The Difference Between Synthetic and Natural Hormones

Artificial hormones (also: synthetic hormones), as used in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies, are chemical compounds that are similar to, but not exactly like our body's own hormones. This article explains the differences between the two production methods. And we will explain why bioidentical hormones are the better alternative for you.

Synthetic hormones are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. An important point is that these hormones have a forceful effect on one part of our brain, the pituitary gland. The dosage is always the same and not tailored to the individual needs of the woman. Different companies produce different versions of such hormones.

Undesirable Side Effects

The effect of birth control pills is particularly strong on the pituitary gland and is reflected in very low levels of a specific hormone called FSH. However, sometimes synthetic hormones can lead to unwanted effects:

For example, when stopping the pill, these blood values should normally return to normal. Sometimes this doesn't happen, and menstrual periods stop.

How are bioidentical hormones manufactured?

Natural, so-called "bioidentical" hormones are extracted directly from natural sources like yams or soy. They have the same structure and function as our body's own hormones and fit precisely into the "keyholes" (receptors) of our cells to trigger their natural function.

Why are hormones not all manufactured from natural sources?

The question of why the bioidentical hormone formula isn't simply used has primarily economic reasons. Natural substances cannot be patented, so pharmaceutical companies' economic interests lie more in developing synthetic variants that they can sell exclusively.

Naturally produced bioidentical hormones, whose formula is known and which are manufactured in specialized laboratories, are nowadays only available in certified pharmacies. The molecule of progesterone (a hormone) was already isolated in 1934 and thus formed the basis for the development of other bioidentical hormones like estrogens, testosterone, and cortisone.

Personal Experience from our Practice

The truth about bioidentical hormones is obscured by fears, myths, and misunderstandings, as all publicly released studies with negative results regarding hormones were exclusively conducted with synthetic hormones.

The difference at the biochemical level between bioidentical and synthetic hormones is significant. From my perspective, one should therefore rather avoid treatments with artificially produced hormones. These are not natural supplements for the body, but medications that the body often doesn't know how to process properly. The consequences can be side effects and even serious illnesses, including thrombosis, cancer, and problems with fertility fulfilment.