Bioidentical hormones explained
Hormone treatment can feel complicated, particularly when there’s so much information to navigate. But understanding your treatment and why it’s been recommended shouldn’t be.
In this article, we make sense of bioidentical hormone treatments - what they are, why the terminology has changed, how they differ from synthetic hormone treatments and why we use them at Newson Clinic.
Why we use the term ‘bioidentical’
The language used to describe hormone treatment has changed over time as our understanding of women’s hormonal health has developed. At Newson Clinic, it’s important the terminology we use is clear, accurate and reflects current clinical understanding.
You may have noticed that we now use the term 'bioidentical' hormone treatments rather than body-identical hormone treatments.
'Bioidentical' is the internationally recognised term for hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces, including both standard and compounded preparations.
You may still see the term ‘body-identical’ used elsewhere to describe the same principle, as it means the same thing; however, at Newson we now use ‘bioidentical’ to keep our terminology clear, consistent and up to date.
For more information, take a look at this post, that explains the importance of the language we use in our services.
How we treat you at Newson Clinic
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are derived from yams and soy plants and have the same chemical structure as the hormones your body naturally produces. This means the body recognises and uses them in the same way as its own hormones.
They are used to replace hormones such as estradiol, progesterone and testosterone when levels fluctuate or decline.
For many women, the benefits of appropriately prescribed bioidentical hormone treatment outweighs the risks, helping to improve symptoms while also supporting longer-term health.
Read our founder Dr Louise Newson’s article to learn even more about bioidentical hormones here.
What are synthetic hormones?
Synthetic hormones are designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones, but their chemical structure is different. This means the body can process and respond to them differently from bioidentical hormones.
Some synthetic hormones have also been associated with higher risks, including a small increased risk of blood clots depending on the type of hormone and how it is taken. Even then, the overall risk for most women remains low and, for oral hormone treatment, is generally lower than the blood clot risk associated with the combined contraceptive pill.
Want to learn more? Dr Louise Newson’s article delves into the differences between bioidentical hormone treatment and synthetic hormone treatment here.
Will I be prescribed bioidentical hormone treatment at Newson Clinic?
At Newson Clinic, bioidentical hormones are our preferred form of hormone treatment. Where clinically appropriate, we will aim to prescribe them as part of a treatment plan based on your symptoms, medical history and what matters most to you.
Hormone treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Some women may need one hormone, while others may benefit from a combination of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone, with doses tailored to how they respond.
Your treatment will be reviewed with your clinician at a follow-up appointment, giving you time to discuss how you are feeling and make any adjustments where needed. Regular reviews are an important part of our approach and help build an ongoing relationship between you and your clinician.
Bioidentical hormone treatment can help improve hormone-related symptoms while also supporting your future health.
Wondering what the three main bioidentical hormones prescribed at Newson Clinic are? Read on…
Book an appointment to discuss bioidentical hormone treatment.
What are the different types of bioidentical hormones?
The main bioidentical hormones commonly prescribed at Newson Clinic are:
- Estradiol - the main form of estrogen produced by the ovaries
There is no single combination or dose that works for every patient. Women can absorb and respond to the same hormone treatment very differently. Treatment therefore considers factors including:
- your symptoms
- your medical history
- treatments you have previously tried
- how you respond to treatment
- side effects
- blood hormone levels, where clinically useful
For many women, finding the right hormone treatment involves adjusting the type, dose or formulation over time.
Finding the right hormone treatment for you
At Newson Clinic, the aim is to find the individualised combination that gives you the best symptom control, then continue reviewing and refining treatment where needed.
If you would like to discuss whether bioidentical hormone treatment could be appropriate for you, you can book an appointment with a Newson Clinic clinician.
