What are Bioidentical Hormones?
According to Harvard Review, bioidentical hormones are “hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones women make in their bodies. They’re not found in this form in nature but are made, or synthesized, from a plant chemical extracted from yams and soy. Bioidentical estrogens are 17 beta-estradiol, estrone, and estriol. (Estradiol is the form of estrogen that decreases at menopause.) Bioidentical progesterone is simply progesterone. It’s micronized (finely ground) in the laboratory for better absorption in the body.”
What are the Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones act in the body just as our own hormones do and the body does not distinguish its own hormone from a bioidentical one. One size does not fit all and woman’s symptoms in menopause differ. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be customized and compounded to “match” a woman’s needs.
Do I Need a Prescription for Bioidentical Hormones?
Yes, you will need a prescription for custom compounding. Compounding pharmacies use some of the same ingredients that are made into FDA-approved products.
Where can I get Bioidentical Hormones?
Talk to your practitioner. A thorough exam and history will be taken as well as an evaluation of your symptoms and goals in treatment therapy. Many Nurse Practitioners and Physicians now work with compounding pharmacies and prescribe BHRT.
Do you use BHRT? How has your regime been and what do you like/don’t like?
