FAQ on bio-identical hormones
Q. What are bio-identical hormones?
A. Hormones are compounds derived from
cholesterol
which the body synthesizes and are generally secreted by
endocrine
glands (such as pancreas, ovaries, pituitary glands) or
specialized
cells of the body. Hormones are part of the chemical
communicators for the body
and have specific regulatory effects on gene expression
throughout
the body. Bio-identical hormones are "human-identical", i.e.,
they fit
into their designated receptor sites (like a key fitting into
a lock)
as specifically designed by nature. This is contrary to
non-bio-identical hormones, which do not have an exact fit
when bound
to a receptor site, which accounts for their varying effects
on
different target organs and potential side effects.
Q. Will bio-identical HRT work better
for
everyone?
A. Not necessarily, and a comprehensive
answer
really depends on the patient's situation. In general,
bio-identical
HRT are better tolerated, since they are human-identical, and
therefore, will fit into a receptor site as nature intended,
thereby
minimizing side-effects. However, certain situations may
require more
potent pharmaceutical drugs for adequate control, such as
suppression
of ovulation for birth control if desired, and for painful
menstrual
cycles, such as in endometriosis.
Q. Will bio-identical hormones be
covered by
my insurance?
A. This depends on your specific type of
insurance
coverage. Most standard insurances will not cover
non-FDA-approved
medications. Compounded medications are generally not
FDA-approved,
although the active ingredient comes from pharmaceutical grade
FDA-approved sources. Compounded medications are customized to
the
individual based on physician's specifications and are usually
not made
in huge enough quantities to require FDA approval.