The new thing in menopause health really isn’t so new.  Hormones are such an integral part of the workings of our bodies, yet they have almost been ignored for years, or doctors have used synthetic means to try to balance natural hormones.  They don’t match up very well.  Bioidentical hormones are finally being recognized by health practitioners as the missing key to many women’s and men’s health issues. 

Bioidentical hormones used in BHRT include estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone and testosterone.  Some therapies are available from drug companies as standard prescriptions; others must be compounded for the individual woman by a pharmacist.  BHRT differs from other therapeutic hormonal preparations which may have a similar function to the body's hormones, but do not have identical structures.  Hormones with a different structure are likely to have different levels of activity in the body than the natural hormones and require different metabolism. 

BHRT generally refers to supplements of estrogen, progesterone or testosterone that are chemically identical to the body’s own hormones.  They’re usually derived from plant sources, such as Mexican wild yam and soy, unlike traditional hormones, which come from sources such as the urine of pregnant horses and are molecularly different to a woman’s own.  Bioidentical hormones on the other hand have been produced by the human body for your entire life.  Further, they are not usually given in a standardized, 'one size fits all' dose, but tailored to a woman's presenting history.  The types and doses needed for each person can be determined by blood tests and even some saliva tests through your doctor’s office.

These more natural hormones are a good alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy.  They can be used to treat menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and fatigue.  Many women have seen tremendous results in their menopause symptoms even in a short time from using this form of natural hormone replacement.

Bioidentical hormones have been around for many years.  However, up until now, they have not been widely advertised or promoted by the medical community.  Hormones, whether synthetic or natural, carry serious risks when misused.  You need to be tested and have hormones prescribed for you that fit your needs and you should be retested on regular intervals. 

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