Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones designed to mimic those naturally produced by the human body. They are often employed as a treatment for individuals experiencing low or imbalanced hormone levels. While many people find bioidentical hormones beneficial, it’s important to be aware that there are risks associated with this form of treatment.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones mimic natural hormones to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalance, often experienced in perimenopause or menopause. These hormones, crucial messengers in the body, are derived from plants and come in two forms: FDA-approved and custom-compounded. It’s important to understand that compounded hormones, while sometimes labeled ‘natural’, are significantly altered in laboratories. Available in various forms like pills, creams, and gels, it’s essential to consult healthcare providers to choose the right bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) that aligns with individual health needs.
Conventional hormone therapy vs. bioidentical hormone therapy
Conventional hormone therapy differs from bioidentical hormone therapy, particularly in the case of compounded bioidentical hormones. These are often touted as safer and more natural compared to conventional therapies, yet lack significant scientific backing. The absence of FDA regulation on compounded bioidentical hormones raises questions about their safety and purity. Despite containing similar ingredients to FDA-approved hormones, they may also include untested components, introducing potential risks to users.
Who shouldn’t take bioidentical hormones?
Deciding to use hormone therapy involves a collaborative discussion between you and your healthcare provider, carefully considering the associated risks and benefits. Bioidentical hormones have sparked controversy, and many are not FDA-approved. However, this does not automatically disqualify them as a potential treatment option according to your healthcare provider.
It’s important to note that hormone therapy may not be safe if you have had, or are at high risk for, certain conditions, including:
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Heart or cardiovascular disease.
- Breast cancer.
- Stroke.
Your healthcare provider will evaluate these factors when determining the appropriateness of hormone therapy for your specific health situation.
What bioidentical hormones does?
As you age, the levels of certain hormones in your body, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, tend to decrease. This decline can lead to various symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes.
- Night sweats.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Decreased libido or painful intercourse.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Weight gain.
- Mood changes.
- Memory loss or confusion.
The primary aim of bioidentical hormone therapy, as well as conventional hormone therapy, is to replenish these diminished hormones. Most individuals experience an improvement in their symptoms once hormone levels are restored. However, it’s important to note that there is limited evidence comparing the effectiveness of bioidentical hormones with conventional hormone therapy. Your healthcare provider can help you explore hormone replacement options, taking into account your specific symptoms and health history.
How common are bioidentical hormones?
Study estimates that 1 to 2.5 million women over 40 in the U.S. use compounded bioidentical hormones. This highlights the widespread adoption of this treatment among a significant portion of the population.
Procedure Details
How are bioidentical hormones given?
Bioidentical hormones are available in various forms, providing multiple options for administration. These include:
- Pills.
- Patches.
- Creams.
- Gels.
- Injections.
- Implanted pellets.
The choice of the most suitable method depends on individual needs and preferences, and your healthcare provider will guide this decision. It’s common for patients to try more than one form of administration before finding the one that works best for them.
How do we select your dose?
We customizes your hormone therapy dose through close monitoring. This involves achieving symptom relief with the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary period. Tests like blood, urine, or saliva may be used to gauge hormone levels, guiding dosage adjustments. However, the FDA cautions against relying solely on these hormone levels for dosage decisions due to their daily fluctuations, particularly salivary levels, which are not consistently linked to menopausal symptoms. We will factor in these considerations when managing your hormone therapy.
How long does it take for bioidentical hormones to start working?
The onset of effects from bioidentical hormones varies individually. Some may notice mild relief within weeks, but generally, it takes about three months to experience the full benefits of hormone therapy. This timeframe is consistent across different hormone treatments.
Risks / Benefits
What are the risks of bioidentical hormones?
Research shows hormone therapy may increase risks of blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease, and possibly heart disease and breast cancer in long-term or older users. Despite claims about the safety of bioidentical hormones, extensive studies to confirm these are lacking.
Are bioidentical hormones safe?
FDA-approved bioidentical hormones have undergone strict safety evaluations, meeting high standards. However, like all hormone treatments, they have risks. It’s vital to weigh the pros and cons with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision about your treatment.
