Hormone Replacement Therapy

What’s the difference between ‘Body identical’ and ‘Bio-Identical’ Hormone Replacement treatments?

‘Bioidentical’ hormone therapy refers to compounded products represented as hormones identical to those naturally produced by bodies. Manufacturing of these such products is not regulated or subject to the strict resting conditions required by manufacturers of pharmaceutical products.

‘Body-identical’ hormone therapy refers to pharmaceutical products that have been manufactured to have identical chemical structures as those produced naturally by the human body.

It’s important to note that neither of these options are considered ‘natural’; both are developed after thorough research and development and manufactured in a laboratory.

Which is right for me?

As with any medical treatment and medications, a thorough conversation with your GP or specialist should be your first port of call. Each treatment has its benefits and may suit you, your medical history and lifestyle better.

All Hormone Replacement therapies are designed to be taken on a long-term basis, so you must start treatment with a solid foundation and understanding.

Where to start?

Before commencing any form of treatment for Menopause, your GP or specialist will ask for a thorough medical history, have a detailed conversation with you regarding your symptoms, and perform extensive testing, usually blood and uring, to determine your hormone levels.

Once your Dr receives your results, they will design a treatment plan tailored to you and your specific needs. You will start taking bioidentical hormones prepared specially for you, or they may opt for the standard hormone replacement treatments available based on your results and symptoms.

Managing Menopause

Menopausal symptoms can vary from person to person and can be managed through education, lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What are Bioidentical hormone replacement products?

The hormones are available in a cream, tablet (that dissolves orally), in a capsule format and pessary.

The preparations contain a combination of oestrogens, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones.

Several studies have indicated some prescription medications can aid in reducing hot flushes and sweats. These treatments may be an option if HRT cannot be used for health or other reasons and discussed with a doctor.

What costs are involved with Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

The cost varies as much as the products themselves. Compounded Body-identical hormone therapy products are tailored to each patient and are issued alongside a detailed care plan designed to balance hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement is designed to work over long periods, easing your hormonal imbalance to bring a more positive balance.

What other treatments are available?

There several natural medications and products on the market that may offer some additional relief alongside standard treatments.

The herbal medicine, black cohosh, herbal medicine may assist in reducing hot flushes and sweats, but as with any herbal remedy, the benefits are on a case by case basis.

Certain foods such as Dairy, Wholegrains, Essential Fatty Acids and foods containing phytoestrogens such as soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts, grapes, berries, plums, green and black tea have also shown to have varied effects, both positive and negative, on menopausal symptoms.

Quality matters.

Unlike traditional mainstream HRT treatments, bioidentical products aren’t regulated, so it’s important you trust your prescription to an experienced, trusted compounding pharmacy to ensure the quality of both the medication and combination and any additional products used to ‘bind’ the ingredients together.

If you’re not sure, contact us on 1300 731 755 for more information and to speak with a pharmacist.

For Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement compounded products include topical cream, troche (lozenge that dissolves in check cavity), capsules or pessary.