There’s a lot of buzz around Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) being more natural and safer than Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). To a degree, that’s true.
BHRT is obviously going to be more in line with your body’s natural hormonal composition. HRT, on the other hand, is synthetic. It’s made to mimic your hormones, but ultimately, the results are typically the same.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the key facts about BHRT vs HRT, what they are, how they’re used, and who they might be best suited for.
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What Is HRT?
Hormone Replacement Therapy is essentially a rebalancing of your body’s natural hormones. Specifically, we focus on sex hormones.
For women, that means:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
For men, it includes:
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
HRT can come in several different forms:
- Injectables – probably the most common. I’d say 95% of our male patients use injectable HRT.
- Transdermal creams, especially for testosterone in men. Estrogen creams can also be used for women.
- Transmucosal options, which we don’t use, due to potential side effects like dental issues.
- Intranasal options, which we also avoid because of complications.
- Pellet therapy is available for both men and women, though it’s a bit more involved for men because of the higher doses required.
HRT is typically synthetic hormones, which isn’t the same as BHRT. BHRT would be pellet therapies, because they’re made differently, but for the most part, most people on HRT are using synthetic hormones.
What Is BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body naturally produces.
For example, the testosterone pellets we use are manufactured with a stearic acid component on the outer layer, and are made from yams. The DNA of the plant is modified, formed into a pellet, and that pellet is what’s placed inside the body. It absorbs gradually, giving you a nice, consistent effect over time.
So, BHRT is plant-based and chemically identical to human hormones.
BHRT vs. HRT: Major Differences
There are several key differences between HRT and BHRT:
Delivery Method
- BHRT: Administered via pellet therapy.
- HRT: Delivered through injectables or transdermal creams.
Source
- HRT: Typically synthetic and animal-based.
- BHRT: Plant-based.
Outcome
I’m sure you have questions about which one is safer or better.
To be honest, they both have the same result. They’re different methods, but at the end of the day, the end result is the same. It’s just about how you achieve them.
I’d say they’re both safe and effective ways to rebalance your hormones.
Who Should Use BHRT vs. HRT?
From what I’ve seen,
- 100% of our female patients are on pellet therapy (BHRT).
- 100% of our male patients are on injectables or creams (HRT).
So, it’s more about the method.
For women, pellet therapy is more consistent, and they generally need a lower hormone level, whereas men require higher levels. Achieving those levels in women is much easier with the pellet, because it provides more consistent delivery over a 3-month period compared to bi-weekly injections, depending on the level of sex hormone-binding globulin.
There are a lot of factors that go into how often people inject or microdose, but for women, we find that the pellet is the best form we have to offer.
Insurance Coverage for BHRT and HRT: What You Should Know
At our clinic, we operate on a concierge model: we are cash-pay only. We don’t accept insurance, so we don’t have to worry about coverage.
But if you’re working with a primary care provider or endocrinologist, I’ll tell you this:
- BHRT is typically not covered by insurance. You need to find a provider who actually offers that in the first place and is trained in that kind of method.
- HRT can be covered, but it may not be to the extent that you’d get in a concierge-based clinic like ours, where you get more of a balancing type of medication to help everything work together.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You?
If you’re wondering whether to start HRT or BHRT, here’s what I always suggest:
Start with yourself.
Ask yourself:
- What are you doing to improve yourself?
- Are you exercising regularly?
- Are you eating a balanced diet?
- Are you maintaining a healthy weight?
- Are you avoiding smoking or other habits that affect your health?
You need to address these factors first. When you’ve done everything in your power, and still don’t feel better, that’s when it’s time to have a conversation with your doctor.
Get your lab work done. Figure out what’s going on with your body and why you’re still experiencing symptoms.
Rebalance Your Body with HRT from Viking Medical Group
Thinking about starting hormone replacement therapy? At Viking Medical Group, we’ve helped countless patients like you feel energized, clear-headed, and confident again with personalized HRT plans.
Book your appointment today and start feeling the difference.