Myths and Facts About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

The tiny chemical messengers called hormones regulate almost every area of your wellness, from your sexual health to your energy levels. As a result, when you have a hormone imbalance, the effects can pose serious quality of life issues that range from weight gain to lack of sleep due to night sweats. One of the most effective solutions for restoring order is through hormone replacement therapy, but are bioidentical hormones any different?

To answer this question and review a few facts and myths about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Manuel Lopez and the team here at Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery, with four locations near San Antonio, Texas, pulled together the following.

As good as the real thing?

Bioidentical hormones are just that — identical in molecular and chemical structure as your natural hormones. This means that replacement therapy using bioidentical hormones delivers the same great results as traditional hormone replacement therapies but much safer to the body.

Are bioidentical hormones all-natural?

The answer to this is yes and no. The bioidentical hormones we use are mostly derived from plant sources and not from animal sources. While the sources of these hormones are natural, they still need to be processed in a lab.

At our practice, we use Pro-Pell pellets made by Pharmacy Solutions. Pharmacy Solutions is PCAB accredited and ranks among the top 2% of compounding pharmacies in the country. The pellets are formulated under sterile conditions that meet and exceed most regulatory requirements. In addition, the manufacturer sends a sample of every batch to an independent, third-party FDA-registered laboratory where they are tested for potency and sterility.

Are pellet delivery systems better?

We feel that the answer to this question is a resounding yes! When we deliver your hormone replacement therapy, we do so using pellets, which we insert under your skin. These pellets slowly release a custom-tailored hormone dose  into your body over 3-6 months. In using this convenient delivery system, you won’t ever have to deal with skipped doses of your much-needed hormones.

As well, when it’s time for a new dose, you simply return to our offices, and we insert new pellets under your skin.

Is hormone replacement therapy dangerous for women?

In the past, there was some discussion as to whether hormone replacement therapy for women placed them at greater risk for certain cancers, but more recent studies haven’t found this is not true. Synthetic progestins were found to increase chances for breast and endometrial cancer, blood clots, stroke and heart disease, not bioidentical hormones.  In fact, the North American Menopause Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and The Endocrine Society have stated that “Most healthy, recently menopausal women can use hormone therapy for relief of their symptoms of hot flashes and vaginal dryness if they so choose.”

Since bioidentical hormones are essentially the same as traditional hormones already found in the body,  the same conclusion may be drawn.

The bottom line is that there is much to be gained from hormone replacement therapy, and we feel that bioidentical hormones are more than up to the task.

If you’d like to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, contact one of our offices in the San Antonio area, including Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, New Braunfels, and Boerne, Texas, to schedule an appointment.