Women who take hormone replacement therapy for the symptoms of menopause can choose from different treatment options. There are two types of replacement hormones that doctors commonly prescribe. Synthetic hormones are chemically produced, while bioidentical hormones are plant-derived. Both types of replacement hormones work about the same way, and neither is really better than the other.

Millions of women are given prescriptions for hormone replacement each year. Some women are able to tolerate synthetic hormones, while others prefer a more natural way to cope with menopause. It is thought that synthetic hormones carry a greater risk for both short and long-term side effects. Bioidentical hormones are usually associated with a more natural approach and carries less side effects.

Synthetic hormones are not natural to the body and many women and proponents of natural health care feels that these types of hormones are foreign. They are usually given in a much larger does than bioidentical hormones and are sometimes given to women who really do not need them at all. In addition, there are several types of synthetic hormones that are prescribed to menopausal women. These were created to mimic the natural hormones found in the body. Progestins, found in synthetic hormones are not the same chemical make up of progesterone, which is natural in the body. These types of hormones often cause adverse affects including changes in the blood vessels, heart and skin. Synthetic hormones are often given in oral pill forms as well as vaginal gels, injections and skin patches.

Bioidentical hormones are made to replicate the exact chemical make up of hormones in the body. These are usually considered the more natural choices for menopausal women. Bioidentical hormones are not made from lab-produced chemicals. Instead, they are made from a variety of natural extracts found in soy proteins, or wild yams. The extracts are then modified so that they molecular structure is almost identical to a woman’s own natural hormones. Therefore, they get the name “bioidentical” hormones. These hormones are often used in alternative medical treatments.

Bioidentical hormones, when given in the right doses for each individual work much the same way as synthetic hormone replacements. They provide much of the same benefits of the body’s own progesterone and natural estrogens. The hormones then are able to relieve some of the unwanted side effects and symptoms of menopause that many women find unpleasant. Research has shown that over the past ten years, millions of women have found that using bioidentical hormones are not only beneficial during menopause, but are also more natural and gentler on the body. Bioidentical hormones are used all over the world.

When a woman chooses to take replacement hormones for menopause, a doctor will inform her which type of replacement hormones are best for her. It is important to remember that both bioidentical and synthetic hormones can have interactions with other prescription drugs and supplements. Women should always inform her doctor of other medications she takes before starting on any kind of hormone replacement therapy.