Aging is not about losing vitality… it’s about reclaiming it. With the right balance of hormones, you don’t just add years to your life, you add life to your years.
– Carolyn Zaumeyer, MSN, APRN
Bioidentical hormone therapy is changing the way we approach aging, wellness, and vitality. In this enlightening conversation, hormone specialist and nurse practitioner Carolyn Zaumeyer, MSN, APRN, founder of LowTE Florida, opens up about her nearly four decades of experience helping men and women regain balance, energy, and confidence through evidence-based, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. With humor, science, and sincerity, she breaks down myths, explains the real difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, and shares why living with optimal hormones is one of the most powerful health choices we can make.
This in-depth interview with Stacey Chillemi explores everything from the misunderstood history of hormone therapy to the real-world transformations Carolyn has witnessed in her patients. Her insights offer clarity and empowerment for anyone curious about how BHRT can support longevity, improve sleep, restore mood, and revitalize overall health. Readers will walk away with both practical guidance and renewed hope that aging doesn’t mean slowing down, it can be a new beginning for feeling your best.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
I’m a nurse practitioner and bioidentical hormone expert who has been prescribing hormones for nearly 40 years. I began my journey in medicine before bioidentical hormones were even available, using synthetic options like Premarin and Provera. Over time, I refined my expertise and developed a deep understanding of how hormones impact health, well-being, and longevity. Today, I proudly operate the number one hormone practice in Florida, where I focus on helping men and women feel like themselves again through safe, evidence-based hormone optimization.
How long have bioidentical hormone pellets been around, and what does the research show?
Bioidentical hormone pellets have been in use in the United States for over 80 years. The earliest studies I found date back to 1939, and my own experience began in 1979 during surgical training in Memphis. We used pellets to help women feel better immediately after surgery—and I never forgot the difference they made. Over the decades, research has consistently shown that pellets not only help patients feel better but also support long-term health, with benefits such as reduced risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and even breast cancer. Two current studies suggest a 30–40% decreased risk of breast cancer in women using testosterone pellets, which is an incredible finding.
Where did the fear around hormones come from?
Much of the fear comes from the Women’s Health Initiative study conducted in 2002. It was a large but deeply flawed study that used the wrong hormones—synthetic, not bioidentical—and the wrong delivery system, oral instead of transdermal or pellet. The study wasn’t individualized; everyone received the same dose, which distorted the results. Later analysis showed that women who received only estrogen (no uterus, therefore no progestin) actually had lower rates of breast cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. The problems came from synthetic progestins, not natural progesterone, yet the fear stuck for years.
What exactly is bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT)?
Bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced in the body. The term “bioidentical” refers to both their plant-based origin—most are derived from wild yams—and their molecular structure, which matches human hormones exactly. Our ovaries produce estradiol and testosterone, but as we age, these levels decline and symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, and low libido appear. Replacing these hormones with bioidentical versions helps restore balance, energy, and well-being. I’ve seen women in their 20s regain their vitality after childbirth and women in their 90s still playing tennis thanks to BHRT. It truly supports healthy aging at every stage.
How is BHRT different from traditional HRT with synthetics?
The difference is like comparing apples and oranges. Synthetic hormones are foreign to the body and can cause adverse effects, while bioidentical hormones mimic your body’s natural chemistry. With synthetic options, the body struggles to metabolize them, often leading to inflammation and increased risk of complications. In contrast, bioidentical hormones are recognized by the body as its own, allowing for smoother integration. With pellets, the hormone is released gradually as blood passes through, providing a consistent and steady level for months at a time—no roller coaster highs and lows like you get with creams, patches, or injections.
What is the first principle people should understand before starting BHRT?
The first principle is confidence in the safety and science behind it. We begin with a full consultation process that includes medical history, labs, and an initial phone evaluation. Once the results are reviewed, we create a personalized plan and schedule the pellet insertion, which takes about 20 minutes. We follow up with lab work after four to six weeks to ensure the hormones are balanced and make any necessary adjustments. My goal is to make every patient feel both informed and empowered—you should always understand what you’re doing and why.
How safe is BHRT when properly dosed and monitored?
It’s very safe. I wouldn’t base my entire practice on something that wasn’t. In fact, I’ve been on hormone pellets myself for over 15 years. I used to come home from work exhausted, barely able to move after long days in my gynecology practice. But once I began using pellets, I felt like I got the second half of my day back. I had more energy, motivation, and zest for life—and my patients consistently report the same transformation.
What frustrates you most about how the media reports on hormones?
My biggest frustration is when media outlets misreport information about hormone therapy. They often use incorrect terminology—confusing progesterone with synthetic progestins—and fail to distinguish between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. This creates unnecessary fear and confusion. I once wrote a letter to a television doctor who incorrectly used these terms during a national broadcast and sent her a copy of my book to help educate her audience. We need accuracy because misinformation keeps people from getting life-changing treatment.
What kind of lab work do you do before and after treatment?
We do a comprehensive panel to ensure overall health before treatment begins. This includes blood counts, kidney and liver function, cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid levels, vitamin D, and B12, along with hormone levels like estradiol, testosterone, and FSH. Many patients are surprised to learn they have deficiencies—for example, over 90% of Floridians I test are low in vitamin D. We repeat labs at four to six weeks to make sure the dosing is right and then monitor periodically throughout the year. I also listen closely to what patients report feeling—the goal is balance, not just numbers on paper.
What are the most common symptoms patients experience before BHRT?
The number one symptom I see is fatigue—followed by anxiety, hot flashes, poor sleep, and low libido. Hormone depletion can impact every part of life, from mood to relationships. Testosterone is especially vital for energy, motivation, and mental clarity. Once hormones are balanced, my patients often say, “I didn’t know how bad I felt until I felt good again.” It’s truly rewarding to see them rediscover themselves.
What early results can people expect from BHRT?
Most patients start to feel noticeable changes within four to six weeks, though some report better sleep or improved mood after just a few days. The key is gradual, steady improvement—we want your body to adapt naturally. Over time, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and night sweats fade, and people regain their vitality. It’s a beautiful thing to witness that shift from survival mode to thriving.
Why do you prefer pellets over other delivery systems?
Pellets offer the most consistent and effective delivery of hormones. Unlike creams or patches that must be applied daily and can transfer to others, pellets release hormones evenly over several months. They also bypass the liver, reducing side effects and maintaining stable levels without spikes or crashes. Studies show that nearly half of people don’t absorb topical hormones effectively—so pellets simply make more sense for long-term balance and peace of mind.
What are the top menopause symptoms that BHRT can improve?
BHRT can dramatically improve sleep, night sweats, mood, energy, and libido. It helps restore emotional balance, reduces irritability, and renews motivation. Women often describe feeling like they have their old selves back—the spark, focus, and joy they lost somewhere along the way. The only trade-off is the investment and the brief pellet procedure, which is minor compared to the long-term benefits of restored health and happiness.
Who might not be a candidate for BHRT?
The only people who shouldn’t use BHRT are those currently undergoing active cancer treatment or dealing with unresolved cardiac conditions like atrial fibrillation. In those cases, I coordinate care closely with other doctors before proceeding. Otherwise, BHRT is safe for most individuals when carefully monitored. Even men who have had prostate cancer and surgery have benefited from clearance from their specialists.
What supplements do you recommend alongside hormone therapy?
One of my favorite supplements is DIM, or diindolylmethane. It helps the body metabolize estrogen safely by pushing it down the healthiest detoxification pathway. I also recommend high-quality vitamin D, B12, and probiotics. I created my own supplement line to ensure purity and potency because many commercial brands are poorly regulated. My products are tested for quality, made in the U.S., and available through my website or Amazon.
What are some misconceptions people have about BHRT and longevity?
One misconception is that hormones can fix everything. While they are life-changing, they aren’t a cure-all for every problem. Sometimes fatigue or low libido may be tied to stress, poor sleep, or emotional issues. BHRT can enhance your quality of life, but true wellness also includes healthy habits, relationships, and mindset. I encourage patients to view hormones as one piece of a holistic health picture.
What key takeaways do you want people to remember about hormone therapy?
Hormones are safe, natural, and vital to healthy aging. There isn’t a single study showing that estradiol—the estrogen we use—causes breast cancer. And women absolutely need testosterone; it’s their “happy hormone” for mood, energy, and libido. My mission is to dispel fear and misinformation so people can live full, vibrant lives at any age.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit my website at lowteflorida.com to learn more about my practice, order supplements, or request a free copy of my book Are You Hormone Curious?. The book is also available on Amazon in hardcover and Audible. I truly believe education is empowerment—and I want people to know they can age with vitality and confidence. You can also follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Carolyn, this has been an incredible conversation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion with our audience. It’s inspiring to see how your work helps both women and men reclaim their energy and joy.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been such a pleasure. Together, we can continue enlightening people about the beauty and safety of bioidentical hormones.
