Verbatim response from Claude
BHRT vs Traditional HRT: A Practical Guide
Quick Answer
For most people, FDA-approved hormone therapy is the better starting point. Here's why:
Traditional HRT (FDA-Approved)
Recommended brands to ask about:
- Estradiol patches: Vivelle-Dot, Climara - well-studied, consistent dosing
- Estradiol gel: EstroGel, Divigel - easy application
- Progesterone: Prometrium (bioidentical, but FDA-regulated)
- Pellets/patches combo: Ask your OB-GYN or menopause specialist
Why it's reliable: Standardized dosing, safety data, insurance coverage
Compounded BHRT
Where to find it:
- Midi Health (telehealth, strong reputation)
- Alloy (telehealth, menopause-focused)
- Gennev (telehealth + in-person)
- Local compounding pharmacies (ask for PCAB-accredited ones)
Honest caveat: The term "bioidentical" is partly marketing - Prometrium IS bioidentical and FDA-approved
Who to See
- Menopause Society (NAMS) certified provider - find one at menopause.org
- OB-GYN or internal medicine doctor familiar with hormone therapy
Bottom Line
Start with FDA-approved options, discuss compounding only if you need customized dosing. Always verify provider credentials.
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