Is Biote hormone therapy Halal?

Biote hormone therapy is a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) designed to help balance hormone levels in the body using bioidentical hormones, which are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. The therapy primarily involves the use of hormone pellets, which are inserted under the skin and release hormones consistently over time.

The first question to address is whether hormone therapy in itself is permissible or not. The Fiqh facilitates and provides many concessions when it comes to medical matters, as it revolves around survival and maintaining human wellbeing and health. These are underpinned by Ḍarūrah and Ḥājah, which address survival needs and the removal of unbearable hardship.

Imam Ibn Māzah al-Bukhārī (d.616 AH) quotes Imam Muhammed (d.189 AH) stating that taking medication in itself is permissible. However, it must be remembered that the one who cures is Allah. The medication being taken is merely a means to that end.ⁱ Having imbalanced hormones is also an illness that can be treated.

The second issue to address concerns Biote and the specific hormone therapy they offer. The Biote website states:

“During the in-office visit, which only takes a few minutes, patients are brought into the exam room, and the insertion site is numbed. The most common site of insertion is the upper buttocks. A small incision is then made for pellet insertion. Once the pellet is inserted, the insertion site is covered with a small bandage.”ⁱⁱ

Imam al-Kāsānī (d.587 AH) ⁱⁱⁱ, Imam al-Marghīnānī (d.593 AH) ^iv, and other Fuqahā’ mention that there is no issue with the insertion of medication through the buttocks. However, Mullā ʿAlī al-Qārī (d.1014 AH) mentions that it is not permissible to use haram items when taking medication. ^v

The Biote website mentions:

“Biote bioidentical hormone pellets are made from soy or the yam plant to create estradiol and/or testosterone molecules, unlike synthetic hormones, which are made from animal parts or urine and have a different molecular structure than what the body produces.” ^vi

This clearly demonstrates that the pellets themselves are made from plant sources, indicating that there is no issue with them as they are made from Halal sources.

Note: As this is a form of hormone therapy, possible side effects can occur. Therefore, it is preferable to visit a doctor who will be able to assist and guide you as to whether this is the best solution for you.