Definition of Bioidentical hormone therapy
Bioidentical hormone
therapy: Treatment with hormone medications
that contain hormones that have the same chemical formula as those made
naturally in the body, referred to by many as "bioidentical" hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are created in a laboratory by altering compounds derived
from naturally-occurring plant products and are typically taken in the form of
creams or gels. There has been increasing interest in recent years in the use of
this type of hormone therapy for perimenopausal women instead of conventional
hormone therapy with synthetic hormones. Some bioidentical hormone preparations are U.S.
FDA-approved and manufactured by drug companies, while others are made at
special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies, which make the preparations on
a case-by-case basis for each patient. These individual preparations are not
regulated by the FDA, because compounded products are not standardized.
Advocates of bioidentical hormone therapy argue that the products, applied as
creams or gels, are absorbed into the body in their active form without the need
for "first pass" metabolism in the liver and that their use may avoid
potentially dangerous side effects of synthetic hormones used in conventional
hormone therapy. However, studies to establish the long-term safety and
effectiveness of these products have not been carried out.
Last Editorial Review: 3/16/2009
- estradiol, Estrace, Climara, Estraderm - Deciphers the medication estradiol (Estrace, Climara, Estraderm), a drug prescribed for the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause, prevention of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis, reduction of the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Ovarian Cancer - Get information on ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, tests, staging, research, surgery and risk factors. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Latest Medical News
Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List
