Available in-person at our BHRT Chicago clinic and via telehealth across Illinois — personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Chicago with board-certified Nurse Practitioner Elise Sterritt, FNP-BC.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone therapy that uses hormones structurally identical — molecule for molecule — to those your body produces naturally. Unlike conventional synthetic hormones, which are chemically altered versions of human hormones, bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and designed to match your body’s own chemistry exactly.
At Copper Wellness, our approach to bioidentical hormone therapy in Chicago starts with understanding your unique hormonal picture. Elise Sterritt, our BHRT Chicago specialist, uses comprehensive lab work to identify exactly where your levels are — and builds a treatment plan around those findings, your symptoms, and your goals. If you’ve been searching for bioidentical hormones in Chicago with a provider who actually listens, this is where that starts.
BHRT vs Conventional Hormone Therapy — What's the Difference?
Many patients come to us having tried conventional hormone therapy — or having read conflicting information about it. Here’s a straightforward comparison:
Bioidentical Hormones (BHRT)
- Structurally identical to hormones your body produces
- Derived from plant sources (typically soy or yam)
- Compounded or commercially available formulations
- Dosing individualized based on your lab results
- Available in multiple forms: gels, creams, patches, injections, oral
Conventional Synthetic Hormones
- Chemically altered — similar but not identical to human hormones
- Mass-produced at standard doses
- Not tailored to individual hormone levels
- May carry different risk profiles due to structural differences
The choice between BHRT and conventional HRT depends on your health history, preferences, and what your labs show. Elise will walk you through both options and help you decide what makes the most sense for your body — without pushing a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Who May Benefit From Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Chicago at Copper Wellness is available for both women and men experiencing hormonal decline or imbalance. Whether you found us searching for bioidentical hormone therapy near me or were referred by someone who knows our work, the starting point is always the same: a thorough evaluation, not a rushed prescription.
Hormone fluctuations in the years before your last period can be unpredictable and disruptive. BHRT can help stabilize estrogen and progesterone levels as they shift.
After periods stop, estrogen and progesterone drop sharply. Bioidentical hormones for menopause offer an evidence-based option for managing the symptoms that follow — from hot flashes to sleep disruption and mood changes.
Women need testosterone too. Low levels cause fatigue, low libido, brain fog, and reduced muscle tone — all responsive to targeted BHRT.
Men experience hormonal decline too — typically testosterone, but also other hormones. BHRT for men addresses fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass without the risks associated with synthetic testosterone products.
Women who have undergone hysterectomy or oophorectomy often face sudden and severe hormonal shifts. Bioidentical hormone therapy provides targeted support when the body can no longer produce hormones naturally.
Hormonal health extends beyond estrogen and testosterone. Elise evaluates the full picture — including thyroid and adrenal function — to ensure nothing is missed in your treatment plan.
Symptoms That May Indicate a Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalance presents differently in women and men — but in both cases, the symptoms are real, disruptive, and addressable with the right bioidentical hormone therapy. Many patients who come to our BHRT Chicago clinic have been experiencing these symptoms for years without a clear answer.
In Women:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular or absent periods
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Sleep disruption or insomnia
- Fatigue and low energy
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Low libido
- Unexplained weight gain
- Hair thinning or skin changes
In Men:
- Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
- Chronic fatigue or low energy
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat, especially around the waist
- Mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Brain fog or reduced mental clarity
- Decreased bone density
- Sleep disturbances
If several of these sound familiar, it may be time to have your hormone levels checked. Elise reviews both your lab results and your experience — because numbers alone don’t always tell the full story.
How Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Works at Copper Wellness in Chicago
Elise starts with a full hormone panel — estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, and other relevant markers. This gives a precise, data-driven baseline so your treatment is built on real information, not assumptions. Labs & imaging can be ordered locally for your convenience.
Based on your labs, symptoms, health history, and lifestyle, Elise builds a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy Chicago plan specific to you. The delivery method — whether gel, cream, patch, injection, or oral — is chosen based on what fits your body and daily routine best.
BHRT requires ongoing attention. Elise monitors your hormone levels, tracks your response, and adjusts dosing as needed — so you’re always getting the benefit of a treatment that’s calibrated to where you actually are, not where you started.
Your hormonal needs change over time, and your BHRT Illinois plan should reflect that. Elise provides continued care as your health evolves — adjusting, refining, and staying on top of your labs so nothing goes unnoticed.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Near You — Available Across Illinois via Telehealth
If you’re looking for bioidentical hormone therapy near you in Illinois but can’t make it to our BHRT Chicago clinic in person, telehealth brings full BHRT care directly to you. As a BHRT specialist serving patients statewide, Elise conducts virtual consultations for hormone evaluation, prescribing, and ongoing monitoring — with the same personalized attention as an in-office visit.
Order labs at a location near you, review your results with Elise over a video call, and receive your prescription directly at your pharmacy. No commute, no waiting room, no compromise on the quality of your care.
- Available to patients statewide throughout Illinois
- Full BHRT evaluation, prescribing, and follow-up via telehealth
- BHRT Illinois patients can complete lab work locally — no travel required
- Book your virtual BHRT consultation today
Your BHRT Specialist in Chicago & Illinois
Elise Sterritt is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in integrative medicine, women’s health, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Licensed to treat patients across Illinois and Nevada, Elise takes a whole-person approach to every BHRT consultation — combining evidence-based functional medicine with genuine attention to how you feel, not just what your labs say.
Elise has a particular focus on supporting women through perimenopause and menopause, and works with both women and men navigating hormonal decline at any stage of life. Her goal is to help you understand what’s happening in your body — and feel meaningfully better as a result.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy at Copper Wellness — Chicago BHRT Clinic
Copper Wellness is an integrative health clinic in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, at 1654 W. North Ave. Our approach to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Chicago starts not with a prescription, but with a full clinical picture — labs, symptoms, history, and goals — before any treatment begins.
Whether you’re coming in for your first BHRT Chicago consultation or looking for a BHRT specialist who will monitor and adjust your care over time, Elise offers continuity and personalization that most practices don’t. For patients across Illinois who prefer not to travel, full bioidentical hormone therapy is available via telehealth — from initial lab work to ongoing prescription management.
Most services are covered by major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna. FSA and HSA payments are also accepted.
Reviews About Sports Acupuncture Chicago, IL
I carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders, especially after returning to work, and I feel it build up quickly. After each visit, the difference is noticeable. The tension improves significantly, and I leave feeling lighter and overall better.
What really stands out is how much she listens. From the first visit, she took the time to understand my lifestyle and stress, and I never felt rushed. That level of care makes a huge difference.
Going through a recent health complication put things into perspective for me. I realized I was moving through life too fast and putting myself last. Now I’m being more intentional about my health and managing my stress, especially with how demanding life can be. These appointments have been a key part of that.
I have also been using other services like pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture (soon to be appt), and massage, and everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming.
I am really grateful I found Copper Wellness.
We wanted something in the city, close to home, and in an area where we could turn our appointments into something more, like grabbing coffee or enjoying a date night after. This location checked all of those boxes.
From the moment you walk in, the energy is different. The space is beautiful, full of plants, warm earth tones, wood elements, and subtle aromatherapy. It feels calming, elevated, and intentional. Even the small touches, like complimentary water, make a difference. It genuinely reflects the kind of environment we value in our own home.
The staff is diverse, welcoming, and you can tell they truly enjoy what they do. That energy carries throughout the entire experience.
Dr. Mimosa is incredible. She is knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly, she really listens. Every visit feels personalized, and she takes the time to understand exactly what we need. That level of care is rare and deeply appreciated.
I also want to give a genuine shoutout to Dr. Mimosa, the practitioners at Copper Wellness, and the entire staff. Everyone plays a part in making this place feel as special as it does.
Booking is seamless, whether online, by phone, or through their waitlist system. Everything feels efficient and thoughtfully designed.
We’re both genuinely happy we found this place. It exceeded our expectations in every way. Thank you for choosing Chicago and creating such a special space. We’re looking forward to many more visits and hope you remain part of the neighborhood for years to come.
Oh yeah and one more thing! Happy 1st day of Spring!!!
Christopher & Genesis
🌺🐈✨️📿👋🏼❤️
Whether you’re new to acupuncture or have been going for years, Dr. Madden’s expertise and gentle technique make all the difference. She explains everything clearly and creates an environment that feels safe and restorative. I can’t recommend her highly enough. she’s truly the best in her field here in Chicago.
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
Our Insurance Partners
We accept most major insurance plans depending on your type of service.
FAQs About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy in Chicago, IL
What is the difference between BHRT and conventional HRT?
Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones your body produces naturally, while conventional synthetic hormones are chemically altered versions. BHRT is also individually dosed based on your lab results rather than prescribed at a standard dose. Both have a role depending on the patient — Elise will help you understand which approach makes sense for your specific situation.
Is bioidentical hormone therapy safe?
BHRT has a well-established safety profile when properly prescribed and monitored. Like any hormone therapy, it requires individualized dosing and regular follow-up — which is exactly how Elise approaches every patient. She reviews your full health history and risk factors before recommending any protocol.
Who is a good candidate for BHRT in Chicago?
Women and men experiencing symptoms of hormonal decline — including perimenopause, menopause, low testosterone, fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes — are often good candidates for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The clearest way to know is through a consultation and lab work with a BHRT specialist in Chicago.
What forms of bioidentical hormone therapy are available?
Elise works with multiple delivery methods — including gels, creams, patches, injections, and oral formulations. The form is determined based on your labs, symptoms, lifestyle, and personal preference. Copper Wellness does not limit patients to a single delivery method.
Does insurance cover bioidentical hormone therapy in Chicago?
Coverage depends on the specific formulation and your insurance plan. Copper Wellness accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and FSA/HSA payments are also accepted. For questions about your specific coverage, visit our Insurance page or contact the clinic directly.
Can I get BHRT via telehealth if I live outside Chicago?
Yes. As a BHRT specialist licensed in Illinois, Elise sees patients across the state via telehealth for bioidentical hormone therapy evaluation, prescribing, and ongoing monitoring. You can complete lab work locally and meet with Elise virtually for everything else.
How long does it take to feel results from BHRT?
Most patients begin noticing improvements within two to six weeks, though optimal results can take up to three to six months depending on the individual, the hormones involved, and the delivery method. Elise monitors your progress and adjusts as needed throughout the process.
Contact Information
Start with a free consultation
Tell us what’s going on, and we’ll connect you with the right specialist.
Tue - Thu: 9AM - 8PM
Fri: 9AM - 6PM
Sat: 9AM - 4PM