Should We All Switch to Bioidentical Hormones? Here Are 5 Fundamental Facts.

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: The Difference in Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Has to do With the Makeup of the Hormones.

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.

There are some bioidentical hormones made by large pharmaceutical companies, and they have full FDA approval. But often, in order to make sure that the hormone matches up exactly with the one in our body, they are created on a case-by-case basis. As such, these specific concoctions are not FDA approved, as the resources simply aren’t there.

#3: Accreditation Agencies are Crucial.

Because of this inability to approve individual compound hormones, it’s necessary to ensure that you are getting your hormone replacement therapy from a pharmacy that practices great quality control and has been fully confirmed and vetted by your doctor. Check the Pharmaceutical Compounding Accreditation Board for another outside source.

#2: Oprah Took Acai Berries, Too.

Yep, we know — there’s nothing like an Oprah recommendation to drive interest in a specific product sky-high. Acai berries were just one example of this, and unfortunately it means that you can find a lot of misinformation online by people looking to make a quick buck. Make sure you rely on a source that’s highly quoted and checked out.

#1: Hormone Replacement Therapy Won’t Solve Everything!

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.

Finding a bioidentical hormones doctor can be done online. There are plenty of bioidentical hormone therapy doctors who will provide you with information and advice on how bioidentical hormones can help you.