BHRT vs. HRT: Which one is right for you?

When it comes to effectiveness, both BHRT and traditional HRT can successfully relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, fatigue, and low libido.

From a scientific standpoint, there is no definitive evidence proving that one is more effective than the other. Both work by supplementing declining hormone levels, and their success largely depends on individual response, correct dosage, and ongoing monitoring.

However, the way they deliver results and the specific benefits they offer can vary.

Traditional HRT has been widely used for decades and has a strong track record of effectiveness in treating hormone deficiencies. Some of its key benefits include:

• Relief from menopausal symptoms
• Bone health support
• Improved cardiovascular health

BHRT offers many of the same benefits as traditional HRT but with an added focus on personalization. Here is why some people prefer it:

• Custom-compounded dosing tailored to individual needs - BHRT can be customized based on hormone testing to create a precise mix of different hormones that better aligns with a patient’s unique hormone levels.
• Bioidentical structure of hormones is more easily recognized and utilized by the body.
• Potential for fewer side effects with BHRT compared to synthetic hormones from traditional HRT, though this can vary from person to person.
• Viable alternative for those sensitive to synthetic hormones.

All hormone therapy carries potential risks and side effects. Understanding them can help you weigh your options more effectively. Common side effects of both BHRT and traditional HRT include:

• Headaches
• Bloating
• Mood swings
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Weight fluctuations

These side effects are common in the early days of treatment. For most people, these symptoms subside as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels. However, long-term use or improper dosing can increase other health risks.

Please note that while BHRT is designed to closely mimic the body’s natural hormones, research is still evolving regarding its long-term safety compared to traditional HRT. 

Many patients report that bioidentical hormones feel more natural and well-tolerated, but individual experiences can vary. 

FDA Approval & Safety Concerns

HRT is FDA-approved and has been extensively studied. This means its safety and effectiveness have been rigorously tested in large-scale clinical trials. BHRT, on the other hand, includes both FDA-approved and compounded formulations.    

Compounded BHRT refers to hormone formulations that are custom-mixed by a pharmacist to match a patient’s specific needs. This allows for a more personalized approach to hormone therapy. 

While FDA-approved BHRT products meet the same rigorous safety standards as traditional HRT, compounded BHRT is not FDA-regulated. This means its consistency, purity, and dosage may vary between providers.

The lack of FDA oversight also means there is no universal guarantee of its effectiveness. That is why choosing a trusted provider who follows strict quality control measures is essential.

At Forever Young, we prioritize safety and precision. We work exclusively with FDA 503A-regulated compounding pharmacies that follow strict quality control measures, ensuring a high standard of care.

Our providers use comprehensive hormone testing and expert guidance to develop treatment plans that support both safety and effectiveness.

The biggest difference between BHRT and traditional HRT lies in how the hormones used in both therapies are produced. 

• Traditional HRT: These synthetic hormones can be lab-made or derived from animal sources. For instance, some traditional HRT products contain conjugated equine estrogen, originally sourced from the urine of pregnant mares. While still in use, modern synthetic hormones are usually lab-made to mimic human hormones.
• Bioidentical HRT: These are plant-derived hormones, typically from soy or yams, and are chemically modified in a lab to be molecularly identical to human hormones. This similarity allows the body to absorb and utilize the hormones more effectively.

Achieving hormonal balance is all about getting the right dose, but how do you know which approach is best for you?

Traditional HRT comes in fixed, FDA-approved doses, meaning every patient gets a set formulation. While your doctor can adjust your dose over time, the active ingredients and their proportions stay the same. This consistency makes traditional HRT predictable and reliable.

However, standardized dosing may not always provide the precise balance your body needs, potentially leading to unresolved symptoms or unwanted side effects.

BHRT, on the other hand, offers a more customized approach, especially when using compounded formulations.

With compounded BHRT, the ingredients and dosage are tailored to your unique hormone levels, helping to fine-tune your balance for better symptom relief. This is done through specialized compounding pharmacies that mix formulations based on your test results.

The personalized approach allows BHRT to deliver the exact hormone levels your body needs. This means optimal symptom relief while minimizing side effects and health risks.

All custom-compounded therapies do not have the same level of quality control as FDA-approved options. That is why working with an experienced provider is key.

At Forever Young, we offer both FDA-approved BHRT and compounded formulations from regulated, high-quality pharmacies. With expert guidance and thorough hormone testing, we ensure your treatment is both safe and effective—so you can feel confident in your choice.