BIO-identical hormone therapy

Bio-identical hormones are chemically the same as those that the body produces. Even though they’re made in a laboratory, bio-identical hormones mimic hormones produced by the human body naturally. As a result, the body shouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the hormone it produces and bio-identical ones. Bio-Identical hormones can be made from a variety of sources that span plant and animal products.

Bio-identical hormones include the following:

  • 17 beta-estradiols, which include drugs, such as Estrace, Estradiol, and Estring

  • Estradiol Acetate, including Femring

  • Estradiol hemihydrate, including Vagifem

  • Micronized Progesterone USP, such as Prometrium and Prochieve

Some big pharmaceutical companies manufacture certain bio-identical hormones, which are regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, special kinds of pharmacies, which are known as compounding pharmacies, mix their own formulas of bio-identical hormones. Hormones made by these compounding pharmacies are not regulated by the FDA.

USES:
Bio-identical hormones can be used to treat symptoms of menopause in women, resulting in potential benefits including:

  • Reduced Fatigue

  • Increased Sex Drive

  • Less Hair Thinning

  • Reduced Hot Flashes

  • Less Dry Skin

  • Improved Sleep

  • Reduced Bloating

  • Improved Cognitive Function and Memory

Although people often refer to the symptoms women experience as being those of menopause, they are, in fact, symptoms of perimenopause. Menopause refers to the time when a woman stops having periods every month. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when the ovaries start to produce less estrogen.

FORMS:
Bio-identical hormones come in a variety of forms, depending on exactly what symptoms they are targeting.

  • Creams

  • Gels

  • Lotions

  • Tablets

The application of treatment is supposed to restore the natural hormones that younger women have, but that reduce as they age.

When under a doctor’s care, a woman will be tested for hormone levels, typically by sampling saliva or blood. The doctor will determine what hormones the woman needs and a pharmacist will mix a treatment of supposedly natural ingredients.
During her treatment, a woman will have her hormone levels assessed several times to check for balance.