How to Choose the Right Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for You

When choosing which bioidentical hormones to take, the main difference to understand is this:

Some bio-identical hormones are mass produced by drug companies in standardised fixed doses (also known as body-identical hormones).

–  These are licensed (approved by the MHRA)

• These are available on the NHS 
• They are typically prescribed without lab testing to symptomatic women
• There is a fixed dose of hormones per delivery method which cannot be altered
• There can be issues with supplies which can result in patients suddenly being switched from one product to another which can be disruptive
  
  
  Other bio-identical hormone preparations are made at special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies, which make the preparations on a case-by-case basis for each patient.

• These are unlicensed but come from UK pharmacies tightly regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council
• These are only available from private bioidentical hormone therapy clinics.
• This approach utilises lab testing and prescriptions personalised to the patient. It means that hormone levels on treatment are monitored and changes to the prescription made along the way
•  It also looks at other hormones such as testosterone and DHEA.
• Doses can be tailored to the individual. A private bioidentical hormone therapy clinic can prescribe both body identical or bioidentical hormones or a combination of both, so it offers more options to people who require more precise dose and route regimes
• There are no supply issues