ASK THE EXPERTS
GYNAECOLOGICAL EXPERT
Dr Anne Henderson is a gynaecologist and menopause specialist and author of Natural Menopause (gynae-expert.co.uk).
Q What is the difference between bio-identical and body identical HRT?
A Although both these types of HRT are derived from the same base plant ingredients – soya and yam – there is a considerable difference between the two formulations. Bio-identical hormones are completely unregulated and do not fall under any governing authority, such as the MHRA (Medicines Health Regulatory Authority). This has implications as far as safety testing, scientific scrutiny and adverse event reporting is concerned. These products are not manufactured by the major pharmaceutical companies, but in independent pharmacies/factories, which can also impact on quality control. The exact content, hormone levels and delivery can, in my experience, vary significantly and be less reliable than properly regulated HRT.
A further key factor is that these hormones are only available in the private sector and cannot be obtained via the NHS, which is not the case for regulated HRT.
