Bioidentical natural hormones are being used as an alternative to synthetic hormones in various types of HRT (hormone replacement therapy). Bioidentical hormones come from plants and are mixed and sometimes altered by a process called pharmaceutical compounding. Bioidentical natural hormone combinations are customized to meet an individual's needs.
Similarities
Bioidentical natural hormones have the same or close to the same biochemical structure as those produced by the body. The hormones in plants are slightly different than those found in the human body and must be synthetically altered to be converted into hormones the body can use.
Considerations
A major consideration when using bioidentical natural hormones is that because they are created according to an individual's specific needs, they are for the FDA hard to regulate. The initial ingredients are strictly regulated, but the amounts used when mixing them together are not. Another factor of concern may be the practices of the pharmacy that does the actual preparation and mixing.
Testing
Saliva and blood testing are the major ways of determining what hormones a person needs. There are groups, such as NAMS (the North American Menopause Society) who discourage this kind of testing. Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day, and it is thought that getting an accurate reading because of this may be difficult.
Risks
There are risks with both forms of HRT. Synthetic hormone treatments are known to cause heart attacks and strokes in some women and physicians have begun to limit the amount of time that women take them after menopause begins. Bioidentical natural hormones are natural, but they go through synthetic processing that alters the active ingredients. There has been little testing done to prove their efficiency, safety or actual potency.
Warnings
Most physicians warn against trying new therapies without supervision. Researching possible side effects of both forms of HRT and discussing your findings with a physician will ensure that you get the treatment that suits your needs.
