What is the Difference Between Bioidentical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones

The main difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones is that the bioeidential hormones have an identical chemical structure to the hormones produced by the body whereas the synthetic hormones do not have an identical chemical structure to the hormones produced by the body. Furthermore, bioidentical hormones are produced from natural substances while synthetic hormones are produced by synthesis.

Bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones are two types of hormones with a different process of synthesis. Both types of hormones are used in the hormone replacement therapy.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Bioidentical Hormones
     – Definition, Production, Health Effects
2. What are Synthetic Hormones
     – Definition, Production, Health Effects
3. What are the Similarities Between Bioidentical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Bioidentical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bioidentical Hormones, Endogenous Hormones, Enzyme Replacement Therapy, Synthetic Hormones

What are Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are a type of artificially-introduced hormones to the body during the hormone replacement therapy. Most importantly, their structure is similar to endogenous hormones, the hormones produced by the body. In addition, bioidentical hormones are produced by natural substances in a process called compounding. Therefore, these hormones are available in two forms. One is the hormones with pre-determined dose and the second is the hormones that contain the dose determined by the doctor.

Figure 1: Estriol, a Type of Estrogen

Bioidentical hormones are safer and effective when compared to other synthetic forms of hormones. It is mainly due to the identical structure of these hormones to the endogenous hormones. Therefore, bioidentical hormone therapy can be an individualized alternative to the conventional hormone therapy.   

What are Synthetic Hormones

Synthetic hormones are another type of hormones used in the hormone replacement therapy. They are mainly used for individuals who experience adverse side effects of the aging process. Most synthetic female hormones are a mixture of pregnant mare urine and progestin. Therefore, the structure of the synthetic hormones is not similar to the endogenous hormones.

Figure 2: Testosterone

Due to the dissimilarity of the structure, synthetic hormones may develop different health problems in the body including blood clot, breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, and the problems in the gall bladder.

Similarities Between Bioidentical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones

• Bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones are two types of hormones used in hormone replacement therapy.
• They are used for individuals whose hormone levels are low or out of balance.
• Both can mimic the function of a particular hormone in the body.
• Also, Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the main types of hormones subjected to the hormone replacement therapy.

Difference Between Bioidentical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones

Definition

Bioidentical hormones refer to hormones identical in structure to the human hormones while synthetic hormones refer to synthetic chemical compounds which mimic the activity of endogenous hormones produced in the body, but which differ in structure from naturally occurring hormones. This is the basic difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones.

Production

Furthermore, bioidentical hormones are produced from natural substances while synthetic hormones are produced by chemical synthesis processes. 

Structural Identity

Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones produced by the body while the synthetic hormones are not structurally identical to the hormones produced by the body. Hence, we can consider this as a major difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones.

Functionality

Another difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones lies in their functionality. That is, the bioidentical hormones mimic the effect of endogenous hormones while the synthetic hormones rarely offer the same effect to the endogenous hormones at a molecular level.

Dose

Besides, an effective dose of bioidentical hormones for a particular individual is available while only fix doses of synthetic hormones are available.

Health Effects

Also, bioidentical hormones do not induce serious health effects while synthetic hormones can induce breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, and gallbladder disease.

Conclusion

Bioidentical hormones are the type of hormones used in the hormone replacement therapy with a similar structure to its endogenous hormone. They are produced from natural substances. On the other hand, synthetic hormones are the other type of hormones used in the hormone replacement therapy. They do not have a similar structure to the endogenous hormones. The main difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones is their structural identity and side effects.

Reference:

1. “Bioidentical Hormones: Side Effects, Uses & More.” Cleveland Clinic, Available Here
2. “The Risks of Synthetic Hormones & Benefits of Bio-Identical.” Health & Vitality Center, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Estriol” By No machine-readable author provided. Ayacop assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims). (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia  
2. “Testosteron” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia