Important Differences in Bio-Identical
vs Non-Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

Important differences in action and safety exist between bio-identical hormones and non-bio-identical hormones. Bhrt (bio-identical hormone therapy) has a structure that is exactly the same as the structure of the hormone naturally secreted by the body. In contrast, the structure of Non-Bhrt doffers from that of the natural hormone. Most are synthetically modified such as, for example, ethinyl estradiol that is used in birth control pills. It is a synthetic derivative of the natural female hormone, estradiol. Non-Bhrt may also be natural hormones that come from another species such as conjugated estrogens that comes from the urine of pregnant mares and differ from human estradiol.

Non-Bhrt has different structures from the natural-to-the-human-body or Bhrt. The different structure can cause excessive binding or unstable and incomplete binding to the hormone receptor sites, this may cause different effects. In addition,  the human liver was not meant to process these Non-Bhrt. The breakdown of Non-Bhrt derivatives often takes place at a slower pace, permitting these hormones to accumulate in the body. In certain circumstances, this slow breakdown provides an advantage compared to Bhrt that may be broken down to quickly.  A direct quote from Dr. Thierry Hertogue, “The slow and difficult breakdown may lead to adverse effects as well, such as, liver damage by hormones accumulating in the liver or the promotion of breast cancer by synthetic progesterone’s.”

If you have chosen to replace with Bhrt, finding the proper compounding pharmacy is essential. When you find a compounding pharmacy to fill your prescription for Bhrt and they pause when asked to fill it maybe that would be a sign that they don’t know much about Bhrt and don’t do these compounds often. I would seek a compounding pharmacy that is familiar with filling these prescription. In many cases the compounding pharmacy may have some one on staff that handles all the Bhrt needs and will contact your physician for you. You want to get the proper blood levels for them to know what they may need to recommend for your therapy. This would include the following: FSH, Estradiol, Testosterone total and free, Progesterone, TSH, T-3 free, T-4 free and in some cases Cortisol, SHBG, and a pregnenolone level. There are many good books out there to read more about Bio-identical hormones. Check out a list of these on our website.  

 Angie Fielden, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Specialist at Solutions Pharmacy, has jive years' experience in counseling and educating patients. Solutions, 4632 Highway 58 North, has been named "the nation's experts in formulating Bio-identical hormones" by the American Medical Review.
Call (423) 894-0423 for an appointment for a free in-house hormone assessment.