Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been around for more than eight decades. Years later, scientists identified a new method that utilizes naturally sourced bioidentical hormones to more closely replicate the hormones already existing in the human body—a.k.a. bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
While both bioidentical and traditional hormones offer potential benefits for patients experiencing menopause, andropause, or various other hormonal disorders, they also have their limitations and drawbacks.
This blog post will explore the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Bioidentical Hormones
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources like plants (often soy or yams) and have the same molecular structure as hormones produced by the human body. This makes it easier for your body to recognize and metabolize the new hormone, leading to more effective results for BHRT patients.
Delivered as an oral medication, injection, patch, cream, or subdermal pellet, bioidentical hormones can be used to treat hormonal balances stemming from:
- Menopause
- Perimenopause
- Andropause (male menopause)
- Thyroid disorders
- Metabolic problems
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer treatments
- And more!
Advantages of Bioidentical Hormones
- Molecularly identical to human hormones: Carefully extracted from plant sources, bioidentical hormones mirror your natural hormonal composition, making them more compatible with your body.
- More personalized approach: Bioidentical hormones can be compounded, meaning they are carefully blended according to each patient’s unique symptoms, health goals, and medical history.
- Fewer side effects: Significantly fewer BHRT patients have reported concerning side effects after undergoing treatment than those using traditional HRT.
- Customizable dosing: Unlike traditional HRT, which has standardized dosing requirements, bioidentical hormones can be administered as you and your doctor see fit to maximize treatment efficacy.
- Better metabolic absorption: Because our bodies recognize the hormones as identical to the ones already native to the human endocrine system, we can more easily process bioidentical hormones, absorbing them as we would if we produced the hormones ourselves.
Traditional Synthetic Hormones
What are synthetic hormones?
Conventional synthetic hormones have been widely available to women seeking to curb the symptoms of menopause since the 1960s. Derived from horse urine and modified in laboratories to produce a hormone-like effect, hormones used for traditional HRT mimic the biological effects of endogenous (human) hormones.
While bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones our bodies naturally produce, synthetic hormones have a chemical structure that is similar to human hormones.
Like BHRT, traditional HRT is used to treat hormonal imbalances caused by menopause and other conditions and can be administered in a variety of ways, including:
- Oral tablets
- Transdermal patches
- Topical gels or sprays
- Vaginal creams or rings
Drawbacks of Traditional Synthetic Hormones
- Created in a laboratory: While some synthetic hormones may partially come from natural sources, they are chemically altered in a lab to have the desired impact.
- Not an equal match to human hormones: The lab-produced hormones don’t offer quite the same metabolizing benefits as bioidentical hormones that perfectly match those found naturally in the human body.
- Greater potential for side effects: Because of their chemical differences with human hormones, synthetic hormones respond differently in the body, which is why more patients report medical complications with the dated form of HRT.
- Less personalized approach: Due to standardized dosing and FDA regulations, healthcare providers and pharmacies can’t really customize synthetic hormone treatments to an individual’s specific needs.
Making an Informed Decision
Selecting the right hormone replacement therapy is a deeply personal decision. Critical factors include:
- Your current age
- Specific symptoms
- Comprehensive medical history
- Individual risk tolerance
Considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy? The only way to be certain it’s a viable option for you is to consult with a qualified hormonal healthcare provider like BioSymmetry Wilmington.
Learn more:
Take Action: Reclaim Your Hormonal Balance
Don’t let hormonal imbalances diminish your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms, battling thyroid issues, or seeking metabolic support, there’s a targeted hormone therapy solution waiting for you.
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