therapy selection.
- Customized Delivery Options: Depending on your needs and preferences, treatment may include:
- Topical creams: For steady absorption through the skin
- Capsules: Typically for progesterone therapy
- Patches: Convenient for estradiol delivery
- Pellet therapy: Long-lasting, consistent hormone release
- Continuous Monitoring: Hormone therapy requires regular follow-up. Dr. Howard reviews your progress and adjusts dosages every few months to maintain the right balance.
Why Choose Dr. Corey Howard
Dr. Howard aims to understand the “why” behind your symptoms. With decades of experience in internal and functional medicine, he blends traditional medical knowledge with the latest advances in preventive and metabolic care.
He is a former president of the Florida Medical Association, past president of the Collier County Medical Society, and has been recognized with the Meritorious Service Award from the American College of Physicians. His background in gastroenterology, nutrition, and functional medicine allows him to look at your health from every angle, addressing sleep, diet, fitness, and stress in addition to hormone balance.
Dr. Howard’s practice, Live Beyond Well, reflects his belief that wellness is about extending your healthspan as well as your lifespan. Patients appreciate his attentive care, thorough education, and long-term health partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Soon Will I Feel Better After Starting BHRT?
Most patients notice improvements in sleep, mood, and energy within a few weeks, but optimal results usually develop over two to three months as hormone levels stabilize.
Is BHRT Safe for Long-Term Use?
When prescribed and monitored by an experienced clinician, BHRT has been shown to be safe. Regular follow-ups and lab work help ensure the right balance for your body.
Do Men Benefit from BHRT, Too?
Yes. While this page focuses on women’s health, men also experience hormone decline that affects energy, mood, and metabolism. Dr. Howard treats both men and women using individualized protocols.
Are Bioidentical Hormones the Same as Compounded Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones refer to the molecular structure, not the source. Some bioidentical hormones are compounded; others come from FDA-approved formulations. Dr. Howard chooses the best option based on your needs and safety profile.
Can BHRT Help With Weight Gain?
Yes, restoring hormonal balance can support metabolism and energy production. However, sustainable results also depend on nutrition, activity level, and other lifestyle factors, which Dr. Howard can address as part of your care plan if your goal is to lose weight.
Reclaim Your Balance with Howard Health & Wellness
If you are struggling with the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, you do not have to accept them as part of aging. Dr. Corey Howard and his team at Howard Health & Wellness in Naples, FL, and virtually at Park City, UT, can help you feel like yourself again.
Call 239-331-2285 to schedule your consultation today.
