WHAT ABOUT BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES?

Some menopausal women swear by bio-identical hormones — hormones marketed to be identical in molecular structure to hormones made naturally in the body. Except bio-identical hormones aren’t found in this form in nature but are made, or synthesised, from a plant chemical extracted from yams and soy. Ogilvie isn’t a fan of bio-identical hormones, believing HRT is a more effective, safe form of medication. “Not enough is known about bio-identical hormones or its effects, and I can’t be clear to my patients about the risks and benefits if I don’t know what they are,” she says. The main issue seems to be that because bio-identical hormones are mixed by compounding pharmacists, there’s a lack of dosage consistency. “Studies have shown inconsistent concentrations of the product across a month’s prescription. Also, bio-identical hormones can sometimes be contaminated with other hormones. We have FDA and Medsafeapproved HRT, which is funded and well researched — this is what we should be using to keep women healthy and safe.”