When it comes to hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to understand the difference between non-bioidentical (synthetic) hormones and bioidentical hormones — including the potential risks and benefits of each.
What Makes a Hormone Bioidentical?
Non-bioidentical hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. They may be derived from animal sources — such as the urine of pregnant horses — or manufactured in formulations that are foreign to the human body. Put simply, non-bioidentical hormones are not the same as the hormones we make ourselves.
Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are derived from natural sources and are structurally identical to the hormones your body produces on its own. That means your body recognizes them and uses them just as if you had made them yourself.
Effectiveness and Side Effects of Bioidentical Hormones
There is a meaningful difference between non-bioidentical and bioidentical hormones, particularly when it comes to effectiveness and side effects.
The Women’s Health Initiative found that one conventional combined regimen (conjugated equine estrogen with medroxyprogesterone) carried small increases in the risk of breast cancer, stroke and blood clots, particularly in women who started therapy well after menopause. Those findings apply to that regimen and that population — not to every hormone product — which is why age, time since menopause, personal history, dose and route all belong in the conversation.
In contrast, because bioidentical hormones match the molecular structure of the hormones your body makes, many patients and clinicians prefer them. It is worth being precise about the evidence, though: large head-to-head trials showing bioidentical hormones are safer or more effective than conventional preparations do not exist, and compounded bioidentical products are not FDA-approved. What actually drives safety is individualized dosing, an honest review of your history, and monitoring over time.
Lab Testing for Bioidentical Hormones
Another advantage of bioidentical hormones is that lab testing can be used to determine which hormone — or hormones — may be running low, so your medical practitioner can order a compounded prescription that is specific to your needs. Your labs can then be repeated to make sure you’re on an appropriate dose.
Overall, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider who understands the differences between these two types of hormones and can help you make an informed decision about which type of hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
Choosing a BHRT Provider
Our team is led by a licensed health practitioner with deep expertise in hormone imbalances and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). We provide guidance tailored to your unique situation so you can determine whether you’re a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
We also examine lifestyle factors that could be unnecessarily draining your natural hormone levels, and we offer guidance on natural ways to boost your resilience and longevity.
Is BHRT Right for You?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can potentially reduce the risk of adverse side effects, alleviate symptoms, and support a healthier, happier life. If you think this type of treatment might be right for you, consider signing up for a free Discovery Call so we can answer any questions you may have.
Dramov Naturopathic Medical Center uses natural, regenerative medicine to treat the whole person — not just your symptoms — for more comprehensive, longer-lasting results. If you’re struggling with conditions that keep you from enjoying life, we can help. Call us at (480) 442-8999 to get started. Appointments are available at our Arizona and Oregon clinics.