What Exactly Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones that women make naturally. Bioidentical hormones are synthesized in a lab from plant sources, like yams and soybeans, but are often called natural because they behave the same way a woman's own hormones behave.

Types of Bioidentical Hormones

• Bioidentical hormones include both estrogens and progesteron. Bioidentical estrogens come in three forms: 17 beta-estradiol, estrone and estriol. Bioidentical progesterone comes in one form and is finely ground for better absorption.

Availability of Bioidentical Hormones

• Bioidentical hormones are commercially available by prescription and have approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are available under their chemical names and come in various forms including pills, transdermal patches and vaginal inserts.

Getting Bioidentical Hormones

• A physician can prescribe bioidentical hormones, as she would any other hormone regimen. Some doctors may prescribe based on hormone levels. However, each woman is different, and the effectiveness of hormone therapy is based on response to treatment, independent of hormone levels.

Using Bioidentical Hormones

• A woman without a uterus may use bioidentical estrogen alone. A woman with a uterus must take an FDA-approved, prescription progestin or progesterone, in addition to the estrogen. Using estrogen alone may cause endometrial cancer.

Customizing Bioidentical Hormones

• Bioidentical hormone formulas are readily available and do not need to be customized or compounded. Because they are mixed to order, compounded drugs have not been tested for effectiveness or safety the way commercial hormone blends are. The FDA regulates the individual components, but not the final product.