How to Buy Bioidentical Hormones in Canada

Many doctors in the United States and Europe have begun using bioidentical hormones for hormone replacement therapy, also called HRT. Doctors in Canada are beginning to prescribe this natural treatment for HRT, but Canadian availability can still be challenging.

Instructions

1

Understand bioidentical hormones. Hormones regulate almost every function in our bodies. Bioidentical hormone replacements are very different from traditional medicine's synthetic hormones in that bioidentical hormones look molecularly the same as and act like the ones our bodies make. Bioidentical, or natural, hormones are made from plants, such as soy, and animals, such as pigs. The materials from these sources are structurally changed in a lab so that the molecules are the same as the ones we produce. Synthetic hormones cause the body to react in a way that our hormones do, but synthetic hormones do not resemble real hormones structurally.

2

Find a doctor or health care practitioner who prescribes bioidentical hormones. While challenging, it is becoming easier to find doctors in Canada who work with natural hormones. Check out sites such as womenshealthmaters.ca, which have helpful guides and forums for people seeking bioidentical prescribing doctors in different territories and provinces.

3

Find a compounding pharmacist. Compounding pharmacists use natural hormones mixed into an application, using various strengths and combinations of the hormones. The amounts and types depend on the doctor's prescription. Health care practitioners who prescribe bioidentical hormones can help you find a compounding pharmacy. For those still looking for a physician or clinician that works with bioidentical hormones, these pharmacies usually can recommend one.
The Association of Compounding Pharmacists of Canada has a list of pharmacies. It also can help you find a doctor in your area.

4

Decide which type of bioidentical hormone you want to use. Your doctor or pharmacist can offer suggestions based on your individual needs. Natural hormones come in many forms, including creams, gels, lozenges, suppositories, injections and oral supplements. Many people feel the transdermal (applied to the skin) method of bioidentical hormones works best because the hormones are easily absorbed this way.

5

Purchase natural hormone replacements in herbal formulas. Large retailers in Canada, such as Costco and Sears, offer herbal HRT supplements that contain soy and other isofavones that work like bioidentical hormones.