What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones synthesized from chemical extracts of plants like soy and yams. They are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced in the body and the body can’t tell the difference between bioidentical hormones and hormones produced naturally by the ovaries, testes or other organs. Most often, bioidentical hormones are forms of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. Usually, these hormones are compounded by a pharmacy and are unique to each individual, depending on hormone levels tested by a physician via saliva, blood and other tests.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (Bhrt), also called “natural hormone therapy” because the hormones are not synthetic or made in a laboratory, describes hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones biologically identical to the hormones produced naturally in the body. These hormones are extracted and synthesized to be structurally identical to the hormones produced in the body. Bhrt usually pertains to the hormones estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA that are compounded or mixed together by a compounding pharmacy specifically for each individual. Bhrt is can be conducted orally, via injection, through a suppository, patches, and applied via creams and lotions. Bhrt is generally more cost effective than brand-name products used to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance and other more serious illnesses.

How Long Has BHRT Been Around?

Bioidentical hormones were first used to treat symptoms of menopause in the 1930’s by Canadian researcher John Collip. Collip found he could extract estrogen from the urine of pregnant women and began marketing the drug as Emmenin. But, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that Jonathan Wright and John R. Lee became the pioneers of Bhrt. The term bioidentical hormone was coined by Wright to describe plant derived hormones and their similarity to human hormones. Lee wrote many popular books on Bhrt and helped promote compounded hormones to the masses. A book by Suzanne Somers in 2006 also helped propel Bhrt into the spotlight and receive mainstream attention.

Is it FDA Approved? Why Not?

Some bioidentical hormones like progesterone and estradiol (i.e., an estrogen) are approved by the FDA for commercial use in many well-known products available in Canada and the United States. But, this does not include the products compounded by a pharmacy. These hormones are chemically synthesized from natural plants of which the molecular structure hasn’t been altered and, therefore, can’t be patented by the pharmaceutical companies. There is no testing of these products because they are made specifically for individuals and each prescription is customized for a particular person. It’s important to note that some hormones are FDA approved before being compounded.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is one where they mix the ingredients for medication right there in the pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies make specific doses and mixtures of ingredients specifically balanced based on the needs of a particular patient. Before the 1950’s, most pharmacies were compounding pharmacies, but when big pharmaceutical companies began producing mass amounts of medication, this relegated most pharmacists to dispensers of pre-maid products. Recently, there has been a resurgence of compounding pharmacies due to shortages of popular medications and an increased need and desire for individualized medication regiments.

Who Can Prescribe BHRT?

Generally, any physician that prescribes medication can prescribe hormone replacement. The list of those who can prescribe Bhrt include, but is not limited to: endocrinologists (i.e., doctors specializing in the endocrine system and its hormones), urologists (i.e., doctors that specialize in the urinary tract), andrologists (i.e., doctors that specialize in male sex hormones), licensed medical doctors or primary care physicians. Many physicians are apprehensive to prescribe Bhrt due to the limited amount of research on the long-term effects. Due to the limited knowledge of hormone replacement by most medical practitioners, it’s highly recommended that you see a physician specializing in Bhrt to get the most up-to-date information and treatment options available.

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