108: Synthetic vs. Bioidentical vs. Compounded HRT: which is better? Which should be avoided?

Hormone replacement therapy isn't just about relieving symptoms; it's also about supporting overall health.

In this episode, we explore the differences among synthetic, bioidentical, and compounded hormones to guide listeners in choosing the right type for their therapy. Tara emphasizes the added health benefits of bioidentical hormones, like brain, breast, and bone protection, while warning about the potential drawbacks of synthetic options.

Additionally, we take a look at the regulatory landscape of compounded hormones, dispelling myths about their safety and highlighting their customization advantages. With valuable insights and expert guidance, this episode equips women with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about hormone health.

In this episode:

1. The Differences in Hormones: Understand the crucial distinctions between synthetic, bioidentical, and compounded hormones. Know why it truly matters!
2. Synthetic Hormones Explained: Unravel what synthetic hormones contain and why they might need a little extra work from your body. Spoiler: We're not fans!
3. Bioidentical Bliss: Learn how bioidentical hormones seamlessly integrate with your body's receptors and why they're our recommended choice.
4. Compounded Hormones Unveiled: Debunk the myths and embrace the flexibility and cleanliness offered by compounded hormones.
5. Progesterone vs. Progestins: Welcome relief! Grasp how bioidentical progesterone supports your health, unlike its synthetic counterpart.

Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop.

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).

Studies:

The Bioidentical Hormone Debate: Are Bioidentical Hormones (Estradiol, Estriol, and Progesterone) Safer or More Efficacious than Commonly Used Synthetic Versions in Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The effects of compounded bioidentical transdermal hormone therapy on hemostatic, inflammatory, immune factors; cardiovascular biomarkers; quality-of-life measures; and health outcomes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

You might also enjoy these episodes:

EPISODE 87: Your HRT questions answered!

EPISODE 86: You can't HRT your way out of a crappy diet or poor lifestyle habits.

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I'm a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn't have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you're at, or where you've come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I'll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you're subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn't readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.