The use of hormones is one of the most sought-after ways of treatment that is provided to women who experience menopause and other related hormonal problems. It also alleviates such menopausal symptoms as hot flashes, mood changes, and lack of energy.
Yet any hormonal therapy is identical. There are two types generally spoken about: bioidentical hormone therapy and conventional hormone therapy.
Although they both intend to rebalance the hormones, the two are significantly different in the way their production, prescription, and monitoring are carried out. The differences can guide women to make informed choices concerning their health.
This article deconstructs what hormone therapy entails and the comparisons we can draw about bioidentical and conventional forms of the treatment in several aspects.
What Is Hormone Therapy for Women?
Hormone Therapy for Women is a therapy for the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, the symptoms of the loss of hormones. In later life, as women get older, their estrogen and progesterone levels decrease.
The symptoms to expect with this change of the hormones are diverse and not necessarily enjoyable or in harmony with the rest of your life, e.g., hot flushes, night sweats, mood change, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and so on.
Hormone replacement therapy compensates for the missing levels of the hormones whose production in the body ceases.
Its goals consist of the reversal of hormone imbalance, a decrease in symptoms, and a general improvement in quality of life. It can also keep the bone healthy, not to mention preventing the occurrence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Types of Hormone Therapy for Females
There are two main types of hormone therapy:
- Traditional hormone therapy involves the utilization of either synthetic hormones or animal-derived ones, frequently in fixed-dose preparations.
- Bioidentical hormone therapy is a kind of medication that makes use of hormones that are similar in structure to the ones that are naturally formed by the human body. These may be in standard formulation variants or may be custom-compounded by a pharmacy.
Both of them can be administered as pills, patches, creams, gels, or injections, according to the needs of a patient and recommendations of a provider. Not all persons are fit to undergo hormone therapy.
It demands constant screening, blood tests, and medical advice. Women considering hormone therapy should consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine what type of therapy is safest and most effective for their health profile.
Key Differences Between Bioidentical and Traditional Hormone Therapy for Women
Many women who want to undergo hormone therapy often struggle when deciding to choose between bioidentical and traditional therapy. When the treatment does not align with your needs, it can get problematic.
Hence, here are the factors you must know to understand the two treatment types carefully and make an informed decision:
Source and Composition
Conventional hormone replacement therapy easily utilizes artificial hormones or animal-based ones, such as conjugated equine estrogens, which are present in Premarin.
These are not the same hormones that are synthesized in the human body, but they have an effect of alleviating the menopausal symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are the opposite of the latter and are made using a plant source (yams or soy) and are chemically identical to a human hormone.
This chemical equivalence is one of the reasons why a great number of females like bioidentical choices.
Customization of Treatment
A prominent contrast can be seen in the formulation of treatments. Conventional hormone therapy is normally supplied in terms of standard doses. They are manufactured in large quantities and are in predetermined strengths.
Bioidentical hormones may also be produced in conventional doses; however, compounded preparations have been given to many women.
Compounded bioidentical hormones are tailored to the needs of an individual in a compounding pharmacy according to the levels of hormones, symptoms, and the prescriptive advice of the provider.
This tailoring would enable a closer dose and control of symptoms, particularly among women resistant to normal treatments.
FDA Approval and Regulation
Closely related is the point of difference in terms of the FDA approval. Customary hormone treatments are endorsed by the FDA and have to clear high safety and quality standards. They go under tests on consistency, efficacy, and purity. Niche versions of bioidentical hormones are too FDA-approved, especially brand-name versions.
Nonetheless, the FDA has not approved custom-compounded bioidentical hormones. They are made at compounding pharmacies that have a license but do not have the same degree of regulation and testing. It might result in differences in the dose or quality in case the pharmacy fails to resort to the best practices.
Perceived Safety and Risks
Some females claim that bioidentical hormones are safer since they are similar to the body’s ones. This is sensible as theory but not confirmed by clinical studies that bioidentical alternatives are superior and safer in comparison with the traditional.
Both are associated with some risk, such as blood clots, stroke, and, in the case of breast cancer, depending on the age and the health of the woman, and the use of hormones.
There is a potential for other risks with the use of compounded bioidentical hormones because they are not standardized and not dosed consistently. An accurate observation is the key to safety, regardless of the type.
Accessibility and Cost
Older forms of hormone therapy are commonly accessible and most often covered by insurance. This is why they are cheaper for many women. Bioidentical hormones, especially manipulated ones, are usually costly and are not covered by medical insurance.
It is also less available; not every provider offers compounded hormones, and not every drugstore is capable of producing them. Yet, the women who can access and pay out-of-pocket to receive bioidentical products tend to believe that they receive more personal treatment.
Final Thoughts
The preference for bioidentical or traditional hormone therapy is an individual decision taken in consultation with your provider. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages.
The most significant thing is that you need a form of treatment that is effective in your body, safe, and closely observed. There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all in hormone therapy. Hence, seeking professional advice is recommended.
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