When your hormones are out of sync, it can feel like your body is working against you. Many women are told that symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and painful intimacy are just a normal part of aging that they have to accept. But you don’t have to simply endure it. Restoring hormonal balance can be a transformative step toward reclaiming your vitality and quality of life. This article will explore how a personalized approach to treatment can address the root cause of your symptoms. We will discuss how bioidentical hormone therapy for women is tailored to your unique needs, helping to ease your discomfort and restore your energy.

Key Takeaways

  • BHRT offers personalized relief: This therapy uses hormones structurally identical to your body’s to address symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Your treatment plan is tailored to you, which includes choosing between rigorously tested, FDA-approved options and custom-compounded formulas.
  • “Natural” does not mean risk-free: All hormone therapies, including bioidentical ones, have potential side effects and risks. An open conversation with your doctor about your complete health history is essential to determine if BHRT is a safe option for you.
  • Expert guidance is non-negotiable: A successful BHRT plan starts with comprehensive testing and is managed by a qualified specialist. Your treatment is not a one-time fix; it requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure it remains safe and effective for your body.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

If you’re dealing with the frustrating symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, you’ve likely heard about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). So, what is it exactly? Simply put, bioidentical hormones are created to be structurally identical to the hormones your body produces naturally, like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Think of them as a perfect molecular match for what your body is missing.

This therapy is designed to restore your hormone levels to a more balanced state, helping to relieve the symptoms that often come with perimenopause, menopause, or other hormonal shifts. Many women turn to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy to address issues like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, low libido, and vaginal dryness. The goal isn’t to turn back the clock but to help you feel more like yourself again. By replenishing your hormone levels, BHRT can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. It’s a personalized approach to wellness that starts with understanding your body’s unique needs.

Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones comes down to their chemical structure. The term “bioidentical” means the hormones are chemically identical to those your body makes. This allows them to fit perfectly into your body’s hormone receptors, just like a key in a lock. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are not structurally identical. While they can produce similar effects, their different structure means your body may process them differently. It’s also worth noting that many standard, FDA-approved hormone treatments already use bioidentical hormones, so the term isn’t exclusive to custom-made formulas.

How Does BHRT Actually Work?

The core idea behind BHRT is to supplement your body’s declining hormone levels to ease your symptoms. The process begins with a thorough evaluation, including blood or saliva tests, to get a clear picture of your current hormone levels. Based on these results, a personalized treatment plan is created just for you. The guiding principle is to use the lowest effective dose for the time needed to manage your symptoms. This ensures you get the relief you need while minimizing potential risks. Your treatment is a collaborative process, and your provider will work with you to find the right balance for your body.

FDA-Approved vs. Compounded Hormones

When considering BHRT, you’ll encounter two main types: FDA-approved and compounded. FDA-approved bioidentical hormones are made by pharmaceutical companies and have gone through rigorous testing for safety, purity, and effectiveness. Compounded bioidentical hormones are custom-mixed by a pharmacist according to a doctor’s specific prescription. While this sounds appealingly personalized, it’s important to know that these custom formulas are not approved by the FDA. This means they haven’t been tested to the same standards for safety or consistency. Research has not shown that compounded hormones are safer or more effective than their FDA-approved counterparts.

What Are the Benefits of BHRT?

When your hormones are out of sync, it can feel like your body is working against you. The goal of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is to restore that balance, helping you feel more like yourself again. By replenishing the specific hormones your body is missing, BHRT can offer a wide range of benefits that improve your daily life, from your mood and energy levels to your physical comfort. Think of it as a way to gently guide your body back to a state of equilibrium, addressing the root cause of many frustrating symptoms.

Find Relief from Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

If you’ve ever been ambushed by a sudden, intense wave of heat, you know how disruptive hot flashes can be. Night sweats are just as frustrating, often leading to drenched sheets and interrupted sleep. These are classic signs of menopause, caused by fluctuating estrogen levels that throw your body’s internal thermostat off balance. BHRT works by reintroducing a steady, consistent level of estrogen, which can dramatically reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes. For many women, this brings incredible relief, allowing for more comfortable days and, finally, a full night of restful, uninterrupted sleep.

Balance Your Mood and Emotions

Hormonal shifts can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, bringing on everything from irritability and anxiety to unexplainable sadness. This isn’t just in your head; hormones like estrogen and progesterone have a direct impact on the brain chemicals that regulate your mood. When these hormones are imbalanced, your emotional well-being can take a serious hit. A personalized Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy plan can help smooth out these highs and lows. By restoring hormonal harmony, BHRT supports mental clarity and emotional stability, helping you feel more calm, centered, and in control of your feelings.

Improve Your Sexual Health and Comfort

It’s common for sexual desire and comfort to change during menopause, and hormones are often the reason why. Declining estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning tissues, which can make intimacy painful rather than pleasurable. This discomfort can understandably lead to a lower libido. BHRT addresses these issues at their source by restoring estrogen to improve vaginal moisture and elasticity. This can make a world of difference in reducing pain and increasing pleasure. Furthermore, incorporating bioidentical testosterone can help rekindle desire, helping you reconnect with your partner and your own sensuality.

Enjoy Better Sleep and More Energy

Feeling constantly exhausted is a common complaint during perimenopause and menopause, and it’s often a cycle. Night sweats disrupt your sleep, and poor sleep leaves you feeling drained the next day. But even without night sweats, hormonal imbalances can interfere with your natural sleep patterns. BHRT helps break this cycle in a few ways. First, by reducing or eliminating night sweats, it removes a major obstacle to deep sleep. Second, by stabilizing your hormones, it helps regulate your body’s internal clock. The result is more restorative sleep, which naturally leads to better energy, focus, and stamina throughout your day.

Your BHRT Options: Types and Delivery Methods

Once you decide to explore BHRT, the next step is understanding which hormones you need and how you’ll take them. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your plan is completely tailored to your body’s unique needs, based on comprehensive testing and your personal health goals. Think of it as a collaborative process between you and your doctor to find the perfect combination and delivery method that fits seamlessly into your life. Together, you’ll look at three key hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Understanding Estrogen Therapy

Estrogen is a powerhouse hormone that plays a huge role in everything from your mood to your bone health. When your levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, you might experience those all-too-familiar symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Bioidentical estrogen therapy is designed to replenish your body’s supply with hormones that are structurally identical to the ones you produce naturally. This can provide significant relief and help you feel more like yourself again. By restoring balance, BHRT can make daily life more comfortable and address issues like painful intercourse, a common result of vaginal dryness.

The Role of Progesterone

Think of progesterone as estrogen’s essential partner. While estrogen addresses many menopausal symptoms, progesterone provides crucial balance and protection. If you still have your uterus, taking estrogen alone can increase the risk of thickening the uterine lining, which can lead to health complications. Progesterone helps keep the lining thin and healthy, creating a safer and more effective treatment plan. Beyond its protective role, progesterone also has calming properties that can help you sleep more soundly and feel less anxious. It’s a key part of a comprehensive and responsible hormone therapy approach.

Why Testosterone Matters for Women

Many people are surprised to learn that testosterone is vital for women’s health, too. It’s not just a male hormone; women produce it in smaller amounts, and it’s essential for maintaining energy, mental clarity, muscle tone, and a healthy sex drive. As we age, our testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and a frustratingly low libido. Supplementing with bioidentical testosterone can help you reclaim your vitality and desire. Restoring this hormone can make a world of difference in how you feel, both in and out of the bedroom.

Pellets, Creams, or Patches: Finding What’s Right for You

Bioidentical hormones can be delivered in several ways, including creams, patches, pills, or injections. One of the most popular and effective methods is pellet therapy. These tiny, custom-compounded pellets are inserted just under the skin and release a slow, steady dose of hormones over several months. This method helps you avoid the daily hassle of creams or pills and prevents the hormonal ups and downs that can occur with other methods. The best option for you depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and what your body needs. A personalized BHRT plan will ensure you get consistent, reliable results.

Understanding the Risks and Side Effects of BHRT

Making an informed choice about your health means looking at the complete picture. While Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be transformative for many women, it’s still a medical treatment that comes with potential side effects and risks. Understanding these possibilities is the first step toward having a productive conversation with your doctor and deciding if this path is right for you. The goal isn’t to worry you, but to empower you with clear, straightforward information so you can feel confident in your healthcare decisions.

Common Side Effects to Be Aware Of

When you first begin BHRT, your body needs a little time to adjust to the new hormone levels. During this initial phase, it’s possible to experience some side effects. These can include things like weight gain, blurry vision, fatigue, acne, headaches, or mood swings. For most women, these effects are temporary and lessen as their body gets used to the therapy. The key is open communication with your provider. If you’re experiencing any side effects, a simple adjustment to your dosage can often make all the difference in helping you feel your best while your hormones find their new balance.

Serious Risks: What You Need to Know

It’s important to know that any form of hormone therapy, whether bioidentical or synthetic, carries some potential for more serious risks. These can include an increased chance of developing blood clots, stroke, or gallbladder disease. Some studies also suggest a possible link to heart disease and breast cancer, particularly with long-term use or when starting therapy later in life. This is why a thorough health evaluation with an experienced physician is so critical. A personalized approach ensures your unique health profile, family history, and lifestyle are all considered before creating a treatment plan that is both safe and effective for you.

BHRT and Cancer: The Facts

One of the biggest misconceptions about BHRT is that because the hormones are “natural,” they are entirely risk-free. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Current scientific evidence does not show that bioidentical hormones have fewer risks than traditional, FDA-approved hormone therapies. Compounded bioidentical hormones carry the same potential risks as conventional HRT, including an increased chance of developing certain cancers like endometrial and breast cancer. The safety of your treatment doesn’t come from a label, but from a meticulously customized and medically supervised Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy plan designed just for you.

How BHRT Can Affect Your Heart Health

Your cardiovascular health is a vital piece of your overall wellness puzzle, and it’s an important consideration with any hormone therapy. Research has not shown that compounded bioidentical hormones offer superior benefits or are safer for your heart than conventional, commercially made medications. The potential risks of stroke and heart disease associated with hormone therapy apply here as well. Before you begin treatment, your doctor should conduct a comprehensive review of your cardiovascular health and risk factors. This ensures your hormone therapy plan is designed to support your entire body and helps you achieve your wellness goals safely.

Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Right for You?

Deciding if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the right path for you is a deeply personal choice. While it has been a game-changer for many women navigating the shifts that come with hormonal changes, it’s not a universal solution. The most effective treatment is one that’s tailored specifically to your body, your symptoms, and your health history. Think of it less as a simple “yes” or “no” question and more as a conversation to have with a trusted health professional. Understanding who benefits most, who should be cautious, and why a thorough evaluation is so important will help you make a confident and informed decision about your health and well-being.

Who Can Benefit Most from BHRT?

If you’re experiencing the challenging symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, you are the primary candidate for BHRT. This therapy is designed to help women find relief from the frustrating, and sometimes debilitating, effects of hormonal imbalance. You might find BHRT particularly helpful if you’re dealing with persistent hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, or brain fog. It can also be incredibly effective for addressing issues related to sexual health, such as vaginal dryness and a decreased libido. By replenishing the hormones your body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts, BHRT can help restore balance, making you feel more like yourself again.

When BHRT Might Not Be a Fit

As beneficial as BHRT can be, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Your safety is always the top priority, and certain health conditions can make hormone therapy a risky option. Generally, BHRT may not be recommended if you have a personal history of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or uterine cancer. It’s also typically avoided in individuals with a history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, or significant liver problems. This is why being completely transparent about your personal and family medical history is crucial. A qualified provider will carefully review these factors to ensure any treatment plan is both safe and effective for your specific circumstances.

Why a Full Health Evaluation Is Key

You wouldn’t choose a prescription without a diagnosis, and the same principle applies to hormone therapy. A full health evaluation is the essential first step. This process goes far beyond just listing your symptoms; it involves comprehensive blood work to get a clear picture of your current hormone levels. During a consultation, a specialist will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and what you hope to achieve with treatment. This thorough assessment allows your provider to create a personalized plan, determining the precise hormones, dosages, and delivery methods that will work best for your body. This initial deep dive is what sets the stage for a successful and safe BHRT journey.

Signs You Might Need Hormone Therapy

Listening to your body is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. When your hormones are out of balance, your body sends signals. These signs aren’t just random annoyances; they’re your body’s way of telling you that something has shifted. Recognizing these changes is the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Many women experience a range of symptoms that can disrupt their daily lives, from their energy levels to their emotional well-being. Understanding what to look for can help you decide when it might be time to explore solutions like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. It’s about connecting the dots between how you feel and the hormonal changes happening inside you.

How to Recognize a Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal fluctuations can feel different for everyone, but there are some common signs that things are off-balance. You might notice persistent fatigue that sleep doesn’t seem to fix, or sudden hot flashes and night sweats that interrupt your day and your rest. Many women also experience mood swings, brain fog, or unexpected weight gain, especially around the midsection. A dip in your sex drive is another classic sign that your hormones, like testosterone, might be declining. These symptoms aren’t things you just have to live with. When they start to interfere with your happiness and daily routine, it’s a clear signal that your body needs support.

Menopause vs. Perimenopause: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to use “menopause” as a catch-all term, but it’s helpful to know the difference between that and perimenopause. Think of perimenopause as the transition period. It’s the time leading up to menopause when your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. This phase can last for several years, and it’s often when you’ll first notice symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood changes. You are officially in menopause once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Understanding which stage you’re in is key because it helps you and your doctor create a treatment plan that’s right for your specific needs at that moment.

When It’s Time to Talk to a Doctor

If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it’s time to have a conversation with a healthcare provider. You don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable. If you’re struggling with fatigue, weight gain, vaginal dryness, or a low libido, a specialist can help you understand your options. A thorough evaluation is essential. A qualified provider will review your full health history, discuss your symptoms, and run tests to see if hormone therapy is a good fit for you. Finding an expert like Dr. Jennifer Berman who specializes in women’s health ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your unique body and goals.

Busting Common Myths About BHRT

When you start looking into hormone therapy, you’ll find a lot of information, and frankly, a lot of it can be confusing or even contradictory. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is surrounded by its own set of myths and marketing claims that can make it hard to know what’s true. It’s easy to get caught up in terms like “natural” or “custom-compounded” without fully understanding what they mean for your health and safety.

Let’s clear the air. Getting the facts straight is the most important step you can take in making a confident and informed decision about your wellness journey. We’re going to walk through some of the most common misconceptions about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and separate the myths from the reality. Understanding these distinctions will help you have a more productive conversation with your doctor and choose a path that feels right for you.

Myth: “Natural” Means Zero Risk

The word “natural” sounds gentle and safe, but in medicine, it’s a term that needs a closer look. Bioidentical hormones are called “natural” because they are derived from plant sources and are designed to be structurally identical to the hormones your body produces. While this is a key feature, it doesn’t mean they are risk-free. Any hormone therapy, regardless of its source, is a powerful medical treatment that creates real changes in your body. It’s also worth noting that many conventional, FDA-approved hormone medicines already contain bioidentical hormones, so the distinction isn’t always as clear-cut as it seems.

Myth: Compounded Hormones Are Always Safer

Compounded hormones are custom-mixed by a pharmacy for an individual patient. The idea of a personalized formula is appealing, but it comes with a significant catch: these specific mixtures are not regulated or approved by the FDA. This means their purity, potency, and safety haven’t been verified through rigorous testing. Compounded bioidentical hormones carry the same potential risks as traditional hormone therapy, including an increased chance of blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers. Because they aren’t regulated, they might even introduce additional risks related to dosage consistency and quality control.

Fact: How BHRT Compares to Traditional Hormone Therapy

So, how do bioidentical hormones stack up against traditional, synthetic hormones? When we look at the FDA-approved options, the evidence is pretty clear. Studies show that FDA-approved bioidentical hormones are more effective than a placebo and work just as well as synthetic hormones for relieving symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. The takeaway here is that the effectiveness often comes down to using the right hormone, in the right dose, under medical supervision. The debate isn’t just about “bioidentical vs. synthetic” but about finding a high-quality, regulated treatment that fits your body’s needs.

Understanding Hormone Regulation and Quality

Ultimately, the most important factors in any hormone therapy are safety, quality, and expert oversight. FDA-approved hormone therapies have gone through extensive clinical trials to prove they are safe and effective for treating menopausal symptoms. In contrast, there haven’t been large-scale, controlled trials comparing compounded bioidentical hormones to either a placebo or to their FDA-approved counterparts. This is why working with a qualified provider is so critical. An experienced doctor can help you understand the pros and cons of all available options, ensuring you receive a treatment that is both reliable and right for your health profile.

What to Expect from Your BHRT Treatment

Starting any new treatment can feel like a big step, but the process for BHRT is designed to be collaborative and tailored specifically to you. It’s not about a quick fix; it’s about creating a sustainable plan for your long-term well-being. From the very first conversation to your ongoing care, the focus is on understanding your unique body and health goals. This journey is a partnership between you and your provider, ensuring you feel heard, supported, and confident every step of the way. Let’s walk through what the process typically looks like.

Your First Steps: Consultation and Testing

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation to discuss your symptoms, health history, and what you hope to achieve. This initial conversation is followed by comprehensive hormone testing. We don’t guess when it comes to your health; we use precise data from blood work to get a clear picture of your current hormone levels. This allows us to create a completely personalized Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy plan. Think of it as a custom wellness blueprint, designed to address your specific needs and bring your body back into balance. This foundational step ensures your treatment is both safe and effective from the start.

Fine-Tuning Your Treatment Plan

Once you begin therapy, the process doesn’t just stop. Your treatment plan is a living document that we adjust as your body responds. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to check in on your progress, discuss how you’re feeling, and monitor for any side effects. This ongoing communication is crucial for success. Our goal is to find the optimal dosage and delivery method that works for you, whether it’s through Biote Hormone Therapy pellets or another form. This careful, attentive approach ensures your treatment remains perfectly aligned with your body’s needs, helping you feel your best while minimizing any potential risks.

How Soon Will You See Results?

It’s natural to wonder when you’ll start feeling better. While every woman’s body is different, many begin to notice positive changes within a few weeks of starting treatment. If you opt for hormone pellets, you might feel initial relief from symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue in about four to six weeks. Often, the full benefits become most apparent after your second round of treatment, as your hormone levels stabilize. Remember, this is a gradual process of rebalancing your system. Patience is key, and consistent communication with your provider will help you understand the milestones as you progress toward feeling like yourself again.

The Importance of a Qualified Provider

Hormone therapy is a specialized field of medicine, and your choice of provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Working with an expert ensures your treatment is managed safely and effectively. A qualified provider will help you weigh the benefits and risks, creating a plan that fits your individual health profile. They have the experience to interpret your lab results accurately, adjust your dosages precisely, and manage any side effects that may arise. You can learn more about Dr. Berman’s approach and expertise to feel confident you are in capable hands. This partnership is essential for achieving the best possible outcome on your wellness journey.

Supporting Your BHRT with Healthy Habits

Think of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy as the foundation for feeling your best. The lifestyle choices you make every day are the framework that supports it. By pairing your treatment with healthy habits, you take an active role in your wellness journey and can experience even better results. Simple adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, and stress levels can make a significant difference in how effective your therapy is and how great you feel overall. It’s about creating a complete, supportive ecosystem for your body to thrive.

Fueling Your Body: Nutrition Tips

What you put on your plate has a direct impact on your hormonal health. To get the most out of your Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, focus on a balanced diet filled with whole foods. Think colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts. Certain nutrients are especially important for hormone production. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and flaxseeds, are fantastic, as are magnesium and vitamins D and E. You don’t need a perfect diet, but consistently making nutrient-rich choices provides your body with the building blocks it needs to support your BHRT and help you feel vibrant.

The Role of Exercise and Stress Management

Moving your body is one of the best things you can do to support hormonal balance. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves your mood, and is a powerful tool for managing stress. A great approach is to mix different types of movement. Try incorporating aerobic exercises like brisk walking or cycling to get your heart rate up, along with strength training to build and maintain muscle mass. Just as important is managing your stress. Chronic stress can disrupt your hormones, so finding healthy ways to unwind is key. Simple practices like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or gentle yoga can help calm your nervous system and support your treatment for issues like low libido.

Wellness Practices to Complement Your Therapy

Beyond diet and exercise, other wellness practices can beautifully complement your BHRT. Adopting a holistic view of your health means tending to your emotional and mental well-being, too. Many women find that practices like mindfulness or acupuncture help them feel more balanced and in tune with their bodies. These therapies can support your system’s ability to regulate itself and may enhance the positive effects of your hormone therapy. It’s all part of a comprehensive approach to your health. By integrating these supportive habits, you’re not just treating symptoms; you’re nurturing your entire well-being and investing in your long-term vitality and confidence, which is central to services like vaginal rejuvenation.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my symptoms are actually caused by a hormone imbalance? While things like fatigue, mood swings, and a low sex drive are classic signs of a hormonal shift, they can also be linked to other health issues. The only way to know for certain is to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your body. A thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive blood work, is the definitive way to measure your hormone levels and confirm if an imbalance is the root cause of how you’re feeling.

How long do most women stay on BHRT? There isn’t a universal timeline for hormone therapy; it’s a very personal decision made between you and your doctor. For some women, BHRT is a short-term solution to get through the most challenging menopausal symptoms. Others may choose to continue with a low-dose therapy long-term to maintain their quality of life. The duration depends entirely on your individual health needs, goals, and regular follow-up conversations with your provider.

Will BHRT make me gain weight? This is a very common concern. While some women might experience temporary weight fluctuations as their body adjusts to new hormone levels, BHRT is not designed to cause weight gain. In fact, by correcting the hormonal imbalances that can lead to a slower metabolism and increased belly fat, many women find it easier to manage their weight once their system is rebalanced, especially when paired with a healthy diet and exercise.

Why are hormone pellets often recommended over other methods? Hormone pellets are a popular choice because they offer a consistent, steady release of hormones directly into your bloodstream. This helps you avoid the daily hassle of applying creams or taking pills. More importantly, it prevents the hormonal peaks and valleys that can sometimes occur with other delivery methods, leading to a more stable mood, consistent energy, and reliable symptom relief over several months.

What’s the first step if I think BHRT could be right for me? The best first step is to schedule a consultation with a provider who specializes in women’s health and hormone therapy. This initial meeting is a conversation where you can discuss your symptoms, your health history, and what you hope to achieve. From there, your doctor will order the necessary lab tests to get a precise reading of your hormone levels and determine if you are a good candidate for a personalized treatment plan.