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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Dubai
Bioidentical hormones are hormones with the same molecular structure as the ones your own body produces. In practice that means three in particular: 17-beta estradiol, micronised progesterone, and testosterone. They are used to replace what the ovaries stop making during perimenopause and menopause, and to treat the symptoms that follow.
Dr. Kubra Altintas is a DHA-licensed Gynecologist in Dubai Marina with over 17 years of experience in
women's health, and consults in English and Turkish. Her approach to bioidentical hormone therapy is to start from a full clinical assessment rather than from a hormone panel, to prescribe regulated, licensed products wherever they exist, and to be clear with every patient about both what the treatment can do.
What "bioidentical" actually means
The word describes chemistry, not a brand or a proprietary method. A bioidentical hormone is one whose molecule is identical to the hormone your ovaries produce. Older forms of hormone therapy used hormones that were similar but not identical — conjugated equine estrogens, and synthetic progestogens such as medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Where confusion tends to start is that two very different things are sold under the same word:
Regulated body-identical hormones. Licensed pharmaceutical products containing bioidentical molecules — estradiol as a patch, gel or spray, and micronised progesterone as a capsule. They are manufactured to a fixed dose, tested, and regulated like any other medicine.
Compounded bioidentical hormones (cBHRT). Custom mixtures prepared by a compounding pharmacy according to the related regulations. they are often in the forms of creams, troches or pellets, and frequently prescribed on the basis of saliva or blood hormone panels. Dr. Kubra prescribes the regulated form of hormones
Who bioidentical HRT may help
Hormone therapy is considered for women whose symptoms are affecting their daily life, and it is most often discussed in the context of:
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Hot flushes and night sweats
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Sleep disruption linked to the menopause transition
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Vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort during intercourse
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Mood changes, irritability and low mood arising during perimenopause
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Urinary urgency and recurrent urinary tract infections related to genitourinary syndrome of menopause
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Reduced libido, where testosterone may be considered alongside estrogen
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Early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency, where hormone therapy is generally recommended until the usual age of menopause
Bone protection is an established effect of systemic estrogen therapy. Whether it is the right reason to start treatment in an individual case depends on her age, how long since menopause, and what other options are appropriate — which is a consultation discussion, not something a web page can answer.
The hormones used
Estradiol. Usually given through the skin as a patch, gel or spray. Delivering estrogen through the skin rather than by mouth avoids first-pass metabolism in the liver, and transdermal estradiol has not been associated with the increase in venous thromboembolism risk seen with oral estrogen.
Micronised progesterone. Taken as a capsule, usually at night. Any woman who has a uterus and is taking estrogen needs progesterone or a progestogen to protect the endometrium — this is not optional, and it is the main reason self- directed or unsupervised hormone use is unsafe.
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Testosterone. May be considered for persistent low sexual desire that is causing distress, once other contributing factors have been addressed and estrogen therapy is established. It is prescribed at female physiological doses with monitoring.
What a consultation involves
Assessment. Full medical and gynecological history, symptom review, family history — particularly of breast cancer, blood clots and cardiovascular disease — blood pressure, and a discussion of what is bothering you most. Perimenopause and menopause are diagnosed clinically in most women; hormone panels are used selectively, not routinely.
Investigations where indicated. Blood tests, cervical screening and breast screening are arranged according to your age, history and findings rather than as a fixed package. Prescribing. Regimen, route and starting dose are chosen for your circumstances set out before you decide.
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Review. A follow-up at around three months to assess response and tolerability and adjust the dose, then an annual review. Hormone therapy is not a prescription to be left running unexamined.
Consultations in Dubai Marina
Dr. Kubra Altintas consults at Emaar Towers, Marina Promenade, next to Spinneys Car Park 1, Dubai Marina.
Phone: +971 50 917 4155 · WhatsApp
FAQ
How do bioidentical hormones compare with conventional HRT?
Bioidentical describes the molecule, not the product. Body-identical estradiol delivered through the skin and micronised progesterone differ from older oral combinations in how the body absorbs and processes them: estradiol given through the skin bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver. Which option suits you depends on your history and is decided in consultation.
What is the difference between body-identical and compounded bioidentical hormones?
Body-identical hormones are licensed pharmaceutical products containing bioidentical molecules at a regulated, tested dose. Compounded bioidentical preparations are custom-mixed by a pharmacy and are not held to the same manufacturing standards. Major menopause and endocrine societies advise against routine use of compounded preparations where a licensed alternative exists.
Do I need a hormone blood test before starting BHRT?
Usually not for diagnosis. In women over 45, perimenopause and menopause are diagnosed from symptoms and menstrual history. Blood tests are used where the picture is unclear, in younger women, or to guide specific treatments such as testosterone. Saliva hormone testing is not recommended as a basis for prescribing.
How long does it take to feel a difference?
Hot flushes and night sweats often begin to improve within a few weeks. Sleep, mood and energy tend to follow over the first two to three months. Vaginal symptoms treated with local estrogen may take up to three months for full effect. Response varies between individuals.
How long can I stay on hormone therapy?
There is no fixed cut-off. Current guidance is that the decision is reviewed periodically rather than governed by an arbitrary time limit, weighing your symptoms, your age and your individual risk. An annual review is standard.
Will BHRT cause weight gain?
Hormone therapy itself has not been shown to cause weight gain. Weight change around midlife is common and is driven mainly by age, muscle mass and metabolic changes. Some women notice fluid retention or bloating in the early weeks, which usually settles.
Which hormones are used in bioidentical hormone therapy?
17-beta estradiol, usually given through the skin as a patch, gel or spray; micronised progesterone, taken as a capsule, and prescribed alongside estrogen for any woman who has a uterus to protect the endometrium; and testosterone, which may be considered for persistent low sexual desire once estrogen therapy is established.