
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement in Philadelphia
At Meeting Point Health, we offer a comprehensive selection of functional and regenerative treatments designed to meet a variety of health and performance needs.

Starting at $300 per month
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Restore Balance with Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) is a general term that describes treatment for symptoms related to low hormone levels such as thyroid hormone, estrogen, progesterone or testosterone in women and men. Hormones are chemical messengers, released by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream. They act as signals between cells throughout your body. In addition to steroid hormones, it is important to look at how all your hormones are functioning, including your thyroid and adrenals. Dr. Stephen Matta, DO specializes in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine using Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy at Meeting Point Health in Philadelphia. He uses regular testing and follow-ups to ensure his treatments are precise and individualized.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the use of hormones that are identical on the molecular level to the ones produced by your body to treat conditions in which your own natural hormone production is low. BHRT is used to treat symptoms associated with low thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone hormone levels in both men and women. Hormones are chemical messengers, released by your endocrine glands into your bloodstream, that are essential to the proper functioning of cells throughout your body.
BHRT vs Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT uses hormones that have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your body and are derived from plant materials as well as mammalian sources. Synthetic hormones (such as Premarin and Provera) do not have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced by your body, and therefore can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease or certain cancers.
HOw is BHRT Administered?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can be prescribed as:
-Prescribed oral pill
-Cream or gel you rub into your skin
-Sublingual troche
-An injection every one to three weeks
-Subdermal pellets implanted under the skin once every three months
What conditions can BHRT treat?
Types of BHRT
We all know that as women age, there is a significant drop in estrogen levels. This causes symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and irritation, mood swings, fatigue, low libido, and weight gain. There is also an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. To combat these symptoms and risks, many doctors prescribe estrogen replacement therapy.
Estrogen replacement therapy provides low dosages via pills or patches, generally in pill form. The benefits of estrogen replacement therapy for women are great and include:
- Decreased risk of heart disease
- Less severe hot flashes vaginal dryness
- Decreased vaginal dryness
- Improved memory and concentration
- Increased bone density
Estrogen Replacement Therapy should not be done without close medical supervision and regular hormone testing. While estrogen can stimulate cells that promote the growth of cancerous tumors, the risk of estrogen-related cancers can be markedly reduced by taking progesterone along with estrogen replacement. In fact, women who take both hormones actually have a decreased chance of heart attack as opposed to those not receiving any treatment at all.
Many women suffer from a deficiency of progesterone or too much estrogen. This creates a picture called Estrogen Dominance with symptoms such as:
- Heavy and irregular periods
- Infertility
- Abnormal weight gain
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- PMS
- Low sex drive
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Weight loss resistance
Causes of estrogen dominance include problems breaking down estrogen in the liver, high cortisol levels with insulin resistance, weight gain, toxic xenoestrogens such as BPA, long term use of hormone-based contraceptives.
Progesterone replacement therapy along with appropriate diet and detoxification of estrogen can help reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can help increase testosterone levels in many men who suffer from low testosterone or andropause. If you have been experiencing certain symptoms of low testosterone such as those listed here, it’s time to test your sex hormones and get on a treatment plan.
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of sex drive
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Increase in body fat
A condition called “secondary hypogonadism” can develop as a result of another medical condition such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes or obesity. In these cases, TRT with testosterone alone may not correct both the physical symptoms and sexual problems caused by this secondary hypogonadism. In such cases, it is necessary to treat the cardiometabolic condition while also using testosterone replacement to help alleviate symptoms.
TRT is usually done with a gel or patch that is applied daily or as an injectable pellet therapy you receive in the office once every few months.
Your thyroid can become sluggish due to a number of factors:
- Chronic infection
- Chronic toxicity
- Genetic variations
- Lifestyle – nutrition and movement
- Micronutrient deficiencies – iodine, selenium, vitamin D, B vitamins
- Methylation problems
The intricacy of thyroid hormone balance is an interplay of various anatomy, not just your thyroid gland. Your brain, liver, kidneys, adrenals, blood proteins and muscles are all involved in activating thyroid hormone. Problems arise when:
- The liver and kidneys can become overburdened from chronic infection and chronic toxicity.
- A sedentary lifestyle leads to markedly reduced muscle activation and peristalsis in the gut.
- Your immune system is overburdened causing your body to make antibodies not only to pathogens and toxins, but also to your own thyroid hormone.
- Stressors can cause your adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. This can cause some T4 to be converted to reverse T3 (rT3) which slows down metabolism. High rT3 levels indicate a stressed state. Low rT3 levels may indicate an over supplementation of T3 replacement, such as with Cytomel.
We use a combination of medications and treatments for thyroid replacement therapy, especially in cases of Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Thyroiditis:
- Natural desiccated thyroid replacement such as Armour which is a combination of T4 and T3
- Low dose naltrexone (LDN) to stimulate the immune system
- Maximizing gut health and elimination with nutrition, supplementation, and abdominal acupuncture.
- Detoxification strategies with IV therapy (such as ozone and chelation), infrared sauna, cupping therapy
Soul-Centered Healthcare As a Catalyst For Change
Many people suffer with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed conditions and simply don’t know what’s wrong with them or what will help. We understand what it’s like to feel trapped in a body that is not working for you! At Meeting Point Health, we find the root cause and use a proven, integrative approach that gets results. As highly trained pioneers in functional and regenerative medicine, we’ve helped thousands of patients take control of their health.
OUR PATIENTS FIND RELIEF HERE
EXCELLENT Based on 130 reviews Anastasia AlexandrinDecember 6, 2023 What an absolutely incredible experience! I had no idea that I could turn back time and emerge looking and feeling this amazing. Dr. Matta and the entire team exceeded my expectations in every way. Their professionalism and care made the entire process a breeze. Surprisingly, the needles didn't bother me as much as I anticipated, thanks to their reassuring guidance. Throughout the entire procedure, Dr. Matta and his team walked me through each step, addressing all my concerns and ensuring that everything was handled with the utmost precision. The smoothness of the entire experience left me in a state of happiness and excitement. I felt like every detail and consideration I had was not only acknowledged but handled in the most incredible way possible. Now, two weeks post-procedure, I am astounded by the results. My decades-old wrinkles and pesky crow's feet are a thing of the past, and I am absolutely in love with my rejuvenated appearance. What sets Dr. Matta apart is not just the elimination of imperfections but the artistry in achieving a natural look. No one can tell that I've had anything done, and that, to me, is truly priceless. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Matta to anyone seeking a skilled professional who not only understands the intricacies of the procedure but also prioritizes a natural and beautiful outcome. From the initial consultation, I knew I was in competent hands. Dr. Matta took the time to explain every detail, patiently answered all my questions, and instilled a sense of certainty that I had made the right choice. Trust Dr. Matta to bring out the best version of yourself with his expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional results. Mary Genevieve CartyNovember 30, 2023 Meeting Point Health = My Personal Hero! The team here is the absolute best there is, and live at the intersection of established and new health science. Dr. Matta is a double board-certified certified medical doctor who not only understands the power of regenerative medicine, but is a master diagnostician. The whole MPH team is knowledgeable, friendly, and warm. They have helped not only my family, but also one of my best friends. I will never stop singing their praises! Update: I recently went to Meeting Point Health for aesthetic treatments and WOW! I am blown away by the results! Not only was Dr. Matta very patient and explained everything to me in detail, but when I experienced some anxiety during the procedure he used acupuncture to help me calm down quickly- not something that most people could offer! I will definitely be going back to Meeting Point- not just for wellness but also for aesthetic treatments. Love the people, and love the results. Melissa DomanNovember 29, 2023 I've been a patient of Dr. Matta's for over 4 years. In that time he's helped me through ankle sprains, lisfranc tear, AC joint separation, and chronic lower back pain. He's the only person I trust to help me overcome injury and keep me feeling great and on the field for the sports that I play. His approach gets to the ROOT OF THE ISSUE - he never just treats the symptoms. His approach has lasting results and that's why I'm a patient for life! I also recently had aesthetic work done, which I never in a million years saw myself doing. He and Maryanne took the time to know what I might want to change and how I'd want to look and I'm so, so happy with the results. My brow frown lines are gone and my skin looks so much smoother. Kacie BreedingSeptember 15, 2023 My name is Kacie and I am a former D1 Track and Field athlete. I went to Dr. Matta and team after I had been in pain for 3 years, seen 4 different surgeons about the problems in my leg, had undergone two surgeries, and had basically given up on the idea that I would ever be pain free again. Dr. Matta was my last resort, but I wish I had gone to him sooner. Over the course of a few months, Dr. Matta was able to find and remediate, through a combination of his unique methods, vast knowledge and experience, and intuition about the human body, the source of my pain. Although I may never be as good as new, I'm about as close as I'm going to get. From the moment I met Dr. Matta and his team, I knew I was in good hands. No challenge, including me being in pain for 3 years with no answers from surgeons at the top of their field, daunted them and they met me with compassion and empathy that is rare to find in a doctor's office. I think one of the things that sets them apart is how accessible they are and how much time they are willing to invest in their patients. If you are experiencing pain, limited mobility, or just need someone who is willing to try everything in their power to hear and help you get answers, definitely give Meeting Point Health a chance. I don't know where I'd be if I didn't. Greg BaltzSeptember 13, 2023 I came to Meeting Point to treat old ankle and knee injuries and hip soreness. Dr. Matta recommended PRP treatment for my ankle and knee and I had terrific results, substantially reduced pain and increased strength. Also had great results with the treatment for my hip pain. I highly recommend Meeting Point. Justine FSeptember 10, 2023 I first came to Meeting Point Health in the spring of 2022 when I was 34. I came to both Dr. Matta and Mary Anne with chronic pain that left me almost completely incapacitated and unable to move. Since 2018 I had tried chiropractors, 4 different physical therapists, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, consulted with neurologists, orthopedics, pain management, and eventually, resigned myself to getting back surgery in Nov. 2021. Two months after that the pain was back and I was told I’d need a spinal fusion. At my wit’s end, I finally threw myself in to researching alternative medicine. I’d heard about Functional Medicine a few years prior and decided to learn more, but having grown up with a western medicine nurse as a mom I’ll admit I was very uncertain. But at this point, I would do anything to avoid another back surgery let alone a spinal fusion. Cue the Mattas. It started with Dr. Stephen Matta. After one appointment that lasted almost an hour and a half, I felt in my gut that working with him was the right decision. The science was there (and explained to me in ways I understood with every question I had very patiently answered) as was the overwhelming confidence and trust in Dr. Matta as a practitioner; and so the willingness to take a small leap of faith in something I was unfamiliar with felt less daunting and more hopeful. After completing his treatment plan, within two months I was walking without pain again. Within six months, I was pursuing my normal activities. Almost 18 months later, I’m completely pain free, physically strong, confident and have my life back. It wasn’t just Dr Matta though. It was Mary Anne as well. They are a team in every sense of the word. Dr Matta is in charge of the structure, Mary Anne was in charge of the internal mechanics. With her help and the help of the Meeting Point Health team, I not only discovered I had multiple chronic illnesses, including Lyme disease, but I found treatment for it with IV therapy. No antibiotics, no prescriptions, it was natural - supplements, vitamins, minerals, ozone and glutathione. Under her care and supervision (not to mention the amazing individuality I experienced with her) I experienced vitality and clarity of mind, the likes of which I didn’t even know existed. I continue to work with them to this day and will continue so long as I live in this area. There is a place for Western medicine, but Functional Medicine is the present and future and Meeting Point Health is at the cutting edge. I know enough about modern medicine to know it is a relatively new science, and therefore continually evolving every day with new discoveries and connections emerging all the time - it became quite clear to me very quickly, that Mary Anne and Dr Matta continually educate themselves through conferences, coursework, seminars. They ARE cutting edge. Your health is their priority, and if they don’t have the answer, they won’t stop until they do. I know that when I was searching for physicians to help me where no one else could, I read reviews and testimonials like crazy. I hope this serves those reading this well in making a decision to work with MPH. You won’t regret it. Jamie FinkenthalAugust 29, 2023 January this year, I came back from my honeymoon and was so incredibly sick. I was having neurological issues, digestive issues, my equilibrium was completely off, and I was having numbness and tingling in my back and head. My symptoms would change daily and I could hardly go to work. I was sooo sick. I went to 5 doctors, including specialist. I went to the ER three times. I even went to what was suppose to be one of the best infectious disease doctors in the world. No one could help me. They just told me I had a bacterial infection and would send me home. My husband found Meeting Point and said let’s try them. Their reviews were amazing and it looked like they try to find the root of the problem. So, we made an appointment to meet with Dr. Matta and Mary Anne. This was the first time for almost 4 months that I had felt heard. In addition to the Mattas, the nurses and staff are amazing! Everyone who works there at Meeting Point all have been a huge part in my healing. Everyone listens to you and tries to help you in anyway they can. They said we are going to figure out what is wrong with you and get some answers. They tested me for everything and I found out I had Lyme Disease with many co infections. I am currently still being treated by them because they figured out that I had the Lyme for more than 6 months, before my body started feeling anything. I have been receiving treatments by the Matta’s for almost 5 months now and I can not tell you how much better I feel. I’m able to go to work and go out to dinner, do fun activities, and I even traveled by plane for the first time since my honeymoon. I’m not perfect and still have a ways to go but I got my life back. I will say their prices are not cheap but if you have been sick for awhile and feel like no doctors are giving you answers and you feel like you have come to a road block, try Meeting Point. They will get to the root of the problem and figure out a treatment plan that will finally help you! You can not put a price on your health and they will help you! I have full faith. Gabrielina LopezAugust 17, 2023 The best place for cronic pain... Jordyn KrzywickiAugust 17, 2023 I found Meeting Point after dealing with a slew of symptoms starting in 2018 eventually was diagnosed with MS in 2019 and things progressively worsened over a few short months for me and my day to day living. Everything changed, my career, my relationships with friends and family, and also my relationship with myself/my body. I resented my body for so long, scared for my future and what it holds for me, but finally after so many different protocols, detoxes, cleanses on my own, I feel relief from so many of my symptoms. I’m only 6 weeks into my new treatment plan and feel I am rebuilding myself physically and mentally. I can’t thank Mary Anne, Shannon, and the rest of the team enough, they truly are life savers. Can’t wait to keep making strides in my health here. I will forever spread the word about MPH!! Andrea DonnellyAugust 7, 2023 I found Meeting Point after experiencing a dramatic, super painful injury a few months back that really knocked me off my game. The gratitude I have for the visionary care provided me these past few months is kind of too big for words. If you’re wondering about scheduling a consult I can only say run don’t walk in their direction!!!!
We’re here to answer all of your questions
Schedule a call with one of our onboarding specialists today so they can answer all of your questions.
What to expect at my appointment for BHRT?
How does BHRT Work?
The goal of hormone replacement therapy, whether it’s with sex hormone, thyroid hormone, melatonin or others is to replace the hormone that your body isn’t producing enough of.
As with all HRT, well-being is relatively easy to maintain as long as it’s working for you – but if not, then the dosage may need to be adjusted. We will likely repeat a blood test to readjust your medication and fine-tune how much hormone you need to feel good again.
What testing is used to prescribe BHRT?
At Meeting Point Health, we will use Precision Analytics DUTCH Hormone Test or Vibrant Wellness. Depending on where you are in treatment, and what hormones we are testing, the collected specimen may be saliva, urine, or blood.
These panels are an in-depth comprehensive review of sex and adrenal hormones including:
- 24 hour cortisol
- DHEA
- Estrogen metabolites and ratios
- Progesterone metabolites and ratio to estrogen
- Testosterone metabolites
We’ll often combine a hormone panel with other tests such as:
- Complete Thyroid Panel
TSH – an indicator of how hard your thyroid is working to increase immunity and metabolism - Thyroxine Binding Globulin – a high estrogen indicator
Total T3 and T4 (protein bound) – inactive circulating hormone - Free t3 and t4 (unbound) – activate circulating hormone
- Reverse T3 – slows down your metabolism to save resources
- Anti TPO antibodies – indicator of autoimmune thyroiditis
- Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
- Iodine – used in the thyroid to make hormone
- Selenium – a necessary cofactor used by an enzyme in the liver to activate T3
Total Toxin Burden
- Mycotoxins – can degenerate phospholipids which make up the cell membranes of hormones
- Heavy Metals – interfere with hormone production, oxygenation and liver function
- Plastics – the biggest endocrine disruptors as these are xenoestrogens (fake estrogen)
- Herbicides and Pesticides – destroy gut health and affect insulin sensitivity and immunity
- Chemical Solvents and Emissions
- Neurotransmitters – these affect mood, energy, digestion and more
- Melatonin – a sleep hormone that also acts as an antioxidant that is immune protective
We also may add testing for serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) – these are hormones from your brain that work together with your ovaries or testes to stimulate production of your sex hormones.
What are the side effects of BHRT?
Hormone therapy can have side effects if not dosed properly. Your endocrine system is sensitive to changes and may take time to achieve the optimal therapeutic dose. Some commonly experienced side effects include:
- Weight gain
- Cramps
- Tenderness in the Breasts
- Changes to skin oiliness and texture
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Who is a good candidate for BHRT?
Women who experience severe menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings, difficulty sleeping, headaches or painful intercourse are ideal candidates for BHRT. Also, women who experience menopause early as a result of chemotherapy or an oophorectomy can benefit from BHRT.
If you have tried other recommended therapies and made the suggested lifestyle changes and still have not experienced relief from menopausal symptoms, then ask your doctor if BHRT is right for you.
How long does BHRT take before I feel better?
Does Meeting Point Health accept insurance?
Meeting Point Health does not accept insurance.
Our practitioners and staff fully understand and empathize with the challenges that patients face as they make financial decisions for proper health care. Our practice is very different from a conventional medical practice in many ways, but the time spent with each patient is usually 30-90 minutes. Visits with a physician covered by insurance generally allow for less than 10 minutes in total! Conventional medical practices that take insurance maintain brief office visits and high patient loads for this reason. We cannot provide the expert care that every one of our patients deserves under those circumstances.
Insurance also dictates the types of treatments and order of treatments patients can receive for a particular condition.
Opting out of insurance allows the patient and the doctor to maintain their medical autonomy, which is imperative to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time and the right dose.
Can I get an insurance reimbursement?
How do I get started with Meeting Point Health?
To start your journey to relief, schedule a consultation with our team. During your initial visit, we’ll assess your medical history, perform a thorough evaluation, and develop a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Click to schedule a free discovery call with one of our Patient Onboarding Specialists today!