MenoMyths about bioidentical hormones

There’s SO much confusion around hormones, and no wonder! Doctors are not educating us so we’re left to surf IG and YouTube to figure out a solution. So today, I wanted to do some myth-busting around bioidentical hormones. Many of my patients have expressed concerns about the perceived risks, and I wanted to help bring you clarity based on current research and evidence.

The fear factor
One of the most common questions I get is, "Why are doctors so wary of prescribing bioidentical hormones?" The short answer: it often stems from a combination of poorly designed studies using synthetic hormones and a lack of comprehensive education on the subject. Education for doctors around HRT administration traditionally has not consistently been a part of medical school curriculums, so they are often as in the dark as we are!

Bioidentical vs. Synthetic
It's crucial to distinguish between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. Synthetic HRT given orally has been associated with an increased risk of blood clots. However, bioidentical hormones like estrogen and testosterone given as patches or creams don't carry the same risks. And oral progesterone is remarkably safe. It's a misconception to paint all hormones with the same broad brush.

Estrogen and the C-word
The hottest topic is of course the association between estrogen and cancer. Contrary to what your MD may tell you, estrogen isn't inherently a cancer-causing agent. If that were the case, why would so many doctors still put women on hormones after they’d had hysterectomies? Check out the book Estrogen Matters by Dr. Avrum Bluming for some of the most illuminating research out there!

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones: Bioidentical hormones are safe, effective, and gentle. They're microdosed, which means the body receives them in smaller, more precise amounts, giving you maximum benefits with minimal side effects. Doctors put women on birth control pills or IUDs for 20+ years without giving it a second thought and have a proven significant risk of stroke; bioidentical HRT is administered at ⅕ the dose of birth control.