In recent shows, Oprah has brought bioidentical HRT onto center stage. As a result, there is a tremendous amount of interest about bioidentical HRT. Oprah is not the first celebrity to spark interest in bioidenticals. In her books, Ageless, The Sexy Years, and Breakthrough, Suzanne Somers describes how bioidenticals relieved her menopause symptoms. She also makes it clear that she intends to stay on them for the rest of her life.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) has been around for many years and many patients have had great success with it.
But Fusion Rx Compounding Pharmacy has found that each woman has her own individual needs which is best addressed by creating a customized regimen. Bioidentical HRT come in various shapes and sizes that work in differently for different women. It is also important to understand that although bHRT can provide great results in most women, others may need more support or different kinds of support to get the same relief. For example, a women with lots of stress is going to require additional support to the bHRT to maintain a healthy balance. A women under tremendous stress will never overcome her symptoms completely if we don’t stop her body from making stress hormones.
What are “bioidentical hormones”?
Bioidentical hormones are manufactured from plant sources, such as yams and soy, to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. Alternatively, synthetic hormones are intentionally different so that drug companies can obtain a patent. Bioidentical hormones remain unknown to most practitioners; even though they have been around for years. Estradiol and Prometrium are two examples of commercially available bioidenticals that take the one size fits all approach to medicine.
At Fusion Rx, we have had much greater success rate when a customized regimen is created for each individual. We begin with at home salivary test of hormone levels (a so-called “hormone panel”). If needed, Fusion Rx Compounding Pharmacy will contact your primary care physician or ob/gyn and recommend a precise regimen for each patient. After the physicans approval and initiation of the treatment regimen, each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure she gets symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage.
Is bHRT the first step to hormonal balance?
No. In many cases women can rebalance their hormones without the use of drugs. Sometimes a natural approach that combines nutritional supplements, endocrine support and dietary & lifestyle changes can be enough to get relief.
Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones?
Yes. Bioidentical hormones are natural and our bodies can metabolize them, thus minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones often produce intolerable side effects. More over the compounded Bioidentical hormones can be customized to each woman’s needs.
Are bioidentical hormones safer than synthetics?
Bioidentical hormones have been suggested by European medical studies to be safer than synthetic versions. But their long-term use has not been well studied. Keep in mind that the Women’s Health Initiative studies reflect health risks of HRT based on the use of synthetic/equine based hormones and not Bioidentical HRT.
Are bioidentical hormones right for me?
If you take the time to fill out our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) questionaire on our web site, located on the homepage under the BHRT analysis tab, one of our trained pharmacist will review the information you provide to determine if you can benefit from BHRT.
