Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are natural hormones that help balance hormone imbalances in the body. Imagine being able to improve your overall well-being, boost your energy, and alleviate bothersome symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances! All of this could be possible with bioidentical hormones that are perfectly tailored to your individual needs. Dive into the world of bioidentical hormones and discover the secret to restoring your body's natural balance.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the body's own hormones. Bioidentical hormones are steroid hormone molecules obtained in the laboratory, with the same structure as those produced by human endocrine glands (ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, etc.).
The starting material consists of plant products (soy, yam root) that contain molecules which can be converted into human-identical hormone molecules under laboratory conditions. The idea of obtaining bioidentical hormones from food is based on countless experiences that have shown that the human body better integrates information from food than from other sources.
Bioidentical hormones are not hormones derived from plants or animal tissues or secretions, but rather molecules that are perfectly compatible with the human body.
As nature-like substances, bioidentical hormones cannot be patented and are therefore not manufactured industrially, but rather in certified pharmacies based on individual medical prescriptions.
Why not just use the body's own hormones?
For this reason, chemists and pharmacists have modified the molecular structure of hormones to alter their bioavailability and half-life. These modified hormones are called hormone derivatives, or more precisely "hormonoids," whose effect lasts longer and becomes significantly more noticeable. Unfortunately, this has side effects since it is not the original, bioidentical/human-identical molecular structure.
What are synthetic hormones?
Synthetic hormones, known as "hormone derivatives," differ in molecular structure and can have side effects. You can find more information in our guide: "Difference between synthetic and natural hormones."
How do I recognize original hormones?
Original hormones
by unchanged names- Estrone
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Estriol
- Testosterone
Modified hormones
by altered names- Conjugated estrogens
- Gestagens
- Progestins
Applications of bioidentical hormones
The list of indications is very long, but the most concrete recommendation is for any aging phenomenon that occurs or wants to be delayed. This rejuvenation therapy can be started and applied before any symptoms appear. The earlier with the smallest doses, the better.
The therapy can be started much earlier than when menopause occurs. Unfortunately, it is often only started after a long period of suffering has already begun. The biggest obstacle in hormone therapy over the last decades has been the negative media coverage about hormone supplementation, accompanied by the medical prescription of birth control pills, synthetic hormones, and the claim of invalidity of any other form of hormone treatment.
Application areas in:
- Menopause
- Premenopause
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Postmenopause
- Andropause
Note: Therapy with bioidentical hormones is not suitable for everyone. In our hormone therapy summary, you can find contraindications that speak against treatment.
Diseases that strongly benefit from bioidentical hormones
- Migraine
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Dizziness
- Stress
- Concentration problems
- Loss of libido
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Dry mucous membranes
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Arteriosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
Each condition is accompanied by a supportive therapy with bioidentical hormones, either individualized or disease-specific therapy. A concrete example is osteoporosis therapy with bioidentical estradiol and progesterone, accompanied by special high-intensity fitness training.
Are bioidentical hormones dangerous?
Understanding the issue: Bioidentical hormones have the same biochemical molecules as steroid hormones produced by the human body's own endocrine glands, which is why they are called bioidentical.
"They are among the most powerful substances in the body with universal effect" (Quote from Dr. Rosensweet, USA) and develop their effect in all our organs because all organs have steroid hormone receptors. This action can be used to slow down the aging phenomenon at the level of the entire body.
For the effect to remain within physiological limits, dosage and form of administration must be individual and controlled by a physician experienced in this field (specialty). They only become dangerous when overdosed or taken without control, usually by special groups of people who exaggerate anti-aging therapy or want to experience new human or superhuman things.
Example: A pregnant woman has several hundred times higher estrogen and progesterone levels than a non-pregnant woman of the same age. This very clearly shows that steroid hormones are life and growth promoters and not a danger.
Bioidentical Hormone Side Effects
The first side effect is that they don't work because they are dosed too low.
All other side effects are genetically and epigenetically determined. If the individual's genetics are such that they tend to accumulate hormonal metabolites (not just bioidentical hormones), the body needs a way to eliminate these faster - the smaller the trash can, the more frequently the rubbish needs to be taken out.
If epigenetics stands in the way, then dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and the elimination of unfavorable habits come into play.
Bioidentical Hormones Cancer Risk
The cancer phobia in connection with hormones began in 2000 after the Women's Health Initiative study, which loudly proclaimed that hormone administration was associated with a high risk of breast cancer, thrombosis, etc. This led to the installation of a mental fear program of hormones at a collective level. There was follow-up until 2017 and the data was reset, without the new results being announced as loudly. The bewilderment and confusion has remained to this day.
History of bioidentical hormones: The effects of hormones were discovered in China 1000 years ago. Even when the positive effects of hormones were discovered in the West in the 1940s and 1950s, hormones were still obtained from the urine of pregnant mares. Approximately 40% of menopausal women in America (millions of women) took this preparation called Premarin at the time, and it contained natural mare estrogen (urine from pregnant mares). However, the aforementioned study was conducted with a combination of Premarin and a synthetic hormone as a Progestogene. The medication was called Provera.
This combination plus the selection criteria of the women included in the study (postmenopausal, average 63 years old, no form of hormone therapy used until the time of therapy) led to poor results during the study, which led many women to discontinue hormone treatment and the legitimate withdrawal of Provera from the market. And with it came the demonization of any substance with hormonal content (except the pill).
The actual results of the study were that hormone treatment did not negatively but positively influence women's health, but the breast cancer risk in connection with synthetic progesterone MPA turned out unfavorable.
Later, upon discovering the steroid hormone molecule (just as the thyroid hormone molecule and insulin had been discovered before), the diosgenin molecule, the precursor of bioidentical hormones, was specifically produced in the laboratory without having to alter the original human structure or obtain mass animal secretions for it.
So we can say that hormone therapy with bioidentical hormones carries the same risk for cancer as what we can get as a natural body with our own steroid hormones.
Bioidentical Hormone Preparations
All preparations come in various forms. In Europe, they are available as capsules, lozenges, ointments, and suppositories. It is crucial to know which additives are mixed into these preparations. You should stay away from toxic solvents and preservatives.
Rimkus capsules, which are used in Rimkus® hormone therapy, contain olive oil as a fat-soluble solvent and are sealed against oxidation, so there is no risk of allergies or toxic contamination developing.
Frequently asked Questions
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are steroid hormone molecules obtained in the laboratory with the same structure as those produced by human endocrine glands (ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, etc.).
How quickly do bioidentical hormones work?
The effect of bioidentical hormones depends on symptoms and the age when supplementation begins. It's best to start during perimenopause, though unfortunately very few women come for this prevention. But at least as long as final menopause hasn't set in (less than 1 year after the last period) and start with suitable doses. Hot flashes disappear the fastest, in 3-4 weeks, mood swings in maximum 2-3 months, and sleep disorders and joint pain also get much better after maximum 6 months. Chronic diseases like osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases (high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders) work much more slowly, and from a certain age are no longer effective, even unfavorable. Simply ask an expert here!
How long do bioidentical hormones stay in the body?
It depends on the form of hormone therapy. Capsules work for 12-14 hours, ointments for a few hours, and suppositories for 6-7 hours. The Rimkus method with capsules maintains a good hormone level for 24 hours (with 2 capsules per day, one capsule every 12 hours). There are also other forms rather in non-EU areas. In late menopause or post-menopause, when/if bioidentical hormones are discontinued, the hormones are unfortunately quickly gone, don't last like a reserve or protection for life. This anti-aging therapy is needed forever, only the dosages may be modulated according to age.
What are bioidentical hormones made from?
Bioidentical hormones are produced from yam roots using the "Marker Process." Diosgenin is extracted from this and progesterone is obtained through a hydrolysis process. From the obtained progesterone, other steroid hormones such as estrogen and testosterone can be produced.
What side effects do bioidentical hormones have?
There is no intolerance or allergy to bioidentical hormones, but there is genetics that under certain conditions gives toxicity to certain hormones (usually estrogen). The therapy must then be modified through an individual dose and form tolerable for the affected person, or the avoidance of the hormone becoming toxic and the introduction of an alternative hormone variant.
What happens when I stop taking bioidentical hormones?
That the desired effect is quickly no longer there or another form of menopausal symptoms appears, even if it wasn't there before. Because this supplementation of bioidentical hormones is not an aggressive therapy, nothing will happen if you stop like with blood pressure tablets or cortisone injections.... The menopausal complaints can come back in the same form, a milder or stronger form, or a different form.
Which bioidentical hormones are there?
All fat-soluble steroid hormones (estradiol, estriol, progesterone, testosterone). The cortisone bioidentical precursors of bioidentical hormones, pregnenolone, DHEA.
Are bioidentical hormones covered by health insurance?
There are preparations that are paid for by statutory insurance, the estriol vaginal gels, estradiol gel, and the high-dose progesterone from soya. The intolerance is high because the mixed additives or oils are not extremely selected. But it is better with these bioidentical hormones than without any. I prefer the yam extracts which are not paid for by statutory insurance but by many private insurances.
Isabella Wilden
Dr. Isabella Wilden is a dedicated physician from Germany who became an expert in bioidentical hormones following her own health challenges. With the goal of inspiring others, she shares her journey from chronic illness to restored health and today offers her expertise to help other women facing similar issues.