Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones (HT) are hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones produced by women (primarily in the ova- ries) during the reproductive years. Some hormones that a woman’s body makes include various estrogens (17 estradiol, estrone, estriol) as well as progesterone, testosterone and others. Bioidentical hormone therapy (HT) means a medication provides one or more of these hormones as the active ingredient.
Some bioidentical hormones are available in well-tested, government approved, brand name prescription drugs, such as some oral, patch and gel preparations. Here are the different types of bioidentical hormones:
• Bioidentical Estrogens: (plant source)
• Estrace - Micronized estradiol - 17 estradiol, oral
• Estraderm patch, Estradot patch – both are 17 estradiol
• Estrogel topical gel
• Biest cream, compounded estrogens (estriol and estradiol)
• Vaginal estrogens: Vagifem vaginal tablet, Estring vaginal ring
Bioidentical Progesterone: (plant source) Micronized progesterone – Prometrium oral, or custom compounded oral progeaterone Progesterone cream, compounded (lack data on absorption, serum levels, efficacy)
Custom-Compounded Formulations can be made by a pharmacist specially trained in the preparation of these products. Products can be prepared without additives such as binders, fillers, dyes, preservatives or adhesives that are found in patented, commercially avail- able products. Compounding also allows for different methods to administer hormones. There are several compounding pharma- cists in Saskatchewan.
It is not recommended to purchase unregulated products over the internet as safety and effectiveness of product cannot be guaran- teed.
Sources: Menopause Practice, a clinicians guide, 3rd Edition, North American Menopause Society, 2007 The Hor- mone Survival Guide for Perimenopuase, Nisha Jackson, Ph.D., 2004
Bioidentical hormones (HT) are hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones produced by women (primarily in the ova- ries) during the reproductive years. Some hormones that a woman’s body makes include various estrogens (17 estradiol, estrone, estriol) as well as progesterone, testosterone and others. Bioidentical hormone therapy (HT) means a medication provides one or more of these hormones as the active ingredient.
Some bioidentical hormones are available in well-tested, government approved, brand name prescription drugs, such as some oral, patch and gel preparations. Here are the different types of bioidentical hormones:
• Bioidentical Estrogens: (plant source)
• Estrace - Micronized estradiol - 17 estradiol, oral
• Estraderm patch, Estradot patch – both are 17 estradiol
• Estrogel topical gel
• Biest cream, compounded estrogens (estriol and estradiol)
• Vaginal estrogens: Vagifem vaginal tablet, Estring vaginal ring
Bioidentical Progesterone: (plant source) Micronized progesterone – Prometrium oral, or custom compounded oral progeaterone Progesterone cream, compounded (lack data on absorption, serum levels, efficacy)
Custom-Compounded Formulations can be made by a pharmacist specially trained in the preparation of these products. Products can be prepared without additives such as binders, fillers, dyes, preservatives or adhesives that are found in patented, commercially avail- able products. Compounding also allows for different methods to administer hormones. There are several compounding pharma- cists in Saskatchewan.
It is not recommended to purchase unregulated products over the internet as safety and effectiveness of product cannot be guaran- teed.
Sources: Menopause Practice, a clinicians guide, 3rd Edition, North American Menopause Society, 2007 The Hor- mone Survival Guide for Perimenopuase, Nisha Jackson, Ph.D., 2004
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