Bioidentical Hormones Side Effects

Hormones undergo a lot of change at every phase of life, especially in women. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause all have significant effects upon the hormones of body. As women age, the balance of hormones in the body disrupts a little. Female hormones begin to diminish around menopause. As a result, women often experience some undesirable symptoms. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is recommended to relieve the women of these symptoms. HRT restores the balance of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, androgen in the body, so that it starts functioning normally. Until now, synthetic hormones were commonly used in HRTs, but these days bioidentical hormones are preferred over synthetic hormones. Although, bioidentical hormones have several advantages, there are also certain side effects of bioidentical hormones.

Synthetic Hormones Vs. Bioidentical Hormones

Synthetic hormones are pharmaceutically formulated and are available under various brand names. They can be patented. In synthetic hormones, chemicals are used to mimic the biological hormones. However, these chemicals do not have same molecular structure as body's own hormones. Hence, the body is almost always able to distinguish between its own hormones and those that are supplied externally. Besides, synthetic hormones also induce certain severe side effects, since the body is reluctant to accept these synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are produced on the basis of formula 'fit for all', meaning, the same hormonal composition is made available to anyone who uses the hormones, irrespective of their individual needs.

On the other hand, bioidentical hormones are produced in compounded laboratories considering the individual's personal needs. There is a difference between natural hormones and bioidentical hormones. Natural hormones are extracted from natural materials and then processed into various forms. They are not necessarily identical to biological hormones. Hence, the chances of body rejecting these hormones are quite high. However, bioidentical hormones are exactly identical to body's own hormones. Hence, the body does not distinguish between biological hormones and bioidentical hormones. When you are on bioidentical hormones, your blood tests reveal the constitution of biological and bioidentical hormones as single entity, due to their exactly similar molecular structure. Rejection issues are nil with bioidentical hormones and the body also responds well to these hormones. However, that does not mean that safety of bioidentical hormones is unquestionable.

Bioidentical Hormones Side Effects

Dependency
Dependency is the biggest issue of concern with bioidentical hormones. Since, bioidentical hormones are exactly similar to biological hormones, body takes them for its own hormones. Naturally, the presence of these hormones tricks the body into believing that it is producing enough hormones, where in reality it is producing only little amount of its own hormones. Prolonged use of these hormones makes the body lazy and increases its dependence upon these hormones.

Confusion
Although, bioidentical hormones are custom formulated according to the individual needs of a person, they are unable to undergo any alteration once inside the body. On the other hand, biological hormones undergo change according to emotions, stress and other stimuli. Since, hormones and behavior are closely associated, this creates a state of confusion in the body. The biological hormones alter according to the stimuli whereas the bioidentical hormones retain their composition irrespective of emotional variations. As a result, the body is unable to take a decision and goes in a state of confusion. Some individuals may also go in a state of depression without a reason.

Physical Side Effects
Bioidentical hormones also bring about certain undesirable changes in the physical characteristics of an individual. Weight gain, hair loss are some of the common side effects for men and women. Besides, women may also suffer from unwanted facial hair growth and fatigue while on bioidentical replacement therapy. Adjusting your dose according to your state of mental and physical health is very important. Hence, always follow your physician's instructions to the word.

Bioidentical hormones side effects are less serious as compared to synthetic hormones. You can minimize these symptoms with little help from your physician. If you know how to cope with these side effects, you may actually be able to live a healthier and happier life.