Can I Trust What People Are Saying About Bioidentical Hormones? 5 Things to Know.
January 29th, 2010 | by Glen Wright |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: Bioidentical Hormone Therapy is Fundamentally Different.
Here’s the key fact to keep in mind — bioidentical hormones are chemically equal — yes, ‘identical’ — to those that are produced by the human body. This isn’t the same for other hormones, which don’t always match up.
#4: There’s a Perfectly Good Reason Some Aren’t FDA Approved.
The FDA doesn’t have a system in place to approve compounded hormones when they’re made by a special type of pharmacy. The reason this system doesn’t exist is simple — the hormones are ‘customized’ to each person, so the FDA would have to sit down and approve literally hundreds of thousands of hormone replacement therapy solutions every year.
#3: Accreditation Agencies are Crucial.
Make sure you deal with a compounding pharmacy you can trust. The PCAB (that stands for the Pharmaceutical Compounding Accreditation Board) is a good source for the best ones in the nation, and if your doctor has been working with a compounding pharmacy for some time, they’ll be able to confirm its trustworthiness to you in person.
#2: Be Realistic About the Oprah Factor.
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: Keep A Balanced Approach For the Best Results.
There’s simply no substitute for proper nutrition, exercise, and lowered stress — in other words, an over-all approach to health. Especially if you’re dealing with menopause, remember that hormone replacement therapy (bioidentical or not) is never going to solve all your problems. Stay realistic and you’ll have a much better chance of success.
Thinking of starting a bioidentical hormone therapy? Analyze your symptoms and test your hormones only with the help of a professional bioidentical hormones doctor.
