What Is It?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is typically used for post-menopausal women to relieve symptoms of menopause, which may include:
Hot flashes
Irritability
Poor sleep
Decreased sex drive
Vaginal dryness
Hair loss
Weight gain
Replacing female hormones can reduce or eliminate many of these symptoms. HRT also has additional health benefits such as lowering the risk of osteoporosis, improving sleep, and enhancing sexual health. Like any therapy, there are risks, including a slightly increased risk of stroke and a small increase in breast cancer risk after several years of use.
What Makes Bioidentical Hormones Different?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those your body produces naturally.
They’re usually derived from plant sources like soybeans and yams.
Available forms include oral tablets, skin patches, topical gels, nasal sprays, and vaginal creams.
FDA Approval and Safety
Many bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved, ensuring purity, consistency, and safety.
Compounded or custom-made bioidentical hormones are not FDA-approved. Because they’re made in compounding pharmacies, they are not subject to the same quality control, purity testing, or regulation.
While some claim compounded bioidentical hormones are safer or more effective, current evidence does not support this. Most experts consider the risks of compounded BHRT and standard HRT to be similar.
Who Should Consider BHRT?
Not every woman is an appropriate candidate for bioidentical hormone therapy. Factors such as personal and family medical history—including risks of breast cancer, stroke, or blood clots—must be considered.
Our physicians will evaluate your history, review your symptoms, and determine whether FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy is a safe and effective option for you. We are committed to offering the best balance of symptom relief, safety, and long-term health.
Trusted Resource
If you’d like to learn more, Dr. Heather Hirsch, head of Menopausal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has an excellent video on YouTube titled “What are bioidentical hormones and are they really safe?”