Bioidentical hormones are processed hormones designed to mimic the hormones made by your body’s glands. Taking bioidentical hormones can help people who experience symptoms of low or unbalanced hormones. This is often the case for people experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.

Hormones are chemicals made by your endocrine glands. They are messengers that tell other parts of your body how and when to work. Hormones affect many systems and functions in your body, even the slightest imbalance can cause symptoms that interfere with your day. Healthcare providers may recommend hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for these symptoms.

Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) uses processed hormones that come from plants. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones.

Some prescription forms of bioidentical hormones are premade by drug companies. The FDA has approved certain types of bioidentical hormones. Other forms of bioidentical hormones are custom-made by a pharmacist based on a healthcare provider's prescription. These are compounded (or mixed) bioidentical hormones.

The levels of certain hormones in your body go down with age. These hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Some common effects of low hormones include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Loss of interest in sex or painful intercourse
• Problems sleeping
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Memory loss or confusion