Blog

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a treatment designed to alleviate symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal imbalances by using hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body.  Derived from plant sources like yams and soy, these hormones are custom-compounded to meet individual needs. 

Why Take BHRT?

BHRT aims to restore hormonal balance and can significantly improve quality of life by addressing a range of symptoms:

• Alleviates brain fog and supports cognitive function
• Stabilizes mood, reducing anxiety and depression
• Improves sleep quality
• Boosts energy levels
• Enhances sexual health
• Supports bone density, reducing osteoporosis risk
• Promotes heart health

The BHRT Process

The therapy is highly personalized and involves ongoing monitoring:

1. Initial Hormone Consultation: A 30-minute to 1 hr appointment (around $150) to discuss symptoms, health history, and goals. 
2. Bloodwork: Conducted twice annually. If using insurance, tests can be done at Quest or LabCorp. Without insurance, in-office labs cost about $100. 
3. Preventive Screenings:
   • Annual mammogram or breast thermography ($169 discounted)
   • Pap smear every 2 years ($219 with lab fee included), unless hysterectomy was performed
4. Customized Medication: Hormone formulations (troches or creams) are hand-compounded based on blood results and personal goals. 
5. Delivery: Medications are shipped directly to your home for daily use. 
6. Ongoing Monitoring: 2 total appointments per year dedicated to hormone health, with phone check-ins as needed.

Pricing Overview

Total monthly cost is estimated between $59- $98:

• Appointments: ~$300/year (2 x $150)
• Bloodwork: $200/year (2 x $100 if self-pay)
• Medication: ~($400/year ($100 every 2–3 months)
• Breast Imaging: $169/year (if self-pay)
• Pap Smear: ~$110/year ($219 every 2 years if self-pay)

Why Choose Natural, Compounded BHRT

Proponents of BHRT have advantages over conventional synthetic HRT:

• Lower Risk Profile: BHRT uses natural, body-identical hormones, potentially reducing side effects. 
• Personalized Treatment: Unlike “one-size-fits-all” synthetic hormones, BHRT is tailored to your specific hormonal needs. 
• Custom Delivery Forms: Troches, creams, or other forms are made to suit your preferences and sensitivities.

Important note: While many patients report better tolerance, the FDA states that there is no conclusive scientific evidence proving compounded BHRT is safer than HRT.  BHRT does come with an increase risk of some cancers though a moderate dose has a lower risk. Those with a history of cancer may not be a good fit for BHRT or should avoid compounds with estrogen. Ask our provider to review the risks with you to be sure you are comfortable with the formula you are seeking.

October is Breast Health Awareness Month—a time to prioritize education, prevention, and early detection. At our center, we use thermography not just to screen for risks, but to assess overall breast health.

Unlike traditional screening methods that primarily focus on identifying formed masses, thermography allows us to detect subtle physiological changes in breast tissue. These include vascular patterns, asymmetry, lymph node congestion, and other early signs that may indicate a developing concern.

When tumors form, they often create a supporting network of blood vessels to supply their growth. Thermography can detect these vascular abnormalities—sometimes even before a tumor has formed. We also assess asymmetry, as significant differences in heat or inflammation between breasts can suggest an underlying issue. Additionally, while lymph node congestion doesn’t always point to a serious problem, it can highlight areas where breast health can be improved—helping us take preventative steps before issues arise.

Key benefits of thermography:

• No radiation
• No compression
• Non-invasive
• Suitable for women with implants, dense or fibrous breast tissue
• Ideal for those seeking a radiation-free alternative to mammograms

The imaging process takes about 30 minutes and includes a professional interpretation report and a follow-up consultation to review your results and next steps.

At the Natural Medicine Center, we provide a safe, welcoming space for women with breast concerns—or for those simply wanting to take a proactive approach to their health. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at 863-899-9977. Taking that first step could make all the difference.

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which includes two key lists: the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. These lists highlight which fruits and vegetables are most—and least—likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues when grown conventionally (i.e., not organic).

What Do These Lists Mean?

• The Dirty Dozen includes the top 12 fruits and vegetables found to have the highest levels of pesticide residues.
• The Clean Fifteen includes produce with the lowest pesticide levels, even when not grown organically.

The EWG’s 2025 report revealed that over 75% of non-organic samples tested positive for at least one pesticide, with some containing residues of multiple chemicals.

Image from www.ewg.org/

Why It Matters

Let’s get back to basics: what we eat has a direct impact on our health. Reducing exposure to harmful pesticides is one step toward cleaner eating and better well-being.

Here are some practical tips to help minimize your pesticide intake:

• Prioritize organic: When shopping for items on the Dirty Dozen list, consider choosing organic varieties to reduce chemical exposure.
• Buy seasonal & local: In-season produce is often fresher, more nutrient-rich, and may be grown with fewer synthetic inputs.
• Vary your produce: Eating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables from different sources can help limit consistent exposure to any one pesticide.
• Wash wisely: Soak fruits and vegetables in a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, or use a produce wash.
• Peel when needed: Peeling can reduce pesticides, but be aware that it may also remove beneficial fiber and nutrients found in the skin.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what’s in your food is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward a healthier lifestyle. Use these lists as a guide—not to create fear, but to help you make informed decisions at the grocery store.

Remember: any produce is better than no produce. When possible, choose organic and local, wash thoroughly, and enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

Source: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

The Natural Medicine Center  315 Doris Dr. Lakeland, FL 33813

PEMF therapy stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy. The term itself is broad—think of it like the word “phone.” There are basic, outdated models, mid-range devices, and highly advanced versions packed with the latest technology. Just as an old payphone and an iPhone 16 Pro are technically both phones, not all PEMF devices are created equal.

For example, a simple TENS unit, which delivers mild electromagnetic pulses to alleviate muscle pain, falls under the PEMF umbrella. These are readily available and quite effective for localized pain relief. On the other end of the spectrum is BEMER, one of the most advanced and effective PEMF devices available today. BEMER is effective for overall energy and optimal health in addition to concentrated or localized healing. 

What is BEMER?

BEMER stands for Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation. It uses electromagnetic fields to deliver a signal that mimics the Earth’s natural frequencies—essentially offering a powerful form of “earthing” or “grounding,” but amplified. Have you ever felt a surge of energy after a swim in the ocean? That’s the power of earthing at work. The ocean’s natural elements work together to rejuvenate and refresh. This natural, invigorating experience is giving the same benefits of earthing as a BEMER device, but on a setting that’s even gentler than the lowest BEMER setting.

How It Works

Using BEMER is simple: after selecting your preferred setting (low, medium, or high), you simply lie on the mat for 8 to 16 minutes. In just 8 minutes, the increase in oxygenated blood flow at the cellular level is comparable to what you’d achieve during a 16-mile run. This enhanced circulation supports energy production, detoxification, and overall healing.

BEMER is especially beneficial for:

• Pain relief
• Increased energy and vitality
• Recovery from injury
• Immune system support
• Inflammation reduction
• Management of autoimmune conditions
• Cardiovascular/ blood flow efficiency

Who Uses BEMER?

BEMER is trusted and used by professional athletes, Olympians, and even NASA. Its science-backed approach to enhancing microcirculation and cellular health makes it a go-to tool for those looking to improve wellness and recovery. There are hundreds of testimonials online of people who have increased their quality of life with BEMER.

Try It Yourself

Curious? Come in for a free 8-minute session and experience it firsthand. You’re also welcome to join our monthly online BEMER meetings where we dive into the science behind BEMER and answer questions.

The Natural Medicine Center- Lakeland

315 Doris Dr.

Lakeland, FL 33813

863-899-9977

Monday- Friday 8:00am- 4:00pm

Hi, my name is Darla, and I’ve been a practicing clinical thermographer here at The Natural Medicine Center for over ten years. Medical thermography uses a thermal camera that detects temperature differences as small as 0.01 degrees within the body. This technology has been used for decades to detect inflammation, reduced blood flow, and other physiological changes.

In the image below, you can see several examples of what thermography can detect:

1. Neck injury
2. Sinus inflammation
3. Food sensitivities
4. Lower back inflammation
5. Left ankle inflammation
6. Sciatica

Thermography is especially valuable for preventive breast health screening. During breast studies, we look for asymmetry, “hot spots,” variations in nipple temperature, vascular patterns, and lymphatic congestion. When abnormal thermal patterns are detected, the interpreting specialist assigns a “level of concern,” and we use that information to create a personalized care plan. Breast thermography is the choice for many women’s annual preventative breast studies since it involves no radiation, no compression, and can potentially detect breast health concerns up to eight years earlier than other mainstream preventative screenings. It’s especially beneficial for women with dense breast tissue or breast implants who have previously experienced inconclusive results or undergone numerous additional tests after their annual screening.

Personally, I love conducting full body studies. As a thermographer, it’s fascinating to see how symptoms show up thermally across different areas of the body. For example, if you’re experiencing fatigue and brain fog, thermography might reveal stress in the lungs and inflammation in the digestive tract. That’s what makes this tool so unique — it allows us to assess multiple systems at once. With just one non-invasive test, we can uncover issues that might otherwise take several appointments and tests to identify.

Another favorite is thermography studies for monitoring health. If you’re dealing with a health crisis like cancer, we can use thermography to track your progress and see how your body is responding to treatment. Even if you’re not facing a major health issue, thermography is an incredible tool for staying on top of your wellness goals. It offers real-time feedback and helps you stay informed on what’s working for you—so you can truly level up.

Once we understand what’s going on internally, together we can develop a care plan that helps you achieve your health goals, one step at a time.

At the Natural Medicine Center, we have been practicing medical thermography for over 15 years. We’ve had the privilege of being mentored by one of the founding pioneers in the field, Carol Chandler, DOM. Our thermography studies start with a thirty minute to one hour long imaging appointment. One to two weeks later, your interpretation report will be ready for your review and within two to three weeks Dr Catherine will review your report with you at your complimentary follow up appointment. Dr. Catherine will apply her decades of extensive medical knowledge and special interest in holistic health care as she reviews your report and provides suggestions during your follow-up.

Sincerely,

Darla

863-899-9977