Bioidentical & menopausal hormone therapy
The terms bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) are often used interchangeably when discussing hormone treatment for women, although they have slightly different meanings.
MHT refers to hormone therapy used to manage symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. BHRT refers to hormones that have the same molecular structure as those naturally produced by the body. Many MHT treatments use bioidentical hormones, including estradiol and micronized progesterone.
What “bioidentical” means
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones your body produces. They may be commercially manufactured prescription products or individualized preparations compounded by a licensed pharmacy. “Bioidentical” doesn’t automatically mean safer or more effective, and we’ll go through the evidence, benefits, risks and limitations with you.
How your treatment is chosen
No single formulation is right for everyone. We consider your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, preferences and goals, then talk through what’s available: oral capsules or tablets, transdermal patches or gels, vaginal preparations, injections and compounded formulations.