Your first BHRT consultation at AZ Medspa 48 in Peoria includes a thorough symptom review, a full medical history discussion, blood work to measure your current hormone levels, and a one-on-one conversation with our team about whether bioidentical hormone pellet therapy is right for you. Knowing what to expect at your BHRT consultation ahead of time helps you feel prepared, ask the right questions, and get the most out of your visit.
A little preparation before your in-person consultation goes a long way. Here is how to show up ready.
When you book through Vagaro or call AZ Medspa 48, you may receive intake forms or pre-visit instructions. Complete any paperwork ahead of time so your appointment can focus on you rather than on filling out forms. This may include guidance on fasting before your lab work or temporarily pausing certain supplements. Following these directions is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of your hormone level tests. If you take prescription medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products, bring a current list or snap a photo of each label on your phone.
Hormonal imbalance can show up differently in every person. Before your visit, write down details about changes you’ve noticed in:
Energy levels and fatigue
Mood (anxiety, irritability, depression)
Sleep quality and night sweats
Weight and metabolism
Libido and sexual function
Mental clarity and focus (“brain fog”)
Physical discomfort (joint pain, muscle aches)
Menstrual history (for women), including irregular cycles or menopausal symptoms
Also gather information about:
Past hormone treatments, including birth control, testosterone therapy, or thyroid medication
Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular issues
Family health history, especially cancers or autoimmune conditions
A list of all current medications and supplements
Having these details in writing saves time and ensures nothing gets overlooked during your assessment.
Your consultation is a two-way conversation. No question is too small. Consider asking about how personalized BHRT works, how long pellet therapy typically lasts, what follow-up labs involve, how the therapy fits into your broader wellness goals, and how soon symptoms may start improving. Writing your questions down ahead of time keeps the conversation focused and productive.
Here is a closer look at what happens during the appointment itself at AZ Medspa 48’s Peoria location.
Our team will begin by reviewing your intake paperwork and discussing your symptoms in detail. This is not a rushed checklist. We will want to understand how your symptoms affect daily life: your energy at work, your sleep quality, your exercise tolerance, and your emotional well-being.
Both men and women are evaluated during this stage. The majority of BHRT patients at AZ Medspa 48 are between 40 and 50 years old, but hormonal decline can begin earlier and persist well beyond that range.
Hormones do not exist in a vacuum. We will ask about your nutrition, physical activity, stress load, and sleep habits. These lifestyle factors directly influence how your body produces and metabolizes hormones. Understanding your full picture allows her to design a treatment approach that accounts for more than just lab numbers.
If weight management is also a concern, We may discuss how hormonal balance connects to metabolic function and how some patients pursue weight loss or peptide therapy for a more comprehensive wellness strategy.
Lab work is a non-negotiable part of the BHRT process. Without accurate baseline hormone levels, there is no safe way to determine the correct pellet dosage. We do not guess or base treatment on symptoms alone.
Blood panels for BHRT typically measure:
Estradiol and testosterone – the two primary hormones delivered through bioidentical pellets
Thyroid hormones (TSH, free T3, free T4) – to rule out thyroid-related symptoms that can mimic hormonal imbalance
Complete blood count (CBC) – for a general health baseline
Metabolic panel – to evaluate liver and kidney function
DHEA-S and cortisol – stress-related hormones that affect overall balance
Vitamin D and B12 – nutritional markers that play a role in energy and mood
Your specific panel may vary depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Blood draws are straightforward. A small sample is taken from your arm, usually at the same appointment or at a lab we direct you to. You may be asked to fast beforehand if metabolic markers are included. Results typically come back within a few business days, and we will review them with you before any treatment decisions are made. These results provide the objective data we need to diagnose any deficiencies or imbalances and calculate the precise hormone dosage you require.
Not everyone who walks in for a consultation will be a candidate for pellet therapy right away. Our team evaluates your lab results, symptom profile, health history, and personal goals together. Certain conditions may require further evaluation or alternative approaches. This careful screening is one reason the BHRT process at AZ Medspa 48 involves multiple steps before pellet insertion is scheduled.
Once your lab results are back and candidacy is confirmed, the next phase focuses on building a plan that fits your body’s specific needs.
Our team will walk you through what bioidentical hormone pellet therapy involves: small pellets containing estradiol, testosterone, or both are implanted just under the skin during a simple in-office procedure, where they release consistent hormone doses over several months. We will explain why pellets were chosen over creams, patches, or injections based on your lab values and lifestyle – and how this method helps avoid the hormonal ups and downs associated with other delivery methods.
BHRT is not a one-time treatment. Pellets dissolve over time, and your hormone levels need regular monitoring. Our team will outline a schedule for follow-up blood draws and re-pellet appointments so your levels stay within an optimal range. We will also discuss any lifestyle adjustments – nutrition, exercise, stress management – that can support your hormonal health between visits. This ongoing partnership is key to long-term success with BHRT.
Most patients begin noticing changes within 2-4 weeks after pellet insertion, though full effects can take up to 6 weeks. Early improvements often include better sleep, more stable energy, and improved mood. Changes in body composition, libido, and mental clarity may follow as hormone levels stabilize. Patience is key, and our team will be here to support you throughout the process.
Regular blood work is essential to BHRT maintenance. Our team will schedule follow-up labs – typically 4-6 weeks after your first pellet insertion – to see how your body is responding. Dosage adjustments are common, especially during the first cycle, as your body adapts to consistent hormone delivery. New lab work will also be conducted before your next pellet insertion to track your levels over time. Ongoing appointments allow us to fine-tune your plan so your results continue to improve.
If you do not notice meaningful improvement after your first pellet cycle, that does not mean BHRT has failed. Your feedback is vital. Dosage adjustments, additional lab markers, or complementary treatments may be needed. Our team may also look at thyroid function, cortisol patterns, or nutritional deficiencies that could be interfering with your progress. We may discuss complementary treatments like peptide therapy to support your goals. The goal is to find the combination that works for your body – and that sometimes takes more than one cycle to dial in.
Knowing what to expect at your BHRT consultation removes the uncertainty and helps you take an active role in your hormonal health from the very first appointment. At AZ Medspa 48, the process is intentionally thorough – from symptom assessment and lifestyle evaluation to lab work and personalized treatment planning – because safe, effective pellet therapy depends on getting the details right.
About the Author
Stephanie Duffy, MSN, FNP-BC
June 6, 2026
