What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Hormones control almost every system in the body—energy, mood, sleep, metabolism, reproduction, and even how we age. When hormones fall out of balance, the impact can be life-changing. Many patients describe fatigue, hot flashes, weight gain, low libido, or brain fog, only to be told “that’s just aging.” But it doesn’t have to be.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) here in St. Louis, one of the most effective tools we use to restore balance is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Patients often ask: What exactly are bioidentical hormones, and how are they different from traditional hormone therapy?

This article will break down what bioidentical hormones are, how they work, their benefits, and why they’re a cornerstone of modern functional medicine.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are compounds that are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. Derived from plant sources such as soy or wild yam, they are processed in a lab to precisely match the molecular structure of human hormones.

Because of this identical structure, the body recognizes and metabolizes bioidentical hormones the same way it does its own hormones. This is the key difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones, which may have a slightly different structure that can lead to unwanted side effects.

Common bioidentical hormones include:

  • Estrogen (estradiol, estriol, estrone)
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone
  • DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
  • Pregnenolone
  • Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)

Why Hormone Balance Matters

Hormones act as messengers, regulating key systems in the body. When levels drop or become imbalanced, symptoms appear.

In Women:

  • Menopause or perimenopause can cause hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and weight changes.
  • PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can lead to irregular cycles, acne, and fertility struggles.

In Men:

  • Andropause (sometimes called “male menopause”) causes low testosterone, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and low libido.

In Both:

  • Thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, and insulin resistance can cause brain fog, energy crashes, and long-term metabolic disease.

Bioidentical hormones help restore balance, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of long-term complications linked to hormone deficiency.

How Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Works

At Sheen Vein, we start with comprehensive testing to understand a patient’s hormonal landscape. This may include:

  • Sex hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
  • Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3)
  • Adrenal and cortisol rhythm testing
  • Glucose and insulin control
  • Vitamin D and nutrient markers

Once we have a clear picture, we create a personalized plan. BHRT can be delivered in several forms, depending on patient needs:

  • Topical creams or gels (applied to the skin)
  • Oral capsules
  • Troches (dissolving lozenges)
  • Pellet therapy (tiny hormone pellets inserted under the skin that release hormones consistently over time)

The goal is to restore balance gently and naturally, with ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments as needed.

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones

Patients often notice improvements within weeks, though full results may take a few months. Benefits include:

  • Relief of menopausal and andropausal symptoms: Reduced hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and mood swings.
  • Better sleep and energy: More restorative rest and less fatigue.
  • Improved mental clarity: Reduction in brain fog and improved focus.
  • Enhanced libido and sexual health: Increased desire and improved comfort.
  • Stronger bones and muscles: Protection against osteoporosis and muscle loss.
  • Healthier metabolism: Support for weight management and insulin sensitivity.
  • Emotional balance: Stabilized mood and reduced anxiety or depression.

Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones

A common question is how bioidentical hormones compare to traditional synthetic hormone therapy.

Feature                                       Bioidentical Hormones                                           Synthetic Hormones

‍Structure                                Identical to human hormones                                        Chemically different

‍Source                                               Plant-derived (soy, yam)                             Lab-synthesized, often non-human based

‍Recognition by body        Metabolized as natural hormones             Metabolized differently, sometimes causing side effects

‍Customization              Doses can be tailored to each patient                           Standardized doses only

‍Delivery methods          Creams, gels, oral, pellets, lozenges                             Pills, patches, injections

This doesn’t mean synthetic hormones are unsafe, but bioidentical options often provide a more natural fit for the body, with fewer unwanted effects.

Safety and Monitoring

Like all medical therapies, BHRT must be prescribed and monitored carefully. At Sheen Vein, we follow a structured process to ensure safety:

  1. Baseline testing before starting therapy.
  2. Individualized dosing—no “one-size-fits-all.”
  3. Regular monitoring of hormone levels, symptoms, and overall health.
  4. Adjustments as needed to keep hormones in the optimal range.

Patients are closely followed to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

Who Can Benefit from Bioidentical Hormones?

BHRT can be life-changing for men and women who experience:

  • Menopause or perimenopause symptoms
  • Andropause or low testosterone in men
  • Thyroid imbalance or adrenal fatigue
  • PCOS and irregular menstrual cycles
  • Low libido, mood changes, or brain fog
  • Osteopenia or osteoporosis
  • Unexplained weight gain or loss of muscle mass

It is not limited to “older” patients—many younger adults struggling with hormonal dysfunction benefit as well.

Bioidentical Hormones at Sheen Vein in St. Louis

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we combine functional medicine with advanced hormone therapies to help patients feel and function at their best. Our approach includes:

  • Comprehensive lab testing
  • Personalized treatment protocols
  • Safe, evidence-based use of bioidentical hormones
  • Integration of nutrition, lifestyle, and regenerative therapies for whole-body balance

Our goal is to not only relieve symptoms but also restore long-term vitality and protect health as you age.

Final Thoughts

Hormone imbalance can leave you feeling like a shadow of yourself—but it doesn’t have to. Bioidentical hormone therapy offers a safe, natural, and highly personalized way to restore balance. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are identical to those your body makes, meaning they integrate more seamlessly into your physiology.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we use bioidentical hormones as part of a comprehensive functional medicine approach—helping patients reclaim energy, clarity, mood, and confidence in their health.

If you’re struggling with symptoms of hormone imbalance, it may be time to consider BHRT. Relief is possible, and so is a better quality of life.

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