Bioidentical Hormones

Are you one of the many women that wonder if bioidentical hormones are the right choice for your hormone replacement needs? Read on to learn more about this form of hormone replacement therapy, known as BHRT or bioidentical HRT.

Learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

Manufactured in a laboratory, hormones that are bioidentical have a molecular structure that is the same as hormones produced in the human body. When used as a form of hormone replacement therapy for menopause, a woman’s body cannot distinguish between hormones that are bioidentical and hormones it produces itself as they both produce the same physiological responses.

Hormones that are bioidentical are made from various combinations of compounds extracted from plants including:

• Soy
• Wild Yams
• Calabar
• Peanut oil
• Other types of beans

The following are several of the main differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones:

• Synthetic hormones are manufactured and patented by pharmaceutical companies. Hormones that are bioidentical, and other biological substances, cannot be patented by pharmaceutical companies.
• The molecular structure of synthetic hormones differs from hormones that are bioidentical and those produced by the human body.
• Most synthetic hormones are produced using a mixture of urine from pregnant mares and progestin. Although mare urine it is a natural substance, it is not natural to humans and contains more then 200 different complex substances related to estrogen. According to the Greenspan Good Health Center this is believed to be much more than the human body needs or is able to tolerate.
• The human body makes and eliminates hormones continuously, controlling the amount it needs to function properly. When hormones that are bioidentical are taken as HRT, the body treats them as hormones it made itself, and easily eliminates any extra. When synthetic hormones are taken, the body has a more difficult time using and eliminating them. If the synthetic hormones remain in the body too long, they may cause hormonal imbalances and over stimulation of certain organs.

Approximately 70-80% of all women experience some, or all, of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. For many women the symptoms begin in their early 40s as hormonal levels begin fluctuating while they are still having their periods. This is known as perimenopause.

A large number of women continue to experience the unpleasant symptoms throughout their entire transitional menopausal years which generally last until a woman is in her mid 50s. However, some women may experience menopausal symptoms for the rest of their lives.

There are more than 35 symptoms of menopause. The most common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes or a flushed feeling
• Cold flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Loss of libido
• Irregular periods
• Mood swings, uncontrolled sudden crying or anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Weight gain or a bloated feeling
• Depression

Following a regime of bioidentical HRT provides relief for the unpleasant symptoms of perimenopause and menopause for many women. Although some bioidentical HRT are available as over the counter medications, most do require a doctor’s prescription. Many of the prescriptions for bioidentical HRT are available at regular pharmacies. However, some are designed specifically for a patient and must be made by a compounding pharmacy.

This type of pharmacy blends custom medications that are specific to the needs of the patient. The medications include hormones that are bioidentical, human insulin and medications for patients that are allergic to a substance found in the traditional prescription. Any compound the pharmacist mixes must follow the prescription prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner exactly.

• Harvard Health Publications provides a chart of hormones that are FDA approved for the symptoms of menopause that includes hormones that are bioidentical. To view the chart, scroll approximately 1/3 down the page.
• The stand taken by ACOG, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:Women’s Health Care Physicians, on the safety and efficacy of compounded hormones that are bioidentical.
• Celebrity proponents of bioidentical HRT include Oprah Winfrey and Suzanne Summers. Suzanne Summers is the author of two books on the subject The Sexy Years: Discover the Hormone Connection and Ageless:The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones. Both are available at Amazon.com.

Much controversy still surrounds the use of bioidentical hormones. If you are taking, or thinking of taking, a regime of hormone replacement therapy using bioidenticals make sure to check with your physician or medical practitioner. Find out if bioidentical HRT is right for you and discuss the dangers associated with all hormone replacement therapies.

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