Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: What is it & how does it work?

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: What is it & how does it work?

Written By
Mikay Parsons
Published
August 13, 2026

Hormones are chemical messengers that carry out instructions and deliver messages to and fro. They are responsible for growth and reproduction. They also carry messages from the brain to other body parts, including blood, cells, and organs.

Hormones perform essential bodily functions. Thus,, and so, when there is a shift, such as occurs during the menopause transition, it can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health concerns. Some women are interested in exploring replacement using bioidentical hormone therapy [1].

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured hormones derived from plants. [1] Their purpose is to function as regular hormones for bodies lacking natural-occurring hormones. They may serve a useful purpose for those affected by a hormonal imbalance, which may be related to menstruation, ovulation, menopause, and steroid use. [2]

Bioidentical hormones may help by filling the “shoes” left vacant by the missing or lacking natural hormones. 

How Are Bioidentical Hormones Given?

Bioidentical hormones can be administered in a number of ways, including:

  • A pill 

  • An injection

  • Vaginal inserts

  • Creams

  • Sprays

  • Gels

  • Implanted pellets

With any of these methods, the bioidentical hormones may fall into one of the following categories: [1]

  • Hormones administered in a compounding pharmacy. A compounding pharmacy combines ingredients in-house to meet individual patient needs. These hormone therapies are made case-by-case or customized for each patient. 

  • Premade hormones. These are hormones made beforehand and manufactured by a pharmaceutical company. 

How Long Does It Take To Start Working?

When you start any bioidentical hormone therapy, it can be challenging to know how soon you’ll begin to see results. 

As individuals and their conditions symptom pictures differ, results can vary widely. But, often, symptoms can reduce after a few weeks and continue to improve over the following several months. [1]

As with any prescription medication, what's most critical is to remain consistent and track your progress. And, as always,to reach out to your healthcare professional if you experience any side effects.

Benefits Of Taking Bioidentical Hormones

Seeking out bioidentical hormones is one way to rectify the problem of a hormonal imbalance or deficient hormones. Some of the vast effects of bioidentical hormones [3] may include the following:

  • Helping to improve perimenopause and menopause symptoms

  • Easing painful vaginal symptoms such as itching, dryness, and burning

  • Improving hair and nail strength

  • Managing weight gain and weight loss 

  • Improving the skin [4]

  • Relieving depression and anxiety

  • Promoting good sleep 

  • Regulating body temperature

  • Promoting sexual health

  • Improving energy levels 

  • Strengthening and fortifying the body’s immune system.

What To Expect From Bioidentical Hormone Therapy 

Bioidentical hormones may improve menopausal symptoms and general well-being. This treatment option may provide physical, mental, and emotional improvements. 

If you think BioIdentical Hormone Therapy might be right for you, a helpful place to start might be with tracking your current symptoms. You can bring this information to your healthcare professional to discuss how to best proceed.

Notably, there can be side effects associated with this type of therapy, particularly with compounded bioidentical hormone therapy. [1] These may include:

  • Blurred vision

  • Fatigue

  • Breast tenderness

  • Headaches

  • Spotting

  • Increase in facial hair

If the application method is an injection, patients may experience redness at the injection site or even swelling. If it’s a gel, cream, or patch, the skin may get red and itchy around the area where it was applied.

Other serious side effects may include: [1]

  • Uterine and breast cancer,  

  • Blood clots in legs and lungs, 

  • Stroke

  • Heart attack

For some women seeking a prescription solution, the potential benefits may outweigh the risks. However, current research does not suggest that BHT is safer than other treatments. [5] 

As always, it is recommended to consult with a trusted healthcare professional, and understand if this route is right for you, before making a decision. 

References:

  1. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) “Bioidentical Hormones.” Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15660-bioidentical-hormones 

  2. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) “Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance#symptoms-and-causes 

  3. Medicine, N. a. O. S. E. A., Division, H. a. M., Policy, B. O. H. S., & Therapy, C. O. T. C. U. O. T. P. W. C. B. H. R. (2020). The Clinical Utility of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: A Review of Safety, Effectiveness, and Use. National Academies Press. Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33048485/ 

  4. Borda, L. J, Wong, L. L, & Tosti, A. (2019). Bioidentical hormone therapy in menopause: relevance in dermatology. Dermatology Online Journal 25(1). DOI: 10.5070/D3251042607. Retrieved May 31, 2026 from  https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4c20m28z 

  5. Files, J. A., Ko, M. G., & Pruthi, S. (2011). Bioidentical Hormone Therapy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86(7), 673-680. DOI: 10.4065/mcp.2010.0714. Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)60072-4/fulltext

DRA: 1400073026

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