Ask Emily — hormone replacement therapy
QUESTION:
What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how is it different from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT)?
ANSWER:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the term we generally refer to when regarding synthetic hormones, such as Premarin and Prempro. These drugs have been used for decades to “replace” the hormones women begin to lose during perimenopause. However, synthetic forms of progesterone and estrogen are not natural replacements for our bodies. Premarin uses estrogen from pregnant horses, while Prempro uses progestins that have been artificially produced. Bioidentical HRT, on the other hand, refers to hormones that are biochemically identical to those we make in our bodies.
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More questions on hormone replacement therapy
The Personal Program is a great place to start
The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the Clinic.
Last Modified: 02/16/2010