HRT vs BHRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

Traditional HRT involves the use of synthetic hormones that are similar to, but not identical to, the body’s own hormones.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT):

Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced by the human body. They are obtained from plants and are designed to mimic the body’s own hormones.

Both approaches aim to address hormonal imbalances and improve well-being.

In summary, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the body, while traditional HRT uses synthetic hormones. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach based on your individual needs and health considerations.

The controversy with HRT

The 1993 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study was a significant clinical investigation aimed at understanding the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on post-menopausal women.

The WHI was a randomized clinical trial (RCT), considered the gold standard in medical research. Its primary goal was to test whether women assigned to HRT had lower rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and osteoporotic fractures, compared to those on placebo. Coronary heart disease was chosen as a primary outcome due to its prevalence among post-menopausal women.

The WHI study was halted prematurely due to unexpected findings:

      • Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: HRT was associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer.

      • Cardiovascular Events: HRT was linked to an increased occurrence of cardiovascular events.

The WHI study had a profound impact on clinical recommendations for HRT in post-menopausal women. Evidence from observational studies were overshadowed by the WHI results. These results led to confusion and fear about the use of HRT, for women and for prescribing practitioners.

Decades later, this study is seen as flawed. Most of the women in the study were already 10 years post menopause, were experiencing health issues and were therefore at more risk of developing cancers or heart disease. But after years of misconceptions about the research, the narrative is slowly shifting with more recent studies showing the benefits of HRT in improving the longevity and quality of life of women.