What Is the Difference between Traditional HRT and Bioidentical HRT?

The traditional approach to hormone replacement therapy involves prescribing hormones to people experiencing a deficiency or surplus. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly prescribed to women after menopause to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms. In some cases, increased levels of estrogen can also help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia. Traditional hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones, which are structurally identical to the ones produced in the body; therefore, they can mimic the effects of natural hormones, but they may have limited efficacy due to their synthetic origin.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the use of naturally derived hormones that are equivalent to the natural hormones produced by the body. These hormones are typically used to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and decreased libido. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is becoming more common as women learn about the health benefits of using these hormones, such as improved heart health and memory. Instead of taking hormones that are manufactured in a lab, which may have been derived from animals, women are taking hormones that have been derived from plant sources. Because bioidentical hormones are identical to the hormones that the body produces on its own, they have a much greater impact than conventional hormone replacement therapy. Instead of replacing hormones that the body no longer produces, which can have some impact on hormone levels but little long-term benefit, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is designed to bring the body’s hormone levels back to where they should be so that the body can function optimally.

The body produces its own hormone supply throughout life in order to support a myriad of essential physiological and neurological functions, from growth and development to body temperature and blood pressure. However, this normal hormone production naturally decreases with age and may be disrupted by a variety of health conditions and lifestyle choices. By replenishing the supply of critical hormones, hormone replacement therapy can compensate for these decreases. However, not all forms of hormone therapy are alike; there are two main types: traditional and bioidentical. Traditional HRT uses synthetic and animal-derived hormones that closely mimic the function of the hormones naturally occurring in humans; therefore, they can be used by the body in much the same way. In contrast, the bioidentical hormones used in BHRT are derived from naturally occurring plant molecules, such as yams and soy, and are chemically identical to human hormones; because they are an exact match, the body reacts to them as it would its own hormones.

At RejuvaMed, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This type of hormone replacement therapy is much more beneficial as it replaces hormones with biologically identical versions that function in the exact same way. BHRT is more effective at ameliorating symptoms, and also has a lower risk of complications. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, the professionals at RejuvaMed are here to help. Call us today to book an appointment with our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 28945 State Road 54, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Wesley Chapel FL, Land o Lakes FL, Lutz FL, New Tampa FL, Tampa Palms FL, Zephyrhills FL, San Antonio FL, Dade City FL, Tampa FL and surrounding areas.