Hormones play an important role in regulating many essential functions in your body. As you age, your hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to unpleasant symptoms. According to Forbes, women who began hormone therapy before age 60 had a 39% lower risk of death than women who didn't take hormones, based on a pooled statistical analysis of 30 clinical trials. Replacing these hormones can help you feel healthy again. However, when considering hormone replacement, asking questions to understand the differences between bioidentical and synthetic options is crucial.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

The Mayo Clinic states that bioidentical hormones have a chemical structure that is identical to the hormones naturally produced in your body. Compounded specifically for you by a pharmacy, bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and others precisely match human hormones. In our experience, getting treatment from a local clinic providing natural hormone replacement allows for customized solutions to target your hormonal needs and health goals.

What Are Synthetic Hormones?

According to ScienceDirect, synthetic hormones have a chemical structure slightly altered from human hormones. Many products, like birth control pills or certain menopausal treatments, contain lab-made synthetic hormones. While potentially effective, the synthetic formula may increase side effects in some people. Checking with a specialist in local natural hormone replacement can help determine if bioidentical options may be safer for you.

How Are They Absorbed Differently?

The Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women's Mental Health claims that our body recognizes bioidentical hormones like natural hormones because their makeups are indistinguishable on a molecular level. This allows bioidentical estrogen and testosterone to bind more efficiently with receptors throughout the body and brain, metabolizing cleanly like hormones produced in the endocrine system. The similarity in fit and function between bioidentical and natural hormones results in optimal balance for many functions supported by hormones when working with a provider specializing in customized local natural hormone replacement regimens.

On the other hand, synthetic hormones cannot replicate this precise fit at receptor sites. Your body processes and eliminates synthetic hormones through detox pathways in the liver, sometimes creating potentially unpleasant byproducts. This inefficient method of absorbing synthetic hormones may exacerbate hormone imbalance symptoms over time for some individuals.

Deciding what type of hormone therapy is best should be an informed, collaborative decision with your health provider. Finding an experienced provider who focuses on customized local natural hormone replacement programs can help you weigh your options to determine the most effective solutions for your unique health circumstances. If you're looking for local natural hormone replacement, Dr. Mark Neumann can help. Schedule an appointment with us today.