The Difference Between Synthetic Hormones and Bioidentical Hormones

Menopause is referred to as “the change” for plenty of reasons. Most women experience perimenopause starting around five years before the onset of menopause. These women begin to experience uncomfortable and debilitating systems during both perimenopause and menopause including:

• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbance
• Body composition changes
• Cloudy thinking
• Loss of energy

Hormone supplementation therapy is the most effective treatment for these mid-to-late life discomforts, according to the Harvard Medical School. There are various therapy options available, from synthetic to bioidentical hormones.

What is the Difference Between Synthetic Hormones and Bioidentical Hormones?

Hormone supplementation aims to restore hormone balance to alleviate symptoms. Bioidentical hormones have an identical chemical structure to those produced by the female body. A compounding pharmacist makes the bioidentical hormones from natural substances and the pharmacist prepares customized doses depending on an individual’s needs.

In contrast, synthetic hormones do not have a chemical structure that is identical to a woman’s natural hormones. Synthetic hormones are produced by synthesis, and manufacturers synthesize estrogen and progestin using urine from pregnant mares.

According to the FDA, synthetic hormone therapy can increase the risk of severe conditions including breast cancer, strokes, gall bladder disease, and heart disease.

Why Bioidentical is Considered Superior

This answer lies in the molecular structure of hormones and how they metabolize in your body. Many women suffer from side effects when taking synthetic hormone supplements and since bioidentical hormones are chemically like a woman’s natural hormones, the woman’s body does not distinguish these from the hormones produced by ovaries.

As a result, many women often feel fewer adverse side effects from bioidentical hormones than they experience with synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are not created structurally the same as human endogenous hormones, which leads to uncomfortable side effects.

Synthetic hormones may mimic the effects of endogenous hormones on certain biological pathways, but seldom do they offer the same effectiveness at a molecular level.

However, bioidentical hormones are exact replicas of endogenous hormones, making them more effective on all levels of biological pathways. Due to their exact structural replica, side effects are rarely observed. Each dose of bioidentical hormones is tailored to specific needs, not what doses a pharmaceutical company offers (as in the case with synthetic hormones).

To learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and to speak with a physician regarding the evaluation and treatment procedure, contact NuFemme Rejuvenation Clinic today. From womens hair loss treatment, to botox procedures and bioidentical hormones, we have a solution for you.