Myths and Facts About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones are chemical messengers that help many processes in your body run smoothly. While lower levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, are common after middle age, significant changes can cause a range of bothersome, even life-altering, symptoms.

Given the various options for hormone therapy, our team at PSI Medical Group, led by Dr. Robert Grafton in Wixom, Michigan, is pleased to offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to turn your hormone imbalance around. 

Chances are, not everything you’ve learned about BHRT is accurate. In this short article, we set the facts straight.

Myth: BHRT hormones are very different from HRT hormones.

The hormones used in BHRT treatments are designed to mimic the hormones your body produces. 

Traditional HRT hormones also act like hormones in your body, the difference being that BHRT hormones are derived from plants and HRT hormones may stem from plants, synthetic materials, or other sources, like horse urine. 

Myth: Bioidentical hormones aren’t safe.

While hormones used for BHRT aren’t tested or regulated the way traditional HRT hormones are, BHRT actually provides a safer option for some people. If you’re allergic to ingredients in FDA-approved hormone options, BHRT that’s devoid of those ingredients may be your only safe bet. 

At PSI Medical Group, we closely monitor your treatment to ensure your safety and well-being.

Myth: BHRT dramatically raises your cancer risk.

Like traditional hormone replacement therapy, BHRT may slightly raise your risk for breast cancer or prostate cancer in some cases, but it's not known to dramatically increase such dangers. 

One older study, from 2014, showed that BHRT had a lower risk for fueling invasive breast cancer than synthetic progesterone therapy in some women. 

Any type of HRT could raise your risk of a breast or prostate cancer recurrence, so you may need to avoid systemic hormone therapy, which affects your whole body. Avoiding long-term use of any kind of hormone therapy seems to reduce related cancer risks, too.

Myth: BHRT isn’t terribly effective.

Replenishing lost hormones can go a long way toward enhancing your wellness. 

A large-scale study, for example, showed that compounded bioidentical hormones — meaning they’re ordered by a clinician’s prescription — led to greater quality of life and reduced menopause symptoms. Women in the study reported better moods, less anxiety, and fewer hot flashes and night sweats within 24 months of starting BHRT.

You may be a good candidate for BHRT if you’re experiencing those symptoms or other signs of a hormone imbalance, such as:

• Weight gain
• Reduced libido
• Heart rate changes
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) 

To learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or get started with the hormonal care you need, call us at PSI Medical Group in Wixom, Michigan, or book an appointment through our convenient website scheduler today.