Bioidentical Hormones Explanation

The topic of "bioidentical hormones or bioidentical hormone therapy" has become of interest to the general public in recent years. You can read about bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) in almost every magazine. The term "hormone" still has negative connotations. The reason for this is scandals concerning animal fattening, reports about hormones in groundwater or the well-known problems and side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with artificial hormones. For this reason, we would like to address and answer your most frequently asked questions.
Nature-ident, bio-ident, human-ident, body-ident. Lots of terms, but what exactly do they mean?
All of these terms mean the same thing: hormones that are chemically identical to the body's own hormones.
Aren't all hormones in, for example, the pill or hormone replacement therapy (preparations prescribed during menopause) natural?
The pharmaceutical industry has developed hormone-like substances that work in a similar way to our body's own hormones. These substances do not occur in nature. In many cases they only have part of the effect of human identical hormones, e.g. the large group of gestagens. Gestagens are prescribed as a "replacement" for progesterone. In order to make it unmistakably clear that this does not mean gestagens, but progesterone, the term "natural progesterone" has been coined. In Austria there are some preparations for menopausal complaints that contain bioidentical hormones.
Conclusion: No oral contraceptive/pill contains natural hormones. However, there are a few hormone replacement products that do contain natural hormones.
Where and how are natural hormones obtained?
The raw materials for natural hormones are plant-based. The most important plant is the root of the wild yam. It contains diosgenin, which is similar in chemical structure to human progesterone, but is not a progesterone substitute. Diosgenin is not converted to progesterone after ingestion! In order to obtain human-identical progesterone from the phytohormone diosgenin, laboratory chemical steps are necessary. This type of production may not seem natural, but it has the advantage that it produces pure human-identical hormones. The hormones are standardized through this production process with consistent quality and reliability.
Conclusion: The raw material source for the production of bioidentical hormones is plant-based starting material. In just a few simple synthesis steps, the steroid structure diosgenin can be converted into human-identical hormones.
I recently heard about bioidentical hormones. How long has this form of therapy been around?
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) has been practiced since the early 1980s, especially in America. (Historically, it has been practiced since the 11th century in China. At that time, none of the hormones were known, but it was correctly assumed that all the substances that drive the body were present in human urine. Urine was evaporated to produce concentrates of the hormones it contained - see also hormone testing)
Do natural hormones require a prescription?
Hormones, synthetic or bioidentical, have an absolute effect even in very small doses. The unit of measurement for the hormones tested in saliva is given in picograms. 1 picogram corresponds to 1/10000000000000 part of a gram, i.e. one trillionth of a gram. Therefore, prescriptions can only be given by doctors.
Conclusion: Bioidentical hormones are available only from pharmacies and require a prescription.
What complaints and symptoms could be caused by a hormone deficiency or hormonal imbalance?
To name just a few: menstrual problems, premenstrual syndrome/PMS, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, weak connective tissue, organ prolapse, poor performance, obesity, depression, mood swings, prostate enlargement, insomnia, mucous membrane problems, unfulfilled desire to have children, impotence, lack of libido, headaches, water retention, breast tenderness, joint problems, high blood pressure, restlessness, anxiety, etc.
Conclusion: The hormonal system has a tremendous influence on our well-being and the health of the human body.
How do I know if my symptoms are due to a hormonal imbalance?
Have your hormones tested. There are currently three different methods for this:
1. The blood test
Hormone diagnostics from the blood determine the total amount (both bound to transport proteins and free) of all sex hormones present (progesterone, estradiol, estriol, estrone, testosterone, DHEA). The blood sample is taken in the laboratory or in your doctor's office.

2. The hormone saliva test
Hormone diagnostics from saliva allow the determination of the free, biologically active portion of hormones. The sample is taken painlessly, quickly and can be done at home. We carry out various hormone saliva tests. Let us advise you.
3. The urine test
The individual hormones and their metabolites (metabolic intermediates) can be detected in the 24-hour urine collection. The urine is collected at home. We carry out hormone urine tests. Let us advise you.
Conclusion: Hormone tests are the most important tools for tracking down hormonal imbalances. They serve as the basis for further treatment with bioidentical hormones. Your doctor will decide whether and which hormone test is suitable for you, as the significance of the individual procedures is assessed differently depending on the issue.
Why does the hormonal balance seem to be out of balance these days?
There are a number of factors that are putting more strain on our hormonal system than ever before. To name the most important:
contraceptives (the pill)
hormone replacement therapy with artificial hormones
Cosmetics with hormone-active ingredients.
Hormonally loaded diet (meat, dairy products from animals fed hormones)
Plasticizers in plastic, inner coatings of cans, etc. (xenohormones)
AND ultimately all these hormones and their degradation products in our drinking water
In what form can bio-identical hormones be prescribed or obtained in pharmacies?

as hormone creams
hormone liposomal gels
capsules
Lozenges
oils
alcoholic drinks
hair tonics
suppositories
vaginas
vaginal creams
suppositories
Homeopathic preparations

What does micronized or micronization of hormones mean?
Bioidentical hormones are prescribed in micronized form. Bioidentical hormones are subjected to a process that reduces their particle size.
Conclusion: Smaller molecules diffuse better through the skin/mucous membrane and are better absorbed when administered orally.
Do I really have to pay such close attention to the dosage?
Hardly any other substance produced by the body is as metabolically active and thus as effective as a hormone. Therefore, the exact dosage is one of the most important criteria when using it.
Conclusion: The goal is to achieve the maximum therapeutic benefit with the smallest dose!
Which donors are there?
The most important criterion when choosing a dispenser is the ability to dose the exact amount prescribed in the prescription. The dispensers can be made of light-protected glass (brown glass, violet glass or opal glass) or plasticizer-free plastic (airless dispenser).
Conclusion: By far the most important criterion is the exact dosing using a suitable pump.
Does it matter which ointment base the bio-identical hormones are incorporated into?
Just as the hormones used must be of bio-identical quality and plant-based (not genetically modified), the cream bases should definitely be free of paraffins and silicones. These petroleum derivatives are cheap and have an almost unlimited shelf life, but they do not correspond in any way to our skin's lipid layer and therefore reduce the absorption of the active ingredients. Penetration enhancers, artificial preservatives, emulsifiers and synthetic fragrances should be avoided for reasons of tolerability. Due to the often long-term use, a base cream of natural cosmetic quality is recommended.
Conclusion: Just as the active ingredients/hormones are natural, so should the ointment base used. Your doctor will choose the right base for you.