What is the difference between synthetic and bio-identical hormones?
In wake of the WHI results finding a greater risk then benefit with “synthetic” hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there is a lot of talk about “natural” hormone replacement (NHRT). However, the term “natural” can be confusing when used in connection with hormones. When we say a hormone is “natural,” we are referring to the structure of the hormone. However, the definition of “natural” has different meanings to different people. When medical professionals speak of natural hormone replacement therapy (NHRT), they typically use the phrase to reference the act of supplementing the body with hormones containing a chemical structure that is identical to the hormone naturally produced by the body.
