- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
At The Sanctuary, we are committed to offering safe, effective, and natural solutions for women’s health, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Among the options available, we exclusively use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) because of its precision, safety profile, and ability to mimic the body’s natural hormones.
Sometimes referred to as “natural HRT,” BHRT is designed to align closely with your body’s unique chemistry. By prioritizing BHRT, we ensure our patients receive personalized care with a focus on improving their quality of life.
Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones
The key difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones lies in their composition and how the body processes them. This distinction is critical when choosing the safest and most effective hormone therapy.
Bioidentical Hormones (BHRT)
These hormones are derived from natural sources, such as plants, and are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body. Because of this exact match, your body recognizes and processes bioidentical hormones as if they were its own, leading to improved absorption and fewer side effects.
This natural compatibility allows bioidentical hormones to restore balance more effectively and with less disruption to your body’s systems.
Synthetic Hormones
In contrast, synthetic hormones are created in laboratories and differ in structure from the hormones your body produces. While they can mimic hormonal effects to some degree, their altered chemical composition can make them harder for the body to process. This difference may increase the likelihood of unwanted side effects or complications.
Scientific studies suggest synthetic hormones can raise the risk of serious health concerns such as blood clots, heart disease, and breast cancer. Bioidentical hormones, however, are associated with better tolerability and a safer profile, making them a preferred choice for many individuals seeking hormone therapy.
Why Choose Bioidentical HRT
At The Sanctuary, we understand the importance of taking a unique approach with each patient’s treatment because everybody has different needs. Our HRT doctor, Dr. Desiree Granados, MD, OB-GYN, explains, “Bio-identical hormone therapy is highly personalized, tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. I almost always recommend BHRT because we can customize the therapy to our patient’s specific symptoms and test results. This helps ensure a more precise and effective treatment.”
BHRT offers numerous advantages over synthetic HRT:
- Personalization: Each BHRT treatment is tailored to your unique hormonal needs, based on detailed testing and medical history.
- Lower Risk Profile: Bioidentical hormones are associated with fewer risks, such as breast cancer, compared to synthetic hormones.
- Natural Compatibility: Since bioidentical hormones mimic your body’s natural hormones, they often produce fewer side effects.
The long-term risks and other disadvantages of synthetic hormones –make BHRT the safer and more effective option for many individuals.
The Science Behind Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones
Scientific research supports the safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormones. A 2009 study published in Postgrad Med., found that not only do women report greater satisfaction with HRT that contains bioidentical progesterone, they also have a decreased risk of breast cancer compared to HRT with synthetic hormones such as progestin.
Unlike synthetic hormones, which can disrupt the body’s delicate hormonal balance, bioidentical hormones mimic the molecular structure of naturally occurring hormones. This similarity allows for improved absorption and utilization, which may explain the reduced risks and higher satisfaction rates reported by patients.
This evidence aligns with our philosophy: your wellness deserves therapies that work harmoniously with your body, not against it.
Is Bioidentical HRT More Expensive?
Cost considerations are important when choosing the right hormone therapy. While bioidentical HRT can sometimes be slightly more expensive than synthetic options, the personalized approach and lower risk of adverse effects often make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
At The Sanctuary, we strive to make BHRT accessible, offering competitive pricing and flexible options tailored to your needs. Investing in personalized care can save you from additional costs associated with managing side effects or ineffective treatments.
How to Get Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Getting started with BHRT at The Sanctuary is simple:
- Complete Our HRT Treatment Intake Form
Start your hormone replacement therapy (HRT) journey by filling out our easy-to-use online intake form. This form collects important details about your medical history, enabling Dr. Desiree Granados, our HRT specialist, to determine if you’re a candidate for treatment. If you qualify, she will order blood work to assess your hormone levels thoroughly. - Consult with Our HRT Doctor
Once your lab results are ready, you’ll meet with Dr. Granados for a one-on-one consultation to review your personalized treatment plan. During this discussion, she will address any questions, explain potential side effects, and outline what you can expect from HRT. If both you and the doctor agree it’s the right choice, your prescription will be prepared. - Receive Your Medication at Home
After your prescription is finalized, your medication will be conveniently delivered to your home. Along with your treatment, you’ll receive clear instructions for self-administration, so you feel confident and ready to begin your HRT regimen.
With our expertise, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience.
Conclusion
At The Sanctuary, we believe that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the gold standard for restoring hormonal balance. By choosing BHRT, you’re opting for a safer, more natural, and highly personalized approach to hormone therapy. If you’re ready to improve your quality of life with HRT, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
To learn more about BHRT and how it can benefit you, explore our Hormone Replacement Therapy services today.
How we reviewed this article:
- Michael Cirigliano (2007). Bioidentical hormone therapy: a review of the evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17627398/ - Louise Newson, Janice Rymer (2019). The dangers of compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6808563/ - National Cancer Institute (2015). Hormones
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones - Kent Holtorf (2009). The bioidentical hormone debate: are bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) safer or more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in hormone replacement therapy?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19179815/
Current Version
December 2, 2024
Written By
Nicholas DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
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Nicholas DiBella received his psychology degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2023. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
