Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (HT)
Regulated, body-identical options—personalized doses, safer routes, and ongoing monitoring.
Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones your body makes. For many, they are an effective way to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, brain fog, and GenitoUrinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). At Westside Women's Health, we prioritize regulated, evidence-based products and personalize your plan to your history, preferences, and goals.
Fast Facts About Bioidentical HT
Bioidentical = body-identical structure (e.g., 17-β estradiol, micronized progesterone)
Regulated products undergo strict quality, dosing, and safety standards
Transdermal estrogen may have a lower clot risk vs. some oral forms
Micronized progesterone is often well-tolerated for endometrial protection when a uterus is present
Who This Helps
- Bothersome hot flashes/night sweats
- Sleep disturbance, brain fog, or mood changes related to the transition
- Vaginal dryness or painful sex (GSM)—often paired with local vaginal therapy
- Early bone loss risk or quality-of-life impacts at work and home
What "Bioidentical" Means
Bioidentical hormones match the molecular structure of endogenous hormones. We typically use regulated, FDA-approved estradiol (body-identical estrogen) and micronized progesterone when the uterus is present. These products provide reliable dosing and quality control. Compounded formulations are reserved for specific situations when approved options don't meet a need.
Regulated Body-Identical vs. Custom-Compounded
Regulated Body-Identical (Preferred)
- Standardized dosing and quality testing
- Multiple routes (patch, gel, spray; oral/vaginal progesterone)
- Clear safety labeling and pharmacovigilance
- Suitable for most patients after risk assessment
Custom-Compounded (Selective Use)
- Considered when approved options don't fit (allergy, access, specific dose/form)
- Variable potency without batch-level FDA oversight
- Requires careful counseling and documentation
- Not inherently "safer" because it's compounded
Routes & Regimens
We individualize route, dose, and schedule: transdermal estradiol (patch/gel/spray) or oral estradiol; progesterone orally or vaginally if you have a uterus; local vaginal estrogen/DHEA for GSM. Dosing can be continuous or cyclic, adjusted to symptom control and side-effect profile.
Safety & Monitoring
Before starting, we review personal/family history (heart disease, stroke, clots, migraine with aura, breast cancer, liver disease), medications, blood pressure, and timing since the last period. We use the lowest effective dose, prefer safer routes when appropriate, and schedule follow-ups to assess benefits, side effects, and dose/route adjustments.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- ✓Symptom diary (hot flashes, sleep, mood, vaginal/urinary changes)
- ✓Medication/supplement list and any prior hormone use
- ✓Personal/family history (clots, stroke, breast/ovarian cancer, heart disease)
- ✓Your goals and preferences (e.g., patches vs. pills, non-hormonal interest)
- ✓Questions you want answered
Frequently Asked Questions
1How quickly will I feel better?
Hot flashes often improve within days to weeks once the dose and route are optimized. Sleep and mood typically improve over several weeks. Local vaginal therapies for GSM continue to build benefit over months.
2Do I need progesterone?
If you have a uterus and use systemic estrogen, a progestogen is needed to protect the uterine lining. Micronized progesterone is a body-identical option many tolerate well.
3Are pellets recommended?
We generally avoid long-acting pellet implants due to dosing inflexibility and potential for supraphysiologic levels. Adjustable, regulated routes (patch, gel, spray, oral) allow safer titration.
4Is bioidentical HT safer than other HT?
Safety depends on timing, dose, route, and your risk profile. Body-identical estradiol and micronized progesterone are well-studied and often preferred; transdermal routes may reduce certain risks compared with some oral forms.
5Can I combine systemic HT with local vaginal therapy?
Yes. Many use local vaginal estrogen or DHEA alongside systemic HT to target GSM symptoms with minimal systemic absorption.
Personalized, Body-Identical Care
We'll build a bioidentical hormone plan that fits your life—effective relief, thoughtful safety, and clear follow-up.
Book an Appointment