What Are Bio-Identical Hormones? by: Phil Altman, R.Ph., Compounding Pharmacist

Bio-identical hormones are an exact replica of the hormones that are naturally produced by the body.  They match your body’s hormones molecule by molecule. They are natural hormones because they are made from soy, yams and other plant extracts. They are termed “bio-identical” because they are structurally identical to your body’s own HRT.

What is the Difference Between Bio-Identical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones??

The difference between bio-identical hormones and synthetic hormones is that, although both are created in labs, synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally created in your body, whereas bio-identical hormones match your body’s hormones molecule by molecule. Synthetic hormones are derived from plant progesterone and animal estrogens, but are not identical to the hormones your body uses. Synthetic hormones act as toxins because their chemical makeup cannot be metabolized properly. Premarin is a non-bio-identical hormone which is obtained from the urine of pregnant horses. Provera is also an example of a synthetic hormone. It causes bone loss and osteoporosis. Their combination called Prempro has been marked with a black-box warning for causing serious health risks. Bio-identical hormones are replicas of the body’s own natural hormones. Bio-identical hormones are made from soy, yams and other plant extracts. Then they are sent to the compounding pharmacy and made to match each individuals needs.

Phil Altman, R.Ph.,

Compounding Pharmacist

Related articles:

Bio-identical Hormones Now Proven Safer than Synthetic HRT; by, Dr. M. Kirk Moore

A Woman’s Guide to Natural and Bioidentical HRT, by, Michael P. Goodman, M.D.