Do you have data on the efficacy of bio-identical vs HRT?

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, they state in their Position Statement that there have been "exaggerated claims about the efficacy and safety of bioidentical hormones as safer, more effective and free of side effects because they are 'natural'".

"...these claims have not been properly peer-reviewed or subjected to formal scientific scrutiny."

"Until evidence-based, scientific studies are available, the existence of meaningful differences between “bioidentical” and conventional hormones remains to be established. "

"In summary, there is no scientific evidence that specific combinations of oral estrogens provide improved safety or efficacy compared to FDA-approved pharmaceutical products in the treatment of menopausal females. Additional clinical and basic research of this subject is needed."

[Source: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), Reproductive Medicine Committee Position Statement on Bioidentical Hormones, updated on 07/15/07. Located at: www.aace.com/pub/positionstatements]

It looks like, to answer your original question abbyg, that there may not be sufficient peer-reviewed, evidence-based data on the efficacy of "BHRT" vs. HRT, as far as the clinical community is concerned, in order to provide concrete "data" (as of 2007). Hopefully I am wrong, and others can provide this information, as it is not easily found in clinical journal researching (from a non-clinician).

Would love to hear information from others!

There are some clinical research studies that have looked at comparing bioidentical HRT to HRT. I am trying to find some "full-text" versions for you to review, but in the meantime, here is a start from peer-reviewed medical journals, or perhaps you can gain access to these journals through your local library or nearby university health science library.

I search for all peer-reviewed and evidence-based journals on PubMed, then use that information as a starting place: have these results been replicated? What does my doctor or other trusted health care provider say about this information?

1. Curcio, Jessica J et al (2006). Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Safer than Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy?: A Critical Appraisal of Cardiovascular Risks in Menopausal Women. Treatments in Endocrinology. 5(6):367-374.

2. Moskowitz, D. (2006). A comprehensive review of the safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormones for the management of menopause and related health risks. Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic September 11(3):208-23.
To view abstract online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

Direct quote from this article: "This article reviews the disparities between synthetic and bioidentical estrogens and progestins/progesterone with respect to safety and efficacy; special attention is devoted to clinical outcomes in the breast, endometrium, bone, cardiovascular system, and brain. The studies reviewed suggest bioidentical progesterone does not have a negative effect on blood lipids or vasculature as do many synthetic progestins, and may carry less risk with respect to breast cancer incidence. Studies of both bioidentical estrogens and progesterone suggest a reduced risk of blood clots compared to non-bioidentical preparations. Bioidentical hormone preparations have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing menopausal symptoms. The author advocates for continued research on bioidentical hormones and concludes there is currently sufficient evidence to support their preferred use over that of their synthetic cousins."

Journals you may like to search (review who sponsors the journal, as not all may be peer-reviewed or evidence-based):
- Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic
- Alternative therapies in health and medicine
- Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM
- Integrative medicine: integrating conventional and alternative medicine
- Journal of alternative and complementary medicine
- Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

Lastly---let me know if this is too overwhelming for you, and I can do some more research for you (instead of listing journals)! I did not know how overloaded you wanted to be with information, and I can summarize what I find!

This is such a great question...I'm sure others will chime in as well!!

Abby,

Thank you for asking. We'd love to get you that information.

First, I'd like to provide you with some interviews we've done on the subject of BHRT v HRT.

EMPOWHER VIDEO: Bio-Identical Hormones, What Is It?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qskYYJjJTHo

EMPOWHER VIDEO: BHRT Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp-Bc3eTN8w

While we're looking for exactly what you're requesting, check out the videos above.

Thank you,

Todd