People can start using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy starting at age 30. This occurs when the body begins to produce lower levels of hormones. In fact, many patients find that addressing hormonal imbalances early can help keep symptoms at bay. Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones similar to hormones produced by the human body.
They are used as treatment for people whose hormones are low or out of balance. Some people benefit from bioidentical hormones, but treatment comes with risks. Bioidentical hormones are processed hormones designed to mimic the hormones produced by glands in the body. Taking bioidentical hormones can help people who have symptoms of low or unbalanced levels of hormones.
This is often the case for people who have symptoms of perimenopause or menopause. Hormones are chemicals that are produced by endocrine glands. They are messengers that tell other parts of the body how and when to act. Hormones affect many systems and functions in the body. Even the slightest imbalance can cause symptoms that interfere with your day.
Health care providers may recommend hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for these symptoms. Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) uses processed hormones that come from plants. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones. Some prescription forms of bioidentical hormones are prefabricated by pharmaceutical companies.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain types of bioidentical hormones. Other forms of bioidentical hormones are tailor-made by a pharmacist based on a prescription from a healthcare professional. These are bioidentical, composite (or mixed) hormones.). Composite forms have not been tested or approved by the FDA.
Although it is often announced that products made from plants are natural options, they are modified in a laboratory, so they cease to be natural when processed. Both compound and FDA-approved hormones come in different dosages and forms (pills, creams, gels, sprays, and vaginal inserts). Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to find out what type of BHRT is right for you. Compound bioidentical hormones are advertised as a safer, more effective, natural and individualized alternative to conventional hormone therapy.
In addition, the lack of FDA oversight of compound hormones creates additional risks related to the purity and safety of bioidentical composite hormones. While personalized hormone combinations often include mixtures of the same ingredients found in FDA-approved bioidentical hormones, some include additional hormones. These additional hormones have not been properly tested and are not included in any product approved by the FDA. Cleveland Clinic is a not-for-profit academic medical center.
Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse products or services that are not from Cleveland Clinic. Policy The use of any type of hormone therapy is a decision made between you and your healthcare provider after carefully weighing the risks and benefits. Bioidentical hormones have been the subject of controversy and many aren't approved by the FDA, but that doesn't mean your healthcare provider rules them out as a treatment option.
The goal of bioidentical hormone therapy or conventional hormone therapy is to replace these lost or low hormones. Once hormone levels rise, most people see their symptoms improve. However, there isn't much evidence to support that bioidentical hormones are the same as conventional hormone therapy. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about your hormone replacement options based on your symptoms and health history.
A study suggests that approximately 1 to 2.5 million women over the age of 40 in the U.S. The U.S. uses bioidentical compound hormones. Your healthcare provider will decide which method is best for you.
You can try more than one way before you find one that works well for you. People who receive hormone treatment are closely watched by their health care providers. The goal is to alleviate symptoms with the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Depending on your healthcare provider, you may have routine blood, urine, or saliva tests to check your hormone levels. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on your changing hormone needs.
The FDA recommends not using hormone levels to guide the dosage of hormone therapy in women, as normal levels fluctuate from day to day. In particular, salivary hormone levels are known to fluctuate and have not been shown to be related to menopausal symptoms. The amount of time it takes for bioidentical hormones In acting it varies. Some people may feel mild relief within a few weeks.
Most of the time, it takes about three months to feel the full effect of any type of hormone therapy. Research studies have shown that taking hormones has risks. It can increase the risk of blood clots, strokes, and gallbladder diseases. The risk of heart disease and breast cancer may also increase if you are older or if you use hormone therapy for a long period of time. Many health care providers who use bioidentical hormones say they are safer than traditional hormone therapy treatments.
However, there have been no major research studies on bioidentical hormones to show that this is the case. Bioidentical hormones approved by the FDA have undergone safety testing. They have passed strict FDA standards and are safe for people. Like all hormone treatments, there are risks.
You should evaluate with your healthcare provider the pros and cons, even of bioidentical hormones approved by the FDA. The intake of bioidentical compound hormones carries risks, but in some cases, they can be a better option. Bioidentical composite hormones are not approved by the FDA. They are not tested for safety or effectiveness.
Many major medical groups don't support its use because not enough is known about its safety and long-term side effects. When the FDA approves a drug, the drug company must report any reported side effects. These side effects are included in the documentation you receive when you pick up your medication at the pharmacy. Pharmacies that produce hormonal compounds don't have to report drug side effects to the FDA or submit documentation. This contributes to the myth that compound hormones are safer when healthcare providers are not aware of all the possible side effects of these hormones.
Side effects may occur, especially after the first dose. Your body is not used to the new level of hormones. Many side effects improve as the body adjusts to the new level of hormones. In some cases, the dose may need to be changed.
If you use a patch, cream, or gel, you may feel itchy or red around the area where the hormones are applied. Yes, they work for some people. The results will differ depending on your symptoms and health history. Talk to your healthcare provider about bioidentical hormones and what form might work best for you. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend not using bioidentical hormones and opting for a more traditional hormone replacement therapy option.
Call your healthcare provider if you have any negative side effects after receiving a dose of hormones. If you have a side effect that you can't control or that doesn't go away in a short time, your hormone level may be too high. Talk to your healthcare provider before hormone treatment to learn what to expect. Yes, weight gain is a side effect of bioidentical hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are used to help people manage menopausal symptoms or other hormonal imbalances. Some bioidentical hormones are not approved by the FDA. All hormone replacement therapy has risks. Bioidentical compound hormones may pose a greater risk because their effects are not right.
studied. Talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of hormone replacement. And most importantly, know that you don't need to live with the unpleasant symptoms of a low hormone level. Your healthcare provider can help you manage your symptoms safely.
Learn more about our editorial process. With bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, patients in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN, can alleviate some of the worst symptoms of aging. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can also help women and men with chronic disorders such as fibromyalgia and thyroid problems. The objective of this study was to determine the use of hormone therapy in Swedish women aged 80 and over. Compared to synthetic hormones (manufactured in the laboratory), bioidentical hormones are derived from plant materials such as yams and soybeans, making them a more natural and safe alternative. Hormone replacement therapy can be a treatment to alleviate overactive bladder problems by helping the pelvic floor stay strong for greater control over bladder problems.
On the other hand, people who are close to menopausal age (50 to 59 years old) can start hormone therapy at the lowest dose to control symptoms and avoid potential health risks. Bioidentical hormone therapy can help alleviate these side effects and restore balance so that the body can return to normal function and avoid serious health problems. Most of the side effects of discontinuing hormone therapy are controllable compared to those that occurred before the treatment. However, there have been conflicting messages about the risks of hormone replacement therapy since the early 2000s, when the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) suddenly stopped research due to safety concerns.
Christy Kirkendol Watson uses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to balance the hormone levels of patients who age but want to feel younger. If these symptoms worsen and affect a woman's quality of life, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended for up to five years. Christy can help you create a plan for you, including if and when you should stop using bioidentical hormones to do it.
