The hormones used are not all the same. Structure, dosage form, and dosage influence the risk-benefit ratio of hormone therapy. A safe and effective therapy begins with an individual needs assessment: Which hormone is required, in what amount, and how should it be administered?

​

Bioidentical hormones are often referred to as bioequivalent, body-identical, or nature-identical hormones. These substances, which have been used in hormone therapy for decades, are well-researched in numerous studies. They are identical to the natural hormones produced by the body and therefore act in a natural way. The primary hormones used are estrogens, progesterone, androgens, and their precursors – all of which are an exact copy of the body’s own signaling molecules.

Bioidentical hormones are typically derived from plant sources, especially diosgenin, a compound found in plants like yam root and soybeans. Diosgenin serves as the starting material, which is chemically transformed in laboratories to synthesize hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone that are identical to the natural hormones found in the human body.

​

These plant-based hormones are modified to match the molecular structure of the body’s own hormones precisely, giving them their bioidentical quality.

​

The safety of bioidentical hormone therapy is now supported by solid research. 

Originally, the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study created uncertainty, as it indicated an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease. Today, we know that the interpretation of the WHI data was inaccurate. More recent, nuanced studies show that bioidentical hormones, when used correctly, not only alleviate menopausal symptoms but can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. A well-informed approach and individual counseling help find the optimal therapy for each woman.