The Truth About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

By Your Health Magazine

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The Truth About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormones are hormones made in a lab that are similar to the hormones that the human body makes. When a person’s hormones are low or out of balance, they are used as a cure. Bioidentical” hormones have been supported in the public eye as being better and more effective than FDA-approved hormones. But there is no good evidence to back up this claim.

Some traditional bioidentical hormones have been used for long in hormonal imbalance treatment, those hormones have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the other bioidentical hormones are custom-made based on a prescription from a healthcare source. These hormones are named compounded bioidentical hormones. The FDA has not authorized the compounded versions. Even though it is often said that products made from plants are “natural,” these products are changed in a lab, so they are no longer natural.

People often say that bioidentical hormones are safer and work better than manufactured hormones. However, the FDA and most doctors warn that these claims haven’t been proven through any authentic studies and that these hormones may show serious side effects in some cases.

Traditional  and Compounded Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are different from those used in conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because they are made from plants and have the same chemical structure as the hormones our bodies make naturally. Traditional HRT replacement uses hormones made from the pee of pregnant horses and other hormones that are not bioidentical. Bioidentical hormone supporters say that their products are better because they are “natural” and have the same chemical makeup as the hormones that the body makes on its own.

However, most experts think that BHRT and HRT have the same risks. Compound Bioidentical hormones may have even more risks. There is no good reason to believe that BHRT is better than HRT. However, most experts think that BHRT and HRT have the same risks. is better than HRT.

Some Common  Myths about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

FDA is taking action against pharmacies that make false or misleading claims about “BHRT” drugs and is pushing customers to learn more about these products and the risks they pose. Here are some facts that can help you figure out the myths:

Myth: There is sufficient scientific evidence to support both the safety and efficacy of compound BHT.

Fact:  Compound BHT has not been the subject of any large-scale, long-term research that has been undertaken to assess its efficacy, safety, or any harmful effects it may have. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not received any evidence to establish that estriol is both safe and effective. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration stated that pharmacists should refrain from compounding medications containing estriol unless the prescribing doctor has first completed a valid investigational new drug application.

Myth: Compounded BHT that has been custom-made meets all of the quality control criteria.

Fact: Since compounding pharmacies are not FDA-regulated and do not test their products for quality, purity, and potency, BHT formulations may vary greatly from batch to batch. Compound BHT may cause overdose or underdose in women, exposing them to unknown hazards (2,8). Compounding pharmacies obtain hormones from wholesalers. It is unclear how much hormones are imported from other nations.

Myth: Hormone levels in a woman’s midlife may be properly measured using saliva testing.

Fact: Many people who promote compounded BHT suggest women’s saliva be tested for estrogen levels so that “individualized” HT can be given. There is no scientific evidence to change hormone levels based on saliva tests. A mature woman’s free blood hormone levels change from day to day based on her food, the time of day, the hormone being measured, and other factors.

Myth: Heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and breast cancer may all be avoided or cured with the use of “bio-identical” hormone replacement therapy.

Fact: None of these diseases are stopped or cured by Compounded “BHRT. Similar to MHT medicines authorized by the FDA, they may put certain women at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and dementia. No extensive, long-term study has been done to find out if “bio-identical” hormones have any bad effects.

Conclusion

Some people who have symptoms caused by hormone levels that are too low or too high may be allowed to use BHRT. However, not every BHRT option has FDA approval. There is no scientific evidence to support the safety and efficacy of compounded BHT, and no extensive, long-term study has been conducted to determine the negative effects of bioidentical hormones. Hormone replacement therapy might cause severe adverse effects in certain people because of preexisting health issues. Discussing the possibility of hormone replacement treatment with your doctor is the first step.