At the Plateroti Center we have been using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for nearly 15 years. And we've found that women feel their best when they're informed about their options so they can decide what works for them. So let‘s explore what we've learned about bioidentical hormones and help you answer that basic question for yourself.

What are “bioidentical hormones”?

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have close to the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. Synthetic hormones most widely used are Premarin, Prempro and Provera.

Though bioidentical hormones have been around for years, most practitioners are unfamiliar with them. There are several branded versions now available for use in the kind of hormone replacement therapy (“HRT”) typical of synthetic hormones. This is generally a one-size-fits-all dosage regime.

In our practice, we have had the greatest success with an individualized approach. We begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels (a so-called “hormone panel”). If bioidentical are warranted, we then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogen, testosterone or DHEA that is made up at a compounding pharmacy. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure we get symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we will do a hormone panel every three months. Once balance is restored, we’ll do one panel a year at the time of the annual exam or more often depending on the patient.

Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones?

We long ago concluded that the answer to this question is maybe. 

The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is that they are more natural than synthetics however, still synthetic because they are produced in a lab and do not come from nature. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects compared to bioidentical. 

Are bioidentical hormones safer than other synthetics?

We don’t know for sure that bioidentical hormones are any safer than synthetic ones. We must be cautious here, because they have not been well-studied, especially for long-term use. And in any case, we never recommend that a woman think of any drug such as bioidentical hormones as completely safe.

Let us note here that the WHI studies on the effectiveness and health risks of HRT were based on synthetic/equine-based hormones. 

Are their natural Alternatives to bioidentical hormone replacement?

Yes, a new breakthrough in hormone rejuvenation has been developed using a Functional Endocrinology approach to identify and treat changes in the endocrine system not in a disease state. Functional Endocrinology uses diet, nutrition, lifestyle and other non-invasive therapies to manage metabolic conditions affecting hormones. The goal is to optimize physiology to restore health and function to hormone levels.

What does  The Plateroti Center recommend?

The great majority of women can rebalance their hormones without the use of drugs (synthetic/bioidentical). We have found that about 85% can find relief through an approach that combines medical-grade nutritional supplements, homeopathy, gentle endocrine support, and dietary and lifestyle changes. We recommend that every woman start with this combination approach as a foundation of health.

Even with this foundation, a minority of women will need to add prescription-strength hormone supplements to get complete relief, at least through a transition period. We recommend they start by using homeopathy and if needed move to bioidentical hormones, preferably in a compounded form personalized to their needs by one of our experienced practitioner. It’s important that the hormones be used in addition to the combination approach.