Bioidentical Hormones & Synthetic Hormones

TRANSCRIPT:

Some non-bioidentical hormones, called conjugated equine estrogens, are derived from horse urine; others, like many progestins, are made synthetically.

Bioidentical hormones are derived from a plant source, most commonly the wild yam. And the reason it’s called bioidentical is because the biochemical structure of the plant-derived hormone is identical to our human structure. So our body will process and metabolize the hormones as if it were our own.

Most bioidentical hormones are made at a compounding pharmacy. However, there are bioidentical commercial products available that come in the form of a patch or a pill, or gel.

Our clinicians may prescribe FDA-approved bioidentical products or, when appropriate, compounded creams from a state-licensed compounding pharmacy with the dose prescribed for you. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, and your provider will explain the difference.

To work with our care team, book your first visit or read more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.