Hormone Optimization
with Erin Chaney DNP, ARNP
Personalized and comprehensive hormone replacement therapies for both men and women.
Balancing Hormones
Hormonal changes in midlife can impact energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, and overall well-being but you don’t have to navigate this transition alone. At Emerge, we take a personalized, science-backed approach to hormone wellness, helping you feel like yourself again with comprehensive evaluations, customized treatment plans, and ongoing support.
Whether you’re struggling with hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, irregular periods, weight changes, or fatigue — or you’re a man experiencing low energy, decreased libido, muscle loss, irritability, or poor sleep, Emerge provides the medical expertise and personalized care you need to thrive.
Women
Hormone imbalance in women can occur as part of the aging process and may reflect genetic predispositions for certain conditions.
However, hormone balance or imbalance can also be affected by the foods we eat, the exercise we get, and the amount of stress we experience. woman’s hormones do much more than just regulate mood and sexuality, they can determine whether an individual may be at risk for elevated blood sugar, decreased bone density, and thyroid problems.
When a female has a hormone imbalance in their endocrine system, they can develop symptoms that range from subtle to debilitating. This means there is either too much or too little of a woman’s hormones being produced somewhere within the endocrine system.
Men
Male hormones regulate bodily functions and processes in men. When these hormones are imbalanced, they can have serious effects on the body. Ranging from mild to severe, the symptoms of an imbalance in male hormones are frustrating and can affect everyday life.
About Hormone Replacement Therapy
The primary goal of HRT is to help balance hormones through hormone replacement therapy. Hormone balance is crucial to leading a healthier and more fulfilling life. That’s why the mission of Emerge is to help people live better, longer.
Meet Erin Chaney DNP, ARNP
Erin has been working in healthcare for more than 25 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Washington and worked as a critical care nurse for many years.  After she transitioned to a healthcare management role, she then attended the University of Massachusetts to complete a doctorate in nursing practice degree at the University of Massachusetts which also prepared her for her adult-geriatric primary care nurse practitioner board certification.
Erin is dedicated to her patients and their well-being. She takes time to listen, collaborate, and develop an individualize plan of care for her patients.
FAQ
What is the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones?
Both bioidentical and synthetic hormone therapies are FDA-approved and considered safe for treating perimenopause, menopause, and andropause symptoms when used appropriately.
Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body, allowing for a more precise and individualized approach to hormone therapy. They are typically derived from plant sources and are available in both FDA-approved formulations and custom-compounded options.
Synthetic hormones, while chemically different from natural human hormones, are also effective and widely used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some synthetic forms, like certain progestins and estrogens, may have different effects on metabolism and hormone receptor activity compared to bioidentical hormones.
At Emerge Weight & Hormone Specialists, Erin Chaney, DNP, ARNP offers both bioidentical and FDA-approved hormone therapies for men and women, tailoring treatment to your unique health needs, lab results, and symptom profile to ensure the safest and most effective approach to hormonal balance and long-term well-being.
Does hormone replacement therapy increase my risk for breast cancer?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and effective treatment for menopause and andropause symptoms when used appropriately, but many patients have concerns about potential health risks.
Current research shows that HRT does not significantly increase breast cancer risk for most women, especially when started within 10 years of menopause. The type of hormone therapy, duration of use, and individual risk factors all play a role in determining risk.
- Estrogen-only therapy (ET) has not been shown to increase breast cancer risk and may even have a protective effect in some cases.
- Estrogen + progestin therapy (EPT) may have a small increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use (typically after 5+ years), but this risk returns to baseline after stopping therapy.
- The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study that initially raised concerns used oral estrogen (conjugated equine estrogen) and synthetic progestin (medroxyprogesterone acetate) — which may have different risk profiles compared to transdermal estrogen and bioidentical progesterone (micronized progesterone).
At Emerge Weight & Hormone Specialists, Erin Chaney, DNP, ARNP takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to HRT, carefully considering your family history, personal risk factors, and overall health to ensure the safest and most effective treatment for you. If you have concerns about potential risks, we can discuss alternatives and monitoring strategies to help you make an informed decision.
Who should avoid hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and effective treatment for many people experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or andropause symptoms, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and risk factors require careful consideration or alternative treatments.
You may not be a candidate for HRT if you have:
- A history of breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancers (unless approved by your oncologist)
- A history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) or clotting disorders
- Active or recent cardiovascular disease (such as a heart attack or stroke)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Severe liver disease
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Important Considerations:
- The type of HRT matters — for example, transdermal estrogen (patch, gel, or spray) does not increase clotting risk like oral estrogen and may be safer for some patients with cardiovascular concerns.
- Micronized bioidentical progesterone may have a lower risk profile than synthetic progestins, especially for patients with breast cancer concerns.
- Patients with mild cardiovascular risk factors, family history of breast cancer, or metabolic concerns may still be candidates for customized, lower-risk HRT options.
At Emerge Weight & Hormone Specialists, Erin Chaney, DNP, ARNP takes a personalized, evidence-based approach, carefully evaluating your medical history, risk factors, and personal health goals to determine the safest and most effective treatment for you. If HRT is not an option, we offer non-hormonal prescription therapies and lifestyle interventions to help you manage your symptoms.
Does insurance cover hormone replacement therapy?
Coverage for hormone replacement therapy varies by insurance plan, but most insurances accepted at Emerge will provide some level of coverage for FDA-approved hormone therapies. This includes many common HRT options such as patches, creams, gels, injectables, and oral medications — your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your specific plan, deductible, and copay.
However, two options are not covered by insurance and are available as out-of-pocket services:
Bioidentical Hormone Pellets
- Female pellets — $185 per insertion (typically every 3–4 months)
- Male pellets — $410 per insertion (typically every 5–6 months)
Compounded Medications Compounded hormones are custom-prepared medications tailored to your specific dose and treatment needs. Pricing varies depending on the medication and dosage, but compounded options are affordable and can be a great solution for patients who need a more personalized approach than standard formulations offer.
If you have questions about your specific insurance coverage or would like to explore which HRT option is the best fit for your budget and health goals, Erin Chaney, DNP, ARNP will work with you to find the most effective and accessible treatment plan for your needs.
