At Marion Gluck, we are proud to be the pioneers of bioidentical hormone therapy and one of the most common questions we hear is: What exactly is bioidentical hormone therapy, and how does it differ from other types of hormone replacement available? 

Here, our hormone expert Dr Fiona MacRae explains exactly what bioidentical hormones are, how they work, and who this treatment is best suited for.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

First, let’s start with the basics of what bioidentical hormone therapy actually is.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone replacement therapy designed to restore balance. Unlike traditional HRT, which often uses synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources, specifically Mexican yams. Their key advantage? They have the same chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body, making them a more natural alternative to conventional HRT.

Bioidentical hormones are not a specific type of hormone but rather a method of production, using a more natural approach that mimics the hormones already produced in your body. Like traditional HRT, they can be used to replenish many different hormones, including progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone that decline with age and cause a variety of symptoms.

“BHRT is completely bespoke, with unique formulations made for each individual and their symptoms. This means that it can be used to treat a wide range of hormone conditions and disorders. Whether you are a woman going through menopause, a man experiencing low testosterone, or someone dealing with complex hormone issues such as a thyroid disorder, bioidentical hormones can help,” says Dr Fiona.

How Does BHRT Work?

BHRT works to restore balance to your body by replenishing the hormones that your body isn’t producing enough of, using bespoke formulations specifically tailored to your needs. Some of the most commonly used hormones in BHRT include:

• Oestrogen – Vital for regulating menstrual cycles, bone health, and mood, and for alleviating menopause and perimenopause symptoms.
  
  
• Progesterone – Helps with sleep, anxiety, reproductive health, and symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.
  
  
• Testosterone – Important for energy levels, mood, muscle strength, and libido in both men and women.
  
  

“When key hormones become imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, loss of libido and brain fog. BHRT works by restoring hormones to the optimal levels your body needs to function at its best and can be prescribed in oral or topical forms, including creams, gels, patches, and pills,” explains Dr Fiona. 

What Makes Bioidentical Hormones Different from Synthetic HRT?

A major benefit of BHRT is that it is completely personalised. 

“Unlike mass-produced HRT, which comes in standard dosages, bioidentical hormones are compounded specifically for each individual’s needs. This makes BHRT a highly adaptable treatment, suitable for a wide range of hormonal imbalances and conditions. Our patients also have fewer side effects and higher efficacy rates, as BHRT is better absorbed by the body,” says Dr Fiona. 

Now you know the answer to what bioidentical hormone therapy is –  but is it the right solution for you?

Who Can Benefit from Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

While HRT is often associated with menopause, BHRT can help with a variety of hormone-related conditions and can be used by both men and women at any stage of life who are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance. Some common conditions include:

• Menopause & Perimenopause – Managing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and low energy.
  
  
• Testosterone Deficiency in Men – Addressing issues like andropause, fatigue, depression, and low libido.
  
  
• Endometriosis & PMS – Helping to regulate hormones that contribute to severe menstrual symptoms.
  
  
• Fertility Challenges & PCOS – Supporting hormonal balance to aid in conception and overall reproductive health.
  
  
• Complex Hormone Imbalances – BHRT can help with conditions such as hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, and insulin resistance.
  
  

If you want to find out even more about bioidentical hormones, read our comprehensive guide on BHRT.

Why Choose the Marion Gluck Clinic for BHRT?

At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we have been at the forefront of bioidentical hormone therapy for over two decades and have helped bring this transformative treatment into the mainstream. Our hormone clinic has assisted thousands of men and women in treating their hormone issues and regaining control of their health. Our treatments are made from only the highest-quality ingredients and prescribed by the UK’s leading doctors in the field of bioidentical hormone therapy.

“We know that when it comes to your hormones, everyone is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We take a holistic approach, and as expert hormone doctors, we take the time to understand your symptoms, run comprehensive tests, and then prescribe the very best course of treatment, completely customised to you,” says Dr Fiona

If you are struggling with a hormone imbalance and are looking for bespoke treatment, book an online appointment now. Our team of expert hormone doctors are on hand to ensure you feel your very best and are free from the unwanted symptoms of hormone imbalance.