What is bioidentical hormone therapy?

Bioidentical hormone therapy refers specifically to hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones that the human body naturally produces. This means that the molecular structure of bioidentical hormones matches the hormones that are normally synthesized within the body, which allows for a more natural interaction with hormonal receptors. As a result, bioidentical hormone therapy is often discussed in the context of menopause management, aiming to alleviate symptoms by restoring hormonal balance through these exact replicas.

In contrast, synthetic hormones, despite being used for similar therapeutic purposes, may have different molecular structures, which can lead to variations in their physiological effects and metabolic pathways in the body. Animal-derived hormone therapy utilizes hormones extracted from animal sources, such as conjugated equine estrogens, which are not identical to human hormones. Hormones produced by the body are not classified as a therapy; they are the natural hormones that bioidentical therapies aim to replicate or supplement. Thus, the focus on the chemical identity in bioidentical hormone therapy is what distinguishes it as a unique therapeutic approach.