Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones are messengers which are produced in our glands.

Your hormones regulate how our many bodily systems function by telling other cells what and when to function.

While many people think of only our sex hormones, your body produces more than 65 unique, natural hormones. These are made from four different sources. The 2 major sources are from steroids and peptides or proteins (amino acids).

By example your hormones made from amino acids include your thyroid hormones, “fight or flight” hormones, and melatonin for sleep and helping with energy production.

Our sex hormones also known as our "minor hormones", are created from steroids, namely from cholesterol. Cholesterol is the mother of our sex hormones. These hormones include our three estrogens and testosterone.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

When your hormone levels fall or become imbalanced a number of side effects happen. These side effects can run the gamut from irritating and aggravating to having a very serious threat on your overall health.

Some of the more common side effects many experience may include:

• Bladder issues
• Bone loss
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Loss of libido
• Loss of mental sharpness (brain fog)
• Mood swings
• Muscle loss
• Painful sex
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain

FREE Hormone Pre-Assessment

Our Hormonal Health Pre-Assessment was carefully designed to provide you with a FREE clinical review of your personal hormonal status.

Receive $50.00 on account for completing your Pre-Assessment Phone Review with a Staff Member.

Hormone replacement therapy is a positive solution for many.

Hormone replacement therapy or HRT comes in two major forms, synthetic or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). There has been much debate over these two approaches for decades. So, what do you need to know?

Below we touch on the basic differences between the two approaches.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormones are created to be essentially identical to the hormones your own body produces for you. They are mostly sourced from plants like soy or yams and carefully processed in licensed and regulated compounding pharmacies. Bioidenticals will mimic your own naturally produced hormones in how they work in your body. The bioidentical hormones will go to the same location on your cells where your natural hormones go. Your body then recognizes them as its own hormones. This is why it is believed they may be better utilized and tolerated than synthetic hormones.

Synthetic hormones are “pharmaceutically-made manufactured ” and must be altered from their original molecules to receive a patent for sale. They do not completely copy your own natural hormones which may potentially create a separate set of issues.

Commonly Used BHRTs

BHRTs are created for one patient at a time and individualized by your physician to your specific needs.

The commonly used BHRT hormones include:

• Estradiol (E2)
• Estriol (E3)
• Progesterone
• Testosterone

Common Synthetic Hormones

Commonly used synthetic hormones may start as natural substances such as horse mare urine but must be altered chemically to obtain patents for the pharmaceutical manufacturer to sell them.

The commonly used Synthetic Hormones include:

• Premarin: (altered from pregnant mare urine)
• Progestin: (synthetic progesterone aka medroxyprogesterone)
• Prempro: combined synthetic Premarin and synthetic progestin.

The differences between BHRT and Synthetic Hormones

The basic differences:

• Molecular Structure: BHRT mimics your body’s own hormones. Synthetic hormones have a slightly different chemical structure.
• Dosing: BHRT is individualized to your specific needs. Synthetics are created in standard doses.
• Side Effects: One study suggests BHRT may lower side effects of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. (1) It suggests more long-term studies are warranted.

Pros and Cons of BHRT

Pros to BHRT

• BHRT molecularly mimics your own natural hormones.
• Treatments are individualized by your physician based on saliva, urine or blood tests. Likely fewer side effects such as breast cancer or blood clots.
• Potentially fewer reactions such as headaches or abdominal bloating.

Cons to BHRT

• May cost more. Less likely to be covered by insurance.
• Fewer clinical studies because BHRT is less likely to be patented by a drug company.

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Hormones

Pros of Synthetic hormones:

• Synthetic hormones have been studied for a long period of time.
• They have been used for a long period of time.
• They will likely be covered by most insurance plans.

Cons of Synthetics:

• They must be chemically altered in order to receive a patent.
• Your body does not recognize them as identical to your own hormones.
• Side effects in past studies included higher risk of blood clots and cancer.
• They are manufactured to be closer to a “one size fits all.”

Though they may vary in degrees, both BHRT and Synthetics have the potential for side effects.

A comprehensive hormonal evaluation by a well-trained medical doctor can guide you to receive what best fits your needs and lifestyle.

References

1. Holtorf K. (2009). The bioidentical hormone debate: are bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) safer or more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in hormone replacement therapy?. Postgraduate medicine, 121(1), 73–85. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2009.01.1949

To learn more please go to our pages on
BHRT for Men or BHRT for Woman.

Dr. Alyse Hamilton

Dr. Alyse Hamilton is a well-trained and highly experienced medical doctor who is board certified in internal medicine and highly skilled in emergency medicine. She has over 30 years of experience in medical practice. Her training also included two years of advanced training through the Institute of Metabolic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) where she was awarded board certification as a full Diplomate, for the highest level of expertise in bioidentical hormone replacement as well as other areas of skill (thyroid, adrenal glands, immune system).

---

OUR LOCATION

Advanced Health and Vitality Center provides Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy services in Bloomington, MN and serves patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and communities throughout the Twin Cities, including Edina, Richfield, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Woodbury, Lakeville, Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Shakopee, Savage, Chanhassen, Chaska, Rosemount, Prior Lake, Maplewood, Roseville, and Golden Valley.