What are bio-identical hormones?
We recommend natural and bio-identical hormones when applicable. Bio-identical hormones, namely estrogen, progesterone and testosterone for women and testosterone for men have the same molecular structure as those made by our bodies. As such their utilization allows our bodies to react as we did in our youth. These hormones keep us feeling energetic and youthful, our minds responsive and our memories keen. Our hearts will stay healthier, our bones stronger and our skin aglow. These hormones are able to follow normal metabolic pathways so that essential active metabolites are formed in response to hormone replacement therapy. Synthetic hormones are chemically altered and are not identical in structure or activity to the naturally occurring hormones in the body.
The hormones that are available are synthetic pharmaceuticals that are usually more potent than the human hormones. Many people prefer Bio-Identical Hormones because they are derived from plant source and are modified to the exact human molecule as human estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogens that are derived from plant source are called phyto-estrogens derived from soy. Progesterone is a phytoestogen derived from yams. Bio-Identical hormones are available at a compounding pharmacy and are different from pharmaceutical synthetic hormones.
Bio-identical hormones have exactly the same chemical structures as the hormones we naturally make in our bodies. They are mainly derived from plants and can also be synthesized in a production lab. Specialized pharmacists, called compounding pharmacists formulate hormone doses to match each woman’s individual needs. In this way, lower amounts of hormones can be used and fewer side effects occur.
Bio-identical hormones are an exact replica of the hormones that are naturally produced by the body. The difference between Bio-HRT and synthetic hormones is that, although both are created in labs, synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally created in your body. Bio-HRT matches your body’s hormones molecule by molecule. Depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs, we may prescribe bio-identical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, melatonin or others.
