Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormones: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Clearing up the confusion about HRT for women in their 30’s, 40’s, and beyond, because we’ve all been confused for a while…

Feeling Off? It Might Just Be Your Hormones

• Brain fog?

• Low libido?

• Hot flashes?

• Weight gain?

Sounds like a party right?

Following the Women’s Health Initiative, we have all been scared and confused of the taboo world of hormone replacement.  But, some pretty smart people have dissected that study and we will begin that journey here with helping you understand better the world of hormones and how they can actually save your life.  

In this blog, we will investigate the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones.  After all, it is one of the most Googled questions about women’s health!!!

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

• Hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body naturally produces - estrogen, progesterone, testosterone.  

• Usually derived from plant sources like yams or soy but in a pharmaceutical-grade carefully tested in labs to match your body’s EXACT hormone structure

Examples of Bioidentical Hormones:

• Estradiol (E2) - matches your body’s estrogen 

• Progesterone (micronized) - not synthetic

• Testosterone - used in very small doses for libido, muscle, energy

Where Do I Get Them?

• Compounding pharmacy

• Commercial brand like Estrace, Prometrium, or Climara

What Are Synthetic Hormones?

• Hormones made to act like your body’s hormones but not identical in structure - think generic verses name brand

• Can lead to different effects and side effects

  
  

Common Synthetic Hormones:

• Ethinyl estradiol - found in birth control pills

• Medroxyprogesterone acetate MPA - found in Provera

• Conjugated equine estrogens - found in Premarin (made from horse urine)

Many synthetic hormones were used in early HRT studies like the well-known Women’s Health Initiative, which inaccurately raised concerns about the increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease.  

WE NOW KNOW: These findings do not apply to all hormone therapy —especially not bioidentical hormone therapy.  

Why This Matters for Women Over 35:

Estrogen and progesterone decline and leads to so many unwanted symptoms as we discussed above but when used properly, bioidentical hormone therapy can help support:

• Sleep

• Metabolism

• Bone health

• Brain function

• Mood (thereby increasing the lifespan of the husband as well:)

Final Thoughts:

There is so much to unfold in undoing the damage caused by the Women’s Health Initiative, but knowledge is power so let’s learn together.  Hormones are not the enemy — they are the messengers of balance and vitality.  You deserve relief, clarity, and a plan that honors your body’s rhythm - not just masks your symptoms.  Rooted Health is on a mission to help you reconnect, reset, and rise one rooted step at a time.