Bio-identical hormones are chemicals extracted from plants that are modified and worked to be structurally identical to human hormones. They consist of estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Brand name and FDA approved bio-identical hormones include:
Estrogen as Estradiol which is the most common form. Estrogen bio-identical forms can also be termed as Estrone, Estriol, Estrace, Estraderm, Estrasorb, Climarra, Vivelle or Femring.
If you have not heard about bio-identical hormones it’s probably because they are a new interest in the medical community. Natural hormone replacement that derives from plant substances are replacing and creating new hormones in the body.
Any woman interested in bioidentical hormones should know the difference between natural hormones (bhrt) and synthetic hormones (hrt). Bio-identical hormones are derived from yams or soy and are the chemical replicates of the exact hormone found in the human body. Synthetic hormones such as Premarin and Provera are drugs made and patented by drug companies. Some of these hormones are derived from pregnant horses urine. The chemicals used are similar to our hormones but have been changed slightly in order to be patented.
Testosterone replacement in men with andropause can be highly effective and beneficial in alleviating the harmful effects of drops in levels of testosterone. However, hormone replacement therapy which uses synthetic hormones is less preferred as compared to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (or BHRT) is a hormonal therapy that uses plant-derived hormones identical to ones produced by the human body. BHRT hormones are different from synthetic hormones because the synthetically manufactured drugs are made using inorganic chemical compounds. BHRT hormones are made specific to each patient, prescribed by a physician based on his unique medical condition and history, and supervised by the doctor to ensure the treatment is achieving the optimal health and well-being objectives.
Although there are many ways that men and women benefit from taking testosterone cream, there are some problems if it is misused. The major side effect shown in men is that the supplementation of the hormone sometimes tends to slow down the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone. Using excess amount of artificial testosterone causes serious allergic reactions such difficulty in breathing, swelling of the tongue, lips, or face. In women, hoarseness, male-pattern baldness, deepening of voice, excessive hair growth, and menstrual irregularities are the main side effects. Prolonged use of testosterone in higher doses for men may result in shrinking of testicles and gynecomastia (breast growth in men).
