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Bioidentical Vs. Synthetic Hormones

Bioidentical and synthetic hormones are two classes of products designed to replace natural hormones and combat common side effects of menopause. Each type of treatment has its own features and potential risks.

  1. Synthetic Hormones

    • Standard hormone replacement therapy typically uses synthetic hormones created in a laboratory. Examples of these products include synthetic progesterone (progestin), estrogen and testosterone, according to Medline Plus.

    Bioidentical Hormones

    • Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived products designed for customized usage based on an individual's specific hormone needs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients may obtain specialized dosages of these hormones from compounding pharmacies, which create hormone combinations in-house.

    Synthetic Hormone Risks

    • Use of synthetic hormones carries potential risks that include increased chances of stroke, heart disease and/or cancer, Medline Plus reports.

    Bioidentical Risks

    • Bioidentical hormones may not provide any greater treatment benefits than synthetic hormones, and use of these products may present greater risks than use of synthetics, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Considerations

    • Like bioidenticals, some standard hormone therapy products---including Climara patch and Estrace---also come from plant-based sources, the Mayo Clinic notes.

    Additional Considerations

    • Products created by a compounding pharmacist do not undergo the same level of testing required for the manufacture of standardized hormone products, the Mayo Clinic reports.

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