What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormones are chemicals made by the endocrine system. They direct functions in multiple systems of the body. When they are imbalanced, it can affect your weight, mood, energy levels, libido, fertility, and more. 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the use of artificial hormones to balance hormone levels and decrease symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is one version of this kind of treatment.

This article reviews what bioidentical hormones are, what BHRT treats, how it differs from other forms of HRT, its benefits and risks, and how to take it. 

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormones control sexual health, mood, body temperature, growth, immunity (ability to fight infection), and more. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a type of treatment used to reduce symptoms related to hormone imbalances. 

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are synthetic (artificial) versions of the hormones already made in the endocrine system. They are chemically and structurally identical to human hormones. 

Bioidentical hormones are often confused with “natural” hormone therapy. "Natural hormones" is the term used to describe those extracted from plants such as yams and soybeans. 

What Can BHRT Treat?

BHRT can help with symptoms of imbalanced hormones, such as:

• Mood swings 
• Fatigue 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Menopausal symptoms
• Infertility (problems conceiving a baby)
• Decreased libido (interest in sex)
• Decreased risk of osteoporosis (postmenopause)
• Temperature dysregulation

BHRT is also an important treatment for those who are transgender and are transitioning. 

Compounded Bioidentical Hormones vs. Standard BHRT

Standard BHRT is often confused with compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (cBHRT). The following are the primary distinctions between standard BHRT and cBHRT: 

• Standard BHRT is commercially available, prepackaged, standardized doses of bioidentical hormones approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
• Compounded BHRT involves custom compounded recipes mixed in a pharmacy. Formulas usually include a mixture of standard BHRT and nonhormonal ingredients; cBHRT is not FDA approved.
  

How to Take BHRT 

 BHRT comes in various forms and routes, including:

• Oral capsules, tablets, or pills
• Vaginal capsules
• Lozenges
• Oils (oral)
• Topical (on the skin) creams, gels, solutions, or sprays
• Transdermal (through the skin) patches
• Suppositories (vaginal and rectal)
• Enemas
• Under-the-tongue pills, tablets, or drops (sublingual)
• Nasal sprays
• Under-the-skin implanted pellets 
• Injections (shot)

Dosages and amounts vary based on the formulation and route of medication. It’s important to follow the prescriber's directions to get the most benefit from BHRT.

Traditional HRT vs. BHRT

The goal of hormone replacement therapy is to replace low levels of hormones. While levels may not be completely restored, treatment is usually enough to resolve symptoms. Differences between HRT and BHRT are:

• Traditional HRT refers to synthetic hormones made in the lab. They are FDA-approved medications that come in standard, prepackaged doses. 
• BHRT uses synthetic hormones that are the most identical to those in the body. They come in standard, commonly used doses that are approved by the FDA. The chemical structure of the hormones used in BHRT is often the same or similar as those used in traditional therapy. 

Benefits of BHRT

New studies have found that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks for younger women or those in the early stages of menopause. BHRT has become a popular form of HRT over the last couple of decades. The perceived benefits of BHRT include:

• Safety: Many healthcare providers and patients remain concerned about using HRT. Some feel BHRT is a safer alternative to traditional HRT. 
• Customization: cBHRT can be mixed with standard BHRT to create a personalized dose based on your hormone levels, symptoms, and preference and is especially beneficial for those who are allergic to ingredients in standard BHRT or need a dose that is not available otherwise. 
• They are exact duplicates: Bioidentical hormones are the most identical to those made in the body.

Side Effects and Risks of BHRT

The side effects of BHRT vary depending on the type of hormone replacement used. Examples of side effects include:

• Acne
• Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol or triglycerides)
• Mood swings
• Hair loss
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Increased facial hair 
• Itching in areas where topical medications are applied

As with any systemic (throughout the body) estrogen therapy, there is a slight risk of blood clots, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease. There is also a small risk of stroke and heart attack, especially for women over age 60.

For those who still have a uterus, there is also an increased risk for endometrial cancer.

Summary

Bioidentical hormones are synthetic (artificial) hormones often confused with natural hormones derived from plants. Standard BHRT is tested, approved, and regulated by the FDA, while cBHRT is not. Many people prefer BHRT because of its perceived safety and because it can be customized. However, no scientific evidence shows they are safer or more effective than traditional HRT.

A Word From Verywell

Experiencing disruptions with your hormones can cause frustrating symptoms that interfere with your daily life. There are multiple options to help you combat these symptoms, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your healthcare provider so they can help you decide on the best plan for your health and well-being.