Yes there is and it is a rather new division, therefore it is still somewhat ‘fuzzy’ in description.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (bHRT for short) is as diverse and as complex as the individual. Most of the prescribed therapies (preferably in creams, tinctures or sublingual drops) are specially made compounds for the individual taking them.

Some pharmacies and practitioners prefer the name ‘natural’ over bio-identical when it comes to the pre-fabricated and FDA approved bioidenticals. The reason? Because no further mixing or compounding is required. Estradiol (E2 – a natural human estrogen) and Prometrium (progesterone) products are prime examples of pre-approved bioidentical hormones ready to go under a few different brand names. As these are prescribed supplements you’ll want to talk to your doctor about your options.

It is important to note that any hormone is best taken transvaginally, transdermally, or sublingually and this is true even of a bio identical based hormone replacement therapy.

Related Posts

• Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
• How Did We All Get Sucked into Synthetics?

Estradiol: Estradiol is also labelled E2 estrogen. This is the strongest estrogen that your body produces. It promotes cell proliferation and is produced with every menstrual cycle. If your hormones are off kilter and you’re noticing it, this is the most probable cause. It is the first prescribed hormone in most replacement therapies. On a personal note, I tested super low on E2 (to a count of 7 but as hormonal levels change with our cycles, this could be different in a week’s time).

Progesterone: Progesterone is one of the neutral hormones. It is a balancing hormone to E2 (or estradiol – see above). This is the hormone that protects your uterine lining and breast tissue. If you have low progesterone levels you may find that you have an estrogen dominance (not in my case as seen above). Progesterone also assists your body to build new bone and aid in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Testosterone: This hormone is a love/hate thing for me. I’ve always been a little high, but as I’ve aged my testosterone level is growing higher. Concern over a genetic disposition to heart troubles as high levels can triple heart risks for older women. The hormone might cause facial hair growth but will also increase libido. (See what I mean about love/hate?)

DHEA: Found in your adrenals, (the orchestrator of hormone availability as it was explained to me), DHEA converts to testosterone and the estrogens. If you are tested and are deficient this one is an easier ‘fix’ than other hormones with a DHEA supplement.

AM Cortisol: Cortisol, also made in the adrenals, as a reaction to stress. High cortisol causes weight gain, decreased libido, low energy, and mild confusion or forgetfulness. My cortisol levels were only slightly out of whack, but given other factors in my life, I was told to assess and make changes in my daily stress levels immediately.

Related Posts

• Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
• Natural vs. Bio Identical Hormones