Bioidentical Hormones (BIH)
Bioidentical Hormones (BIH)
Bioidentical hormones (BIH) are laboratory-produced hormones derived from plant sources (such as soybeans or yams) that are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone26. They are primarily used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and other hormonal imbalances12.
Uses
- Relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido26.
- Treatment of conditions like insulin resistance, adrenal and thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia (off-label or investigational)2.
- Sometimes used to improve quality of life during or after cancer treatment2.
Forms
Bioidentical hormones are available in various forms including pills, patches, creams, gels, and injections2.
Safety and Risks
- The FDA has approved some bioidentical hormone products; however, many compounded bioidentical hormones (custom-mixed formulations) are not FDA-approved and may carry additional risks due to lack of standardized testing for purity, potency, and safety156.
- Scientific evidence indicates that bioidentical hormones carry essentially the same risks and benefits as traditional non-bioidentical hormone therapies, including increased risks of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, gallbladder disease, and breast cancer with long-term use235.
- Claims that bioidentical hormones are safer or more effective than conventional HRT are not supported by large-scale, reputable studies235.
- Some studies suggest bioidentical progesterone may have a somewhat improved safety profile compared to synthetic progestins, but direct comparisons are limited5.
- Compounded bioidentical hormones lack consistent dosing and safety data, raising concerns about their use58.
Controversies and Considerations
- Bioidentical hormone therapy is sometimes promoted as a “natural” and safer alternative to conventional HRT, but this is a marketing claim rather than an evidence-based conclusion25.
- Saliva or blood hormone testing used to customize bioidentical hormone dosing has not been proven clinically useful or reliable5.
- Professional societies including the Endocrine Society and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasize that compounded bioidentical hormones are not proven safer or more effective than FDA-approved therapies5.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Lab-produced hormones chemically identical to human hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) |
| Common Uses | Menopause symptom relief, hormonal imbalance, some chronic conditions |
| Forms | Pills, patches, creams, gels, injections |
| FDA Approval | Some bioidentical hormones FDA-approved; compounded formulations generally not FDA-approved |
| Safety & Risks | Similar risks to traditional HRT: blood clots, stroke, heart disease, breast cancer |
| Controversies | No proven superiority or safety advantage over conventional HRT; compounded products lack standardization |
| Professional Position | Bioidentical hormones carry same risks as synthetic; compounded hormones not recommended routinely |
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Bioidentical Hormones (BIH) or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!
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References
- Cleveland Clinic: Bioidentical Hormones: Therapy, Uses, Safety & Side Effects1
- Healthline: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Benefits and Side Effects2
- Mayo Clinic: Bioidentical hormones: Are they safer?3
- Wikipedia: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy5
- Nore Health: Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Benefits & How It Works6
- Australasian Menopause Society: Bioidentical Hormone Therapy8
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to endogenous hormones and are used to treat menopausal and hormonal symptoms. However, they share similar risks to conventional hormone therapies, and compounded bioidentical hormones lack rigorous safety and efficacy data.
