What are bio-identical/natural hormones?
Bio-identical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones that are made by the human body. The key to natural or bio-identical versus synthetic is the molecular structure of the hormone. In order for a replacement hormone to completely replicate the function of hormones, which were originally naturally produced, and present in the human body, the chemical structure must exactly match the original. Researchers have long held that there are significant differences between hormones that are natural to humans (bio-identical) and synthetic (including animal-derived) preparations. Structural differences that exist between synthetic or animal and human hormones may be responsible for side effects that are experienced when non-bio-identical hormones are used for replacement therapy. Side chains may be added to a natural substance to create a synthetic product that can be patented by a manufacturer. A patented drug can be profitable to mass-produce, and therefore a drug company can af
