Myths vs. Facts: Setting the Record Straight on Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

Patients today are more empowered, aware, and conscious than they have ever been before. The digital revolution and the availability of information at their fingertips are the converging forces that contributed to this change. This readily available information for the patients has both its pros and cons. On one hand, this easy access to information can help people make informed decisions; on the other hand, misconceptions, myths, and fake claims can prevent people from benefiting from innovative treatments.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is no exception to this. Ever since the treatment has come to the forefront, it has been surrounded by variations of myths and controversies.

Here we are separating facts from fiction and setting the record straight on BHRT.

Myth # 1: BHRT Lasts for 3 to 5 years

Fact: BHRT is an ongoing treatment. The focal purpose of BHRT is to restore hormone production in your body and keep the balance of these hormones. There’s no treatment yet that restores hormone production permanently and that’s why BHRT is used to replenish natural hormones in balance. If you stop BHRT, you will get back to the lowered hormone levels.

Myth # 2: BHRT Means Taking a Pill

Fact: BHRT can be administered in several ways and not just by taking pills. Some of the common methods of BHRT include creams, pills, patches, injections, implantable pellets, and suppositories.

Myth # 3: BHRT Only Works Best for Weight Loss

Fact: This is something that emerges on the surface time and again. The core purpose of BHRT is to replenish and maintain hormone production in your body. When your hormones are restored to the optimal level, it boosts metabolism, which helps with weight loss. It is one of the benefits of BHRT, but it is not solely used for weight loss. Also, it is important to consider that even when you lose weight through BHRT it’s not a long-term solution or an absolute cure to obesity. You regain the weight you lost as soon as you stop the therapy. Many treatments are solely used for weight loss like semaglutide. However BHRT is not a treatment for weight loss.

Myth # 4: BHRT Causes Blood Clots

Fact: This is one of the myths that is there ever since HRT was developed. This is mainly because initially these hormonal replacement therapies were not tailored to individual patient’s needs and conditions. Now, BHRT does not pose any risk of developing blood clots because they are tailored according to each patient’s hormone levels and functioning. It won’t be wrong to state that BHRT helps women witness a healthier post-menopausal stage owing to balanced estrogen levels which reduces the risk of coronary artery disease.  

Myth # 5: BHRT is Very Different from HRT

Fact: Both these therapies are aimed to restore hormone balance in your body. The only difference between the two is the type of hormone that is used in the therapy. In BHRT, the hormone mimics the natural structure of the hormone and is derived from plants; whereas, in HRT, the hormone is derived from animals and is more synthetic in structure.

Myth # 6: There are No Studies, Evidence & Research to Prove Efficacy of BHRT

Fact: There is a highly impactful article by Kent Holtorf that was published in Postgraduate Medicine: Volume 121: No.1 which can be considered as a solid proof of BHRT efficacy. The article is titled “The Bio-Identical Hormone Debate” and analyzes all the clinical studies that have been conducted so far and presents a meta-analysis of these studies. There can be no more profound way to look at this aspect than an in-depth analysis like this. This meta-analysis concludes that physiological data and clinical outcomes prove that BHRT is associated with lower breast cancer and cardiovascular disease risks, and is more effective than HRT.

Myth # 7: BHRT is Only for Women

Fact: BHRT is mainly used to treat peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms, which may give the impression that it is exclusively for women. However, the therapy can also be used for men who suffer from lower levels of testosterone. This condition may present the symptoms of weight fluctuations, fatigue, and loss of sexual drive. By opting for BHRT, men can balance their natural testosterone levels and enjoy a better quality of life. 

Overcome the Confusion

These are some of the common myths that remain at the center of the debate. The best bet for you is to consult a professional and an expert in the field. This will help you make the best and most informed decision for your health. Also, the supervision of an expert allows you to receive the whole treatment according to your body’s specific needs and conditions.

If you need more clarification and want to gain in-depth information, reach out to our team today.