Hormone Therapy Frequently Asked Questions:
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical
hormones are identical to the hormones produced naturally in our body. They share the same chemical structure as human hormones and are referred to as ‘natural
’ for this reason.
What are the differences between natural and synthetic hormones?
Natural hormones are derived from soy or wild yam
and modified in the lab to mimic the hormones in our body. Synthetic hormones come from plant or animal sources and are synthesized in a lab to be similar to but not
exactly the same as our own hormones. Synthetic hormones are made to be different in order for drug companies to patent them. Since they are patentable there
have been more studies on them evaluating the risks and benefits associated with their use.
Are natural hormones safer than synthetic hormones?
The slight difference in structure of synthetic hormones has a significant effect on their metabolism and action at receptor sites and maybe responsible for their negative
side effects. The large clinical trials studying the effects of synthetic estrogen and progestin have shown increased risk of stroke, breast cancer, heart attack, and blood clots.
Since bioidentical hormones are not as profitable as their conventional counterparts, there have been few large, well-designed studies to evaluate the risks and benefits of bio-HRT.
However, the results of studies that have looked at bio-HRT thus far do not appear to show the same side effect profile as conventional HRT and therefore they are considered safer.
The exact risks for every woman using BHRT are not known, so it is best to give the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. Individualized dosing by
compounding pharmacies makes this possible by allowing the practitioner to choose the specific dose and form of hormones most appropriate for each woman’s needs. Synthetic
hormones on the other hand lack this advantage since they are manufactured in a one-size-fits-all dose, making it difficult to adjust treatment over time.
How long will I be on hormone therapy?
There is no set amount of time that an individual will be on hormone therapy. It depends on how well you have managed other
factors contributing to your hormonal balance such as diet, stress, sleep and exercise. For those women who need the extra support in addition to diet and lifestyle modification
and nutritional and botanical therapy, we prescribe bioidentical hormone therapy at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time necessary to rebalance hormone levels
and provide relief from symptoms.
No matter what your individual needs, we will work with you to create a customized health plan to insure that you are happy and healthy
so you can live and feel your best.
Get control of your hormones, call our office to schedule an
appointment: 760-944-9300
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