Bioidentical hormones are hormones. We call them "bioidentical" since chemically they are similar to our hormones. They intend to mimic the effects of the hormones produced by our organs. These are estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.
This type of hormones are used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to treat symptoms associated with hormonal deficiencies, that happen during menopause, perimenopause, or as a result of other medical conditions affecting hormone production.
These hormones are mostly seen as safer or more natural, but they carry similar risks and benefits as their synthetic counterparts. Both carry the same health risks of potentially causing breast cancer, stroke and heart attacks if used for the long term.
How can a hormone pill, skin patch, or vaginal insert, ring, or cream raise cancer risk?