BHRT is a preferred form of hormone replacement therapy by for many doctors because the hormones used are an exact biological match to those produced naturally in the body. Traditional hormone therapies use synthetic hormones that are similar, but not identical, to the body's own hormones. Bio-identical hormone prescriptions can also be tailored specifically to an individual's hormone profile, so that each patient receives a customized treatment rather than a blanket hormone therapy regimen.

BHRT is available in many forms, including patches, pills, subcutaneous pellets, gels, creams, nasal sprays, self-injections, and drops for use under the tongue. Which form to use will depend on the nature of the hormone imbalance and personal preference.

For instance, many female hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, progesterone, and women's testosterone preparations are available as creams, gels, patches, pills and nasal sprays. Thyroid hormones are usually taken as a pill. Self-injections and pellets are often used for testosterone replacement as these delivery methods allow for the higher doses necessary to treat symptoms.

Topical gels and creams should be applied to the inner arms or thighs, stomach or shoulders. These types of bio-identical hormones are painless and easy to use, but they must be administered according to a precise schedule. Another drawback is that creams and gels can permeate the skin unevenly, meaning there is inadequate control over how much of the hormone actually makes its way into the body.

Another easy to use and painless delivery mechanism for BHRT is the patch. Patches adhere to the skin and release hormones on a stable dose over the course of the day. Patches must be re-applied on a consistent schedule and can cause skin irritation in some patients.

BHRT pills are usually gelatin capsules that should be taken with food to maximize absorption. Pills are also subject to a strict schedule to avoid hormone fluctuations. In addition, some hormones are not as safe or effective after being broken down by the liver.

Bio-identical hormone pellets are implanted just beneath the skin of the buttock or hip. Pellets allow patients to forget about their daily hormone therapy as the pellets maintain a consistent dose of hormones without the patient needing to remember to rub on a cream or take a pill. The major disadvantage to bio-identical hormone pellets is that a doctor will need to insert a new pellet every few months.