Bioidentical hormones are an alternative form of hormone therapy, or, as its better known – HRT. They're not a new form of hormone therapy – surprisingly, they’ve been in use for over 20 years.

They appeared to hit the headlines when they featured on the Oprah Winfrey show and, since that point, womens' interest in them has defininitely been peaked. But are bioidentical hormones the answer to combating the (sometimes unpleasant) symptoms associated with the menopause?

Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are similar to the standard types already used by the medical profession. The difference is that these hormones are manufactured to match the molecular structure of the individual patient. Hence the term ‘bio identical’.

The reason that they're matched individually is self-explanatory; there simply isn’t a way to produce hormones per individual without actually having done the 'matching' in the first place. Pure math.

However, Bioidentical hormones, due to their very nature, cannot be patented, which is why pharmaceutical companies still mass produce and sell synthetic hormone replacements, such as Provera. And that goes some way towards explaining why regular hormone treatments remain more commonly known about and used to treat the symptoms of menopause.

How Natural Are They?

The big question is - are these hormones natural? The obvious difference is that pharmaceutical hormones are close to but different from the natural hormones found in each and every individual. Bio identical hormones biologically match – therefore one would suppose that they are intrinsically better for the individual than something derived from an animal.

Another important factor worthy of note is that the hormones are derived from precursors found in yam and soya bean plants. Most of the non-bioidentical hormones are also drawn from plants but not all are – a little like Levothyroxine, which is used as a hormone replacement for natural thyroxine in patients suffering from Thyroid Disease.

Testing Hormone Levels

They are prescribed and used as per other forms of HRT – when a women presents with menopausal symptoms, if need be, bioidentical hormones can be prescribed. The patients' hormone levels are tested, usually by way of a non-invasive saliva test, to find the base hormone level.

The bioidentical hormones are then matched to the individual, both in terms of biologically and dose level. Of course some adjustments may be required over the course of time. As with anything, an individual starts off on the lowest dose and this is then fine-tuned as time goes by – or not, as the case may be.

Bioidentical Hormones And Safety

In relation to the safety of the hormones - are they safe? Or at least safer than non-bioidentical hormones - then the answer is a little unclear. There have been studies conducted in Europe that suggest they are indeed safer but the medical profession as a whole appears to be in conflict.

However, that does tend to make one wonder as to whether this is a pharmaceutical based bias, due to the fact that bioidentical hormones cannot be patented – therefore the pharmaceutical giants cannot gain the monopoly and the profits that would ensue.

Non-bioidentical Hormones

Having said that, this is pure conjecture - but at least its sensible conjecture. Pills, potions and medications are big business and will always remain so. What is known is that many thousands of women seem to prefer bioidentical hormones to their non-biological counterparts.

Plus, when you factor in the study in 2002 by the Womens Health Initiative and the ensuing studies that established the same results regarding the risks associated with conventional HRT usage, it does beg the thought that perhaps aiming for something as natural as possible is indeed always going to be the safer option.

Bio Identical Hormones - In Conclusion

In conclusion, bioidentical hormones are a popular alternative to the standard HRT treatments currently available. There are many pros regarding their use and, from what I’ve discovered, more and more women are opting to use them – as opposed to because they’re all that’s available.

If you go by the hype alone, I’d say you’re probably acting a little foolish. The best way forward is knowledge. Knowledge is a powerful tool and allows us some measure of autonomy. Find out all you can about bioidentical hormones first. Read and research, talk to friends, family, colleagues – you may well discover someone that’s already using them.

Ultimately professional advice will always be of paramount importance but sitting down with your doctor; having already understood what’s available is always going to be better than blind ignorance – especially when the information is so freely available.