What is BHRT? Learn everything you need to know about Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

Have you been feeling lifeless, irritable, or just not yourself anymore? Are you sleeping poorly, are you experiencing mood swings, or are you noticing that your body is changing in ways you can't quite place? Then there is a good chance that your hormones are the culprits. Hormones are the conductors of your body orchestra, and when they play out of tune, you can feel it everywhere. Fortunately, more and more attention is being paid to restoring that harmony. While in 2023, in the Netherlands, only 4.3 percent of women between 45 and 60 years of using hormone therapy, its popularity has exploded. The number of users increased by 76% increase between 2018 and 2023, which indicates that more and more people are looking for solutions. One of these solutions is BHRT, or Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Do you no longer feel completely yourself? Time for Hormonal Harmony!

You are not alone. Countless people experience a period when their body and mind seem to be out of balance. This is often dismissed as “stress” or “it's part of it”, but the underlying cause is often a disorder in your hormonal balance. This imbalance, also known as hormonal chaos, can significantly affect your daily life.

Hormonal Chaos: Recognize the Signals in Your Body

Common symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal chaos is not an abstract concept; it is expressed in concrete, often frustrating complaints. Think of unexplained tiredness, hot flushes, night sweats, lower libido, weight gain (especially around the belly), brain fog, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. roughly 80% of women experiences symptoms such as hot flushes during the menopause, for example. These symptoms are signals from your body that internal communication, controlled by hormones, is no longer running smoothly.

What to expect from this article?

This article is your simple, no-nonsense introduction to the world of BHRT. We'll dive deep into what it is, how it differs from traditional therapies, and who it may be appropriate for. We unravel the science in an understandable way and give you the tools to have an informed conversation with a specialist. No complicated jargon, but clear answers.

What Exactly Is BHRT? The Basic Explanation

Let's start at the beginning. BHRT stands for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. It is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that aims to supplement hormone deficiencies in your body. The goal? Restore the hormonal balance and reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by a deficiency. What makes BHRT unique lies in the word “bioidentical”. This means that the hormones used have a molecular structure that is exactly the same as the hormones that your body naturally produces.

The Big Difference: Bio-Identical vs. Synthetic Hormones

This is the crucial point that distinguishes BHRT from traditional hormone therapy. Traditional therapies often use synthetic hormones. Although these hormones are designed to have a similar effect, their chemical structure is slightly different from that of your body's own hormones.

You can compare it to a key and a lock. Your body cells have receptors (the “locks”) that hormones (the “keys”) bind to do their job. Bioidentical hormones are the perfect copy of your own key; they fit seamlessly into the lock and activate the correct one chemical reactions. Synthetic hormones are like a key that looks almost the same. It may fit in the lock, but does not run as smoothly, or activates unintended mechanisms, which can lead to different effects and sometimes more side effects.

Why 'Bio-Identical' Is So Important to Your Body

Because the structure is identical, your body recognizes bioidentical hormones as its own. This generally leads to better absorption, more efficient operation and a more natural degradation process. The body knows exactly what to do with these substances. This may increase the risk of certain systemic side effects that are sometimes associated with synthetic variants, reduce. It does not mean that there are no side effects, but the assumption is that the “perfect match” makes the therapy more tolerable.

So how do the Bio-Identical Hormones Work? A Look Behind the Scenes

It may sound like bioidentical hormones are extracted directly from a plant, but that is a misconception. They are produced in a specialized pharmaceutical factory or pharmacy. The basic substances are often of plant origin (such as wild yam or soy), but these are converted in a laboratory into hormones that are molecular identical to human hormones.

The Most Important Hormones at a Gist: E2, E3 and More

BHRT is customized and can include different hormones, depending on your unique deficiencies. The most common ones are:

• Estrogens: This is a group of hormones, including estradiol (E2) is the most powerful and active. It plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, bone density and skin health. Estriol free (E3) is a weaker estrogen that is present in high concentrations, especially during pregnancy, and is sometimes used for specific complaints.
• Progesterone: This hormone works together with estrogen and is essential for a healthy cycle and maintaining the endometrium. It also has a calming effect and promotes sleep.
• Testosterone: Often seen as a “male” hormone, women also need it for energy, libido, muscle strength and a clear mind.
• THEA: A precursor hormone that can be converted into estrogen and testosterone by the body.

Your Body and the “Perfect Match”

The BHRT process starts with an extensive analysis of your symptoms and blood values. A specialist doctor measures the levels of your hormones to determine exactly where the deficiencies are. Based on these results, a personal treatment plan will be drawn up. This is the core of personalized health solutions: not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a therapy that is tailored to your body's unique biochemistry.

Who Is BHRT Suitable For? More Than Just Transition

While BHRT is often associated with menopause, its application is much broader. It is essentially a solution for anyone suffering from the effects of a hormonal imbalance.

From Menstrual Problems to Menopause: Women in Focus

For women, BHRT can offer a solution in different phases of life:

• Perimenopause: The years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and symptoms such as irregular cycles, mood swings and sleep problems can occur.
• Menopause: For classic menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings.
• Postmenopause: To maintain the protective effects of hormones on bones, heart, and brain.
• Serious menstrual complaints: Restoring balance can provide relief for disorders such as PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

Hormonal Balance for Men: They Can Benefit Too

Men can also experience a drop in hormones, especially testosterone. This is called andropause. Symptoms include tiredness, decreased libido, muscle loss, and feelings of depression. BHRT with bioidentical testosterone can help address these symptoms and restore vitality.

When Your Hormones Are Out of Balance: The General Complaints

Regardless of gender or age, a hormonal imbalance can lead to a wide range of complaints. It's the underlying cause that matters. If you recognize yourself in symptoms such as persistent tiredness, weight problems, sleep disorders, irritability or a lack of mental acuity, it may be useful to have your hormones tested.

What Are the Benefits of BHRT? Your Way to Well-being

The main goal of BHRT is to improve your quality of life. The benefits go beyond just fighting hot flashes.

Get Rid of the Complaints: Energy, Sleep and Mood

By restoring the hormonal balance, many people experience a significant improvement in their overall well-being. They sleep deeper, have more energy throughout the day, and feel more emotionally stable. One 2025 study showed, for example, that composite BHRT significantly improves mood. It can also support cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.

More Than Just Symptom Relief: Skin, Bones, and Heart

Hormones play a crucial role in the health of your entire body. Estrogen, for example, helps maintain healthy skin elasticity and collagen production. It is also vital for maintaining bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis after menopause. In addition, hormones have a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels. BHRT can therefore also play a preventive role in the long term.

How Do You Get BHRT? Your Practical Roadmap

BHRT is not a treatment that you simply order online. It requires careful medical supervision.

The Way to a Specialist: Medical Knowledge and Advice

The first step is finding a doctor or clinic that specializes in hormonal health and BHRT. This specialist will do an extensive intake, including an analysis of your symptoms and a blood test. This medical knowledge is essential for safe and effective treatment. Be critical and choose a healthcare provider who takes the time to listen to you and creates a personalized plan.

Various forms of administration: Creams, Capsules and Pellets

BHRT can be administered in various ways, depending on the hormone and your personal preference:

• Creams or gels: These are applied to the skin. The hormones are absorbed through the skin, which protects the liver. This is possible local side effects such as cause skin irritation, but systemic effects are easy to control.
• Capsules: For oral ingestion, often used for progesterone.
• Bioidentical hormone pellets: These are tiny grains (the size of a grain of rice) that are implanted under the skin. They release a stable dose of hormones continuously for several months.
• Injections: Some treatments, particularly with testosterone, are given by injections in a specialist practice for Injectables.

Facts and Fiction About BHRT: What You Need to Know

There are many stories and misconceptions about hormone therapy. It's important to separate fact from fiction.

The 'Suzanne Somers Effect' and Social Media: The Hype vs. Reality

Celebrities and influencers on social media have put BHRT on the map, but this has also led to a hype. It is sometimes presented as a miracle cure or an “eternal youth” treatment. While the benefits can be significant, it's important to have realistic expectations. BHRT is a medical treatment, not a cosmetic quick fix.

Are Bio-Identical Hormones Safe? An Honest Conversation

The safety of hormone therapy is a hot topic. Major studies from the past that showed risks focused primarily on older, synthetic hormones. The consensus among many experts is that bioidentical hormones, when properly dosed and monitored, have a more favourable safety profile. However, they are not completely risk-free. That is why professional guidance and regular monitoring are essential.

Personalized Solutions: Why Customization Is Crucial

This is perhaps the most important point. The success of BHRT depends on the level of personalization. Products sold via online retail offered and taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach can be ineffective or even dangerous. Your body, lifestyle, and needs are unique. An effective treatment takes this into account.

Your Next Step: More Balance in Your Life

If you recognize yourself in the symptoms of hormonal chaos, it may be time to take action. BHRT can be a powerful tool for feeling like yourself again.

Questions for your healthcare provider

Be well prepared to talk to a doctor. Some questions you can ask are:

• Are you specialized in BHRT?
• What tests do you use to determine my hormone levels?
• Which forms of administration do you recommend and why?
• How do you monitor the treatment and how often do I have to come back for a check-up?
• What are the possible side effects and risks in my specific situation?

One Last Tip for You

Your health is your greatest asset. Listen to your body and take your symptoms seriously. Getting information is the first step. Next is seeking expert advice to discover whether restoring your hormonal balance is the key to increased energy, vitality, and joie de vivre.

Conclusion

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a specialized and personalized approach to hormonal balance to restore the body. By using bioidentical hormones, which are an exact molecular copy of your body's own hormones, offers an alternative to traditional therapies with synthetic hormones. The fundamental difference lies in how your body recognizes and processes these substances, which can lead to better effectiveness and fewer side effects.

The core of BHRT is customization. It is not a standard solution, but a treatment tailored to your unique needs, determined by symptoms and blood tests. This requires the expertise and medical knowledge from a specialist doctor. Whether you're struggling with menstrual complaints, the perimenopause or the impact of andropause, the goal is to hormonal chaos to break through and feel vital and balanced again.

If you're considering whether BHRT is right for you, the next step is clear: find a qualified healthcare provider for a consultation. Avoid the temptation of online retail and unsubstantiated claims to social media. An open conversation with an expert, armed with the right questions, allows you to make an informed decision about your path to a healthier and more balanced life.