Bioidentical Hormones: The Natural Solution for Hormone Imbalances

Bioidentical hormones are hormones created to be identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced by the human body. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources and customized to meet an individual’s needs. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps treat various conditions related to hormone imbalances, such as menopause, andropause, and thyroid disorders. 

Bioidentical hormones are considered a safe, natural alternative to synthetic hormones which have been associated with several potential side effects. If you are considering hormone therapy, it is important to understand the benefits of bioidentical hormones and how to choose a provider that is expertly trained in hormone balance who will partner with you to achieve optimal health..

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treats imbalances or deficiencies of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant-based sources and custom-compounded to meet the unique needs of each patient.. 

Hormone replacement therapy can be administered via pill, cream, gels, or pellet therapy and used to reduce and manage symptoms associated with menopause, andropause, and other hormone-related conditions. It is important to note that while bioidentical hormones are considered safer and a more natural approach to synthetic hormones, they are not entirely risk-free and should only be used under the guidance of a skilled and qualified medical professional.

The Difference Between Bioidentical and Synthetic Hormones

The main difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones is their chemical composition. 

Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are a structural match to your hormones using plant-based fibers and steroids that mimic human hormones. This feature allows the supplemented hormones to fit perfectly into your body’s hormone receptors, thereby reducing possible side effects and increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. Efficacy and outcomes are further improved when hormone pellet therapy is the delivery method. 

Synthetic hormones are artificially created in a laboratory and are manufactured chemical compounds. Due to their chemically-altered version of a natural hormone, synthetic hormones can cause side effects and different effects than what is experienced with natural hormone production.

Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) and synthetic hormone therapy (SHT) are also distinctly different in cost-effectiveness. BHT uses plant-based ingredients, making them more affordable than synthetic hormones due to their ability to be mass-produced without causing strain on resources such as animal byproducts when producing SHTs.

Another factor to consider when looking at the differences between these two hormone replacements is their accuracy for a patient. BHT is administered with a specific, personalized dosage because it is tailor-made for a single patient and based on their hormone imbalances. Synthetic hormone therapy relies on factory-standard dosing shared by all patients regardless of their individual needs.

How is This Therapy Used to Help Men and Women?

Hormone therapy is a medical treatment designed to help mena and women achieve optimal health and enjoy vitality.. Hormone levels naturally deplete over time, causing many men and women to feel tired, sick, and moody all the time, among other symptoms. Hormone therapy introduces regular doses of hormone into the body to restore levels to an optimal state, relieving symptoms and offering additional benefits that support better health and a higher quality of life. Hormone therapy can be used to treat a variety of different conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as:

• Menopause
• Andropause
• Thyroid disorders
• Adrenal fatigue
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypogonadism

In women, hormone therapy is often prescribed during menopause to replenish declining estrogen levels. Estrogen helps regulate many processes within the body, including fertility and sexual function. In many cases, bioidentical estrogen therapy paired with bioidentical progesterone and bioidentical testosterone supports complete symptom relief and helps reduce the risk of disease. 

A 2016 study found that estrogen hormone therapy effectively increased libido in postmenopausal women. When low-dose estrogen therapy was paired with testosterone therapy, sexual desire was further enhanced. 

For men, hormone therapy can support low levels of testosterone at any age–as men lose testosterone slowly across their lifespan and reach peak declines around the late 40s or early 50s. This peak level of decline is referred to as andropause and is often characterized by irritability, weight gain, muscle loss, low sex drive, and more..

Finding a Provider Near You

Finding a provider specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy can vastly improve your health and overall wellness. When bioidentical hormones are used, your body can metabolize the hormones more quickly and efficiently, providing maximum benefits. A practitioner with expertise in hormonal health will develop a customized plan to address your needs safely and comfortably.