Who it’s for
Hormone levels shift with age, and the change can affect energy, sleep, mood, weight and libido. Hormone optimization may help when testing confirms an imbalance and your symptoms are affecting daily life.
- Men with signs of low testosterone, such as fatigue, low sex drive, loss of muscle, weight gain or trouble concentrating.
- Women in perimenopause or menopause with hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, mood changes or low libido.
It starts with an evaluation and labs
Your first visit is a consultation with Dr. Gonzales. He reviews your symptoms, health history and medications, examines you and orders blood work to check your hormone levels.
Hormone optimization is recommended only when your results and history support it. Some health conditions make it unsafe, and Dr. Gonzales will tell you if that applies to you.
BioTE pellet therapy
BioTE® pellets contain bioidentical hormones, which have the same structure as the hormones your body makes. Each pellet is about the size of a grain of rice.
After the area is numbed, Dr. Gonzales places the pellets under the skin of the upper hip during a short office visit. They release hormones steadily, and are replaced every few months based on how you feel and your lab results.
Hormone optimization for men and women
- Men: pellets restore testosterone when your symptoms and blood work show it is low.
- Women: pellets may restore estrogen and testosterone to ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Dr. Gonzales may pair treatment with nutrition and exercise guidance or with our medical weight loss program.
Follow-up and safety
Hormone optimization needs ongoing monitoring. Expect follow-up visits and repeat lab work to check your levels and adjust your dose, and let us know about any new symptoms or medications. Individual results vary.
Medically reviewed by Norman Gonzales, MD, on October 21, 2026.
Common questions
How do I know if hormone optimization is right for me?
It starts with an evaluation: your symptoms, health history, an exam and blood work. Dr. Gonzales recommends treatment only when your results and history support it.
Is hormone optimization the same as hormone replacement therapy?
Yes. Hormone optimization is hormone replacement therapy tailored to your labs, symptoms and goals. At Epitome, it’s delivered with BioTE pellets.
What are BioTE pellets?
BioTE pellets are small pellets of bioidentical hormones placed under the skin in a short office procedure. They release hormones steadily between visits.
How often are pellets replaced?
Every few months. Dr. Gonzales sets your schedule based on how you feel and your lab results.
Do you treat both men and women?
Yes. We treat men with symptoms of low testosterone, and women with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
How soon will I notice a difference?
It varies from person to person. Dr. Gonzales will tell you what to expect from your treatment and adjust your plan at follow-up visits. Individual results vary.
Is hormone optimization covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and your treatment. Please call us at 757-821-7680 to discuss payment options.