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Related Concept Videos

Menopause01:28

Menopause

Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Hormonal Regulation01:33

Hormonal Regulation

The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
Hormonal Regulation01:40

Hormonal Regulation

Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.
Bioequivalence: Overview01:16

Bioequivalence: Overview

Pharmaceutical equivalents, by definition, are drug products with the same active ingredient in the same quantities, encapsulated in identical dosage forms, and intended for the same administration routes. These pharmaceutical equivalents are deemed bioequivalent if the bioavailability of the active entity in the drug preparations is similar. Moreover, pharmaceutical equivalents demonstrating bioequivalence are also regarded as therapeutically equivalent. This means that when used as directed,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
06:18

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Bioidentical hormones for menopausal therapy.

Cynthia K Sites1

  • 1The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, 340 OHB, 619 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35249, USA. csites@uab.edu

Women'S Health (London, England)
|December 17, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Bioidentical hormones, structurally identical to human hormones, are assumed safer but lack evidence. This review examines their rationale and supporting evidence for menopausal symptom management.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
06:18

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • 'Bioidentical hormones' are plant-derived compounds structurally identical to endogenous human hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.
  • These hormones are often prescribed for menopausal women, leading to patient beliefs about their natural origin and enhanced safety compared to synthetic alternatives.
  • There is limited scientific evidence to substantiate the claims that bioidentical hormones are inherently safer, particularly concerning risks like breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the scientific rationale behind the use of bioidentical hormone therapy.
  • To review the existing evidence supporting both compounded and FDA-approved bioidentical hormone products.
  • To address the common misconception that bioidentical hormones are universally safer than synthetic options.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies and clinical trials on bioidentical hormones.
  • Analysis of the evidence regarding safety profiles and efficacy for menopausal symptoms.
  • Examination of the proposed mechanisms of action and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The belief in the superior safety of bioidentical hormones compared to synthetic hormones is not well-supported by current scientific evidence.
  • The use of salivary hormone measurements for dose adjustment is a practice favored by proponents but lacks robust clinical validation.
  • Evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of compounded and FDA-approved bioidentical products varies, necessitating careful consideration.

Conclusions:

  • The term 'bioidentical hormones' is a media construct, and their presumed natural safety is largely unsubstantiated.
  • Clinical decisions regarding hormone therapy should be based on evidence of efficacy and safety, not solely on the 'bioidentical' nature of the compounds.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the long-term risks and benefits of various bioidentical hormone formulations and their administration methods.