EvexiPEL Certified · Bioidentical HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Kingwood, The Woodlands and New Caney
A Stronger You
More energy. Better mood. Physician-led bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for women and men, from Julie Bernell, MD.
- Baylor College of Medicine trained
- EvexiPEL certified provider
- Care for women and men
Why patients come to us
Feel like yourself again
Hormone changes can affect how you feel every day. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is designed to bring levels back into balance, based on your symptoms and your lab results.
Increase Energy
Low or shifting hormones are a common cause of the afternoon crash. Balancing them may help restore steady energy.
Improve Libido
Changes in estrogen and testosterone can lower desire in women and men. We test first, then treat what we find.
Better Focus
Brain fog and forgetfulness often track with hormone changes in midlife and beyond.
Quality Sleep
Night sweats and restless nights are frequently hormonal, and they are often among the first things patients notice.
A Healthier You
Hormones affect bone, muscle, mood and metabolism. Your plan is built around your labs and your goals.
HRT for women and men
Is it your hormones?
The signs are easy to write off as stress or age. If several of these sound familiar, a hormone evaluation is a good place to start.
For women
HRT for Women
Perimenopause and menopause symptoms can include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Brain fog and forgetfulness
- Weight gain around the middle
- Low libido or vaginal dryness
- Mood swings and anxiety
For men
HRT for Men
Low testosterone symptoms can include:
- Fatigue and low drive
- Low libido or erectile changes
- Loss of muscle and strength
- Weight gain
- Irritability or low mood
- Poor sleep
EvexiPEL Pellet Therapy
Steady hormones, one small pellet at a time
EvexiPEL hormone pellets are bioidentical estradiol or testosterone, about the size of a grain of rice. They are placed just under the skin during a quick office visit and release hormone steadily over several months, so there are no daily creams or weekly injections to remember.
Dr. Bernell is a certified EvexiPEL provider. If pellets are not the right fit for you, she will talk with you about other hormone therapy options. Curious about the procedure? Read what to expect at pellet insertion.
Step 01
Test
Comprehensive lab work and an unhurried conversation about your symptoms, health history and goals.
Step 02
Treat
If you are a good candidate, your dose is personalized and your pellet is placed in a quick in-office visit.
Step 03
Track
Follow-up labs and visits keep your levels where they should be, and your plan adjusts as you do.
New · Medical Weight Loss
Weight loss with GLP-1 medications
Now offering physician-supervised medical weight loss with GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. Because hormones and weight are connected, one physician can address both, including menopause weight loss that pairs GLP-1 care with hormone therapy when appropriate.
- Evaluation and labs before prescribing
- Low starting dose, increased gradually
- Protein and strength guidance to protect muscle
- Regular follow-up
Symptoms we evaluate
Common signs of hormone imbalance
Hormone imbalance rarely shows up as just one thing. We look at the whole picture, for women and men.
Julie Bernell, MD
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Meet your physician
Care led by Julie Bernell, MD
Dr. Bernell earned her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine and completed her internship and residency there, after graduating cum laude from Tufts University.
Her practice in New Caney focuses on helping women and men understand their hormones and find a plan that fits, from hormone replacement therapy for women to testosterone replacement therapy for men. Every plan starts with lab work and a real conversation. There is no one-size-fits-all dosing, and no pressure if hormone therapy is not right for you.
Serving the Lake Houston area
Hormone therapy close to home
Our office is at 22186 Market Place Dr., Suites 132 & 133, in New Caney. Patients visit us from Kingwood, The Woodlands and across Montgomery County.
- Kingwood
- The Woodlands
- New Caney
- Porter
- Humble
- Lake Houston
- Montgomery County
Questions
Hormone therapy FAQs
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones with the same molecular structure as the ones your body makes, such as estradiol and testosterone. The goal is to restore levels that have dropped with age, menopause or other causes, guided by your symptoms and lab results.
What are EvexiPEL pellets?
EvexiPEL pellets are small bioidentical hormone pellets placed under the skin, usually near the hip, during a quick office visit. They release hormone steadily for several months. Dr. Bernell is a certified EvexiPEL provider.
How long do hormone pellets last?
Many patients need a new pellet every three to six months. Timing depends on the hormone, your dose and how quickly your body uses it. Follow-up labs guide when your next visit should be.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Hormone therapy has benefits and risks that depend on your age, health history and the type of hormone used, and it is not right for everyone. Pellets are compounded medications, which Dr. Bernell will discuss with you. She reviews your history and labs before recommending any treatment and monitors you throughout.
What are the side effects of hormone replacement therapy?
Side effects depend on the hormone and the dose. Women may notice breast tenderness, bloating, headaches or spotting, especially early on. Testosterone can cause acne, fluid retention and a rise in red blood cell counts. Pellet patients may have soreness or bruising where the pellet was placed. Most side effects improve as your dose is fine-tuned with follow-up labs.
Who should not use hormone therapy?
Estrogen therapy is generally not recommended for women with a history of breast or uterine cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, active liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Women who still have a uterus need progesterone with estrogen to protect the uterine lining. Testosterone therapy is not recommended for men with prostate cancer or those trying to conceive. Dr. Bernell reviews your full history before recommending treatment.
Does hormone replacement therapy cause weight gain?
Studies have not shown that HRT itself causes weight gain. Midlife weight gain is common because of aging and falling hormone levels, and some patients notice mild fluid retention when they start. Balanced hormones may make it easier to sleep, exercise and stay on track.
Does HRT affect bone and heart health?
Estrogen therapy helps prevent bone loss and lowers the risk of osteoporosis fractures. Heart risk depends on age and timing. Women who start hormone therapy before age 60, or within about 10 years of menopause, generally have a more favorable risk profile than women who start later.
Do you offer hormone therapy for men?
Yes. We evaluate men for low testosterone and offer testosterone therapy, including pellet therapy, when it is appropriate.
Where are you located?
We are at 22186 Market Place Dr., Suites 132 & 133, New Caney, TX 77357, and see patients from Kingwood, The Woodlands, Porter, Humble and across the Lake Houston area. Call 281-319-4111.