Verbatim response from Claude
Bioidentical Hormones vs. Standard HRT
Standard HRT
These are FDA-approved hormone medications that may contain:
- Synthetic hormones (like medroxyprogesterone acetate)
- Animal-derived hormones (like Premarin, derived from horse urine)
- Standardized, tested doses
Bioidentical Hormones
These have the same molecular structure as hormones your body produces naturally. They can come in two forms:
FDA-approved bioidentical options:
- Estrace (estradiol) - widely available
- Prometrium (micronized progesterone) - often preferred over synthetic progestins
- Vivelle-Dot or Climara (estradiol patches)
- Bijuva (combined estradiol/progesterone capsule)
Compounded bioidentical hormones (custom-made at compounding pharmacies like Belmar Pharmacy or Women's International Pharmacy) - these are not FDA-regulated for safety and efficacy.
Key Considerations
- Many doctors recommend FDA-approved bioidentical options as a middle ground
- Compounded versions lack standardized dosing and quality testing
- Consult a specialist like those found through The Menopause Society (NAMS)
Bottom line: You can get bioidentical hormones with FDA oversight - you don't need to go the compounding route to access them.
Always consult your doctor or a menopause specialist for personalized advice.