Ask Bonnie
January 2006
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Question #1:
Bonnie, what is your opinion on bioidentical hormones?
Answer #1:
After synthetic hormones were found to extremely toxic and exacerbated many health issues they were supposed to prevent, many looked for alternatives. Bioidentical hormones picked up the slack. While they are thought to be safer than their synthetic cousins, there is little known of their long-term effects or efficacy. According to the September 2005 issue of Mayo Clinic Newsletter, "hormones are not safer or better just because they are labeled natural or bioidentical."
More importantly, experts say the only way to absorb a "bioidentical substance" into the system is non-orally, through the skin via patches, creams, lotions, or gels. This is because medicines taken orally do not enter the bloodstream until they pass through the liver, where they are chemically altered. Transdermal medicines do not pass through the liver and are absorbed unaltered.
As a certified menopause educator, this is why I have only recommended topical natural progesterone and estrogen creams. Even the bioidentical oral hormones could be a similar (albeit "lesser") hormone risk. Compounded topical hormones have shown no serious risks...ever!
Have a happy, healthy day.
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