There’s a lot of talk in the medical community about bioidentical hormones. Depending on what you read, you may see that they are “ineffective, dangerous, unproven, safer, curative,” etc. Many of the myths that circulate result in increased anxiety about hormone replacement and keep women from getting products that might make a huge difference in their quality of life.
My friend, Betsy Hoida (a compounding pharmacist), and I got fed up with hearing all of this, so we teamed up to make this video to explain compounding, what the dosage forms are that can be made, and why (despite no FDA approval) these products can be excellent choices for helping women escape hormone hell.
Click here to watch.
No time to check it out right now? Here’s a quick summary below:
What does bioidentical mean?
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones women make in their bodies. They’re not found in this form in nature, but are made or synthesized from a plant chemical extracted from yams and soy.
What do compounding pharmacies do?
Compounding pharmacies prepare medications by mixing raw ingredients to formulate a medication that results in an exact dosage and strength for each individual patient. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid replacement can be compounded specifically for your personal needs.
3 common myths about compounded hormones:
- Compounded medications aren’t regulated by the FDA so they aren’t studied or safe.
- You don’t know what you’re getting in a compounded product.
- Bioidentical compounded hormones have fewer side effects and are safer.
We cover ALL of these in our video!
Compounded medications can be a great option for women who need precision dosing. It is especially useful for testosterone replacement since all commercially available topical preparations come in man-sized doses (women only need about 10-30% of a male dose). They are also a good option for women who are having trouble optimizing their dose of thyroid medication. Rest assured that reputable compounding pharmacies create customized medications that are safe and effective.
Dr. Anna Garrett is a menopause expert and Doctor of Pharmacy. She helps women who are struggling with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause find natural hormone balancing solutions so they can rock their mojo through midlife and beyond. Dr. Anna is the author of Perimenopause: The Savvy Sister’s Guide to Hormone Harmony. Order your copy at www.perimenopausebook.com.
Dr. Anna is available for 1-1 consultations. Find out more at www.drannagarrett.com/lets-
