A: Hormones that are “bioidentical” are derived from plants and are synthesized to be an exact molecular match – identical in structure and function - to those produced naturally by the human body. Because bioidentical hormones have the identical molecular structure, they also have 100% relative binding affinity (RBA) for hormone receptor sites throughout the body, which means that they are a perfect fit with the specific cells of the body.

A: BHRT is the acronym for Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, a protocol that uses plant-based bioidentical hormones to treat women and men for hormone depletion or imbalance – usually as a result of the aging process, extreme stress or exposure to environmental toxins. BHRT is safe and effective, but it is less well known than its alternative protocol, HRT, hormone replacement therapy that uses synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies. Unlike bioidenticals, their chemical structure has been altered in the lab to produce new molecules that can be patented - bioidenticals derived from natural substances cannot be patented. Synthetic hormones have a lower-than-optimal RBA (relative binding affinity), so fit improperly in the cells of the body and cause dangerous side effects. In recent years, medical research has linked the use of HRT to increased risks for cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and blood clots, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

A: For many years, the most prescribed hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms has been the Premarin family of drugs from the pharmaceutical giant Wyeth. The Premarin synthetics all contain conjugated equine estrogen taken from the urine of pregnant mares. These drugs have potentially lethal side effects. In 2002, a large-scale study of Premarin HRT (in combination with Provera, a synthetic progestin) was abruptly halted because of alarming evidence that linked it to cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke and blood clots in women using HRT.

A: It stands for Women’s Health Initiative, and is the name of the study on HRT that was discontinued in 2002 when some of the most dangerous safety risks of synthetic hormone therapy became clear (see above).

A: American medical schools teach synthetic hormone therapy. Not coincidentally, they also receive major funding from the pharmaceutical companies that profit from these patented drugs. Doctors who offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) generally learn about this option through independent observations and research – as was the case with Dr. Randolph.

A: Compounding pharmacists are board-certified by the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) and supervised by the state boards of pharmacy in which they are licensed. They use substances that are approved by the FDA to blend or compound individualized medicines prescribed by physicians. Dr. Randolph started his medical career as a Compounding Pharmacist and is a member of the IACP. The main difference between a compounded prescription and a traditional prescription you would order from a drugstore pharmacy is the individualization of the prescribed dose: Traditional prescription drugs provide ‘one-size-fits-all’ mass-produced dosages.

A: Legitimate compounding pharmacies are regulated by the states in which they operate and headed by a pharmacist who is board-certified by the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP). These pharmacies are as heavily regulated as the traditional corner drugstore.

A: Starting at about age 35, almost all women experience a natural falling off of hormone production. In men, the decline begins in the late 30s or early 40s. For women, progesterone declines first – at a rate that is approximately 120 times faster than estrogen decline. Testosterone and other hormones important to the healthy functioning of the body also decrease with age. Lifestyle factors, including what you eat, how much you exercise, whether you are overweight or obese, how you manage stress and how much you sleep can contribute to the extent of hormone decline.

A: Weight gain of this type, commonly associated with middle age, is a prominent symptom of a hormone imbalance known as estrogen dominance. Women who are estrogen dominant have a higher than normal ratio of estrogen to progesterone. Men with estrogen dominance have less progesterone and testosterone than they need to balance the harmful effects of too much estrogen. Either may also have an unhealthy balance of the three kinds of human estrogen: estrone, estrodial and estriol. After rebalancing their hormones, most of our patients in clinical practice begin shedding the pounds around their middle – some surprisingly quickly.

A: We offer two different options: individually prescribed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or a treatment protocol designed to support hormone production and balance. This may include over-the-counter bioidentical hormones (these come in much lower strengths than the prescription variety), herbal supplements and vitamins, a hormone-healthy diet, regular exercise to stimulate hormone production, sufficient sleep, stress management and strategies to avoid environmental chemicals that interfere with hormone health. Many of our patients who are prescribed bioidentical hormones also practice hormone-healthy lifestyle habits and take support supplements and essential vitamins, minerals and herbs.

A: The following listing of physicians and medical experts is a small sampling of the many qualified BHRT medical specialists across the country. Note:  The good news is that more and more physicians are embracing BHRT; however, attending a weekend seminar will not make a doctor a natural “hormone expert” overnight.  We encourage you to do your homework when choosing a physician to address your hormone health needs and ask:

• How long have you been prescribing bioidentical hormones?
• Where and with whom did you train?  (Google their response to determine the quality and extent of their training.)
• What compounding pharmacy do you use?
• Understanding the issues associated with patient privacy, do you have two to three patients that you have treated with BHRT that would be willing to share their story with me?

A: Are you ready? You may be amazed to see how long the list is – and this is just for starters: Look for more leads when you visit the following sites.

The Bioidentical Hormone Initiative

A non-profit organization started by a group of conventionally-trained, practicing physicians who have been treating patients successfully with bioidentical hormones for many years. Its mission is to education and share information about BHRT.

John R. Lee, M.D Official Website

The late Dr. Lee was Dr. Randolph s mentor and an international authority, author and pioneer in the use of natural progesterone cream and natural hormone balance. The Dr. Lee website offers a wide range of information about natural hormones and hormone balance for women and men, resources for finding out more, as well as a variety of books, audio and video tapes and other useful products.

Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA)

PCCA is an independent pharmacist's complete resource for bulk pharmaceuticals, equipment, devices, flavors, ACPE-accredited training courses and programs, as well as technical and marketing consultation used for compounding customized dosage forms.

Project Aware

A website by women for women that offers objective and comprehensive health information, especially related to menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.

Natural Hormone Education Research Library

A library of articles about hormone balancing by Dr. John Lee and his co-author Virginia Hopkins, including many from the John R. Lee M.D. Medical Letter. The Virginia Hopkins Health Watch newsletter is also available at this site.

The American College for Advancement in Medicine

Dedicated to educating physicians on the latest findings and emerging procedures in complimentary medicine, ACAM offers an online physician directory by last name, city, state or country.

Rx Integrative Solutions, Inc.

Founder Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum is a holistic clinical pharmacist who believes that individuals should become partners in their own health care. Her site is a resource for people who want to know more about integrative medicine and how it intersects and differs from traditional medicine.

The American Holistic Health Association

AHHA is a leading national resource for people who seek solutions for reaching a higher level of wellness. The site includes a searchable database of over 200 AHHA Practitioners Members who work in partnership with their patients and encourage a holistic approach to wellness.

The Center For The Improvement of Human Functioning International

A non-profit medical, research and educational organization that serves the individual needs of people who are learning how to improve their health and, performance and regain their vigor.

The Institute of Natural Hormone Balance and Health

Dedicated to providing men and women with updated information on hormone balance and its impact on health, this site is an educational resource for health care providers and those seeking to improve their physical and mental health.

The International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP)

An international non-profit association that seeks to protect and promote the art and skill of pharmaceutical compounding. IACP's membership consists of more than 1,300 pharmacists who are committed to protecting compounding, the birthright of the profession of pharmacy.

Women in Balance

One of the best places on the Web to learn about how to achieve optimal health through natural hormone balance, Women in Balance is a force for education and advocacy. The group unites women, doctors, health care professionals and national organizations in a quest for access to natural solutions for hormone balance and helps find funding for research on bioidentical hormones and other solutions for hormone balance. Be sure to watch the video.

ZRT Laboratory

Established in 1998, ZRT is a CLIA Certified hormone-testing laboratory. It is independently owned and operated by David T. Zava Ph.D. a biochemist and breast cancer researcher. ZRT Laboratory plays a leading role in educating the public and health care professionals about the importance of hormone balance for optimal physical and mental well being.