FAQ on bio-identical hormones
Q. What are bio-identical hormones?
A. Hormones are compounds derived from cholesterol
which the body synthesizes and are generally secreted by endocrine
glands (such as pancreas, ovaries, pituitary glands) or specialized
cells of the body. Hormones are the chemical communicators for the body
and have specific regulatory effects on activities of organs throughout
the body. Bio-identical hormones are "human-identical", i.e., they fit
into their designated receptor sites (like a key fitting into a lock)
as specifically designed by nature. This is contrary to
non-bio-identical hormones, which do not have an exact fit when bound
to a receptor site, which accounts for their varying effects on
different target organs and much more frequent side effects.
Q. Will bio-identical HRT work better for
everyone?
A. Not necessarily, and a comprehensive answer
really depends on the patient's situation. In general, bio-identical
HRT are better tolerated, since they are human-identical, and
therefore, will fit into a receptor site as nature intended, thereby
minimizing side-effects. However, certain situations may require more
potent pharmaceutical drugs for adequate control, such as suppression
of ovulation for birth control if desired, and for painful menstrual
cycles, such as in endometriosis.
Q. Will bio-identical hormones be covered by
my insurance?
A. This depends on your specific type of insurance
coverage. Most standard insurances will not cover non-FDA-approved
medications. Compounded medications are generally not FDA-approved,
although the active ingredient comes from pharmaceutical grade
FDA-approved sources. Compounded medications are customized to the
individual based on physician's specifications and are usually not made
in huge enough quantities to require FDA approval. Although insurance
coverage is less likely, it is not unusual for co-pays for name-brand
medications to add up to or exceed the cost of compounded medications.