Bioidentical hormones are derived from the molecule Diosgenin, which is sourced from Mexican yams and then converted into human hormones. By the time the hormone comes to you in the form of a cream, gel, lozenge, or patch, there is no plant in it — just the hormone molecule and the base of the cream.

Because bioidentical hormones are derived from a plant source, they have a natural plant “source,” but the molecules themselves are exactly the same as our own hormones so they have the same action in our bodies as the real hormones we produce.

There is no plant in the hormone treatments, only the real human hormone. There are many bioidentical hormones used in medicine used for different conditions: Insulin for diabetes, Armour Thyroid for low thyroid, Cyclogest for fertility treatment, etc.

While there has been much controversy and confusion about the safety of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), the current view is that the Estrogen component of the treatment seems to be safe, but the progestogen part has some risks and side effects.

Progestogen is a synthetic hormone-like molecule, but not the real hormone Progesterone. It increases LDL (bad) cholesterol, increases stroke risk, and has effects on the breast tissue that has led to questions about its safety for the breast.

We use only bioidentical Progesterone, which has none of the side effects and risks of synthetic progestogen. Progesterone has a protective benefit for the breast, lowers LDL cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, acts as a diuretic, and is safe to use during pregnancy. The synthetic progestogen is contraindicated in pregnancy.

We only work with and recommend a natural bioidentical USP Progesterone called Progonol and a combination plant-based Estradiol/Progesterone together called PhytoB-L 4X or Ostaderm.

There are 2 contraindications for these without consultation with Dr. Wrigley or your current healthcare provider and they are :

• Breast cancer (you still may be able to use these, but only under the guidance of a physician) and

• Interstitial Cystitis (do not use Hormone Replacement Therapy without consulting your doctor).