BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Hormone replacement therapy using hormones chemically identical to those produced by the human body, often prepared by a compounding pharmacy in customized strengths and delivery forms.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body. BHRT is frequently prepared by a compounding pharmacy in customized strengths, combinations, and delivery methods (creams, troches, capsules, drops).
BHRT is a subset of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The distinction is the molecular identity of the hormone, not whether the prescription is compounded. Some bioidentical hormones are available as commercial products; others must be compounded to match the prescriber's order.
BHRT is prescription-only. The compounding pharmacy prepares the strength, ingredients, and dosage form written by the prescriber. The pharmacy does not make clinical decisions about whether BHRT is appropriate for a given patient.
Patients exploring BHRT typically work with their prescriber to decide on the hormones, strengths, and delivery method, then use a compounding pharmacy that has experience preparing those formulations.
Related Specialties
Related Terms
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Hormone replacement therapy, the broader category of treatments that replace hormones the body is no longer producing in sufficient quantities.
Compounding Pharmacy
A pharmacy that prepares customized medications for an individual patient based on a prescriber's order.