Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
by Luis Dominguez, D.O.
Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Though bioidentical hormones have been around for years, most practitioners are unfamiliar with them.
There are several branded versions now available for use in the kind of hormone replacement therapy typical of synthetic hormones. This is often a one-size-fits-all dosage regime.
In our practice, we have had the greatest success with an individualized approach. We begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels. When warranted, we then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA that is prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy. Additionally, a protocol of various nutracuticals is added to this individual approach as it is difficult to obtain all the necessary nutrients from our foods in today’s environment. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure he or she gets symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we will do a hormone panel every three months. Once balance is restored, we’ll do one panel a year at the time of the annual exam.