BHRT Pellet Therapy in Chicago | Shot Bar Medspa
By: Lindsey Subrinsky, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Hey badass, let’s talk hormones. Your endocrine system is not just a whisper behind the scenes; it is the director of your show. Mood, energy, skin, metabolism, libido, and sleep all bow to it. And when it is out of balance, you feel it in every cell of your body.
Enter Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT. It is the science-meets-sexy way to reclaim your hormonal power. But we are not here for fluff. We are here for truth. This is clinical, real, and inspired by my own experience, with results I am not just liking, I am completely obsessed with.
What is BHRT?
In plain English, BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to what your body naturally produces. Think estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and sometimes DHEA or pregnenolone. It is often described as “natural” or safer than traditional hormone therapy, but let’s be honest, natural does not always mean risk-free. Science and individualized testing matter.
Here is the kicker: not all BHRT is created equal. Some versions are FDA-approved and standardized, while others, especially compounded creams or pellet formulations, are not regulated the same way. That means working with a qualified, experienced medical provider is everything.
Why Someone Might Want BHRT?
If you are dealing with so much of what I was such as low energy, mood swings, brain fog, poor sleep, night sweats, hot flashes, hormonal cravings, diminished libido, or changes in your body composition, hormone imbalance might be playing a major role. Rebalancing through BHRT can help you feel sharper, stronger, more vibrant, and more like yourself again.
My Pellet Story: Why I Feel Amazing…
This is me, Lindsey, peeling back the curtain.
I opted for hormone pellets. Tiny implants placed under the skin that slowly release hormones over several months. It’s been almost two months of pure magic. My mood stabilized, my sex drive went from nonexistent to “honey, come home!”, my energy skyrocketed, my workouts felt stronger, and my skin looked clearer. I felt like I got a backstage upgrade to my biology.
For someone who runs a wellness brand rooted in functional medicine and high-performance mindset work, it felt perfectly aligned. I was not just treating symptoms; I was optimizing. I now sleep deeper, wake up without that “grind” fatigue, my recovery is better, and yes, my skin is firmer. It is an entirely new level of feeling like myself again.
This is my personal experience under my own medical supervision and protocol. Everyone is unique, but for me, I can honestly say I feel phenomenal.
The Science: What We Know and What We Don’t
What we know:
Hormone therapy, including bioidentical and conventional forms, can relieve menopausal and low-hormone symptoms and improve quality of life. BHRT hormones share the same molecular structure as the ones naturally produced by your body.
What we don’t:
Some forms of BHRT, especially compounded custom blends and pellet implants, have limited high-quality evidence for long-term safety and efficacy. The assumption that “bioidentical means safer” is not proven. Because compounded formulations are not always FDA-regulated, dosage consistency and purity can vary. Every person’s risk profile is different, and factors like cancer history, clotting disorders, and cardiovascular health must always be considered. Finding an experienced and educated medical provider (pointing at me) is a must.
The Functional Medicine Take
At Shot Bar, we do not do half-measures. We do functional hormone optimization. That means deep testing, uncovering root causes, addressing lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, and stress, and understanding that hormones are one piece of the bigger puzzle.
We are too smart to buy into the “just take hormones and everything is fixed” narrative. Hormones are amplifiers. If your foundation is shaky, no pellet or patch will save you. We start by stabilizing your metabolism, gut health, and nervous system regulation, then tailor your hormone plan for long-term vitality.
We believe in clear, clinical testing, personalized dosing, and looking at the whole picture. We go beyond symptom management and into performance, confidence, and longevity.
Is BHRT Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Do I feel like hormone imbalance is holding me back?
Am I ready to commit to proper testing, monitoring, and lifestyle alignment?
Do I want to optimize rather than just survive?
If your answer is yes, then BHRT might be the next right step.
Bottom Line
BHRT is not magic (or maybe it is?!). It is a powerful, science-based intervention that can change the way you feel and function when done correctly. My experience with pellets has been a solid win and I am telling everyone I know because we may have answers to so many ailments. But evidence and safety matter, which is why proper medical oversight and individualized care are non-negotiable in my practice.
At Shot Bar, we combine the edge with the evidence. We optimize, we monitor, and we support. Because the goal is not just to feel better, it is to feel unf@ckwithable.
Let’s get your hormones in alignment and show the world exactly who you are.
let’s talk regenerative medicine
Check out all the world-class treatments we offer, and reach out to our team with any questions you may have about Shot Bar Medspa.
