A New Frontier In HRT
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the ongoing process of supplementing the body to help with age-related hormonal decline. Whether addressing menopausal symptoms or helping with low testosterone, HRT helps hundreds of thousands of people live life to the fullest. Bioidentical hormones have emerged as an alternative to the conventional synthetic hormones used in treatment. The term bioidentical generates both enthusiasm and confusion. Some may think that bioidentical hormones are a marketing gimmick, but there are proven, scientific benefits. Understanding how bioidentical hormones differ from conventional hormone therapy can help potential patients make better decisions.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Conventional hormone therapies that use synthetic hormones have helped millions of adults improve symptoms and have a higher quality of life. A common concern is that these hormones have slightly different molecular structures than natural hormones. Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, have the exact molecular structure as hormones the body naturally produces in the ovaries or testes. Conventional hormones can come from synthetic compounds. Bioidentical hormones are typically made from natural or plant-based materials, like soy. The ingredient source does not determine if the hormone is bioidentical. The hormone must possess an identical molecular structure to naturally occurring hormones. As a result, there are multiple approved prescription estradiol patches, pills, gels, and creams that are considered bioidentical.
How do bioidentical hormones work?
Once absorbed, bioidentical hormones function identically to the body's natural hormones. Bioidentical hormones circulate in the bloodstream like hormones produced by the gonads or other glands. The hormones then bind to the same hormone receptors and trigger the same cellular responses. As a result, the pathway and physiological effects are the same, producing a balanced, targeted result. For instance, bioidentical estradiol relieves hot flashes, supports bone density, and maintains vaginal health just like estradiol from the ovaries. Bioidentical progesterone protects the uterine lining from estrogen-induced overgrowth and may offer cardiovascular and mood benefits. While synthetic hormone replacement is geared towards replenishing lost hormones, the bioidentical options do so through a more natural process.
Are there any benefits?
There are some advantages to bioidentical HRT or conventional synthetic hormones. As bioidentical hormones follow a specific path like natural hormones, the results are more predictable. This opens the door for more customizable treatment. Doctors can target specific symptoms with more confidence and certainty. As the hormones are more consistent with the body’s biochemistry, using different forms of HRT is more effective. Doctors can recommend different delivery methods, including pill, patch, gel, and cream forms. Transdermal patches and gels can deliver steady hormone levels while bypassing first-pass liver metabolism. Despite the limited long-term research compared to synthetic versions, bioidentical hormones are still safe to use.
Go the bioidentical route
Hormone therapy can be an empowering decision that starts with an honest discussion with a doctor or hormone specialist. From there, the decision becomes whether to use conventional synthetic hormones or bioidentical HRT. Bioidentical options are from plant sources and have the same composition as natural hormones. Patients who use bioidentical HRT can benefit from custom solutions that meet unique needs. Patients should feel a smoother, more natural improvement rather than the sudden rush of synthetic hormone therapy. Understanding what bioidentical really means and the benefits in application means more patients should see improved symptoms and a better quality of life.
