Bioidentical or Body Identical?

The terms "bioidentical hormones" and "body identical hormones" are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. However, there are some differences in how these terms are used.

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that have a molecular structure identical to the hormones naturally produced in the body. They are derived from plant sources, such as soy or yams, and then chemically modified to match the body's hormones. Bioidentical hormones, in the form of active pharmaceutical ingredients, are used in a compounding pharmacy to create personalised medication, based on individual patient needs as specified on a prescription. Bioidentical hormones include oestradiol, oestriol, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone.

Body-identical hormones are also bioidentical but the term was created to differentiate medication that is produced by large pharmaceutical companies and licensed for sale on the UK market from compounded medication. Body identical hormone medication includes Evorel, Estradot, Utrogestan, Oestrogel, Lenzetto, Sandrena and IntraRosa.

Bioidentical hormone medications, made in a compounding pharmacy on an individual basis, are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Licensed body identical hormone medication, made by pharmaceutical companies in large batches, is regulated by the MHRA.

The key concept behind both bioidentical hormones and body-identical hormones is that they are designed to mimic the hormones naturally produced in the body. As a result, there may be fewer side effects than when taking non-bioidentical hormones.