BHRT vs PHRT

Posted by Gloria Squitiro @squitirogloria, Feb 5 10:30am

Hello Wonderful People,

I've been reading a lot of entries from this site, and have gained such valuable information, including peace of mind! So, thank you for that.

I signed up with Doug Lucas's one-on-one program because it's a one-stop shop dedicated to reversing osteoporosis, which is my mission.

There's been a lot of discussion on this site about BHRT. But I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with PHRT?

Wishing you all a lovely day, Gloria

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Could you clarify, what does pHRT stand for here: pellet-HRT, pharmaceutical (prescription)-HRT, or something else? Thanks

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I am assuming that you mean a pellet HRT?
Some pellets are BHRT.
BHRT is the type of hormone in chemical terms. It just means that the hormone is bioidentical to your natural bodies' hormones.
Pellet is the type of delivery system.

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Profile picture for mayblin @mayblin

Could you clarify, what does pHRT stand for here: pellet-HRT, pharmaceutical (prescription)-HRT, or something else? Thanks

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@mayblin This is what I'm told it means, "PHRT is an option for women who are looking to optimize their hormones with physiologic levels of estrogen and progesterone and recreate a menstrual cycle. This is an option to consider for those looking to maximize the potential benefit of HRT. Additional information can be found at https://womenshormonenetwork.org/. "

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my understanding is that phrt is a way of varying the amount of hormone you get depending on time of month. in other words following what was happening when you had your period. sometime the hormone are stronger than other times.
bhrt/hrt gives a steady amount of hormones thoughout the month.

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Profile picture for mcchesney @kathleen1314

I am assuming that you mean a pellet HRT?
Some pellets are BHRT.
BHRT is the type of hormone in chemical terms. It just means that the hormone is bioidentical to your natural bodies' hormones.
Pellet is the type of delivery system.

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@kathleen1314 Hi Kathleen! No, I don't think it's that. Here's the gist of what I learned about it, "...physiologic levels of estrogen and progesterone and recreate a menstrual cycle." Additional information can be found at https://womenshormonenetwork.org/. "

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Profile picture for samclembeau @samclembeau

my understanding is that phrt is a way of varying the amount of hormone you get depending on time of month. in other words following what was happening when you had your period. sometime the hormone are stronger than other times.
bhrt/hrt gives a steady amount of hormones thoughout the month.

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@samclembeau This is EXACTLY it. Thank you for helping me articulate that. Apparently, I need hormones!

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Profile picture for Gloria Squitiro @squitirogloria

@kathleen1314 Hi Kathleen! No, I don't think it's that. Here's the gist of what I learned about it, "...physiologic levels of estrogen and progesterone and recreate a menstrual cycle." Additional information can be found at https://womenshormonenetwork.org/. "

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@squitirogloria
Ok, after looking at the website to which you referenced, I think this is to what you are referring:
Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy® (PHRT) is a specialized, personalized approach to hormone therapy designed to mimic the body's natural, cyclical hormone production rather than providing a static, daily dose. It utilizes bioidentical hormones to match the body’s fluctuating, monthly rhythms.

Description and differences between PHRT, BHRT, HRT:
PHRT (Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy): Uses plant-based, bioidentical hormones tailored to match the body's natural, monthly cyclical needs, adjusting dosages throughout the month.
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy): Uses plant-derived hormones that are chemically identical to human hormones, often customized via compounding for specific patient needs.
HRT (Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy): Typically uses synthetic hormones or those derived from animal sources (like pregnant mares' urine) to treat hormone deficiency, often at fixed doses.

Key Differences:
Molecular Structure: BHRT and PHRT use hormones identical to human hormones, while traditional HRT uses synthetic or animal-derived versions.
Dosing Method: HRT uses standardized, fixed doses, while BHRT is often customized to individual levels. PHRT takes this further by varying the dose throughout the month to mimic natural cycles.
Source: BHRT/PHRT are generally derived from plant sources (soy/yams).

BHRT has been used by doctors freqently, in a varying dose, to mimic natural cycles. So I view this as BHRT varied to mimic natural cycles. If it works for anyone then that is great.

I have used BHRT for over 30 years and did not find that the varying dose worked well for me. The problem that I found is that you cannot mimic a natural body cycle because the natural younger body holds hormones and keeps some level of hormone in the body at all times. That does not happen as well in menopause and may fluctuate erratically . So it was more likely that I would have a problem with vaginal or bladder issues when I tried the "mimic natural cycles" method because my hormones were so erratic; that is why we have hot flashes, those wild fluctuations up and down.

So a steady amount of homone works well for me without the risks of wild fluctuations that could cause bleeding, breast cysts, hot flashes etc.

It might work in a perimenopause situation, but I doubt that also since the body has little to no progresterone in that time period and needs a constant supplementation to avoid anxiety attacks and anger surges.

If you try this please let us know how it works for you. That is what is most important, how it works for you.

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Profile picture for mcchesney @kathleen1314

@squitirogloria
Ok, after looking at the website to which you referenced, I think this is to what you are referring:
Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy® (PHRT) is a specialized, personalized approach to hormone therapy designed to mimic the body's natural, cyclical hormone production rather than providing a static, daily dose. It utilizes bioidentical hormones to match the body’s fluctuating, monthly rhythms.

Description and differences between PHRT, BHRT, HRT:
PHRT (Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy): Uses plant-based, bioidentical hormones tailored to match the body's natural, monthly cyclical needs, adjusting dosages throughout the month.
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy): Uses plant-derived hormones that are chemically identical to human hormones, often customized via compounding for specific patient needs.
HRT (Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy): Typically uses synthetic hormones or those derived from animal sources (like pregnant mares' urine) to treat hormone deficiency, often at fixed doses.

Key Differences:
Molecular Structure: BHRT and PHRT use hormones identical to human hormones, while traditional HRT uses synthetic or animal-derived versions.
Dosing Method: HRT uses standardized, fixed doses, while BHRT is often customized to individual levels. PHRT takes this further by varying the dose throughout the month to mimic natural cycles.
Source: BHRT/PHRT are generally derived from plant sources (soy/yams).

BHRT has been used by doctors freqently, in a varying dose, to mimic natural cycles. So I view this as BHRT varied to mimic natural cycles. If it works for anyone then that is great.

I have used BHRT for over 30 years and did not find that the varying dose worked well for me. The problem that I found is that you cannot mimic a natural body cycle because the natural younger body holds hormones and keeps some level of hormone in the body at all times. That does not happen as well in menopause and may fluctuate erratically . So it was more likely that I would have a problem with vaginal or bladder issues when I tried the "mimic natural cycles" method because my hormones were so erratic; that is why we have hot flashes, those wild fluctuations up and down.

So a steady amount of homone works well for me without the risks of wild fluctuations that could cause bleeding, breast cysts, hot flashes etc.

It might work in a perimenopause situation, but I doubt that also since the body has little to no progresterone in that time period and needs a constant supplementation to avoid anxiety attacks and anger surges.

If you try this please let us know how it works for you. That is what is most important, how it works for you.

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@kathleen1314 You're always so helpful and kind, Kathleen; I super appreciate you.

I should be having an intake evaluation re hormonal therapy within the next week. Like many people, I was under the impression that it caused cancer, when it seems it can actually prevent it. What a disservice to women.

I don't think I'll ever see my fracture as a blessing, but there are silver linings.

a. I'm meeting people like you
b. I'm more determined than ever to do what it takes to go into the next third of my life being optimally fit so that I can enjoy everything life has to offer
c. I'm determined to work hard to be osteoporosis-free without pharmaceuticals
d. I might have discovered hormonal therapy, which seems like it can do wonders on so many levels. Who knew?!

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Profile picture for Gloria Squitiro @squitirogloria

@kathleen1314 You're always so helpful and kind, Kathleen; I super appreciate you.

I should be having an intake evaluation re hormonal therapy within the next week. Like many people, I was under the impression that it caused cancer, when it seems it can actually prevent it. What a disservice to women.

I don't think I'll ever see my fracture as a blessing, but there are silver linings.

a. I'm meeting people like you
b. I'm more determined than ever to do what it takes to go into the next third of my life being optimally fit so that I can enjoy everything life has to offer
c. I'm determined to work hard to be osteoporosis-free without pharmaceuticals
d. I might have discovered hormonal therapy, which seems like it can do wonders on so many levels. Who knew?!

Jump to this post

@squitirogloria
Yes the cancer problems and cardio problems are tied to the old WHI report which basically was a report on synthetic and animal hormones.
BHRT does not have the same problems, nor does BhRT via topical, vaginal nor non oral.
I take strontium citrate; I am now in normal bone territory with normal bone quality (TBS report). You might do some research on strontium citrate. I can connect you to strontium user stories and strontium research if you are interested.
I also use BHRT and have for over 30 years. I find that it is easy to find a doctor who uses BRHT and hormone testing by calling your local compounding pharmacist and asking for some recommendations.

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ha! YOU've been my research on strontium citrate! After I went through all the links you provided, I researched further on my own and decided to go for it. I'm taking AlgaeCal brand.

And that is so fabulous for you that you are in normal bone territory. Is it just from the BHRT and strontium, or other things as well?

You recommended that I find the "root" cause of my fracture, and next week I am beginning the testing for that.

I have to tell you, I do not like Western Medicine, and now I've jumped into that world because of this fracture. But I don't plan on swimming solo there. Just get what I need from all fields of medicine to achieve optimum health.

Thank you for being so generous with all you've learned. And, for being a North Star for those of us who want to have healthy bones/body without harmful medications.

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