“Synthetic” & Bio-identical hormones
The subtle yet significantly crucial distinctions…
I'm referring to steroid hormones used in hormone replacement therapy, not thyroid hormones. It's important to note that thyroid hormones are not classified as steroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are derived from the amino acid tyrosine and are classified as amine hormones. Steroid hormones, on the other hand, are derived from cholesterol and include hormones like progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen. The distinction lies in their chemical structure and origin.
You’ve probably heard the buzz around HRT and BHRT and “synthetic” hormones and might be scratching your head over it.
Here’s the deal: hormones used in hormone replacement therapy or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, whether they are prescribed or the stuff you grab over the counter, are, believe it or not, all “synthetic.”
Yeah, you heard that right.
The word “synthetic” gets thrown around a lot, but let’s cut through the noise.
Whether we’re talking about progesterone or anything else, if it’s made in a lab, it’s technically synthetic.
Even bio-identical progesterone, the kind you get from wild yam or soy, goes through a whole chemical dance to be extracted.
What’s more important however, is if the final product is similar in any way to the hormones your own body produces. Why does this matter?
A non-bioidentical hormone may pose issues in the human body because it has a structure that differs from the hormones naturally produced by the body. Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure identical to the hormones produced in the human body, allowing them to fit into the body's hormone receptors and function similarly.
When non-bioidentical hormones are introduced, they may not interact with the body's receptors in the same way as endogenous hormones, potentially leading to imbalances and unintended effects. This mismatch in structure can result in an inadequate response or an overstimulation of receptors, causing side effects or disrupting normal physiological processes. Bioidentical hormones are generally preferred in hormone replacement therapies as they closely mimic the body's natural hormones, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
"Many synthetic drugs are made patentable simply by changing a few atoms of the natural substance. This may sound harmless enough, but the addition or subtraction of a few atoms of a molecule can make a big difference in their effects on the body. This holds especially true with hormones. Tiny amounts can create major effects on the body. For example, the molecular difference between testosterone and estradiol (a form of estrogen) is one hydrogen atom and a couple of double bonds. Amazing! Adding or subtracting one hydrogen atom at a specific place on a molecule can make the difference between a man and a woman!"
- Lee, John R., M.D. and Virginia Hopkins: What your doctor may not tell you about menopause : the breakthrough book on natural hormone balance; Warner Books 2004.
In the case of bioidentical progesterone versus synthetic progestins,
Progestins and progesterone have different effects in the body. While they share the ability to maintain the uterus lining, progestins come with the downside of potentially increasing cancer risk in other parts of the body and triggering estrogen dominance, which brings a set of its own problems.
The twist is, progestins can be patented and sold at crazy high prices.
Plant-based progesterone, also known as natural or bioidentical progesterone derived from plant sources like soy or wild yams, cannot be patented for medication use because it is considered a naturally occurring substance. Patent laws generally don't allow the patenting of naturally existing compounds.
Pharmaceutical companies can, however, patent synthetic versions or altered forms of hormones for medication purposes. This is often done to create compounds that are not found in nature and may have unique properties. Natural progesterone, being identical to the progesterone produced by the human body, doesn't meet the criteria for patenting as it is not a novel creation.
So unlike bioidentical progesterone, progestins and progestogens can be seriously toxic due to their tweaked molecular setup.
These are just a few examples of commonly prescribed synthetic progestins used in different medications for contraception, hormone replacement therapy, and other medical purposes.
1. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (e.g., Provera)
2. Norethindrone (e.g., Aygestin)
3. Levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B, Mirena)
4. Desogestrel (found in certain birth control pills)
5. Drospirenone (found in certain birth control pills)
Now, let’s shift gears to something critical: Estrogen.
This stuff is a bit of a double-edged sword. We all know, estrogen is essential.
Estrogen is essential for various physiological functions in the body, including:
1. **Reproductive System:** Estrogen plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and maintenance of the uterine lining.
2. Bone Health: Estrogen helps maintain bone density and is important for overall bone health. It inhibits bone resorption, contributing to skeletal strength.
3. Cardiovascular Health: Estrogen has protective effects on the cardiovascular system, influencing factors like blood vessel function and cholesterol levels.
4. Skin Health: Estrogen contributes to skin hydration and elasticity. It plays a role in collagen production, helping to maintain skin integrity.
5. Cognitive Function: Estrogen has been associated with cognitive function and may have neuroprotective effects, influencing memory and learning.
6. Mood Regulation: Estrogen is believed to play a role in mood regulation, and its fluctuations can impact emotional well-being.
7. Metabolism: Estrogen can influence metabolism and body fat distribution, playing a role in maintaining a healthy body weight.
While estrogen is essential for these functions, maintaining a balance is crucial. And what helps keep estrogen in check is its trusted partner and tamer, progesterone. It opposes estrogen and keeps it from doing too much of a good thing. All of the above mentioned benefits of estrogen are not possible without its trusted partner, progesterone.
Experiencing too much estrogen in the body, or even low levels of estrogen unopposed by progesterone is a condition known as estrogen dominance and may lead to various negative symptoms, including:
1. Irregular Menstrual Periods: Changes in the menstrual cycle, such as heavy or irregular periods.
2. Breast Tenderness: Increased sensitivity or pain in the breasts.
3. Mood Swings: Emotional disturbances, mood swings, or increased anxiety.
4. Weight Gain: Some individuals may notice weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs.
5. Fatigue: Feeling consistently tired or experiencing low energy levels.
6. Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
7. Decreased Libido: Reduced interest in sexual activity.
8. Headaches: Increased frequency or intensity of headaches.
9. Water Retention: Swelling or bloating, often in the hands or feet.
10. Fibrocystic Breasts: Formation of lumps or cysts in the breasts.
You can see why balance of estrogen is crucial!
As we age, there is a decline in estrogen levels as indicated by blood labs, but does this capture the entire scenario?
Estrogen is tricky – data suggests that while blood levels decrease, they may rise in tissues. Supplementing estrogen might address certain issues but could potentially contribute to others.
I'll delve into hormone testing methods in a subsequent article, detailing the most reliable and comprehensive approaches. It's worth noting that blood labs aren't the sole benchmark for hormone testing.
Various medications are prescribed for estrogen supplementation:
1. Conjugated Estrogens: A mixture of estrogen hormones derived from the urine of pregnant mares, often prescribed in pill form.
2. Estradiol: The most potent and common form of estrogen, available in various formulations such as pills, patches, gels, and injections.
3. Estropipate: A synthetic form of estrogen available in pill form.
4. Estrone: Another type of estrogen, less commonly used than estradiol, available in various formulations.
Estrogen used in medications can be derived from various sources, and its origin depends on the specific formulation. Some common sources include:
1. Natural Sources: Estrogen can be derived from natural sources, such as plant-based compounds found in soybeans and yams. These are often used to produce bioidentical hormones.
2. Animal Sources: Conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of estrogens, can be derived from the urine of pregnant mares. This source is commonly used in certain hormone replacement therapies.
3. Synthetic Sources: Some medications contain synthetic forms of estrogen, created through chemical processes. Examples include ethinyl estradiol, used in many birth control pills.
Estrogen supplementation concerns can be divided into two key aspects:
1. Is the molecular structure of the estrogen I'm prescribed identical to the one naturally produced by my body, i.e., is it bioidentical?
2. Do I genuinely require estrogen supplementation solely based on low levels indicated in my blood labs?
I prioritize obtaining comprehensive information before making hormone related decisions. Tests such as the DUTCH provide valuable insights into the body's management of estrogen as well as a steroid tissue analysis can offer detailed analysis of tissue estrogen and other steroid hormones. This knowledge is very helpful before considering any supplementation and essential before and during estrogen supplementation.
Alright, let’s wrap it up with a bit about Bio-identical Progesterone. Even if it comes from plants, there's a bit of a synthetic touch – no big deal. It's the one that's closest to what your body produces. When you mix that micronized progesterone powder with vitamin E and take it under your tongue, swallow it, or slap it on as a cream, it boosts how much your body absorbs.
For those new to hormones, a helpful indicator is the dosage. Bioidentical progesterone doses typically range from 75mg to 400mg, while progestins are generally administered in amounts below 0.35mg. This distinction can offer insight into whether you're dealing with bioidentical progesterone or medicated progestin.
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." -3 John 1:2
In summary:
The distinction between a hormones synthesized in a lab from plants (commonly referred to as "bioidentical") and a totally synthetic hormone lies in their molecular structures.
1. Bioidentical Hormone from Plants:
Bioidentical hormones derived from plants have a molecular structure identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. While they are synthesized in a lab, their structure matches that of endogenous hormones, making them biologically indistinguishable from the body's own hormones.
2. Totally Synthetic Hormone:
A totally synthetic hormone is created in a laboratory, and its molecular structure may differ from the hormones naturally found in the body. These synthetic hormones are designed to mimic the actions of natural hormones, but they are not identical in structure.
The key distinction is the molecular similarity to naturally occurring hormones, which is a defining characteristic of bioidentical hormones. This molecular similarity is believed by some to contribute to a closer match in function and potentially fewer side effects compared to synthetic alternatives. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on hormone therapies.
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Great post!