Bioidentical Hormone Therapy - Information and Specialists

Bioidentical hormone therapy has several applications. It is most commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms. During menopause, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. The ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen. These changes lead to symptoms such as:

• hot flashes
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings

Up to 85 percent of all women going through menopause suffer from hot flashes @ fizkes /AdobeStock

Hormone replacement therapy has been around since the 1960s. The treatment was pioneered by the American physician John R. Lee. At the onset of menopause, the balance between estrogen and progesterone changes. Progesterone levels drop more rapidly.

Hormones are bioidentical if they have the same structure as those produced by the human body. Bioidentical hormones integrate seamlessly into the body’s hormonal system. They can therefore help restore hormonal balance in cases of menopausal symptoms.

Although plants serve as the source material for bioidentical hormones, these hormones cannot be extracted entirely from nature. To produce bioidentical hormones, experts must first extract a raw material from plants (soy, Mexican yam). They then convert this raw material into the corresponding hormones in the laboratory.

Treatment with bioidentical hormones can be administered in various ways.

1. Oral: When you take the hormones orally, they quickly reach the liver. The liver breaks down most of the hormones. This process is called the first-pass effect. For this reason, the individual doses are relatively high with this form of therapy.
2. Rectal or vaginal: In this case, the hormones are administered through the skin (cream or gel) or through the mucous membrane (rectal or vaginal suppositories). With this method of administration, the dose is lower than when taken orally.

Estrogen inhibits bone resorption and plays a role in the development of the endometrium. 

An estrogen deficiency leads to:

• hot flashes
• dry skin
• dry eyes
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)

Progesterone is also known as the “feel-good hormone.” It has a calming effect and promotes healthy sleep. Today, it is believed that about 90 percent of menopausal symptoms are due to a progesterone deficiency. 

A progesterone deficiency can manifest in the following ways:

• Endometriosis
• Migraines
• Insomnia
• Depression

In menopausal women, decreased estrogen levels affect sleep quality @ dark_blade /AdobeStock

PCOS is a hormonal disorder in which a woman produces too many male hormones (androgens). PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. About four to ten percent of all women of childbearing age suffer from PCOS. 

If the syndrome remains untreated, the following complications may occur:

• cardiovascular diseases,
• mental health disorders, and
• infertility

Today, bioidentical hormones are used to treat PCOS. The hormones are administered in low doses and tailored individually to each patient.

Bioidentical hormone therapy is not a short-term treatment. Once the patient and doctor agree on this type of therapy, the desired improvement occurs within a few days. 

Hormone therapy typically lasts two to five years. The doctor gradually reduces the prescribed dose over an extended period. It is not recommended to stop therapy abruptly.

Most women tolerate bioidentical hormone therapy very well. Bleeding similar to menstruation may occur. 

Some women find this bleeding bothersome and stop hormone therapy. Studies have shown that bioidentical hormone therapy cannot prevent age-related diseases.

In addition, the likelihood of the following conditions increases:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Breast cancer

Because of these risks, you should carefully consider hormone therapy. Whether a woman decides for or against bioidentical hormone therapy is an extremely personal matter. 

The doctor can prescribe hormones at such a low dose that both symptoms and the risk of side effects are minimal.

Bioidentical hormones have the same structure as the body’s own hormones and integrate into the body’s hormonal system. They are primarily used to treat menopausal symptoms. However, they can also be helpful for other conditions. 

Women can take bioidentical hormones orally, as a cream, as a gel, or through the skin. When taken orally, the dose is higher because the liver breaks down a large portion of the hormones immediately. 

Bioidentical hormones are better tolerated than synthetic ones. However, you should be aware of potential side effects.