Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are made from plants, and processed to be indentical to the hormones in our bodies. They may be injected, taken orally, or absorbed through the skin. Application to the skin (which may include vaginally for women) is preferred and most effective.
Do drug companies make bioidentical hormones? And if not, why?
Bioidentical hormones are found in nature and cannot be patented, so there would be no monetary incentive for drug companies to produce bioidentical hormone medications. However, drug companies can patent the mode of delivery of the bioidentical hormone. So in recent years they have developed “patches” to deliver estrogen, and “micronized” progesterone pills to take orally.
Where can I get bioidentical hormones? And are they expensive?
Except
for those made by pharmaceutical companies, (and a couple that are
actually over the counter) bioidentical hormones must be compounded
(mixed) by a compounding pharmacist. The pharmacist does not “make” the
bioidentical hormone, but mixes the precise amount needed with oil,
cream, or puts it into capsules. Only compounding pharmacists can make
dosages that exactly match what your body needs.
Depending on where purchased, most compounded bioidentical hormones are much cheaper than those sold by pharmaceutical companies.
Depending on where purchased, most compounded bioidentical hormones are much cheaper than those sold by pharmaceutical companies.
Can't I just get a prescription for bioidentical hormones from my regular healthcare provider eg. Ob/Gyn, Family Practice, etc?
To balance your hormones, you should see someone that specializes in bioidentical hormone treatment. Because:
……. Today healthcare providers are seeing 20, 30, or even 40 (unbelievable!) patients a day.
……. Today healthcare providers are seeing 20, 30, or even 40 (unbelievable!) patients a day.
- They do not have time to research all the information on bioidentical hormone treatment, nor time to sort out information that often confuses bioidentical with synthetic hormones.
- They do not have time, just for you. They do not have time to listen to all of your symptoms, plus match those symptoms with hormone test results then customize doses of bioidentical hormones just for you.
- The
average healthcare provider is more comfortable ordering pharmaceutical
hormones and not as comfortable with compounded bioidenticals to meet your precise hormone needs.