What does bioidentical hormone therapy mean?
The word "bioidentical" sounds like a guarantee of something gentler or safer. Two published sources explain what it actually says about a hormone.
Two definitions side by side
The Endocrine Society explains that “bioidentical” hormones are defined as substances that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the human body. It adds that any hormone can be made to be “bioidentical,” and there are many FDA-approved hormone preparations that are “bioidentical.”
Cleveland Clinic says bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) uses processed hormones that come from plants. It names estrogen, progesterone and testosterone as the most commonly used bioidentical hormones.
The first source ties the word to chemical structure. The second ties it to plant-derived starting material. Neither says the word, on its own, proves a product is safer.
What the label does not settle
Because products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can also be bioidentical, the label by itself does not tell you whether a preparation is approved or custom-made. That is the next thing to ask about.
Questions for a provider
- Is the hormone you are offering FDA-approved, or is it a custom preparation?
- Where is it made, and who checks it?
- What symptoms are we treating, and how will we know it is working?
Background pages to open
For a plain overview, read MedlinePlus on hormone therapy for menopause. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration addresses custom preparations in compounding and the FDA: questions and answers.
Reading the word carefully
Treat "bioidentical" as a description of a molecule, not a seal of approval. The questions above tell you far more.