What is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy?

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) seeks to restore balance and typically involves estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, and cortisol.

Hormones fluctuate as early as a woman’s mid-thirties. Progesterone levels, for example, plummet by age 35, leading to a stage of life called perimenopause, which occurs during the 5-15 years preceding menopause. And with menopause comes a significant drop in estrogen levels. Such hormonal imbalances, if left uncorrected, contribute to osteoporosis, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and diminished quality of life because of hot flashes, night sweats, decreased sex drive, and other unpleasantries.

Men’s testosterone levels decline gradually over a lifetime, and the effects become readily apparent during mid-life with declining vitality, decreased muscle mass, waning sex drive, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Regardless of age or sex, high-stress lifestyles contribute to cortisol imbalance. Such adrenal dysfunction interferes with the action of most other hormones and contributes to weight gain, fatigue, and other ill effects.

BHRT involves individualized supplementation with hormones that are identical to the ones normally produced by a human body. These hormones are derived from plant sources and synthesized to create hormones that molecularly mirror what a human naturally makes. No two people have the same hormonal profile, so BHRT allows medical practitioners and pharmacists to tailor the replacement regimen and elevate a patient’s hormones her/his normal levels.

Drugs with hormone activity are are not identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. This is why they can cause a wide array of side effects like bleeding, bloating, and fatigue -- not to mention potentially increased risk for heart disease and various forms of cancer, as shown in the Women's Health Initiative and other large studies.

Because bio-identical hormones cannot be patented, drug companies have little to offer. But compounding pharmacies like The Medicine Shoppe can readily assist in meeting BHRT needs. Working with the medical practitioner and the patient, compounding pharmacist James Snody will custom-make BHRT components to suit each individual hormonal profile.

Any form of hormone replacement can be contraindicated in certain patients. Please consult with your medical practitioner before proceeding with any hormone regimen, including over-the-counter products. BHRT is not recommended for every patient and can carry significant side effects if prescribed and/or taken in an unbalanced manner. These effects can include blood clots, strokes, and certain kinds of cancer, among others. Balance is the key to successful BHRT -- balance between hormones and balance in lifestyle and nutrition. BHRT is not a cure-all. But when utilized in tandem with good nutrition, regular exercise, and stress reduction, patients have reported that BHRT can significantly contribute to overall good health.

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