by 
The Curious Bag
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Bioidentical therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy for people suffering symptoms related to low levels of hormones. It is gaining in popularity because many believe bioidentical hormones are safer than the drugs or hormones used in more traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Who is it For?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is used for both men and women, from teenagers to senior adults. It is most commonly used to replace estrogen in menopausal women.
Bioidentical
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are created to have precisely the same molecular structure as hormones produced by the body.
Process
Bioidentical hormones are synthesized from natural sources. For instance, estrogen is synthesized from a chemical that is taken from yams and soy.
Application
The bioidentical hormones can be taken in numerous ways, including oral pills, patches, topical creams, transdermal gels, vaginal creams, vaginal rings or vaginal tablets.
Cautions
Claims of the safety and the added benefits of bioidentical hormones, especially those bought over the counter, have not been proven and bioidentical hormones have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, according to the Oregon Health & Science University website.
Source:
Harvard Medical School: What are bioidentical hormones?
Oregon Health and Science University: 'Bio-identical' Hormone Therapy Questioned
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