Bioidentical hormones are made from plant steroids that are compounded together so that they resemble the natural hormones produced in the human body. They are identical in every way, except that the plant steroids are synthetically restructured to match the composition of human hormones. However, even though they are chemically identical, they may not work the same in the human body as natural hormones produced by the human body.
Plant Steroids
Plant chemicals are different than those produced by humans. The chemicals (steroids) have to be synthetically changed to resemble those produced by humans. In this process, some necessary properties may be gained or lost, depending on the procedure. Even though they are synthetically manufactured to be exactly the same as human hormones, the human body may not accept it and use it in the same way. Side effects may be more intense, or vary in occurrence.
Side Effects
Because bioidentical estrogen is basically a mirror image of the human hormone, it will be able to produce the same benefits as well as the same side effects. Vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, depression, weight gain and breast cancer are all possible side effects of both bioidentical estrogen therapy and regular hormone replacement therapy. Side effects will depend on the individual as well as the way the drug was compounded. Because it is manufactured for the patient, it may not be exactly the same each time it's made. Even small variations can change the intensity or frequency of any side effect.
Unique Make-up
Bioidentical estrogen and bioidentical hormones are manufactured and compounded for each person on an individual basis. Pharmacists design each program and drug for a specific individual based on that person's unique make-up. The program needs to be updated and doses altered as the individual's body chemistry changes.
References
- PharmWatch.org: Bioidentical Hormones
- Mayo Clinic: Bioidentical Estrogens
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis Balch; 2006
