When you’re seeking hormone therapy, whether you’re a man or a woman, there’s a lot to consider: do you want to go the traditional route and choose synthetic hormones, or are you considering bioidentical hormones, a more natural approach? Here, we address the differences, who’s an appropriate candidate for bioidentical hormones, also known as BHRT, and how to take them. When it comes to correcting hormone imbalances, make sure you have all the facts before choosing your path to feeling better.
Bioidentical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones: A Breakdown
Although a more traditional route and more widely available due to its FDA regulations, hormone replacement therapy comes in pills, patches, gels and implants but is made entirely in a lab with synthetic ingredients. Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are natural sources that come from plants and are crafted into creams, suppositories, pellets, and troches. Today, an increasing number of healthcare providers are offering bioidentical hormone therapy in their offices due to its more “organic” approach.
Who Should Take Bioidentical Hormones?
Great candidates for taking bioidentical hormones are
- Individuals who are experiencing hormone imbalances or hormonal transitions
- Perimenopausal or menopausal women
- Men in andropause experiencing low T
- Anyone struggling with a hormone imbalance – such as a woman after she’s given birth
are groups that would benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy. BHRT is also a great option when traditional synthetic hormone therapy creates negative side effects for any reason. Although not as heavily researched as HRT, this study reported that the bioidentical hormone, progesterone, is associated with a diminished risk of breast cancer, and may help avoid cardiovascular issues that the synthetic hormone progestin carries.
“Most of the time, the benefits of hormones outweigh the risks,” says Dr. William Epperly, a Forum Health hormonal expert. He emphasizes that progesterone reduces breast cancer risk, a chance of getting a stroke or heart attack, as well as avoiding artery plaque formation. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are shown to increase an individual’s chance of breast cancer risk, stroke or heart attack, and promotes early plaque formation.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safer than HRT?
Although more heavily regulated by the FDA, traditional hormone therapy is not superior to bioidentical therapy. Generally, bioidentical hormones are safe for most people and often come with less risk, says Dr. William Epperly. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormonal receptors in your body. Found in plants, these bioidentical hormones generate the same physiologic responses as your body’s natural hormones. The molecular structure in bioidentical hormones is identical to hormones found naturally in the body.
How are bioidentical hormones given?
BHRT administration is simple and relatively painless. After completing comprehensive testing and evaluation to assess your personal hormonal imbalances and levels, your provider will create an individual treatment plan that may include BHRT in the form of pellets, creams, pills or troches. BHRT pellets are small, the size of a grain of rice, solid cylinders containing bioidentical hormones. Inserted easily under the skin around the hip area at the doctor’s office, the pellets slowly release in the body over the course of several months.
Bioidentical hormone troches are small lozenges or pastilles. Dissolved in the mouth, they are absorbed directly through the mucous membranes.
BHRT pills are oral supplements containing bioidentical hormones. Typically taken daily, these pills make hormone supplementation simple.
BHRT creams contain bioidentical hormones that are applied topically to the skin, allowing for the absorption of hormones.
Common Myths about BHRT
Because bioidentical hormone therapy is an alternative approach to traditional HRT, there tends to be misinformation floating around. Here, we address these myths:
- BHRT is only for menopausal women. Truth: BHRT can be used at any age and for both men and women.
- BHRT increases your risk of getting cancer. Truth: Several studies show that when appropriately prescribed and monitored, there is no increased risk of cancer. In fact, restoring hormone balance may even lower the risk of certain hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer.
- BHRT is a one-size-fits-all approach. Truth: BHRT is highly individualized and caters to your specific needs.
- BHRT is not safe. Truth: Bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormonal receptors in your body that are sourced from plants such as yams or soy with an identical molecular structure found in the human body. This generates the same physiologic responses as your body’s natural hormones.
- BHRT leads to blood clots. Truth: When hormone replacement therapy was first developed, treatments were not individualized. Today, physicians who administer HRT take into consideration individual hormone levels and functions before prescribing a plan of action. That’s why, for most people, BHRT does not pose a risk of developing blood clots.
- Synthetic hormones work better than BHRT. Truth: Both HRT and BHRT are effective, however BHRT offers a more natural way to balance your hormones than its synthetic alternative.
Advantages of BHRT
BHRT offers precision dosing and customized delivery methods so you receive personalized natural hormone therapy that fits your needs. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and make any adjustments needed, which help to minimize any potential risks. A natural alternative to synthetic hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones can have fewer side effects than its synthetic counterpart, says Dr. William Epperly. Lastly, people undergoing BHRT treatment will find symptom relief from hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, mood swings, and other issues related to hormone imbalance. Long-term benefits include improved bone density, cardiovascular health, and improved cognitive function, enhancing your overall well-being, mood and mental sharpness.
If you’re ready to discuss bioidentical hormones for your health and feel better from hormonal imbalance, contact Forum Health to get a personalized evaluation today.
FAQs
Synthetic hormones, also known as hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy, are man-made synthetic hormones created in a lab that mimic the effects of hormones found in the body. Although similar, the molecular structure is slightly different from natural hormones found in the human body. Synthetic hormones can help alleviate symptoms associated with hormone imbalances such as easing uncomfortable symptoms that come with menopause or cancer treatments, for example.
While synthetic hormones (or HRT) have been more thoroughly researched by the FDA, it’s not necessarily better. Bioidentical hormones use a more natural approach and are safe for most people, coming with less risk. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormonal receptors in your body. Found in plants, these bioidentical hormones generate the same physiologic responses as your body’s natural hormones. The molecular structure in bioidentical hormones is identical to hormones found naturally in the body.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as taking synthetic hormones, are a molecular structure similar to, but not identical to, natural hormones found in the body.
Bioidentical hormones or (BHRT) uses hormones that are identical in their molecular structure to human hormones. Bioidentical hormones are also created in a lab, but use naturally-found hormones in plants (such as yams) that give the molecular structure an identical match to human hormones.
Although not as thoroughly tested by the FDA, bioidentical hormones are generally safe due to their hormone structure exactly replicating those found in the human body. Bioidentical hormones come from natural sources such as yams and soy. Without synthetic ingredients, those who use bioidentical hormones are taking in nature
Although HRT or synthetic hormones are relatively safe under FDA standards and they help with menopausal symptoms as well as other hormone imbalance effects, they can increase your risk of breast cancer (especially if you have been diagnosed with it before) as well as having a higher chance of cardiovascular risks, such as heart disease, stroke, or blood clots. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and the risks involved.
