Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions we hear about hormone therapy, medical weight loss, aesthetics, pricing, and what it's like to be a patient at Defiance Health.

General Questions

What is Defiance Health?
Defiance Health is a medical wellness clinic specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy, medical weight loss, medical aesthetics, and comprehensive lab testing. We have two locations — Centennial (near Denver Tech Center) and Alamosa (serving the San Luis Valley) — plus telehealth across Colorado, Arizona, California, and Washington.
Do I need a referral to become a patient?
No. You can book directly with us — no referral needed. Your first visit is a free consultation where we'll review your health history, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized plan.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a photo ID, a list of current medications and supplements, any recent lab work (if available), and your health insurance card (for HSA/FSA reference, not billing). We'll handle the rest. Read our full first appointment guide.
Who are the providers at Defiance Health?
Our clinical team is led by Jessica Lara, PA-C (Clinical Director & Co-Founder) and Randi Asbell, APRN, FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner). Both are board-certified with specialized training in hormone optimization, weight loss, and aesthetics. Meet the full team.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. After your initial in-person consultation and lab work, many follow-up visits can be done via telehealth. We're licensed for telehealth in Colorado, Arizona, California, and Washington.

Hormone Therapy

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?
BHRT uses hormones that are molecularly identical to the ones your body naturally produces — estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and customized to your individual lab results. Read more about BHRT safety.
How do I know if I need hormone therapy?
Common signs of hormonal imbalance include fatigue, weight gain (especially around the midsection), brain fog, mood changes, low libido, hair thinning, poor sleep, and muscle loss. We run comprehensive lab panels to determine your exact hormone levels before recommending any treatment.
Is bioidentical hormone therapy safe?
Research supports the safety of bioidentical hormones when prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider. Bioidentical hormones have a different safety profile than the synthetic hormones used in the Women's Health Initiative study. We monitor your labs regularly and adjust dosing based on your body's response. See our full safety guide.
What delivery methods do you offer for BHRT?
We offer injections and creams as our primary delivery methods. Each has different benefits in terms of dosing flexibility, convenience, and absorption. Your provider will recommend the best option based on your labs, lifestyle, and goals. Compare delivery methods.
How quickly will I feel results from hormone therapy?
Most patients notice improvements in energy and sleep within the first 2–4 weeks. Mood, libido, and body composition changes typically develop over 6–12 weeks as your hormones reach optimal levels. Full optimization can take 3–6 months with ongoing adjustments.
Do you treat both men and women?
Yes. Hormonal imbalances affect both men and women, though the symptoms and treatments differ. We customize therapy for each patient based on their individual labs and symptoms. Learn about hormone therapy for women.

Medical Weight Loss

What medications do you use for medical weight loss?
We prescribe semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro/Zepbound). Both are FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by regulating appetite and blood sugar. Your provider recommends which is best based on your health profile.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Clinical studies show average weight loss of 15–17% of body weight with semaglutide and 20–25% with tirzepatide over 12–18 months. Individual results vary based on starting weight, medication compliance, lifestyle changes, and whether hormonal issues are also addressed.
What are the common side effects of GLP-1 medications?
The most common side effects are nausea, constipation, and occasional GI discomfort — especially during the first few weeks as your body adjusts. We start at low doses and titrate gradually to minimize side effects. Most patients find them manageable and temporary. Read our full side effects guide.
Can I combine weight loss medication with hormone therapy?
Yes, and it's one of our most effective approaches. Hormonal imbalances — low thyroid, low testosterone, estrogen imbalance, elevated cortisol — can make weight loss significantly harder. Addressing both simultaneously often produces better, more sustainable results.
Will I regain weight when I stop the medication?
Our goal isn't lifelong medication — it's using the tools available to reset your body's set point and build sustainable habits. We create a maintenance plan that may include a lower dose or tapering off medication, continued nutritional support, and ongoing monitoring to prevent regain.

Medical Aesthetics

What aesthetic treatments do you offer?
We offer dermal fillers, Emface (radiofrequency + muscle stimulation for facial lifting), Exion RF microneedling, Forever Bare BBL laser hair removal, BBL Hero IPL photofacials, MOXI laser skin resurfacing, Emsculpt Neo body contouring, and Emfemme/Emsella pelvic health treatments. View all aesthetics services.
What is Emface and how does it work?
Emface is a non-invasive facial treatment that combines radiofrequency energy with HIFES™ (High-Intensity Focused Electrical Stimulation) to simultaneously tighten skin and tone facial muscles. It lifts the brow, smooths forehead lines, and improves facial structure — all without needles, toxins, or downtime.
Is Forever Bare BBL actual laser hair removal?
Technically, Forever Bare BBL uses BroadBand Light (not a traditional laser), but the result is the same — permanent hair reduction. The BBL technology delivers multiple low-fluence pulses with sapphire cooling, making it more comfortable and safe for all skin tones. Most patients see 80–90% permanent reduction in 4–6 sessions. Learn more.
How long do dermal filler results last?
Results typically last 6–18 months depending on the type of filler, treatment area, and your individual metabolism. Our providers use only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers and focus on natural-looking results — never overdone.
Is there downtime after aesthetic treatments?
Most of our aesthetic treatments have zero to minimal downtime. Emface, laser hair removal, and Emsculpt Neo have no downtime at all. Dermal fillers may cause mild swelling for 24–48 hours. RF microneedling typically involves 1–2 days of redness. Your provider will discuss what to expect before any treatment.

Pricing & Insurance

Do you accept insurance?
Defiance Health is a cash-pay practice. We do not bill insurance directly. This allows us to spend more time with each patient, avoid prior authorization delays, and offer transparent pricing. We provide itemized receipts you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Yes — hormone therapy, medical weight loss, lab testing, and many of our other services are HSA and FSA eligible. You can pay with your HSA/FSA debit card at the time of service, or pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement. Read our full HSA/FSA guide.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes. We accept CareCredit and Cherry financing, both of which offer monthly payment plans with flexible terms. We also accept cash, card, and check. See our full pricing and payment page.
How much does a consultation cost?
Your initial consultation is free. We'll review your health history, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized plan — with no obligation to start treatment at the first visit.
Why is Defiance Health cash-pay instead of accepting insurance?
Insurance-based practices are often limited in the time they can spend with patients and the treatments they can offer. As a cash-pay practice, we can provide longer appointments, personalized protocols, and access to treatments that insurance often doesn't cover — all without prior authorization delays or surprise bills.

Locations & Scheduling

Where are your offices located?
We have two Colorado locations: Centennial at 7354 S Alton Way, Suite 102 (near Denver Tech Center, off I-25 and Dry Creek) and Alamosa at 315 Edison Ave, Suite B (serving the San Luis Valley). Both are open Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
Do I have to come in person for every visit?
No. Your initial consultation and lab work are done in person, but many follow-up visits can be done via telehealth. This is especially convenient for patients in the San Luis Valley or those who travel frequently.
Can I see providers at both locations?
Yes. If you split time between the Denver metro area and the San Luis Valley, you can schedule at either location. Your records and treatment history are accessible at both offices.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book online through our website, or call us directly: Centennial at (303) 284-4210 or Alamosa at (719) 937-2113. Our general line is (719) 480-2400.

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to help. Book a free consultation or reach out directly — no question is too small.

Book a Free Consultation

Centennial: (303) 284-4210 · Alamosa: (719) 937-2113
Email: team@defiance-health.com