Bio identical hormones replacement therapy, the kind we use at FUTURE WOMAN, refers to a form of hormone replacement therapy where the hormones replaced are identical to the forms the body produces naturally. These hormones are prescribed in doses and formulations that are individualised to suit each patient.
Synthetic HRT vs. Body Identical HRT
The first thing to know about Hormones Replacement Therapy (HRT) is that not all types of HRT are created equal. Often, what is referred to as Hormone Replacement Therapy would be better described as “hormone substitution therapy” where synthetic, hormone-like drugs are used.
These synthetic hormones have small but significant structural differences to the hormone that the body would naturally produce. These small structural differences make for big differences in function, and therefore, benefits and side effect profiles. This is conventional HRT.
For example, instead of progesterone, synthetic progestins are used, which do the job of protecting the womb lining from the cancer risk associated with use of oestrogen. However, progestins do not offer many of the other full body benefits of progesterone like reducing anxiety, reducing fluid retention, improving mood and improving bone health. They also have more side effects.
For this reason many women might opt for body identical HRT, which uses forms of hormone that are identical to those produced by the human body. As a result, they perfectly fit their hormone receptor site and their message is translated properly by the body. This means the effects of the hormone on the body is consistent with the normal biochemistry of the body.
Body Identical HRT vs. Bio Identical HRT
Body identical HRT available on the NHS is standardised and regulated. However, this means there is less scope for personalising the prescription. In addition, body identical HRT on the NHS is usually limited to oestrogen and progesterone replacement and other hormones such as testosterone or DHEA are often not considered for women.
Bio identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) also uses forms of hormones that are structurally identical to your body’s own hormones, but they are compounded by a specialist pharmacy for you in the doses and formulations that suit your individual needs best.
This means Bio Identical HRT is different to conventional HRT in both its source (synthetic v. naturally occurring plant-derived hormones) and customisation (standardised doses & combinations v. individualised combinations & doses).
However, because bio identical HRT is compounded specifically for each patient, with a lot of variation in terms of doses and combinations between patients, it is not regulated in the way that conventional HRT or body identical HRT is.
BHRT is often used for a wider range of menopausal symptoms and concerns than conventional HRT. For example, conventional HRT is usually reserved for treating hot flushes & night sweats and to reduce the risk of fractures for women who go through menopause early but it is less likely to be used for symptoms of brain fog, low mood & anxiety or skin concerns.
At the FUTURE WOMAN bHRT Clinic we consider HRT for a wider range of symptoms and concerns, and we tailor your bHRT for your stage of perimenopause and other individual concerns.
What's Next?
If you are struggling with symptoms related to menopause or perimenopause, and would like a holistic, 360 approach that considers both bHRT and non-HRT treatments to manage your symptoms and help you thrive through this stage of life then sign up to our bHRT clinic waitlist.
