BHRT Myths
The transition to menopause is a challenging one with a wide array of mental and physical symptoms. BHRT, or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, is a treatment option through compounding pharmacies to alleviate the symptoms associated with menopausal-related changes. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources like soy and wild yams that have been chemically altered to exactly match the hormones produced by the body. Hormones include estrogens (estradiol, estriol, or estrone), progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths surrounding BHRT. In this blog post, we will explore the most common myths and facts.
At Compounding Solutions Pharmacy & Wellness, we can customize your therapy to your individual needs. Each prescription is tailored to each woman's needs in terms of dosage form, which hormones are supplemented, and how much supplementation is needed. If you are already on a commercially available medication, our pharmacists can work with your doctor to transition you onto BHRT to minimize any potential side effects. We recommend tracking your symptoms when you
first begin treatment, so that the right dose can be determined. For more information about BHRT, please click here.
Myth: You don’t need medical help for menopause.
Fact: Hormonal imbalances during the transition to menopause can cause a wide array of symptoms that can impact your quality of life.
Symptoms may include but are not limited to:
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
Hormones can correct this imbalance while providing relief for your symptoms. Tracking your symptoms can help your doctor and pharmacist decide which hormones, dosage forms, and treatment plan is right for you. To download your symptom tracker, please click the button below.
Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is unsafe.
Fact: Newer studies have found that HRT is the most effective solution for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis.
Hormone therapy is customized to meet your needs based on your symptoms and severity. Treatment options for most conditions come with a certain amount of risk because everyone's body is different and metabolizes food and drugs differently. Unlike most commercially available products for hormone therapy that is made from a mare’s urine, bioidentical hormones are made from vegetable sources to mimic the structure of human hormones leading to better tolerance in the body. Some women are unable to tolerate hormone therapy in certain situations, such as if you smoke or have a history of certain cancers.
Myth: HRT causes cancer.
Fact: Bioidentical hormones may reduce your risk for certain cancers.
If you have a history of cancer of the breast, uterus, or endometrium, or if cancer runs in your family, you may still be able to use hormones to alleviate your menopause symptoms. Treatment can be designed around your medical history and future cancer risks.
If you’re otherwise in good health, using bioidentical hormones can reduce your risk for developing reproductive cancers and conditions like osteoporosis, a loss of bone density. Bioidentical hormones match the hormones your body produces naturally and often are considered to be gentler on your body than traditional synthetic hormones.
Myth: There is no need for hormone therapy after menopause.
Fact: Even after you have transitioned to menopause, you may still feel the effects of a hormonal imbalance.
It may take several years for your hormones to level out after your menstrual cycle stops. Night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings are common during this time, and some women may have them severely enough to impact your daily life. For more information about treatment options for menopause, please click
here.
Ask our pharmacists if BHRT is right for you. We can work with your doctor to find the right dose and dosage form to alleviate your symptoms.
Sources:
https://www.guirguisobgyn.com/blog/myths-and-facts-about-hormone-replacement-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms
https://www.mmgyn.com/blog/myths-and-facts-about-bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-for-women
https://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/hormones/history-hormone-therapy/
https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-know-benefits-risks/