Hrt: Synthetic Vs Natural Hormones
Traditional HRT uses synthetic hormones. The most prescribed synthetic combination HRT for women are estrogen and progesterone. The estrogen is made from conjugated equine estrogens extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. While the progesterone is made from medroxyprogesterone acetate which is a synthetic form of progesterone. Although these synthetics contain animal estrogens which are not natural to humans, the hormones bind tightly to human estrogen receptors.
Choosing Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Its only natural that many women and men, when they learn how synthetic hormones are produced and the effects they might have on organs, including the brain, might turn to bioidentical hormones as a less risky option.
An alternative to synthetic hormones is bioidentical hormone therapy. It is not only safer, but it has been shown to be more effective than synthetic treatments. A significant number of research studies show that the number of side effects and other negative outcomes are less in bioidentical hormones compared to synthetic hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are also created from natural sources. Most commonly, they are derived from soy and yams. In addition, their molecular structure is identical to the hormones produced in the body. This means that when bioidentical hormones enter the body, they are able to fit in the bodys hormone receptors. This exact fit means that the body can function at an optimal level.
Yet, whenever you undertake any treatment, its vital to keep in mind that nothing no herb, supplement, or drug is guaranteed absolutely safe. Nor is any treatment appropriate for every individual. If you seek hormone therapy, choose a medical professional with expert training in hormone health, and make sure that this person reviews your condition and medical history carefully and thoroughly before prescribing or administering any treatment.
Compounded Bioidentical Hormones Have Been Associated With Endometrial Cancer
If you still have your uterus, your doctor can prescribe conventional MHT containing progestogens to protect your uterus and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Of concern, compounded BHTs have been associated with cases of endometrial cancer, after the compounded progestogen component did not protect women from endometrial cancer.
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Synthetic Medications Vs Bioidentical Medications
Your bodys hormones regulate most of your bodily functions. They serve as messengers, coordinating, and controlling various activities throughout the body. Hormones help regulate your bodys processes like hunger, growth, brain function, blood pressure, libido, appetite, digestion, mood, and appetite. Thats why hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on your emotional, physical, and psychological well-being.
Hormone replacement therapy can help mitigate hormonal imbalance and ease symptoms. Synthetic and bioidentical medications are two of the most commonly used hormone therapy methods. This article examines the differences between synthetic and bioidentical medications and which one is the safer option for you.
Difference Between Hgh And Testosterone
Despite the fact that growth hormone and testosterone have completely different structures and secretions, there is a complex interaction between the effects of the two hormones.
BHRT products are often perceived as safer by patients for several reasons:
- often marketed as natural products
- commonly endorsed by the compounding pharmacies that produce them as well as associated clinics and experts
- despite having similar adverse effect potential as regular HRT, pharmacies
- do not add the same safety warning in the Summary of Product Characteristics for cBHRT
However, studies reveal that there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of BHRT. Therefore, most of these products are not FDA-approved.
The preliminary evidence suggests that the side effects of bioidentical hormones are likely similar to those of synthetic ones.
However, cBHRT use carries additional risks. Many of these products come as supplements, which lack the enforced safety standards in prescription medications.
Due to the lack of control over compounded bioidentical hormones, they are much more likely to get overdosed, underdosed, or contaminated.
Scientists report that there have been cases of fatal infections due to contamination with pathogens that occurred in the compounding pharmacies.
In order to receive safe and effective HRT, make sure to visit a qualified medical doctor such as an endocrinologist.
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Whats The Difference Between Bioidentical Hormones And Synthetic Hormones
Both bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones are created in labs, but synthetic hormones are not identical to natural hormones. In contrast, bioidentical hormones match human hormones, molecule by molecule. Bioidentical hormones are exact structural replicas of the natural hormones produced by your body.
Depending on your individual symptoms, your BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioner may prescribe bioidentical hormones, which may include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, melatonin, or others as needed.
Lets consider more closely how the differences between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones impact their respective safety profiles.
Because synthetic, or conventional, hormones are not created to be the same as naturally occurring, or endogenous, hormones, they can lead to uncomfortable side effects. Additionally, synthetic. hormones are patented by pharmaceutical companies before marketing. That means the molecular structure of the prescribed hormone is the same for every single person on that drug, and the dosage cannot be adjusted to meet individual needs.
While synthetic hormones can mimic the effects of the hormones your own body creates, they rarely offer the same effectiveness of endogenous or bioidentical hormones.
Choosing Between Bioidentical Hormones Vs Synthetic
As always, when you are choosing between these two avenues of therapy for your menopausal or other hormone-related symptoms, you will need to have a long sitdown with your physician to see what works for you.
Many women are vegan and against cruelty to animals. Thus, they end up choosing natural or bioidentical hormones as they come from soy or yams, and not from pregnant mares.
Other women have read studies about the increased risk of breast cancer with synthetic hormones. That causes them to think twice about using it.
Whatever situation you are in, the main thing you will have to focus on is what works for your particular condition. No one option works for all women out there. That would be ideal if that were the case.
Maybe you are interested in trying out natural herbal or Ayurvedic remedies instead of HRT, natural or not. That could be an option for you, but again, you would have to consult with a trained medical professional first.
The worst thing to do in such cases would be to research online on your own and make a decision that isnt based on any factual medical knowledge.
Make an Informed Decision About Your Hormone Therapy
One of the worst things to deal with when going through menopause is the various symptoms associated with it. However, you are not on your own. There are many therapies available to you.
Choosing between bioidentical hormones vs synthetic isnt the only issue. Go through your myriad of options with a medical professional that you trust.
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Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Vs Synthetic Hormone Therapy
You might hear about bioidentical hormone therapy as an alternative to synthetic hormone therapy for menopause symptom relief.
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your body. Synthetic hormones do not have the same molecular structure as the hormones in your body, but your body converts them to a usable form.
Bioidentical hormones have developed a reputation as being natural, and therefore presumed to be safer than synthetic hormones. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Both bioidentical and synthetic hormones are made in a laboratory the main difference is the raw ingredient. Bioidentical hormones are made from plant sources synthetic hormones are made from man-made chemical compounds. There is no evidence to show that bioidentical hormones are any safer or more effective than synthetic hormone therapy.
Bioidentical hormones can be produced by a pharmaceutical company or a compounding pharmacy. When bioidentical hormones are made for you by a compounding pharmacy, these hormones are called compounded hormones. Compounding pharmacies are not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration, unlike the pharmaceutical companies who can also make bioidentical hormone therapies. Without regulation, there is no way to ensure the safety of compounded hormones. Thus, there have been serious concerns about the consistency of these medications from batch to batch and pharmacy to pharmacy.
Synthetic Vs Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
With the discovery and applied use of isolated hormones in the 1960s, it wasnt until the early 2000s did hormone replacement therapy really take off. A deficiency in hormone levels has been credited with contributing to illnesses such as menopause, hot flashes, perimenopause, and several other conditions. However, with the discovery of bioidentical hormones, there has been debate as to which is safer and more effectivesynthetic or bioidentical hormones.
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Request More Information About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
If youre looking for a solution to help control menopause, low libido, depression, fatigue, and many more conditions, hormone therapy with bioidentical hormones could be for you. Request more information about the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones and hormone replacement therapy today. Call 642-8818 or contact us online.
- Hormones, Bioidentical. A comprehensive review of the safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormones for the management of menopause and related health risks. Altern Med Rev 11.3 : 208-223.
Are Birth Control Pills Considered To Be Hormone Therapy
Yes, birth control pills are a type of hormone therapy but are different from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Birth control pill hormones are synthetic. Synthetic hormones have differences in their chemical structure that are not a replica of the bodys natural hormones. We do not advocate the use of synthetic hormones in our practice.
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What Are The Differences Between Synthetic Hormones Vs Bioidentical
If you and your physician decide to replace or supplement the sex hormones your body produces, youre going through HRT. Even though two main types of HRT exist, not all women are presented with both options. However, you do have the choice to take synthetic hormones vs. bioidentical hormones.
Synthetic hormones
Synthetic hormones are derived from animals . Whats most important to know is: the chemical structure of synthetic hormones differs from the structure of your natural hormones This means that, your body doesnt synthetic hormones as natural. Therefore, they cannot work exactly like your own hormones. Instead, they act similarly to estrogen and progesterone. Many HRT medications on the market rely on synthetic hormones. So do birth control pills.
Bioidentical hormones
Bioidentical hormones come from plant compounds. Unlike synthetic hormones, their chemical structure is identical to the estrogens and progesterone your body naturally produces. There are bioidentical hormones that are manufactured and have gained approval by the FDA . However, many women may use local pharmacies to compound exact formulations of their medication.
Understanding The Difference: Bio
Natural vs. Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy
Many people seek hormone therapy for a variety of reasons including foggy cognition, fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, low libido, sleeping issues, and dozens more hormone related symptoms. But the options for rebalancing hormones vary significantlyfrom natural, plant based options to theunnatural, synthetic versions common to hormone replacement therapy which has been shown to be hazardous to a womans health and longevity.
Here we will be reviewing the key differences between the hormone replacement options available including a review of Hormone Replacement Therapy which has been directly linked to an increased risk for breast cancer, stroke, heart disease and blood clots!
WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BIO-IDENTICALHORMONES & SYNTHETIC HORMONE THERAPY ?
Bio-identical hormones made from natural soybean and/or plant-based substances and compounds are designed to work in exactly the same way our own naturally-occurring hormones work: like a key in a lock, they fit the cells of the body. Only a bio-identical hormone fits the hormone receptor of the cell perfectly so that the body recognizes that hormone as its own and knows what to do with it!
Thankfully, this awareness resulted in HRT usage plummeting and the use of safer, bio-identical hormones to increase significantly .
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROGESTERONE AND SYNTHETIC PROGESTIN?
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How Are Pellets Administered
Bio-identical hormone pellets are obtained in various strengths from a highly rated commercially licensed compounding pharmacy. The hormones are derived from an ingredient found in many vegetables, including yams and soy beans. They are placed via time released pellets inserted in the body fat. The pellets are extremely small, usually painless to insert, and provide a steady hormone level for months.
Pellets cannot be obtained without a prescription to the patient. Prescriptions are sent to the office, where they will be implanted. Bio-identical estrogen and testosterone are not suitable for oral ingestion as they are chemically inactivated during the intestinal absorption process. Any estrogen or testosterone drug taken by mouth is not bio-identical.
What Are The Risks Of Bioidentical Hormones
It has been shown in research studies that there are risks for women who take hormones, called hormone therapy . It can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and gallbladder disease. In women who are older, and who use hormone therapy for an extended period, the risk of heart disease and breast cancer may also increase. Many doctors who use bioidentical hormones claim they are safer than regular HRT. But there have been no large research studies of bioidentical hormones. It has not been shown that they really reduce the risk of these problems.
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What To Expect When Starting Bioidentical Hormones
For some patients on bioidentical progesterone or estrogen treatments, results can be noticed in as little as 2 weeks. You’ll likely see relief in frustrating symptoms of menopause, but it may take longer than you’d like. Women have reported improved sleep, less joint pain, better mood, and recovered concentration.
What Are The Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
With any hormone replacement therapy, there can be side effects, including:
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Itching at the application site
If youve been diagnosed with breast cancer or have tested positive for an abnormal breast cancer gene and are at high risk, you probably shouldnt use conventional HRT, but only you and your physician can make this decision based on your particular case and a full evaluation of the risks and benefits.
Is bioidentical hormone therapy is right for your health? Youre only person who can decide. However, practitioners in the BodyLogicMD network are equipped to help you make that choice. In many cases, the best treatment plan may include bioidentical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, and professionals with specialized training in hormonal balance, like those affiliated with BodyLogicMD, can offer you that expertise.
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How Do I Know If I Need Bioidentical Hormones
If you have tried other natural ways to manage uncomfortable hormonal symptoms with limited success, you may be a candidate. Or, if youre currently using synthetic hormone therapy to control symptoms and looking for another way, you may be a candidate. We also run baseline labwork and have you complete a detailed hormone questionnaire to ensure were not misinterpreting symptoms.
What Are Synthetic Medications
As the name suggests, synthetic medications are synthesized in a pharmaceutical laboratory from human-made or synthetic chemical compounds. Some synthetic medications like Prempro, a synthetic progestin, and Premarin, a synthetic estrogen, are synthesized from urine from pregnant mares. These medications are also referred to as conjugated equine estrogens and progestin. Although they try to mimic natural human hormones, they dont have an identical chemical structure or function as those produced by your endocrine system.
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How Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Work
Hormones act as chemical messengers within the body. They tell organs and systems when to start certain processes, how long to continue them for, and when to stop them. They are essential for the human body to function and even a slight imbalance can cause painful side effects. For example, hormones are the catalyst for a womans transition into menopause and they are the messengers that tell a womans body to begin lactating after giving birth. In men, hormones help regulate sperm production, sex drive, mood, and much more.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is a treatment used to correct certain hormonal imbalances. A hormonal imbalance can be brought on by aging, stress, or more serious conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and Cushing syndrome. BHRT works to restore balance to hormonal levels by supplying the body with hormones that are chemically identical to the ones it is no longer able to produce enough of on its own.
Will I Grow Facial Hair On Hrt
As estrogen and progesterone levels in the womans body decrease, the testosterone can influence the growth of facial hair and body hair. In many women, the level of testosterone decreases with estrogen, but not all. Still, if it does not, the testosterone has more ability to interact with receptors the produce increased hair growth in both color and thickness.
One of the reasons women need to have all their hormone levels tested, including testosterone, is to balance the different hormones correctly. With the appropriate mix, facial hair does not increase, and all of the benefits remain.
Its similar to voice concerns. As testosterone is responsible for the depth of a persons voice, having more testosterone can lower the frequency at which the vocal cords vibrate. Although most women do not experience the rise in testosterone during menopause, the associated lowering of estrogen and progesterone makes testosterone more available to interact with hormonal receptors on cells and deepen their voice.
Using bioidentical hormones for HRT, the natural levels of hormones are maintained, and the body returns to the state of homeostasis.
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The Increasing Need For Hormone Replacement Therapy
In both women and men hormone levels may start to fall as early as their late 30s and their early 40s. With bio-identical hormones, you will likely experience a revitalization of your energy, sleep quality, mental acuity, sex drive and in some cases, even your physical strength. If you have noticed a change in your life, then it may be time to think about speaking with your doctor about whether or not bio-identical hormones could be beneficial for you.
Speaking with your doctor is the best way to determine whether or not bio-identical hormone therapy could be beneficial for you.