Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Reading time: five minutes
If you are navigating menopause, perimenopause, or age-related hormone decline, you have likely come across two treatment options: HRT and BHRT.
In this blog, you will learn how traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) differs from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and how to decide which type of hormone therapy aligns with your health goals.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Traditional HRT and BHRT both aim to restore hormonal balance, but they differ in formulation and approach. BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are structurally identical to those your body produces and can be tailored to your individual needs. With expert guidance and regular monitoring, either option can support hormonal health. What matters most is choosing the therapy that fits your body and goals.
What Is Traditional HRT?
Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones to help restore estrogen and progesterone levels, most commonly during menopause. Examples include conjugated estrogens such as Premarin and synthetic progestins, which are often used together to support hormone balance and protect the uterus.
HRT has been widely used for decades to manage symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. It remains a well-established option for many patients. The main distinction between HRT and BHRT lies in how the hormones are sourced and formulated, which can influence how they are processed in the body.
What Is BHRT and How Is It Different?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses plant-based hormones that are chemically and molecularly identical to those produced naturally in the human body. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources like yams or soy and then compounded into personalized doses.
BHRT is not a single product. It is a customized treatment option that emphasizes:
- Precision: Each patient receives a unique formula based on lab-tested hormone levels and specific menopausal symptoms.
- Molecular compatibility: Because the hormones are bioidentical, your body recognizes and metabolizes them more naturally.
- Customization: Compounded BHRT can be delivered in forms such as creams, troches, capsules, or pellets, matched to your hormonal profile and lifestyle.
Why Does Molecular Structure Matter?
This is where the core reasoning behind BHRT becomes clear. Hormone receptors in the body are designed to interact with precise molecules.
If a hormone does not match the exact shape of your natural hormones, it may bind imperfectly, producing unexpected effects or triggering hormonal imbalances.
Synthetic hormones often mimic the function of natural hormones but differ in molecular structure. This mismatch can lead to potential risks, less predictable results, or more severe symptoms.
Bioidentical hormones provide a molecular match, resulting in more consistent symptom relief and better integration with the body’s endocrine system.
Personalized vs. One-Size-Fits-All
Traditional hormone therapy is often dispensed in standardized doses meant for the average patient. But menopause symptoms and hormone levels vary widely.
BHRT embraces a functional, individualized approach to hormone balance. After evaluating your lab results and medical history, a treatment plan is designed to match your body’s normal levels and rhythms.
This level of personalization makes BHRT especially useful for patients with complex medical conditions, thyroid disorders, or those who did not tolerate synthetic hormone treatments in the past.
Learn more about customized BHRT plans.
Is BHRT Safer Than HRT?
Safety in hormone therapy depends less on the type of hormones used and more on how treatment is monitored and tailored to the individual. Both HRT and BHRT can be effective and well-tolerated when prescribed appropriately.
The potential advantage of BHRT lies in its individualized approach. Because bioidentical hormones are matched to your body’s natural hormone structure and are often customized to your lab results and symptoms, they may offer better compatibility for some patients—especially those who haven’t responded well to traditional therapies.
Dr. Bruice focuses on close monitoring, dose adjustments, and long-term planning to support hormone balance and reduce risks, whether you are using bioidentical or other forms of hormone therapy.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you have tried traditional hormone replacement therapies and experienced side effects or if you want a more personalized approach that uses plant-based, bioidentical hormones, BHRT may be the more effective treatment option.
Dr. Bruice has helped thousands of women and men optimize their hormone balance through bioidentical hormone therapy with customized treatment plans.
“Dr. Kenton Bruice has been my specialist for many years now and the fact that I continue to return to his practice speaks to my highest regard and recommendation of him! Dr. Bruice has the ability to connect with you, he builds rapport with his patients, is curious and inquisitive, and provides curative care and treatment. I trust his research-based guidance, advice, and practical opinions.”
“Dr Bruice has changed my life by balancing my hormones through various treatments for more than 7 years now. He is thoughtful , thorough and the best at what he does. I highly recommend him and his practice.”
Schedule a Personalized BHRT Consultation in St. Louis, MO
To find out whether BHRT is the right type of hormone therapy for you, schedule a personalized consultation at the St. Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri.
To book an appointment with Dr. Bruice at the St. Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri, call (314) 222-7567 or visit us at 9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225, St. Louis, MO.
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