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Body identical HRT

Updated: Oct 14, 2023


Body-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) refers to the use of hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by the human body. BHRT is typically used to address hormone imbalances or deficiencies in both men and women.


The process of making body-identical hormones involves synthesizing or extracting hormones that have an identical chemical structure to the hormones naturally found in the body. For example:


1. Estradiol: Body-identical estradiol is typically synthesized from plant-based sources such as yam or soy. These plants contain compounds called phytosterols that can be converted into estradiol through chemical processes. The resulting estradiol is chemically identical to the estradiol produced in the ovaries. Estrogel is made from yam phytosteroids.

2. Progesterone: Body-identical pharmaceutical progesterone is made from wild yam using a chemical conversion process. This can lead to confusion—while wild yam can be a source of progesterone, it cannot be used without this pharmaceutical conversion. The plant-based progesterone is processed in a laboratory to create a form that is identical to the progesterone naturally produced by the human body.

3. Testosterone: Body-identical testosterone is typically synthesized from plant sterols, such as those found in soy or yam. The plant sterols undergo a series of chemical transformations to produce testosterone that is structurally identical to the testosterone naturally produced in the body.


The production of body-identical hormones involves stringent quality control measures to ensure purity, potency, and consistency. The manufacturing process may vary depending on the specific hormone and the pharmaceutical company producing the BHRT products.


It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in hormone therapy to determine the most appropriate treatment and to obtain BHRT medications from a reputable source.

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Welcome to Purity Health Women’s Menopause and Wellbeing Centre™

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At Purity Health, we believe in living life to the fullest. Dr Purity Menopause Clinic, in association with Samy Medical Group, is dedicated to providing safe, evidence based information and care in perimenopause, menopause, histamine related conditions, and metabolic health.

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We recognise that there are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT. One commonly repeated belief is that oestrogen causes breast cancer. This is an oversimplification and does not reflect the full body of evidence.

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Here is the truth.

At Dr Purity Carr Menopause Clinic, we are committed to providing accurate information and personalised care.

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Extensive evidence shows that for women within 10 years of menopause or under the age of 60, the benefits of HRT generally outweigh the risks.

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For women who start HRT during perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause, there is often no need to stop purely based on age. Ongoing use should be individualised and guided by clinical review.

Even for women who are further beyond menopause or over 60, starting HRT may still be considered under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner, with careful assessment of risks and benefits.

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A Broader Approach to Women’s Health

Dr Purity is a General Practitioner with a special interest in menopause care, taking a holistic, systems based approach to women’s health.

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In addition to menopause, her work now includes:

Hormone health, including perimenopause and menopause
Histamine related conditions, including suspected mast cell activation patterns
Metabolic health, including weight management, insulin resistance, and inflammation
The interaction between hormones, the immune system, and the nervous system

Many women experience symptoms that do not sit neatly within one system. Hormones do not operate in isolation. There is often an overlap between hormonal changes, histamine activity, and metabolic dysfunction. This integrated approach allows for a deeper understanding of symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, brain fog, and chronic inflammation.

 

Dr Purity’s Focus on Care

Dr Purity focuses specifically on menopause, histamine balance, and metabolic health. She works to identify underlying drivers of symptoms and supports women through evidence based, personalised care.

Please note that Dr Purity does not replace your general practitioner. The experienced doctors at Samy Medical, part of the same medical system as Purity Health, are available to manage your broader healthcare needs.

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