# 4 | MHT, Bioidentical Hormones, and the Myths Holding Women Back

When it comes to menopause and perimenopause, hormone therapy is one of the most misunderstood areas of women’s health. For years, misinformation and fear have clouded the conversation around menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), leaving many women confused about what’s safe, what’s effective, and what’s just clever marketing.

One of the biggest sources of confusion? “Bioidentical hormones.”

The term “bioidentical” simply means that the hormone has the same chemical structure as the hormones produced in the human body. Here’s the nuance:

• Some FDA-approved hormone therapies (like certain oestrogen and progesterone products) are bioidentical.

• But compounded bioidentical hormone therapy, the kind mixed in custom doses by compounding pharmacies, is not FDA-approved. These products are often marketed as more “natural” or “safer,” yet they lack the rigorous testing for safety, consistency, and efficacy that approved treatments go through.
  

This matters because quality control and dose consistency are crucial. With compounded products, women may not be getting what’s on the label, increasing both risks and uncertainties.

Unfortunately, slick marketing has convinced many women that compounded bioidenticals are superior, while FDA-approved options have been unfairly painted as dangerous. Add to this the lingering fear from outdated studies on hormone therapy, and it’s no surprise that women are left hesitant, or worse, untreated.

But here’s the truth: for many women, MHT is a safe and effective option to manage symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep disruption. It can also play a role in protecting bone health. The decision to use MHT should be personalised, based on age, health history, and symptom burden, and made in partnership with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

The bigger issue is this: fear and misinformation are preventing women from accessing evidence-based care. We can’t afford to let outdated narratives and marketing myths stand in the way of health and quality of life.

At HER, we are committed to driving this conversation towards clarity and empowerment and will continue to demand better science, and healthcare for women navigating menopause.