DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BIOIDENTICAL AND SYNTHETIC HORMONES IN HRT
The main difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones lies in their structure and how they are made.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. They are derived from plant
sources (often soy or yam) and are modified in a lab to match the body's natural hormone structure exactly.
Bioidentical hormones have the exact same chemical structure as the hormones that your body produces, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This is in contrast to synthetic hormones, which may be chemically altered to mimic the effects of natural hormones but are not identical in structure.
Bioidentical hormones are often used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat conditions like menopause, low testosterone, or thyroid imbalances. Because they are identical to the body's own hormones, they are thought to be more easily recognized and metabolized by the body.
At our clinic for BHRT Tampa, we use creams, gels, pills, and injections to administer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?
While bioidentical hormones are often marketed as a "natural" alternative to synthetic hormones, the safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormone therapy can vary. Some studies suggest they may be just as effective as synthetic hormones for certain treatments, but it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially since any hormone therapy carries potential risks, such as an increased
risk of blood clots, strokes, or certain cancers, depending on the individual's health history and dosage.
Always discuss hormone therapy with a qualified healthcare provider to understand the potential benefits, risks, and appropriate dosage for your situation.
At Vital Advanced Medical Center, a BHRT Clinic in Tampa, our certified providers work with patients on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to monitor their usage, the application of it, and check their lab results to ensure progress without any adverse effects.
What are Synthetic Hormones?
Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are artificially created in a lab and may not be identical to the hormones naturally
produced by the body. They are often made from animal sources or synthesized to mimic human hormones, but their molecular structure can be different.
Synthetic hormones are commonly used in birth control pills, hormone replacement therapies, and other treatments. Some well-known synthetic hormones include progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic form of estrogen).
These hormones are also available in various forms, including pills, patches, and injections.
Common Types of Synthetic Hormones:
1. Progestin: A synthetic form of progesterone used in many forms of birth control (such as the pill, IUD, or implant) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
2. Ethinyl Estradiol: A synthetic form of estrogen commonly used in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
3. Testosterone: Synthetic testosterone may be used for hormone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels (e.g., in cases of hypogonadism).
Benefits of Synthetic Hormones:
Synthetic hormones can effectively manage a variety of conditions, including Birth control, preventing pregnancy and regulating menstrual cycles.
Synthetic hormones can be used in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. They are also used for regulating ovulation or supporting pregnancy.
Synthetic hormones may be used in the treatment of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and some cancers (like hormone-sensitive breast cancer).
There are many different formulations and dosages of synthetic hormones, which allows doctors to tailor treatments to individual needs.
Are Synthetic hormones safe? They can be safe for many people when used appropriately under medical supervision, but like any medication, they carry potential risks and side effects, and their safety largely depends on individual factors like the dosage, duration of use, the specific hormone being used, and the individual's overall health.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Synthetic Hormones
Despite their benefits, synthetic hormones are associated with some risks, especially if used improperly or for extended periods:
Some studies have shown that certain synthetic hormones, especially when taken in high doses or in combination, can result in cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, and heart disease.
Long-term use of synthetic estrogen, particularly when combined with synthetic progestin (as in combined hormone replacement therapy), may slightly increase the risk of certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer. This risk is higher for women who use synthetic HRT for many years.
Hormonal fluctuations caused by synthetic hormones can lead to mood swings, irritability, or even depression in some people, though this varies from person to person.
Some women on synthetic hormone treatments (especially birth control) may experience weight gain or changes in appetite, though these effects vary widely.
Certain oral synthetic hormones, particularly estrogen, can put stress on the liver, leading to liver problems over time. However, the risk is generally low in healthy individuals.
Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, decreased libido, and bloating, especially when starting a new synthetic hormone regimen.
How to Minimize Risks of using Synthetic Hormones
It's essential to use synthetic hormones under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who will monitor for side effects and adjust the dosage as needed.
Those on hormone therapy should have regular follow-up appointments to assess the ongoing benefits and risks, including monitoring for potential blood clots, heart issues, and cancers.
It's important to find the right hormone therapy regimen (dosage and type) for your specific needs to minimize risks. For example, some people may do better with one type of hormone or delivery method over another.
While synthetic hormones can be highly effective and beneficial for many people, they are not without risks. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and potential risks, monitor for side effects, and ensure that the hormone therapy is tailored to your health needs. If you're considering or currently using synthetic hormones, keep open communication with your doctor to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
If you are a woman in search of a solution to alleviating menopause symptoms, then perhaps biodentical hormone replacement therapy is for you. At our clinic for BHRT Tampa, we evaluate women for use of bioidentical hormone for menopause or hormone imbalances.