Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, ARNP, EdD

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body and are more and more being used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But, they aren't "natural," ecause they're not directly produced from a plant or animial source. They are synthesized in the lab from a "natural" source (usually soybeans in the case of estrogens and testosterone or wild Mexican yam in the case of progesterone and sometimes testosterone) to mimic the chemical structure of the naturally occurring compound. By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug companies can't patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that can be patented. Premarin, Prempro and Provera are examples.

Where do you find bioidentical hormones?

Although bioidentical hormones have been around for years, most practitioners are unfamiliar with them. There are several branded versions now available. This is generally a one-size-fits-all dosage regime.

How can bioidentical hormones be individualized for you

If you decide to use bioidentical hormones, talk with your health care practitioner about an individualized approach. Using your hormone panel, your health care practitioner can prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, testosterone or DHEA that is made up at a compounding pharmacy. You will need to be monitored carefully (a hormone panel every three months) to ensure you get symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. Once balance is restored, you'll need a panel once a year at the time of your annual exam.

Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones?

I've had women send me e-mails asking, "Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones?"

My answer is, "They may be better, but they're not perfect, and they're not to be taken forever only for as long as you need them to prevent overwhelming hot flashes or other menopause changes." Caution: The longterm effects of bioidentifical hormones isn't known, so they may not be any safer than other synthetic hormones and could lead to breast cancer, blood clots and other diseases synthetic hormones do. That's why, if you choose this route, only take bioidentical hormones for the shortest period of time possible.

The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is that your body can probably metabolize them as it was designed to do, minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects. Also, compounded bioidentical hormones can be matched individually to your needs – something that's impossible with mass-produced products you buy off the shelf.

While synthetic hormons are usually only available in oral form, bioidentical hormones can be taken by mouth, through a transdermal patch, in a cream, lotion in drops you put under your tongue, or as a vaginal ring. Bypassing the digestive tract and liver can have its advantages and lead to more consistent hormonal level. Bioidentical hormones, just as other hormones, require ongoing testing to make sure the correct balance has been obtained. You'll probably be able to tell yourself, because the symptoms you're taking them for are still there or come back erratically.

One question arises...If bioidentical hormones are made from soybeans, why not just eat soybeans instead of taking hormones, either bioidentical or otherwise? The research on soyeans shows positive benefits and no correlation with cancer, blood clots, etc.

This article is for information purposes only. Consult your health care practitioner for treatment.

For more information on menopause, click on...