A pharmacist discusses its effectiveness and risks.
It may use natural or “bioidentical” treatments to restore hormonal balance and promote overall well-being.
The following article covers NHRT’s effects, benefits, and safety considerations.
Galina Zhigalova / Getty Images
Galina Zhigalova / Getty Images
What Is Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?
HRT was enormously popular throughout the 1980s and ’90s.
Almost half of U.S. women over age 50 took these medications by 2001.
The term “bioidentical hormones” can be confusing for a few reasons.
First, the definition itself.
According to the Endocrine Society, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to hormones made in the body.
Secondly, the FDA has approved several bioidentical hormones.
These are available in tablets, patches, gels, creams, and sprays.
There is also limited data to recommend supplements (e.g., herbs, vitamins, etc.)
instead of traditional HRT.
But as with many things, finding this balance can be very tricky.
Benefits of Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
Some people use NHRT to address hormonal imbalances and promote well-being.
Choosing a Supplement
In the United States, the FDA does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
But this is not the case.
However, since these products aren’t standardized, additional risks are involved.
The FDA does not approve compounded bioidentical hormones.
This means these products don’t have to be proven safe or effective.
They also aren’t required to have aboxed warningabout their risks, like prescription hormone products.
Common forms of NHRT include bioidentical hormones and dietary supplements.
These have a reputation for being safe because they are considered “natural.”
The bottom line is that there’s insufficient evidence to know whether these products are safe or effective.
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