Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the latest health trend to hit the markets; it’s even being touted by Oprah and Suzanne Somers. Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a blend of estrogen extracted from the urine of pregnant horses mixed with progestin, this combination helped to correct the hormone fluctuations brought on by menopause. HRT works very well in relieving signs of menopause, but the Women’ Health Initiative of 2002 found this treatment presented other significant health risks. Ever since HRT was found to increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and strokes, this has left women without a lot of options for treating menopause symptoms, leaving the door wide open for compounded BHRT.

Unfortunately there are risks associated with compounded BHRT that many women may not be aware of. Compounding simply means that a specific blend of hormones is mixed up for a woman based on her specific hormonal needs. A doctor does a hormone test that will show the amount of hormones needed and prescribe a mixture based on this knowledge; the prescription is then taken to a compounding pharmacy where the BHRT is made.

One big problem with compounded BHRT is that the compounding process increases potential risks. In HRT production the process is automated and the levels of hormones are closely regulated, but this is not the case with BHRT. Not only is there is a greater potential for human error with BHRT but the process itself means that it is not FDA approved. Since each blend is different, there is no way the FDA can do standardized testing.

A lot of people assume that just because compounded bioidentical hormones are a made from plant products this makes it safer than HRT, but this is unproven. Say this often enough and it seems to be fact, but there is no evidence that BHRT is any safer than traditional HRT. Women are so desperate for a menopause treatment that they’re basically turning themselves into human guinea pigs. Only time will tell if compounded BHRT is safer than traditional HRT, until then make sure you have all the facts.