Bioidentical Hormones vs Synthetic Hormones

Difference between bioidentical vs synthetic testosterone

There are two main types of testosterone available, synthetic and bioidentical. Both are manufactured and produced in a lab but the important part is how differently your body reacts to each.

  • Bioidentical testosterone duplicates the exact chemical and molecular structure of the naturally produced hormone. Therefore, the body thinks it is the real deal, and your body reacts as it should.
  • Synthetic testosterone does not have the same molecular structure as the naturally produced hormone, so it doesn’t quite fit the receptor. As a result, these hormones can cause unwanted side effects, such as some cancers.

Testosterone molecules are a bit like keys to a lock; they have a 3D shape that perfectly fits the hormone receptors. When these molecules attach to the receptor it fits tightly, triggering all the benefits testosterone has on the body. Synthetic testosterone has a slightly different ‘key’; it still attaches to the receptors, but it’s not a perfect fit, often causing unwanted side effects.

What are the advantages of bioidentical hormones?​

The most significant advantage of bioidentical hormones is that they are exact copies of your natural ones. Bioidentical hormones are more effective following the same biological pathways as your real hormones. Because they are the same as the hormones created naturally in your body, your body cannot tell the difference, reducing side effects and significantly increasing the benefits.

What are the downsides of synthetic hormones?​​

If you compare bioidentical hormones to synthetic, the natural version is the smart man’s choice. Synthetic hormones usually derive from ‘natural’ sources such as pregnant horse urine; however, they are not natural for humans. Scientists manipulate these hormones in a lab to mimic the biological paths a human hormone would take, but they lack the correct structure to offer the same benefits. These hormones, because they differ from the real thing, are likely to cause more unpleasant side effects, including some forms of cancer.

Recent studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirm bioidentical hormones are safer than their synthetic counterparts. Stating:

"Physiological data and clinical outcomes demonstrate that bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks, including the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, and are more efficacious than their synthetic and animal-derived counterparts. Until evidence is found to the contrary, bioidentical hormones remain the preferred method of HRT."

Kent Holtorf 2009 The Bioidentical Hormone Debate: Are Bioidentical Hormones ....

So why should you use bioidentical testosterone?

  • They are the most effective form of hormone replacement.
  • They act like hormones produced by your body offering the full spectrum of benefits.
  • They can be custom compounded for individual needs.
  • They have few or no side effects.
  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) prefer bioidentical hormones for HRT in humans.
Man doing yoga

What can bioidentical hormones do for men?

One significant advantage of bioidentical hormones is they can be customized for each individual patient with a combination of hormones and strengths to suit. Bioidentical testosterone can be administered as a cream or daily subcutaneous injection and usually have very few side effects. This is called bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Testosterone levels naturally start to decline when men reach the age of 30-40 years at a rate of about 1-2% every year. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy restores optimum testosterone levels, relieving symptoms caused by low testosterone, leading to a multitude of benefits:

Benefits of bioidentical testosterone replacement

  • Better erections.
  • Increase sex drive (libido) and improve sexual satisfaction.
  • Rebuild weak muscles and lean muscle mass.
  • Strengthen your bones, reducing osteoporosis risk.
  • Feel energized, reduce stress, and regain mental capacity and memory.
  • Improved concentration, clears brain fog, and improves performance at work.
See how testosterone replacement therapy can help you. Start by taking the free online hormone assessment.
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Male Excel HRT treatment plan

Bioidentical hormones administered through Male Excel’s provider-prescribed treatment plan will optimize your hormones and rejuvenate your health, so you can start living again! With scientific breakthroughs every day, Male Excel has partnered with the right companies to supply our customers with quality American-pharmacy bioidentical medication.

By being proactive with your healthcare, together, we can make a difference!
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Frequently asked questions

HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy. Hormone levels are tested and medications are administered to help hormones such as testosterone and thyroid reach their optimum levels.

TRT stands for testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone is given to combat decreasing levels in men. This is to fight the usual signs and symptoms of aging such as fatigue, weight gain, loss of libido, and muscle loss.

We offer a daily injectable Testosterone Cypionate or a twice-daily Lipoderm cream. Both are bioidentical. We also prescribe Triclozene (Clomiphene Citrate) for men, which can help improve several aspects of male health, including low testosterone levels, hormone ratios and sperm production.

The benefits of HRT are extensive but include the following: healthy heart and blood, less fat, more muscle, stronger bones, improved libido, better sleep, improved memory, spatial ability and mental reasoning, improved mood, and better sex.

You can start your HRT journey by filling out our simple online hormone assessment here.

On average it takes approximately 7 business days from ordering your test kit to receiving your results. This is obviously dependent on how quickly you complete and return the test via free return postage. Once we have received your results, a dedicated medical provider will review this along with your online assessment to create your personalized treatment plan.

This is a very difficult question because there is no definitive answer. Everybody is biologically different and responds to the treatment differently. For detailed information, click here.

The test indicates whether you will benefit from this treatment and what your current hormone levels are. We can then know the proper medication to get your testosterone and thyroid to their optimum levels.

Our blood spot test measures 5 key hormone levels. It offers distinct advantages over traditional testing methods because it eliminates the need for a blood draw – saving patients time and money. Our blood spot test is a simple to use test that is done in the comfort of your own home. It involves a finger prick and 12 drops of blood dropped onto a card. We include free return postage with your test for your convenience.

Yes. HRT is safe when monitored by a licensed medical provider. This is why we require yearly testing and symptoms questionnaires every 2 months.

The treatment is effective for as long as you take it. Once you stop taking HRT your levels will return to the levels they were previously.

You will be charged $99 for the hormone test kit upon your order. Once approved for treatment, you will be charged every other month for your medication. You also will be charged a Medical Membership per month, which allows you to schedule unlimited consultations with your Male Excel medical provider.

What people say

Don't just take our word for it

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Mark TRT PATIENT “Since starting HRT, I have lost 25 lbs., lost 4" in my waist,my energy level has increased and my metabolism has really increased. In short, I feel at least 20 years younger!”
John TRT PATIENT “The process was easy. I had some questions but the doctor was excellent and was able to answer them all. The product has worked as advertised, I feel literally a hundred times better! Would recommend Male Excel!”
Jared TRT PATIENT “You guys are awesome, you are helping people get their physical and emotional life back. Always on time with medicine and up to date with follow up. I can't thank your team enough for that!! Keep up the positive work.”
Jeff TRT PATIENT “I was on low T treatment for about a week when I noticed the difference. I have new-found energy, mental clarity and the desire to go out and do things. Over the next few months it has gotten better and better."
Thomas TRT PATIENT “Male Excel has been great to work with and the medications have made a huge difference in my life. Energy levels, sleep, weight loss and sexual stamina. Thank you Male Excel!”
Chris TRT PATIENT “It has only been a couple of weeks but I'm already starting to feel a ton better. Renewed energy and mental clarity has me back to my old self or at least seeing that I can get there. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Male Excel.”

Studies and References:

Holtorf K. (2009). The bioidentical hormone debate: are bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) safer or more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in hormone replacement therapy?. Postgraduate medicine, 121(1), 73–85. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2009.01.1949