Medically Reviewed By: Dr Kori Feldman, M.D.
When it comes to hormone replacement therapy, it is important to understand the difference between non-bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormones as well as their potential risks and benefits.
First, non-bioidentical hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. These hormones may be derived from animal sources, such as pregnant horse urine or just formulations that are foreign to the human body. Non-bioidentical hormones are just not the same as the hormones we make.
Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are derived from natural sources and are identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body. This means our body recognizes them and uses them just as if we had made them ourselves.
There is a significant difference between non-bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormones, specifically in regard to effectiveness and side effects.
Studies have shown that non-bioidentical hormones may increase the risk of certain health conditions, including breast cancer, heart disease, and blood clots. And trigger side effects such as mood issues, weight gain, headaches, and loss of sex drive.
In contrast, numerous studies indicate that bioidentical hormones may be more efficacious for symptom relief with a higher safety profile.
Bioidentical hormones may also be less likely to cause adverse side effects, such as headaches, weight gain, and mood swings.
Another advantage to using bioidentical hormones is lab testing can be used to determine which hormone or hormones may be low so that your medical practitioner can order a compounded prescription that is specific to your needs. Then your labs can be repeated to make sure you’re on an appropriate dose.
Overall, it is important to work with a healthcare provider who understands the differences between these two types of hormones and can help you make an informed decision about which type of hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
As a licensed health practitioner with deep expertise in hormone imbalances and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), our team will provide the appropriate guidance for your unique situation so you can determine whether you are a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
We examine lifestyle factors that could be unnecessarily draining your natural hormone levels and also provide guidance on natural ways to boost your resilience and longevity.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can potentially reduce the risk of adverse side effects, alleviate symptoms leading to a healthier and happier life. If you think that this type of treatment might be right for you, then consider signing up for a free consultation so we can answer any questions you may have.
Dr. Feldman is a licensed, board-certified Family Medicine physician. She completed medical school at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago.
Vitality Family Health & Wellness Partners is located in Oak Brook, Illinois, and serves patients throughout the Greater Chicagoland Area and the entire state of Illinois. These areas include but are not limited to the downtown Chicago area, surrounding suburbs, central, northern, and southern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin and Northwest Indiana.