Can I Trust What People Are Saying About Bioidentical Hormones? 5 Things to Know.
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.
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.
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 is Taking Them!
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.
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.
