Verbatim response from Claude
BHRT vs Traditional HRT: A Practical Guide
Quick Answer
For most people, FDA-approved hormone therapy is the safer, better-studied starting point. Here's how to think about it:
Traditional HRT (FDA-Approved)
What it is: Standardized, tested formulations with proven safety data
Good options to ask about:
- Estrogen: Vivelle-Dot (patch), Climara, Estrogel, Bijuva
- Progesterone: Prometrium (bioidentical, FDA-approved)
- Testosterone (women): AndroGel (off-label), Testopel pellets
- Combined: Bijuva, Combipatch
Where to get it: Your OB/GYN, primary care doctor, or menopause specialist
Compounded BHRT
Legitimate uses: When standard doses don't work or you need specific delivery methods
The caution: Compounding pharmacies aren't FDA-regulated the same way, so quality varies significantly
If you pursue it: Use PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacies only
Best Places to Start
- Menopause Society (NAMS) provider finder at menopause.org
- Midi Health (telehealth, menopause-specialized)
- Alloy or Gennev (telehealth options)
My Recommendation
Start the conversation with a NAMS-certified provider — they'll tailor treatment to you specifically rather than defaulting to one approach.
Want more detail on any specific hormone or condition?