What to Expect at Your First Hormone Therapy Appointment
- Breanne Pflanz, APRN-BC
- Jun 6, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Taking the first step toward hormone therapy can be both exciting and intimidating. You may be wondering what will happen, what tests you’ll need, or whether your symptoms are even “bad enough” to seek treatment. At Balanced You Medical Wellness, we believe every woman and man deserves to feel empowered and informed from the start. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect at your first hormone therapy consultation—from preparation to next steps—so you can walk in with confidence and leave with answers.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your appointment, you’ll complete a detailed intake form outlining your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle habits, and goals. This includes:
Menstrual or reproductive history (for women)
Sleep quality and energy levels
Mood fluctuations
Sexual health
Diet, exercise, and stress levels
Family history of hormonal or autoimmune disorders
Some patients will also complete lab work in advance, especially if they’ve had recent testing. If not, we may schedule it to be done shortly after the appointment.
The In-Clinic Experience
When you arrive at Balanced You, you’ll be greeted by a warm, welcoming team that understands how personal and vulnerable this step can feel. Your provider will meet with you one-on-one in a private consultation space.
This is your chance to talk openly about what’s been bothering you—whether that’s fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, low libido, hot flashes, poor sleep, or just feeling “off.” We encourage you to be honest and thorough. We want the full picture so we can help you best.
Lab Testing and Hormone Panels
Hormone balance is a complex puzzle, and lab testing gives us the data to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Most new patients will have a comprehensive blood panel that includes:
Estrogen (Estradiol)
Progesterone
Testosterone (Total and Free)
DHEA
Cortisol
Thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3)
Vitamin D and other metabolic markers
In some cases, advanced testing like the DUTCH test (urine hormone test) or saliva testing may be recommended to assess adrenal function or hormone metabolites.
Reviewing Your Results
Once your labs are completed, we schedule a follow-up (or continue your consultation) to review the results in detail. At Balanced You, we take time to explain what your numbers mean—not just whether they’re “in range.”
We’ll look for patterns such as:
Estrogen dominance
Low progesterone
Testosterone deficiency
Cortisol dysregulation (stress hormone)
Thyroid imbalance
These insights form the foundation for your custom treatment plan.
Customized Treatment Planning
If hormone therapy is right for you, your provider will walk you through options including:
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Traditional HRT if clinically appropriate
Delivery methods: Pellet implants, creams, troches (lozenges), or injections
Your plan will also include lifestyle and nutrition recommendations, supplements if needed, and tracking symptoms over time. The goal is to treat the root of the issue, not just mask symptoms.
Your First Prescription and What Happens Next
Once your custom therapy is determined, we’ll coordinate your first prescription and make sure you know exactly how to use it. Many patients start with low doses that are adjusted over time based on follow-up labs and how you’re feeling.
You’ll receive guidance on:
What to expect during the first few weeks
Common side effects (if any)
How to track changes
When to follow up (usually every 6–12 weeks initially)
We also encourage patients to reach out between visits with questions or updates. You’re never on this journey alone.
Patient Success Snapshot
One Balanced You patient, a 45-year-old woman named “Rachel,” came in after two years of struggling with fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. She had seen multiple doctors with no answers. After her first appointment and starting BHRT, she reported sleeping through the night again, improved focus at work, and finally losing the weight that had stalled despite healthy habits. Stories like Rachel’s are common—and we’d love to help you write yours.
FAQs: Hormone Therapy Consultation
Do I need to stop current medications before the appointment?
No, but bring a list of everything you’re currently taking so we can assess interactions.
How long does the appointment take?
Most consultations take about 60–90 minutes. Follow-ups are typically shorter.
What if my labs are normal but I still feel bad?
We look beyond the "normal range" to assess optimal balance and how your labs align with your symptoms.
How often will I need follow-ups?
Initially every 6–12 weeks, then every 3–6 months once stable.
Final Thoughts:
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. At Balanced You Medical Wellness, our team is here to guide you with expertise, compassion, and personalized care. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, sleep issues, mood swings, or simply don’t feel like yourself anymore, hormone therapy could be the key to getting your life back.
Take the online hormone assessment today to get started. For more information or to schedule your consultation, contact Balanced You Medical Wellness and take the first step toward balanced living.
Sources
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (2023). BHRT protocols.
Endocrine Society (2022). Hormone testing and therapy guidelines.
Mayo Clinic (2023). Hormone replacement options and risks.
Journal of Women’s Health (2022). Personalized hormone therapy outcomes.
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