Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is It Safe?

Hormonal imbalances can make you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, with symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and even unexplained weight gain making your life harder. If you’ve been feeling off lately, you might be wondering if your hormones are to blame—and more importantly, what you can do about it. That’s where Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) comes into the picture.But what exactly is BHRT, and is it a safe option for you? In this blog, we will discuss the facts, benefits, and safety considerations, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your health.

Key Takeaway

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be a safe and effective option for managing hormonal imbalances when carefully monitored. Though it often presents fewer risks compared to traditional hormone therapies, its safety largely depends on using FDA-approved products and tailoring treatment to your specific needs.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are lab-made hormones that are chemically identical to the ones produced by your own body. These hormones are typically made from plant sources, like yams or soy, but they’re modified in a lab to match the hormones your body naturally makes. The most common ones include bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone.

Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormones

Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), uses synthetic hormones (or sometimes hormones derived from pregnant mares). Bioidentical hormones are designed to be “natural” to your body.

Synthetic progestins and conjugated estrogens, used in conventional hormone therapy, may not be as well received by the body, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer and other complications like blood clots and heart disease.

Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are thought to be more easily processed by your body, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more “natural” approach to managing menopausal symptoms.

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

BHRT can offer relief from a wide variety of symptoms:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Low energy
• Hormonal imbalances

Types of Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones come in different forms. Here are some of the common ones:

• Transdermal estrogen: Delivered via patches, creams, or gels applied to the skin. This route of administration reduces some risks, like venous thromboembolism, often associated with oral estrogens.
• Micronized progesterone: A form of bioidentical progesterone that’s well absorbed by the body. It can be taken as an oral preparation or applied as a cream.
• Pellets: These are inserted under the skin. The hormones are released slowly over 3 or 4 months.

Is It Safe?

Though bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has its benefits, the safety of bioidentical hormones is a topic of debate. Here’s what you need to know:

FDA-Approved vs. Compounded Bioidentical Hormones

Some bioidentical hormone products are FDA-approved, meaning they’ve gone through rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. These include products like transdermal estrogen patches and oral progesterone. However, compounded bioidentical hormones—those made specifically for you by a compounding pharmacy—may lack the same level of quality control.

At Madison Integrative Medicine, we take the guesswork out of this by only working with pharmacies that follow strict protocols, ensuring you’re getting the safest, most effective treatment possible.

What Does the Science Say?

Some studies suggest that bioidentical hormones may carry fewer risks than synthetic hormones. For instance, observational studies have shown that using micronized progesterone instead of synthetic progestins may reduce the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

However, it’s important to note that bioidentical hormones aren’t risk-free. The risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, and cardiovascular disease is still present, especially at higher doses or prolonged use.

You’ll want to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re using the lowest effective dose for your specific needs.

Who is Not a Candidate for BHRT?

If you have a history of certain conditions, BHRT might not be for you. This includes:

• Breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer
• Uterine bleeding of unknown cause
• Cardiovascular disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Blood clots

Always consider your health history when deciding on hormone therapy. If you’ve had adverse events with traditional hormone therapy, that might also influence whether BHRT is a good fit for you.

How to Get Started with BHRT

If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, here are the first steps you should take:

1. Consult a healthcare provider: You’ll need to get your hormone levels tested to understand what’s going on.
2. Discuss your options: This is where you’ll talk about different types of hormone therapy—bioidentical, synthetic, and everything in between.
3. Start with the lowest dose: Hormone therapy is about balance, and starting with the lowest effective dose helps minimize risks.
4. Monitor your progress: Regular check-ups are key to adjusting your therapy as needed. Your body’s needs will change over time.

Hormone Replacement Therapy in Madison AL

At Madison Integrative Medicine, our experienced practitioner, Blake Gilliam, CRNP, focuses on safety and precision and only works with carefully selected pharmacies, ensuring your treatment is high-quality and FDA-approved whenever possible.

Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, mood swings, or hormonal imbalances, BHRT could be the solution to get you back on track.

If you are searching for ‘hormone replacement therapy in Madison, AL’, we can help. Call (256) 325-0955 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.