What Is BHRT?
Defining Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
You may be wondering what exactly BHRT is. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is also known as natural hormone therapy. BHRT uses hormones that are identical on a molecular level with endogenous hormones. Because of this, the body utilizes them in the same way it would use naturally-occurring hormones. BHRT may also be combined with blood and saliva hormone levels testing. In addition, pharmacy compounding can get hormones in an effort to reach a targeted level of hormones in the body.
BHRT uses specific hormones in hormone replacement therapy. These hormones include estrone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and estriol. Estrone, estradiol, and progesterone are available both in FDA-approved manufactured products and as pharmacy-compounded products. While many of the claims made by bioidentical hormone replacement therapy proponents have not been proven scientifically, many, many patients have reported excellent results.
Opinions on BHRT
The International Menopause Society, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, The Endocrine Society, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), United States Food and Drug Administration, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Medical Association, American Cancer Society, and the Mayo Clinic have released statements that there is a lack of evidence that the benefits and risks of bioidentical hormones are different from well-studied non-bioidentical counterparts. However, this is unfortunate since millions of patients have benefited from BHRT for over 80 years. As more and more research is conducted, especially around the advancements of women’s health, we believe BHRT will be more widely accepted by the mainstream medical community, no different than any other therapy.
Regardless, BHRT options are available! Find out more about many of the providers of BHRT by selecting from BHRT Providers using the dropdown menu.