What is the difference between hrt and bioidentical hormones

Hormone fluctuations that people experience during menopause or andropause can cause physical and emotional changes such as mood swings, insomnia, lethargy, brain fog, lack of energy, dry skin, hair loss, and more. Whether you’re a man or a woman, these symptoms can affect your lifestyle and even your productivity.

Fortunately, there is a therapeutic treatment that helps to balance out your hormone levels and thereby alleviate the symptoms, and it’s called hormone replacement therapy. This therapy comes in either traditional or bioidentical forms, so let’s talk about the differences and similarities of these treatments and where you can go to receive this specialized therapy – and start feeling revitalized and renewed.

The conventional method of hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones that mimic natural human hormones. They are mass-produced and not customizable, so this is a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.

Most doctors still employ this traditional method of hormone replacement therapy because it is easy. However, a patient who is receiving traditional hormone replacement therapy may go through a lengthy process of trial-and-error before finding the right dosage that works to reduce their symptoms.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves the use of plant-based hormones that mimic human hormones, and the treatment is compounded to customize the dosage for the individual patient. Compounding involves mixing and combining one or more medicines in order to provide the patient with a specific dosage of necessary ingredients.

If you are interested in receiving bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, your healthcare provider will first conduct tests to measure your various hormone levels – such as estrogen for women and testosterone for men. Then, your specialist will select the formulation according to your needs and preference and create the proper dosage that will alleviate your symptoms – with the fewest side effects possible.

Customized Medicine for Getting Back to Feeling Normal

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy comes in pill, cream, patch, gel, pellet, or injection form. It is an excellent treatment that is created only for you, and it is known for its minimal side effects and reduced health risks while giving you back the spring in your step.

Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, BHRT can be modified to have lower levels of progesterone. Healthcare providers who offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy usually take their time with their patients and educate them on the benefits, risks, and precautions while on BHRT.

Hormone Therapy in Mankato, Minnesota

Bioidentical hormone therapy is one of the regenerative medicine treatments we offer here at Between the Bridges Healing Center. Our health and wellness physician, Dr. Jeffrey Kotulski, will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition in order to determine which treatment might be best for you. He will explain your options so that you can make a decision you’re most comfortable with.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kotulski, call our friendly staff today at (507) 388-7488 or fill out our easy-to-use online request form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!

What is the difference between hrt and bioidentical hormones

With the discovery and applied use of isolated hormones in the 1960’s, it wasn’t until the early 2000’s did hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 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 effective—synthetic or bioidentical hormones.  

What’s the Difference between Synthetic and Bioidentical?

The main difference between synthetic or synthesized hormones and bioidentical hormones is accuracy. Bioidentical hormones replicate the exact molecular structure of naturally produced hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, etc.), resulting in a hormone that functions far better than synthetic forms.  

Hormones and other bodily chemicals work like a lock and key. A molecule with a unique structure (the “key”) is sent to a receptor (the “lock”), if they fit, a further chemical process takes place resulting in body functions. If you’ve ever accidentally used the wrong key in a lock, you know all too well that the lock won’t function, the key may get stuck, or ultimately the lock may break. If a chemical in the body doesn’t exactly fit a receptor, issues may arise.

Bioidentical hormones aim to get around the problem of mismatched hormones by starting with a natural hormone as a base, treating menopause, hot flashes and a myriad of other conditions more efficiently.

What are Natural Hormones?

Technically speaking, the only true natural hormones of the human body are those produced by the human body. When the term “natural hormone” is used, it’s referring to the fact that these hormones were first extracted from a natural source like plants.

Despite the term “natural,” both synthetic and bioidentical hormones are modified or manufactured in a lab, leading many to feel mislead by the term “natural” with bioidentical hormones. However, hormonal imbalances result from very minute changes in hormone levels. It wouldn’t make sense then to simply pick up a yam (one of the major sources of natural estrogen called phytoestrogen found in bioidentical hormones), eat it and expect to be cured. Dosage matters and having the ability to extract a hormone, measure a set amount, and accurately supplement your hormonal deficiencies is essential. This extraction, measurement and packaging can only be performed in a safe, clean lab.

Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are not derived from anything naturally occurring. They are made entirely in a lab. The problem with making something as complex as a hormone in a lab is that it can never match the complexity of a natural hormone. Look at it this way, hormones have conversations with cells, “telling them” to act a certain way. With synthetic hormones, it’d be like trying to carry on a conversation with Siri from your phone, some things are going to be lost in translation even though it was created by humans. A bioidentical hormone however, is like having a conversation with another human.

Risks of Synthetic Hormones

In a series of studies conducted in 2002, the differences between synthetic and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy were identified, not in their intended function, but their side effects.  Taking a natural form of progesterone and comparing it against a synthetic form, researchers saw that the synthetic form posed a much greater risk to the health of patients.

One of the main side effects of the synthetic progestins (a synthetic progesterone compound) was an increased risk of developing Breast cancer. Synthetic forms have the potential to incite and increase estrogen related breast cell mitosis, this is to say the division and spreading of cells. This out of control cellular division is known as cancer. Synthetic hormones have also been shown to convert endogenous estrogens into stronger variants (16-hydroxyestrone). These stronger, even toxic versions of estrogen can stimulate cancer formation.

Bioidentical progesterone however, has been shown to have the opposite effect of synthetic versions. Bioidentical hormones like progesterone inhibit breast cell division and have been said to stop breast cancer (by acting on kinase inhibitors). Naturally derived progesterone has been described as having a protective role in the female body by preventing breast cancer, whereas synthetic forms of progesterone may actually incite breast cancer.   While new research is always being conducted, recent discoveries seem to show that bioidentical hormones are a safer long term alternative to controversial synthetic forms.

Request More Information about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you’re 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 (870) 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 (2006): 208-223.

Which is better HRT or bioidentical?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several medical specialty groups, the hormones marketed as "bioidentical" and "natural" aren't safer than hormones used in traditional hormone therapy. There's also no evidence that they're any more effective.

What is the difference between hormones and bioidentical hormones?

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.

Which is better bioidentical or synthetic hormones?

The main difference between synthetic or synthesized hormones and bioidentical hormones is accuracy. Bioidentical hormones replicate the exact molecular structure of naturally produced hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, etc.), resulting in a hormone that functions far better than synthetic forms.

What is the difference between bioidentical and body identical HRT?

Bioidentical hormones are produced by compounding pharmacies. This means that the pharmacy is able to prepare custom doses and application methods to address the individual needs of a patient. Body identical hormones are produced by large pharmaceutical companies in regulated, set doses and application methods.