Types of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Doctors and Practitioners

Differentiating designations for healthcare providers

Healthcare professionals can hold many different degrees and designations. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine what sort of education and training potential BHRT providers have:


M.D. = Medical Doctor

  • 4-year undergraduate degree concentrated on science coursework
  • 4 years of medical school
  • 3-6 years of internships and residencies
  • can select a specialty to develop expertise in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry or surgery
  • may not select a specialty and opt to serve as a primary-care physician

D.O. = Doctor of Osteopathy

  • 4-year undergraduate degree concentrated on science coursework
  • 4 years of medical school
  • 3-6 years of internships and residencies
  • can select a specialty, but most osteopathic doctors become primary-care physicians
  • extra training in the musculoskeletal system – muscles, bones, and nerves
  • approach tends to be more holistic than M.D.s

N.D. = Naturopathic Doctor

  • 4-year undergraduate degree
  • 4 years of a graduate program at an accredited naturopathic school; curriculum concentrates on nutrition, hydrotherapy, botanical and homeopathic medicine
  • considered a primary-care physician; can prescribe limited amounts of medications, order lab tests, perform routine medical exams, and refer patients to specialists
  • focuses on using natural and non-invasive therapies, and treating the person as a whole

D.C. = Doctorate of Chiropractic degree

  • 4-year undergraduate degree
  • 4 years of medical school
  • concentrates on the musculoskeletal system
  • provides pain relief by realigning bones and tissues

L.A.c. = Licensed Acupuncturist

  • 4-year undergraduate degree
  • typically 4 years of a graduate program concentrated on acupuncture, physiology, Chinese medical concepts, herbal pharmacology, nutrition and internal medicine
  • completes programs based on both western and eastern modalities of medicine

N.P. or R.N.P. = Nurse Practitioner or Registered Nurse Practitioner

  • 4-year undergraduate degree
  • completes a graduate program in nursing, such as an M.S.N. [Master of Science in Nursing]
  • can serve as a primary-care physician
  • may select a specialty

F.N.P.-C = Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

  • specializes in primary care, women’s health, pediatrics or geriatrics

F.A.C.O.G = Fellow of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology

N.C.M.P = National Certified Menopause Practitioner

  • extra training in issues related to menopause and perimenopause

F.A.C.E. = Fellow of the College of Endocrinology

  • board-certified with specialty training in endocrinology, the system that controls hormonal and adrenal function

ReVitalize Health & Wellness Center

ReVitalize Health & Wellness Center

2083 Compton Avenue, Suite 203
Corona, California 92881

An Optimal You

An Optimal You

29995 Technology Dr., Ste. 203
Murrieta, California 92563

Bernhoft Center for Advanced Medicine

Bernhoft Center for Advanced Medicine

1200 Maricopa Hwy., Suite A
Ojai, California 93023

Care for Womens Medical Group

Care for Womens Medical Group

1310 San Bernardino Rd.
Upland, California 91786

Preventive Medicine Centers

Preventive Medicine Centers

3001 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California 92262

Fig Tree Wellness

Fig Tree Wellness

1320 Maricopa Hwy, Suite G
Ojai, California 93023