Bio-identical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones
While bio-identical hormones have been around for years the benefits of bio-identical hormones are not widely known. The most common form of hormone treatment therapy has been the use of synthetic hormones. As the awareness and use of bio-identical hormones increase the question is often posed, “Which is better, synthetic hormones or bio-identical hormones?”
What are Bio-identical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are safe and effective and approved as off label use by the FDA for the treatment of hormone issues. Bio-identical hormones are sometimes called natural hormones and are referred to as bio-identical because they are exact copies of hormones produced naturally by our human bodies.
What are Synthetic Hormomes?
A synthetic hormone is a hormone that is not produced by your body, but will act like a hormone in your body. Synthetic hormones are created by pharmaceutical companies are not structurally the same as human hormones but can mimic the effects of hormones naturally produced by the body in some cases. However, since these hormones are not structurally the same as naturally occurring hormones use of synthetic hormones have been clinically documented to increase testicular and prostate cancer in men and ovarian, uterine, and breast cancer in women.
Which is Better?
While synthetic hormones can mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones. they are structurally different and is associated with significant clinical health issues. Bio-identical hormones are closely resemble naturally occurring hormones in structure and fit the body’s hormone receptors perfectly and are accepted into and used by the body safely and effectively as though they were it’s own.
Bio-identical hormones are natural hormones approved by the FDA as a off label indication for use in Hormone Replacement Therapy. A study by The Women’s Health Initiative showed that hormone replacement therapy with synthetic hormones posed significant health risks to women. The study found that older women had a higher risk of breast cancer and stroke when using synthetic hormones. After these findings the study was prematurely canceled. You can view the study and results here.
Bio-identical hormones are safe and effective for the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy. The chemical structure is identical to those made by our own bodies and when properly administered the results obtained provide an enhancement of overall well-being and the ability to live young.
If you have questions about Bio-Identical Hormones visit our Bio-Identical Hormone and Anti-Aging Center available on this website or schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Bio-Identical Hormone specialists by calling (602)368-5861.
