Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones: What You Need to Know
What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been Googling “hormone therapy” lately, you’ve probably seen the debate: bioidentical vs. synthetic hormones. Everyone seems to have an opinion — and if you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you’re likely just trying to figure out what’s safe, effective, and right for you.
Let’s break this down in plain language, so you can feel confident walking into your next visit at Kultivate Women’s Health.
What “Bioidentical” Means
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces — like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. Your body recognizes and processes them in the same way it would your own hormones.
These can be made by major pharmaceutical companies and available in FDA-approved forms (like patches, gels, and capsules), or prepared by compounding pharmacies for more customized dosing and delivery.
Where Bioidentical Hormones Come From
Most bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources, particularly:
Yams (specifically diosgenin, a plant compound that can be chemically converted into hormones in a lab)
Soybeans (containing phytosterols that serve as starting material for hormone synthesis)
Here’s the key: although these hormones originate from plants, they do not work as hormones in their natural plant form. They must be refined and processed in a laboratory to become chemically identical to human hormones. Once transformed, your body can use them in the same way it uses hormones made by your ovaries, adrenal glands, or testes.
What “Synthetic” Means
Synthetic hormones are structurally different from what your body makes naturally. This doesn’t mean they’re “fake” — but their different structure can lead to different effects in the body.
A classic example is medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic progestin used in the original Women’s Health Initiative study. While it does provide endometrial protection, it doesn’t have the same metabolic and brain effects as bioidentical progesterone.
Why This Matters in Perimenopause and Menopause
Your choice of hormone formulation can impact:
Symptom relief — Bioidentical hormones tend to be better tolerated for many women, especially for hot flashes, sleep issues, and mood changes.
Side effect profile — The risk profile can differ based on whether you’re using bioidentical or synthetic hormones, and whether they’re delivered orally or transdermally (through the skin). Bioidentical hormones tend to have a lower risk associated with their use.
The Bottom Line from Kultivate Women’s Health
This isn’t about “natural” being good and “synthetic” being bad — it’s about choosing the right formulation, dose, and delivery method for your body and your health goals.
At Kultivate Women’s Health, we recommend FDA-approved bioidentical hormones whenever possible, and we individualize therapy to balance symptom relief with safety.
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and wondering which option is right for you, let’s talk through the evidence, your personal risk factors, and your preferences.
Ready to explore your options?
Click here to book your visit today: www.kultivatewomenshealth.com/visit
Reference
North American Menopause Society. (2022). The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause, 29(7), 767–794. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002028