Menopause can bring confusing terminology. Bioidentical hormones are simply lab-made hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body naturally produces. In other words, the estradiol (a form of estrogen), progesterone, and sometimes testosterone in the medicine match your own hormones exactly. Many FDA-approved menopause treatments already use these “body-identical” hormones—they’re just not always advertised as “bioidentical.” These preparations usually start from plant sources (like soy or yam) and are then processed into human-identical hormones.
What does this mean for you? It means “bioidentical” isn’t magic—it’s often just a different description of the same hormones. Importantly, studies show that compounded bioidentical hormone prescriptions (customized mixtures from specialty pharmacies) are not safer or more effective than regular, FDA-approved hormone drugs. In fact, compounded formulas can vary in dose and purity from batch to batch. Leading health organizations (Mayo Clinic, Endocrine Society, North American Menopause Society, etc.) emphasize that these custom products lack the quality controls of FDA-approved medications. We prefer to use proven, regulated options and will explain the real data—not marketing claims—when discussing your care.
Bioidentical hormones can be given in many forms. At our clinic, we’ll choose a delivery method that fits your lifestyle and needs. Options include:
All of these methods (except compounded pellets) use FDA-approved, human-identical hormones. We’ll start with one form and then adjust as needed. For example, if you have any clotting risk, we might favor patches or gels (which bypass the liver) instead of a pill.
Hormone therapy can dramatically ease menopausal symptoms. For example, HRT is known to reduce hot flashes and help protect bones, as well as improve vaginal moisture. In plain terms, many women notice relief of hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness or discomfort, and low energy or mood swings once hormones are replaced. Below are common benefits women experience:
We consider these benefits alongside any medical factors. For many healthy women under age 60, or within 10 years of the start of menopause, the relief from symptoms and bone protection can outweigh the risks. However, no treatment is one-size-fits-all. We personalize your plan based on your health history and priorities. We may start with a lower dose or focus on vaginal treatment only if that suits you better.
It’s natural to have questions about safety. Like any estrogen therapy, bioidentical HRT carries some known risks. For example, oral estrogen slightly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke, whereas patches or gels have much lower clot risk. If you still have a uterus, we always add a progestogen (like progesterone) to the estrogen; this combination protects the uterus from cancer. With combined estrogen–progestin therapy, large studies found a small increase in breast cancer risk after about 3–5+ years of use. Importantly, experts have found that all estrogen–progestin therapies, bioidentical or not, carry essentially the same risks if the doses are comparable.
Bottom line: We’ll review every concern carefully. We carefully screen patients before prescribing HRT. If you have a history of blood clots, certain cancers (like breast or uterine cancer), heart disease, stroke, or other serious conditions, hormone therapy may not be the safest option for you. Common side effects of hormone therapy (bioidentical or not) include breast tenderness, bloating, nausea, and mood changes. We emphasize the lowest effective dose and regular follow-up. We follow guidelines that stress honest, informed discussions about benefits and risks. You should know that while hormone therapy can greatly improve quality of life for many women, it must be managed responsibly. We’ll work together on a plan that balances symptom relief with your personal risk profile.
We believe in patient-centered care. We listen to your story, answer your questions, and keep the tone warm and personal. We generally use FDA-approved, bioidentical hormone products (pills, patches, gels, inserts, or injections) and avoid compounded mixtures whenever possible. This ensures you get consistent dosing and safety checks. We start with a lower dose and then tweak gradually—by measuring how you feel. In fact, the North American Menopause Society notes that finding the right dose can take some trial and error, so we’ll adjust your therapy over time as needed.
At every step, we keep you informed. We’ll explain why we choose a particular method or dose, and discuss any side effects you notice. As the Endocrine Society recommends, we’ll give you the full picture so you can weigh the options. Our ultimate goal is simple: to help you feel like yourself again. With fewer symptoms and more energy, you can move through menopause with confidence. We’re here to support you and ensure you’re comfortable with every decision.
Compassionate, evidence-based hormone health care for women, delivered through secure telemedicine.
