All hormones are powerful, whether bio identical or synthetic. Hormones affect many systems of the body and serve many critical functions. The question, however, is which hormones are better and safer to use, bio identicals or synthetics? We believe that the best way to answer this question is to know exactly how both type of hormone replacements are structured and how they function in the body. At the end of the article, it is our objective to educate men and women alike of the different methods of hormonal therapy in order that they may make the proper choice in selecting what is best for them.
Difference in sources and structure of bio identical hormone replacement therapy and synthetic hormone replacement therapy
Yams
Both bio identical hormone replacement therapy and synthetic hormone replacement therapy consist of hormones that are processed in laboratories under very similar processes. The difference, however, is the end product. Since the sources of each of these two kinds of medication differ, the end structures of which significantly vary causing different effects on users.
Soy
All forms of hormones utilized in bio identical hormone replacement therapy are derived from plant sources, usually yams or soy. They are processed by laboratory technicians to make their chemical structures identical to the hormones manufactured in the human body. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are derived from animal sources. They were intentionally structured to be different from human hormones by drug companies for patenting purposes. The result of which, however, is that the effects of these hormones to the body are significantly different from natural hormones.
Difference in delivery of bio identical and synthetic hormones
Bio identical hormone replacement therapy and synthetic hormone replacement therapy are delivered in different ways. Synthetic hormones are basically taken orally, specifically in pill form, while bio identical hormones can be taken orally or through skin patches, gels, creams and lotions.
Use of transdermal methods in delivering medications are definitely better than oral meds. The reason for this is that medicines taken orally enter a whole process of digestion, which alters the substance taken. Transdermal medications, on the other hand, enter the bloodstream directly through skin absorption. Unlike substances taken in through the gastrointestinal tract, ointments, creams, gels and patch medications do not pass through the liver where their chemical structures are altered.
Patients under bio identical hormone replacement therapy are required medical prescription from their physicians for the determination of the accurate bio identical hormone equivalent they need.
Difference in Dosage
Unlike synthetic hormones which are available in standard dosages, bio identical hormone replacement therapy can be acquired in flexible doses through compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies have access to different chemical substances from the United States Pharmacopeia and have the state-of-the-art equipment that ensure the accurate formulation of hormone treatments.
Patients under bio identical hormone replacement therapy are required medical prescription from their physicians for the determination of the accurate bio identical hormone equivalent they need. Compounding pharmacists can prepare bio identical hormones in a variety of dosage forms, strengths, and combinations, depending on the individual’s needs. This, in fact, is definitely a more effective way of fighting hormone deficiencies.
