After years of consistent proof that bioidentical hormones are better and safer than synthetic versions, many doctors are still confused by persistent misconceptions. In this article, Dr. Craige Golding, a specialist physician in anti-aging medicine, de-bunks some common myths about bioidentical hormones.
Why Do Certain Myths About Bioidentical Hormones Persist?
On the issue of bioidentical hormones, the jury has been out for a while: They are safer and more effective than the “fake” versions used in conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This point has been made unequivocally. However, certain myths about bioidentical hormones persist, which I need to clarify.
Myth 1: Compounded Hormones are Unregulated
Compounding is the process by which bioidentical hormones are made into a useable cream or oral supplement by a pharmacist. The pharmacist works according to specific instructions from the prescribing doctor regarding a dosage that suits the patient’s needs.
In South Africa, for example, compounded hormones are regulated under Section 14 (4) of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act 101 of 1965. (1). The Pharmacy Act stipulates that compounding forms an important part of pharmacists’ training. Without it, they’re little more than medicine dispensers.(2).
In terms of the law, bioidentical hormones and the pharmacists who compound them certainly can’t fly under the radar.
Myth 2: Bioidentical hormones are prescribed by quacks
Like the synthetic hormones used in conventional HRT, bioidentical hormones are prescription medications. In fact, most are only available on prescription,
Myth 3: They are not as well absorbed by the body
Absorption depends on the delivery system in which the hormones are suspended. For example, the most advanced transdermal delivery system – transdermal meaning “through the skin” – is a substance called pluronic lecithin gel. It is easily absorbed, delivering the required hormones straight into the body. It also raises hormone levels without interference by the liver or digestive enzymes.
Myth 4: They’re not effective
Many studies – in fact too many to list – have proven that bioidentical hormones estradiol, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone alleviate the symptoms of menopause. They also help relieve chronic fatigue syndrome, (3) and bone mineral loss (4). In addition, they addressed sexual dysfunction (5) while reducing the chances of dying from an age-related chronic disease like heart or blood vessel disease, (6), (7). This includes various forms of cancer, (8) metabolic syndrome, (9) auto-immune diseases (10) and brain dysfunction. (11)
Myth 5: Bioidentical hormones are not quality controlled
The purity, potency and efficacy of bioidentical hormones are regularly and carefully monitored through laboratory testing and doctor feedback. This ensures that the medicine is free of contaminants. Also that it delivers the dose stipulated on the label and has the desired effect in the patient.
Myth 6: They’re no safer than non-bioidentical (synthetic) hormones
Perhaps this myth is motivated by financial self-interests. Some claim that bioidentical hormones are dangerous, but studies have proven exactly the opposite. (12), (13).
Non-bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, carry a high health risk. In 2002, the massive Women’s Health Initiative study demonstrated that HRT using non-bioidentical hormones increased the risk of stroke, breast cancer, heart attacks and blood clots (14), (15).
Research findings
As a direct result of the study’s findings, Wyeth – the pharmaceutical manufacturer of these non-bioidentical hormones – saw its revenues from these medicines decline dramatically. Sales of Prempro and Premphase, which combine estrogen and progestin, and Premarin, an estrogen-only pill, reportedly fell by more than 57% in just three years (16).
As their name states, bioidentical hormones are identical to nature. In other words, they have exactly the same chemical structure as the hormones produced by the body itself. They’re not made from pregnant horse urine – as some non-bioidentical hormones are. The idea with bioidentical hormones is to replace the hormones of which the body is producing less, not to substitute them with something foreign.
Myth 7: It’s impossible to individualize bioidentical hormone treatment
Customisation of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is indeed possible through regular lab testing and by carefully monitoring the symptoms of the patient. Lab tests determine hormone levels in the blood, urine and saliva.
In integrative medicine, there’s no such thing as a one-size fits-all dosage when it comes to hormones. This is why compounding, specifically according to the patient’s needs, is a cornerstone of the discipline.
Myth 8: Saliva testing doesn’t work
Saliva tests are, in some respects, considered more sensitive and accurate than blood tests. They can be used to conveniently monitor hormone levels after using a transdermal cream (17).
They’re also particularly useful in measuring the level of the stress hormone cortisol. These levels vary during the day and should therefore be tested at intervals during a 24-hour period. Saliva tests are ideal for this because they’re easier and more convenient than blood tests.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the US makes use of saliva tests to monitor the stress levels of astronauts (18).
Hormones delivered through the skin only enter the blood stream very briefly, but show up in the saliva far more measurably. This is because the hormone in the saliva has already been fully processed to its useable form before passing through the soft tissue of the saliva glands.
The Real Question You Have to Ask Is…
The question that remains is why synthetic hormones are still prescribed so widely. And why do they continue to sell despite their dangers and inferiority?
The answer is that synthetic hormones enjoy strong marketing and financial backing from the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture them.
End note
Bioidentical hormones cannot be patented and therefore can’t offer the same profit margins to industry players. And for this very reason, myths and misconceptions such as the above persist among health care practitioners and specialists who are not familiar with the facts.
About Dr. Craige Golding
Dr. Craige Golding, MD, ABAARM, FAARFM, FICT, FCP (SA), MS USF, Member: NUGO, AAAM, is a specialist physician in anti-aging medicine. He admits that the term ‘anti-aging medicine’ is perhaps not the best description of his field of interest. “It tends to suggest a focus on the exterior, giving the impression that it’s all about wrinkles and Botox treatments”.
But Dr Golding’s focus is much broader than that. Anti-aging medicine is really about the prevention, early detection and reversal of the chronic diseases that become more common with age. These constitute nearly 90% of the illnesses doctors treat on an ongoing basis. Anti-Aging medicine truly is the way forward in the new millennium, advocating that people actively take control of their health rather than simply waiting for diseases to develop. People want to spend a longer time living healthily and a shorter time dying
A Personal Journey in Pursuit of Longevity
His journey in medicine began with a Cum Laude Medical Doctorate Degree, but it was the challenges he faced while treating diabetic patients and the loss of his own father to diabetes-related complications at the young age of 55 that sparked a profound shift in his career.
Determined to make a significant impact on the field of healthcare, he pursued further studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine in the United States.
As part of his commitment to continuous learning, he completed a certification in chelation therapies with ACAM (American College for Advancements in Medicine) and is an active member of their esteemed organization. He also earned a masters qualification in medical sciences, specializing in metabolic and nutritional medicine, from the University of South Florida.
Ongoing education from leading medical institutions
In his pursuit of excellence, he sought to expand his expertise in cancer treatment through a comprehensive 6-module fellowship program in integrative cancer treatment in the USA back in August 2010. His dedication to cutting-edge advancements led me to complete a certification course in nutrigenomics (NUGO) in Europe, covering essential topics like nutrigenomics, polymorphisms, proteomics, and metabolomics.
Awarded for his work
During his earlier years as an undergraduate student, he was honored to receive prestigious awards recognizing my academic achievements. Notably, he was awarded the Akromed prize for the best student in Psychiatry, the Horace Wells medal for the best student in Anaesthetics, and the Maybaker prize for the best progress in Pharmacology.
He now serves as a faculty member of the Postgraduate Aesthetics Society of South Africa and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (AAAM). Additionally, he proudly holds the position of Chairman of the Golding Institute.
Dr Golding is currently in private practice. Find more details here.
References
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Medicines and Related Substances Control Act 101 of 1965. www.bhfglobal.com/ files/Medicines and Related Substances Control Act 101 of 1965.pdf
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Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974. www.saapi.org.za/files/legislation/Pharmacy%20act. pdf
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