How are bioidentical-hormones different than synthetic hormones?

   After talking to a friend today that has recently been evaluated by a competent physician, I decided to write a bit about bioidentical-hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol. The different between bioidentical-hormones,testosterone, estradiol, and synthetic versions of these hormones is critical to understanding hormone replacement therapy(HRT).

   The main definition of bioidentical-hormones is any substance or hormone that is a manufactured drugs must have the exact chemical structure as that produced in the human body. Although synthetic derivatives of testosterone and estradiol can be made in the laboratory, only the drugs made with identical chemical structure can be considered bioidentical hormones. If they have the same chemical structure, they have predictable behavior in the body. Predictable behavior means safety because we already know what the body's own testosterone and estradiol do as far as function and behavior.

   When synthetic drugs are taken, they have metabolites that break down during the process of detoxification and metabolism and these metabolites are not always benign (harmless). Often metabolites of synthetic hormones influence cells in different ways that are not conducive to longevity and optimal health the same way that the 'natural' bioidentical versions do. For example, ethinyl estradiol found often in birth control pills is not the same as bioidentical estradiol. Also progestins are synthetic versions of progesterone. Trenbolones, nandrolones, and methyl versions of anabolic steroids are all derivatives of testosterone and are not considered bioidentical-hormones.

   Some examples of side effects that are known from synthetic hormones collectively (both male and female hormones) are:

• increased LDL
• decreased HDL
• arterial inflammation
• possible joint inflammation
• generation of metabolic carcinogens
• increased free radical damage
• increased free radical production

   For the above reasons and many others, we can see how synthetic hormones are the same as bioidentical hormones. Aren't anabolic steroids synthetic drugs? Yes. For the most part they are which is why knowning about their general metabolism and toxicity is a great help to avoiding unnecessary risk and damage to your health and body over the long term.

   Some versions of bioidenticals with respect to anabolic steroids are the following: testosterone enanthate testosterone cypionate testosterone propionate testosterone suspension Sustanon