What is meant by “natural” hormones?
The term “bio-identical” does not indicate the source of the hormone. Bio-identical hormones are chemically processed from precursors found in yams or soy plants, yet they are identical to the hormones produced by the human body; hence the term “bio-identical plant-derived hormone.” These hormones are able to follow normal metabolic pathways so that essential active metabolites are formed in response to hormone replacement therapy. Synthetic – “patented,” “conventional,” “artificial,” or “horse” –hormones have been chemically altered, and are not identical in structure or activity to the naturally-occurring hormones they are intended to replace. Most major studies have either failed to distinguish among types and dosages of HRT used in the study, or examined only the use of synthetic non-bio-identical hormones (as in the case of the Women’s Health Initiative). Side chains can be added to a natural substance to create a product that can be patented by a manufacturer and profitable to ma
