Because of some recent big-time celebrity endorsements, bioidentical hormones and their use in hormone replacement therapy have been getting a lot of press and even a little bit of controversy. We've narrowed down the facts you need to have at hand before you start figuring out what this is all about. Read through these and keep yourself informed!
#5: There's A Key Difference Between Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and Standard Approaches.
The fundamental difference to remember is that a bioidentical hormone therapy plan uses hormones that are chemically identical to those hormones produced in the human body. Above and beyond all the other information that's out there, this is the key fact -- these hormones are exactly the same as those your body produces.
#4: Some Bioidentical Hormones Aren't FDA-Approved.
It's impossible to approve hormone therapy when it's customized to the exact person. For large batches of drugs from big pharmaceutical companies, sure. But when it's a compound hormone made by a special pharmacy, there's no way to send in that one specific hormone and have it approved by the massive FDA.
#3: Make Sure Your Compounding Pharmacy is Reliable.
As a result of #4, it's essential to make sure the compounding pharmacy you're dealing with has been fully vetted, either by your doctor, or by a relevant approval board -- take a look at the PCAB (Pharmaceutical Compounding Accreditation Board) for a good barometer, and make sure whoever you go with employs a lot of quality assurance.
#2: Oprah Took Acai Berries, Too.
There's no question that an endorsement from the reigning queen of television is a boon to any particular product, but in this case, Oprah herself is using bioidentical hormones, and has suggested they made a huge difference for her. Like anything she recommends, just remember that due diligence is always fundamental.
#1: Don't Spend All Your Energy Concentrating On This One Aspect.
Even though bioidentical hormones are an exciting new alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy, they (like everything else) are not something to solve all your problems. Keep focused on your complete health, from top to bottom, in all aspects of your life -- especially during menopause -- and don't think one pill will change everything.
Looking for a reliable voice on bioidentical hormones and hormone replacement therapy? Get real, honest answers from one of America's most widely-quoted bioidentical hormone therapy doctors on the subject, Dr. Erika Schwartz.