Where Does Non-Synthetic Testosterone Come From?

They are exact molecular reproductions of the testosterone produced naturally in the human body. "Natural," "bioidentical" and "non-synthetic" are often contrasted with "synthetic" hormones. However, these terms can be misleading, as all forms of testosterone hormone are created in laboratory settings. Men and women may both elect to utilize testosterone in hormonal therapy: Among other benefits, it can increase libido and decrease fatigue.

Biological Function of Testosterone

• Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in both men and women. It is the primary male sex hormone and occurs in the male body at approximately 10 times the concentration as in the female body. Testosterone levels in the human body vary greatly depending on biological and genetic conditions and environmental factors.

  In the male body, testosterone is primarily responsible for the development of the testes and prostate, and promotes secondary sex characteristics: increased muscle mass, greater bone mass and body hair growth. It is an essential hormone for both men and women.

Natural and Bioidentical Testosterone

• "Natural" testosterone is produced in the body's glands. Bioidentical testosterone is, by its definition, the exact same molecular structure as natural testosterone. Bioidentitical testosterone, then, is the same chemical as natural testosterone. The only way for laboratory-created testosterone to be identified as bioidentical is if it has not undergone any chemical modifications.

Synthetic Testosterone

• Synthetic testosterone is testosterone that has undergone any sort of chemical or molecular modification. Synthetic testosterone (and synthetic hormones, in general) has been modified from its natural chemical make-up. For instance, methyl-testosterone is, essentially, a natural (or bioidentical) testosterone molecule with an added methyl group (CH3). Methyl-testosterone is known to be taxing on liver function.

Synthesis of Testosterone

• All forms of medicinal testosterone are laboratory-created, using chemical engineering and methodology. Nearly all forms of testosterone for therapeutic use (in the forms of creams, gels or injections) are derived from soybeans and yams. These two plant sources are natural sources that undergo a chemical synthesis; the end product is testosterone.

  Both bioidentical and synthetic (non-bioidentical) forms of testosterone are synthesized utilizing this method.

Synthetic vs. Bioidentical Testosterone

• Only methyl-testosterone and testosterone undecanoate are the only two synthetic testosterone hormones used in therapy. However, it should be noted that the benefits and adverse effects of biodentical and synthetic hormones are generally found to be equal. There are, however, potentially serious side-effects from utilizing any form of hormonal therapy, and it is best to consult with your doctor before beginning any kind of hormone therapy.