Overview: This article clearly and simply outlines the primary differences between natural and synthetic hormones.
Rebuilding the Puzzle: Hormone Therapy
Today, with an overwhelming amount of information available right at our fingertips, there are thousands of articles focused on hormone therapy. The downside of all of this information is that the answers we need get lost, leaving us confused and frustrated.
So, lets break it down simply and clearly: What’s the difference between synthetic hormone therapy and natural hormone therapy?
Synthetic Hormone Therapy
Synthetic hormones are similar to the hormones that we naturally produce in our bodies, but they aren’t identical. Research indicates that synthetic hormones vary clinically in both safety and effectiveness, and when scientists look at a synthetic hormone on the molecular level, they can see that a part of it doesn’t match (1).
Simply put, synthetic hormones are similar to that puzzle piece that you think will fit perfectly, but one side just doesn’t match up correctly.
Natural Hormone Therapy
Natural hormones – sometimes referred to as “bio-identical” or “derived natural” – are different than synthetic hormones. Under a microscope, scientists can see that the chemical structure on the molecular level is an exact bio-identical match with the hormones produced in the human body (2); the piece fits in the puzzle perfectly.
It’s important to recognize that you live in your skin and intuitively know what your body needs to thrive. For some women, synthetic hormones work. For others, the side effects don’t outweigh the benefits, and natural hormone therapy is a better fit to rebalance hormones and gain a life of fulfillment and joy.
References:
- Journal of General Internal Medicine. March 7, 2007. “Bioidentical Hormones for Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Variation on a Theme.” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-007-0141-4/fulltext.html.
- National Institutes of Health. News Release. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/pr_02-7-9.pdf.