Frequently Asked Questions

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived, and are identical to what your body would naturally produce. Bioidentical hormone delivery methods and dosages are chosen based on testing and an individual's symptoms and specific needs.

Read Dr. Retzler's Position Paper on Bio-identical Hormones!

Frequently asked questions about breast cancer

Why do I need to test my hormones?

Testing your hormones will give you and Dr. Retzler the most information about your hormone levels. Treatment can be individualized for your unique hormone blueprint.

Will I be able to test my hormones if I take the HormoneSynergy seminar?

If you become a patient of Dr. Retzler's, your hormone testing will be ordered during your initial appointment.

Will Dr. Retzler prescribe hormones for me?

Dr. Retzler only prescribes hormones for her own patients. You are welcome to become one of Dr. Retzler’s patients, or if you prefer, she will be happy to consult with your doctor or health care provider about bioidentical hormone dosages. Many hormone imbalance symptoms can be treated without hormone replacement. Dr. Retzler will give you ideas on how to approach your hormone imbalance as part of the HormoneSynergy seminar. Information about products that can optimize hormone balance are available on our products pages.

What is SottoPelle® therapy?

SottoPelle® is Biologically Equivalent Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in the form of subcutaneous pellets to replenish hormones that are lost during the aging process. Hormone pellets are painlessly inserted just under the skin to deliver biologically equivalent hormones. These pellets are very slowly absorbed into the bloodstream to deliver the exact amount of hormone your body needs at any given time. Hormone pellets only need to be inserted 2-3 times a year. (SottoPelle® website)

*DISCLAIMER- This is not a SottoPelle® office. Dr. Retzler has been trained by Dr. Gino Tutera and SottoPelle ®. Dr. Gino Tutera bears no responsibility for management of Dr. Retzler's patients.

Will the HormoneSynergy seminar be understandable to the average person?

Absolutely! The word "doctor" comes from the Latin "docere," which means "teacher," and Dr. Retzler loves teaching people about their hormones and helping them achieve hormone balance. Her enthusiasm and experience translates into fun, informative, and easy to understand seminars.

Does a woman really need to replace hormones after menopause?

Not necessarily. However, many women have reached a point of hormone imbalance that may require bioidentical hormone replacement for a period of time. After hormone balance is achieved and symptoms resolve, many women choose to discontinue one or more hormones they take. Dr. Retzler will help you with your initial journey toward hormone balance by teaching you about hormones, enabling you to test your hormones, and starting you out with treatment guidelines.

Is this seminar appropriate for men?

Yes! Men often suffer from andropause symptoms, or symptoms from chronic stress or poor diet and lifestyle choices. In fact, treating hormone imbalances in men is necessary to achieve relationship harmony!

Will treating a hormone imbalance help with my symptoms?

See the symptom pages to determine if attending the HormoneSynergy seminar is right for you.

How long before I see results?

That depends on your hormone imbalance and the treatment chosen. When bioidentical hormones are used, some symptoms may resolve in days. Achieving complete hormone balance and resolution of hormone-related symptoms generally takes time. The more information you and your health care provider have, the more specific your treatment choices will be. This usually leads to quicker results.

Will I have to take hormones for the rest of my life?

Bioidentical hormone replacement is often used to achieve and maintain optimal hormone balance throughout life. Some patients choose to optimize their own hormone production and do not use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Is the hormone testing covered by my health insurance?

You may be able to get reimbursement for hormone testing, but insurance coverage depends on your policy. Hormone testing is very affordable and is an excellent value given the depth of interpretation and information provided.